5 Great Christmas Holiday Destinations

Powdery white sand beaches surround Boracay Island, The Philippines. Image source: Adobe Stock

With plenty of Christmas getaways from Perth, going on an overseas holiday during the festive season doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly, relaxing break or an adventurous family trip, this roundup shows you the Christmas holiday destinations that are accessible from Perth!

Auckland, New Zealand: A scenic urban escape

Do you want an overseas trip that’s close to home? You’ll get both when visiting New Zealand! Experience Auckland’s wine trails, hike through native rainforests and admire volcanic landscapes. December’s warm, sunny weather also makes it ideal to spend the festive season outdoors.

Wineries and eateries

Sample what the region offers on Waiheke Island. Booking a Waiheke wine tour package including transport and tastings can be more cost-effective. Alternatively, visit the Matakana region for classic red and white wines, or Kumeū, the city’s oldest vineyards, producing some of the country’s best chardonnay. 

Auckland’s food scene has it all, especially in the Wynyard Quarter. Try tofu chop suey, smash burgers, classic pad thai, New York-style deli foods, Turkish kebabs or acai bowls. Head to the Auckland Fish Market for the freshest fish in town. Think salmon, red snapper, yellowtail kingfish or crayfish for a casual lunch!

Scenic charm

The magnificent Hauraki Gulf has over fifty islands teeming with marine life, including orcas and bottlenose dolphins, plus abundant water sports adventures. Take a day trip to the wildlife sanctuary of Rotoroa Island, go birdwatching on Tiritiri Matangi Island, or discover the secluded beaches of Motuihe Island.

Hiking routes

Auckland’s nature trails range from coastal lookouts to forest tracks and summit routes. Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano rising through lava fields, offers panoramic views, while trails at the Waitākere Ranges feature rainforest, waterfalls and seashores. Both novice and experienced hikers will find rewarding trails at the Hunua Ranges.

Fly to Auckland direct from Perth with Air New Zealand in just over six hours. From 8 December 2025 onward, you can also fly with Qantas.

Guangzhou, China: Retail therapy and rich culture

Guangzhou packs a punch as a holiday destination, with a mixture of Lingnan heritage, rural villages, outstanding mountain scenery and tantalising Cantonese cuisine. Plus, a 30-day visa-free entry for Australians makes visiting Guangzhou a top contender for your list of Christmas holiday ideas!

Next-level shopping experiences

Stretch your spending money by shopping at Liwan District’s clothing factory outlets. Find pearls, silver, jade and other gems at the Liwan Plaza jewellery market, and discover a range of collectables at Xiguan Antiques Market. Guangzhou’s malls also include next-level entertainment! Shop at Grand View Mall, where you’ll find an indoor rainforest, aquarium and ice rink. Alternatively, try the retail-museum experience at K11 Art Mall with exhibitions, installations and live music alongside boutiques and restaurants.

Cultural discovery

A blend of Chinese and Western architecture featuring wood and stone carvings line Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street. At the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a historic landmark built during the Qing Dynasty, traditional Chinese crafts are displayed in the museum. Dive into the city’s heritage at the Guangzhou Museum and marvel at the contemporary design features of the city at the International Architecture Museum. 

Local delicacies

Eat like a local with street-side dining. Experience the best of Guangzhou’s authentic Cantonese cuisine with dim sum and yum cha. Sample other regional specialities like barbecued suckling pig, roasted duck, steamed crab and rice noodle rolls. 

With 4 flights a week over the peak holiday season, you can fly direct from Perth to Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines.

Seven Coloured Earth Geopark amidst tropical vegetation, Chamarel, Mauritius. Image source: Adobe Stock

Mauritius: A laid-back island break

Mauritius at Christmas is warm, sunny and perfect for lazing on a beach. Take it slow on this dreamy island, hire a car and explore Mauritius at your leisure. Highlights include the Grand Bassin crater lake, Le Caudan Waterfront and the dunes of Seven Coloured Earth Geopark. This small tropical island delivers a quiet festive escape.

Sun-kissed beaches

From sunbathing and kite surfing to snorkelling and diving, the beaches of Mauritius offer plenty of activities. Choose from unspoiled Belle Mare Beach, the island’s longest, the reef-protected Le Morne Beach, the peaceful Flic-en-Flac Beach or the family-friendly Trou aux Biches, amongst others. 

For an unforgettable experience, go whale watching from a speedboat. Feeling more adventurous? Trek along the ocean floor on the undersea walk and get up close to the marine life!

Natural wonders

While the Chamarel region is most famous for the Seven Coloured Earth, it also offers other wondrous landscapes. Hike to the Chamarel Waterfall for a refreshing dip, ride an open-air jeep through the Ebony Forest Reserve and spot the Mauritian flying fox on a walk through the rainforest in the Black River Gorges National Park.

