Last Minute Christmas Ideas

Looking for a last minute Christmas getaway? Here are my notes from this morning’s episode of Mornings on Channel Nine, where I chatted with Sonia and David about last minute Christmas bookings – thought they would be helpful for all.

Tips and Tricks:

Think just a little further a field
Be flexible about destinations, so if you think of the icons like Byron, Lorne and the Gold Coast, you can often find availability 20-30km up the roads. Example: Gold Coast – look to Tambourine Mountain or for a Byron break – check out Lennox Heads.

Be flexible with dates
Whilst many places won’t have a full week available, they can and will have days in between. So be flexible when you ask – don’t ask “do you have a week?” but “what do you have available?”. You could turn it into a road trip by staying at two different places…

And of course from 6 January everything becomes easier and cheaper.

Hit the Dogger not the PC
This is the time to make phone calls and not rely on websites. Call the local real estate agents and they can quickly tell you if they have any availability. Do it with the PC in front of you so if they say the address or property name you can check out the photos at their website and then the location through Google maps and street view.

Be ready
When you find something, do not wait – BOOK IT with a deposit right then.

Our Christmas Getaway Picks:

Sorrento, VIC
Why do we rate it?
On the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, this small, sheltered town offers a family-friendly vibe, wildlife and a multitude of ways to spend the day.
Where is it?
105km south-east of Melbourne, a 1hr 45min drive on the Moorooduc Highway.
What to do
Port Phillip Bay’s calm waters are great for swimming, sailing and fishing. The natural thermal mineral pools of Peninsula Hot Springs are a short drive away. To explore the opposite peninsula, take a daytrip to Queenscliff on the car-and-passenger ferry
Stay
Sorrento Beach Motel
They have all sorts of options from $225 sleeps two in a queen to The Executive Family $295 Queen and Two Singles Sleeps 4.
Contact
Sorrento Beach Motel
780 Melbourne Rd.
(03) 5984 1356; sorrentobeachmotel.com.au

Gerroa and Gerringong, NSW
Why do we rate it?
Gerroa sits on the northern edge of the beautiful Seven Mile Beach National Park, an untouched swathe of white sand and placid surf.
Where is it?
130km south of Sydney. Hop off the Princes Hwy at Gerringong and head south.
What to do
Step out the front door of your waterfront cabin at Discovery, hop into a canoe and paddle down the Crooked River to Seven Mile Beach. Swimming, fishing and paddling are the main drawcards along this sheltered stretch of coast. The town comprises a cluster of fishing cottages and beach shacks. It’s some of the best kite flying and windsurfing in Oz. You’re also just 10mins from the Gerringong shops.
Stay
Gerroa beach Holiday park (caravan park) they have one Waterview Spa Cabin sleeps 5 available for the 6 nights over Christmas – $1339 for the g nights
OR Call Bevans Real Estate Gerringong 02 4234 1688 they have a number of places sleeping 8 people for between 2 and 3 k still available.
Contact
Discovery Holiday Parks
107 Crooked River Rd.
(02) 4234 1233; discoveryholidayparks.com.au

Bevans Gerringong
1/102 fern street, Gerringong
02 4234 1688

Fraser Island, QLD
Why do we rate it?
It’s World Heritage-listed and the biggest sand island in the world. There are freshwater lakes, beautiful beaches, ancient rainforests and fantastic activities.
Where is it?
It’s 330km or a 4hr drive north of Brisbane – including the ferry trip. Nearest airport is at Hervey Bay.
What to do
The 4WD tour up and down the beaches is one of the great drives of Australia. Everyone stops at the Maheno wreck for a photo. There are tours to the 100-plus freshwater lakes, the most famous being McKenzie Lake. Sandboard on the dunes. A day tour with park rangers is a highlight for kids, and you can even do a tour by canoe. There’s excellent fishing and walking, and the island is a mecca for twitchers (bird watchers to you and me).
Stay
Kingfisher Bay Resort awesome resort and really well priced for the experience. Right on the calmer side of the island with all the facilities and excellent food, they have ranger programs and tours of the island in four wds etc. They have rooms available from $208 but for families you will need to book interconnecting rooms.
Contacts
Kingfisher Bay Resort /
(07) 4194 9300; kingfisherbay.com