Journalist and co-host of Network Ten’s Studio 10 and host of Shark Tank talks about her love of camping and how to hit Fortitude Valley.
1. As a child, our family holidays were always to…
Cheap and cheerful spots where we would pitch a tent and get back to nature. One of my favourite places to go as a kid was Second Lagoon on Bribie Island, where you can camp almost on the beach, just behind the dunes. Falling asleep to the roar of the ocean is heaven!
2. Now if I have time for a short break…
I love to pop down to the Gold Coast to unwind. Tallebudgera Creek and Palm Beach are gorgeous, easygoing places.
3. My local’s tip for my home town brisbane is…
To make sure you grab some brunch at a cool cafe in Fortitude Valley before taking a stroll along the Riverwalk in the sunshine. Finish the day with a cheap beer at Merthyr Bowls Club at New Farm on the river – they do great food, too.
4. My souvenir of choice is…
A fridge magnet. I’m a sucker for these from faraway places – the gaudier, the better.
5. My carry-on is usually filled with…
A spare change of clothes, a book and a pack of cucumber and aloe make-up wipes, which are great for a quick ‘truckie shower’ if you want to feel fresh in a hurry.
6. My travel wardrobe always consists of…
A super comfy pair of walking shoes. I love getting to know new places on foot.
7. When I’m on the road, I’m listening to/watching…
A new podcast or documentary on my iPhone, but if I’m on a plane for any extended period of time then it’s trashy reality telly all the way!
8. My last holiday read was…
Murder in Mississippi by John Safran. It’s a murder mystery that I could not put down when I visited Positano in Italy a couple of years back. I was pregnant with my son, Paul, so I took that trip a little easier, soaking up the sun and reading by the beach.
9. I can’t leave home without my…
Cucumber and aloe wipes! The next time you’re on a plane for 14 hours, you’ll know why.
10. My favourite Australian restaurant is…
A little Italian joint called Il Perugino in Mosman, Sydney. The staff are warm, the food is authentic and it’s a special place for my hubby and me – he proposed after dinner there.
11. The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done on holiday is…
Well, I’m actually pretty sedate on holidays. I’d rather chill out and recharge than chase an adrenaline high. While my husband has run with the bulls in Spain, the most daring thing I’ve done is get a fish pedicure in Thailand.
12. The last place I visited was…
Zurich, Switzerland (stunning place, so expensive!) for three days and we haven’t really had a holiday since having our son (born December 2015). I think we’re at that phase of our lives where our trips will be very kid friendly. I just have to convince my city-slicker husband to give camping a go.
Watch Sarah on Shark Tank, which airs Tuesday evenings on TEN.
The holiday season is creeping up on us and now is the perfect time to book your summer getaway.
Coming up to the end of the year, many of us are dreaming of a break and starting to plan how we spend our precious holiday time. Thankfully, there is a range of accommodation, experience and cruise deals buzzing around the market to help make this time of year even more special.
We’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up a range of holiday deals to ensure you have the summer break you deserve.
Accommodation
Australia: All Accor Hotel Escape Sale
The newly opened 25hours Hotel The Olympia.
French multinational hospitality company are offering up to 20 per cent off , when you book two nights or more at hotel brands like, Pullman, Peppers, Mantra, Novotel, Mercure and ibis from now until 31 March, 2026. Some of the dreamiest stays include the newly opened 25hrs The Olympia in Sydney, perfect for a summer escape in the city, or Peppers Broadbeach for a coastal getaway.
Bookings: Now until 10 January, 2026
Hamilton Island: The Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays
Lock in a stay at the coveted The Sundays, Hamilton Island.
Idyllic Hamilton Island is perfect for family getaways or couples retreats, offering Whitsunday adventures galore. Spend the holiday season in the tropics at one of the island’s best accommodations. Christmas and New Year’s Eve festive packages are available at Reef View Hotel, Palm Bungalows and The Sundays for stays of five nights or more, including December 24 and 25, 2025.
The Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows are offering deals that combine stay and festive dining, a fantastic value package for families celebrating Christmas on Hamilton Island. The five-night or more package includes Christmas Day buffet lunch, and if you book a Reef Suite or Superior Reef suites, breakfast is also included, plus other standard inclusions. This can save families up to $396 for two adults and two children.
Want a more luxurious experience? Spending Christmas and/or New Year at The Sundays will be an unforgettable family affair. They are offering a five-night+ package that includes Christmas Day lunch or dinner at Catseye Pool Club, a complimentary glass of champagne, a la carte breakfast daily at Catseye Pool Club, plus standard The Sundays inclusions. You could save up to$365 (based on two adults and one child).
Sydney: Fullerton Sydney
Base yourself in the heart of Sydney.
Those in need of a staycation or wanting to spend the holidays in Sydney should turn their attention to the Fullerton Sydney. The “Love Sydney Today” package offers a convenient CBD location with several perks, including: Daily breakfast for two, complimentary self-parking for one vehicle, late check-out until 1pm and free breakfast for children up to 12 years old staying in existing bedding. Get in quick though, as the first 100 bookings will also get a A$100 food and beverage dining credit to use during the stay. From $499.
Promotion code: AUSTRAVELLER
Newcastle: QT Newcastle
Relax in style at QT Newcastle.
Discover charming Newcastle and stay at the city’s premier hotel QT Newcastle with the “Seek Off Beat” promotion. Get 15 per cent off the best available rate for a two-night stay (starting from $255 per person, per night), a $100 food and beverage credit and a late checkout at 12 noon.