Walk amongst ancient baobabs and huge water lilies at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, then meet giant tortoises, deer, ducks and other animal life as you explore this 250-year-old treasure. Stop by Le Morne Cultural Landscape’s striking mountain, surrounded by a turquoise lagoon, also a UNESCO Heritage Site.

Fly from Perth to Mauritius direct with Air Mauritius.

Lighting Japanese hot springs also known as ’onsen', Hakone, Japan. Image source: Adobe Stock

Tokyo, Japan: Tradition meets technological innovation

Visiting Japan in December means chilly, dry air, fewer crowds and views of Mount Fuji right from Tokyo! Christmas in Tokyo features twinkling light displays, markets and festive theme parks, bringing together modern technology and timeless tradition.

High-tech highlights

Take the high-speed Tokyo Skyliner for a firsthand experience of advanced engineering that takes you from Narita Airport to central Tokyo in just 40 minutes! Visit Red Tokyo Tower, a digital amusement park combining virtual reality (VR) technology with interactive play. If piloting a robot intrigues you, Robot Base Tokyo lets you control a human-operated, ride-on robot, making you the star of your own futuristic story.

Make your way to Akihabara’s Electric Town district for the latest smartphones, cameras, game consoles and a range of electronic gadgets. Discover rare anime collectables and Japanese pop culture at Surugaya Akihabara Main Store and the 10-storey shopping complex of Radio Kaikan.

Traditional Japanese experiences

Genuine Japanese hospitality awaits at a ryokan, traditional accommodation that offers more than just a place to stay. Expect authentic Japanese meals and to sleep on a futon laid out on tatami mats. Many ryokan also feature natural hot springs with communal baths. Participate in sado, a Japanese tea ceremony, involving the careful preparation and serving of matcha.

If you’re still in the city after Christmas, take the opportunity to see a sumo wrestling match, held annually in January as well as in May and September. Sumo, Japan’s official sport, originated centuries ago from religious rituals still practised in modern-day tournaments.

Fly to Tokyo from Perth direct with All Nippon Airways.

Boating the Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan, The Philippines. Image source: Adobe Stock

The Philippines: Tropical island-hopping adventures

Of all the places to go for Christmas, this archipelago offers an unforgettable, energetic festive holiday. There are just so many wallet-friendly things to do in The Philippines! Hop between thousands of islets, explore mystical caves, meet diverse sea creatures and enjoy a range of water sports. 

Manila and surrounds

Get close to ocean life in Manila, the main entry point into this paradise of islands. Stay at Hotel H2O for marine-themed rooms with aquarium walls full of colourful fish and wave hello to penguins, sharks and rays at Manila Ocean Park. Just outside the city is Ocean Adventures, an open-water marine theme park featuring live performances with dolphins and sea lions. 

Cebu

Combine adventure with heritage in Cebu. Swim with whale sharks in Oslob or trek to Kawasan Falls. If you like history, you’ll love Magellan’s Cross, Basilica del Santo Niño and colonial landmarks.

Palawan

Imposing limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons and hidden coves characterise this rugged island. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a stand-out attraction, with its untouched beauty making it a world-class nature escape.

Boracay

Boracay’s soft sand, blazing sunsets and exuberant nightlife equal festive season beach bliss! Go parasailing for a birds-eye view of the island or chill out at Puka Shell Beach.

Siargao

This surfer’s haven is famous for the Cloud 9 break. Spend the day relaxing or get active with the watersports at Sugba Lagoon. It's easy to go island hopping from Siargao, with plenty to explore nearby. 

Corregidor Island

Corregidor’s WWII ruins lie amidst vast greenery and sea views. Take a guided tour to learn about the stories of its past while you appreciate the natural surroundings and Manila Bay sunsets.

Fly to Manila from Perth direct with Philippine Airlines in approximately seven hours. Alternatively, from 27 November 2025, fly direct with Jetstar. 

Mount Fuji and the city lights of Tokyo at sunset, Japan. Image source: Adobe Stock

Bonus top tip

Before heading off to your chosen destination, check Smartraveller’s international travel advice, including visa requirements, for Australians travelling abroad. 

Christmas getaways nonstop from Perth

Perth Airport is your gateway to great festive getaways around the world. Fly from Perth and make the most of our airport amenities while you pick up a bargain or two at Perth Duty Free in-store or online. Prebook your time slot at T1 Aspire Lounge for a lower rate so you can unwind in an oasis-like atmosphere with complimentary food, beverages and high-speed WiFi before takeoff. Bon voyage!