Promotion code:SEEKOFFBEAT
Flinders Ranges: Arkaba Homestead
Arkaba is a private wildlife conservancy, and guests can stay in the beautiful homestead.
For the ultimate outback stay, Arkaba Homestead, a wildlife conservancy in South Australia’s picturesque Flinders Ranges, is great for unwinding after the Christmas rush. Enjoy a three-night, all-inclusive summer retreat in the historic homestead with the “Rest, Reset & Reconnect” package , which includes twice-daily guided safaris and bush walks focusing on wildlife and conservation, all meals and beverages and chef-led tastings. Bask in peaceful mountain views, leisure time by the pool and stargazing under the outback sky.
Available from: 27–30 December 2025 (three nights)
Rate: $5,985 per room (twin share) for three nights, at a discounted seasonal rate (saving $1,440).
Gold Coast: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Soak up summer on the Gold Coast at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.
Luxury vacationers and families can soak up summer on the Gold Coast with a two-night stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. The “Luxury Escape by JW GOLD COAST” package offers a two-night luxury stay in a guest room with a hinterland view, two welcome drinks each upon arrival, buffet breakfast for two at the Citrique restaurant, $50 AUD daily resort credit usable at onsite dining venues, Spa by JW treatments or resort activities and complimentary self-parking.
The “Family Getaway at JW Marriott Gold Coast” package offers a two-night luxury stay in a guest room with a hinterland view, daily buffet breakfast for two adults and two children, daily complimentary children’s meals, complimentary snorkel hire to swim in the resort’s saltwater lagoon and a choice of Family by JW activity, including pizza and sushi making classes and more.
Experiences
Australia: Great Southern Festive Escape 2025
Give yourself the gift of a bucketlist-worthy Christmas onboard a luxury train that traverses Australia’s East Coast. The Great Southern Festive Sale can save travellers up to $1,910 per couple if you book by 30 November 2025. Enjoy private cabins (Gold Twin, Gold Premium, and Platinum classes, each with varying luxury levels), gourmet meals including a fabulous Christmas Day lunch and stops for curated activities outside the train and a city stay in Adelaide.
Central Coast: Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Summer days call for indulging in fresh oysters, and Broken Bay Pearl Farm is offering 15 per cent off all of their experiences. Located on the stunning Lower Hawkesbury River, browse the selection of locally grown pearls, shells and jewellery, before enjoying some fresh local oysters outside while enjoying the river views.
Use code: COASTXMAS15
Tasmania: Tarkine and Cradle Mountain
See Tassie’s most spectacular sites like Cradle Mountain on an Inrepid Travel tour. (Image: Tourism Tasmania)
Intrepid Travel’s six-day guided tour, “Best of Tasmania’s Tarkine & Cradle Mountain “, allows travellers to see Tassie’s most spectacular sites, including the ancient temperate rainforests of the Tarkine and enjoy walks and wildlife in Cradle Mountain National Park. Departing January 4, 2026, the six-day tour includes a local leader, activities, accommodation, transport and some meals, and they’re offering 20 per cent off for a total of $2,716 per person.
Tasmania: Hobart and Launceston
AAT Kings is offering two guided tours through Tasmania to experience the state’s divine national parks and wildlife. The AAT KINGS Tassie’s Wilderness Icons tour runs for six days, five nights from 27 December from Hobart to Launceston, visiting Mt Field, Franklin-Gordon, and Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair. For those seeking a longer getaway, the 10-day, more comprehensive Tasmanian Wonders includes additional destinations. Spot Tassie Devils and penguins, savour fresh seafood and cheese, and explore dramatic mountains and pristine lakes. Tassie’s Wilderness Icons: $2,979 per person (after 10 per cent off, originally $3,310) Tasmanian Wonders: $4,667 per person (after 9 per cent off)
Cruising
Sydney: Celebrity Cruises
Discover the picturesque Kangaroo Island. (Image: Frame)
This wine-focused cruise around Australia is designed for travellers who enjoy scenic coastal experiences, fine dining and exploring Australia’s renowned wine regions. The nine-night wine tour departs from 5 January 26, returning 14 January 2026, docking at Hobart, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide and Melbourne. Celebrity Cruises is currently offering up to 75 per cent off the second guest’s fare with rates starting at $4139 per person based on two people sharing an Infinite Veranda stateroom.
Sydney: Silversea
Experience-seeking travellers should turn their attention to the Silversea Sydney–Auckland luxury cruise . Departing just after Christmas, this 13-day cruise suits those seeking a festive yet sophisticated summer escape in the Southern Hemisphere. The itinerary combines coastal scenery, wildlife experiences, art, heritage sites, and nature-focused excursions along Australia’s east coast to Tasmania, then across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. A 20 per cent limited-time discount applies to the All-Inclusive (covers accommodation, meals, drinks, gratuities, most onboard activities) and All-Inclusive Plus (includes everything above plus a US$720 shore-excursion credit per guest to use on tours in each port) fare types.
Booking code: SN251227013
Sydney to New Zealand: Princess Cruises 14-Day New Zealand Holiday
There is last-minute availability on the Discovery Princess’s 14-day New Zealand cruise over Christmas and New Year (December 20-January 3). It’s the ship’s inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand, and a rare opportunity to board a brand new ship. The 14-day New Zealand Discovery Princess cruise takes travellers to the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Picton, Dunedin and the Fiordland National Park.
Prices start from $4399 per person, including $600 onboard spending money per stateroom.
