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The best summer holiday deals to book right now

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 exterior of 25Hours Hotel Sydney
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

The swimming pool at The Sundays, Hamilton Island
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

The grand exterior of the 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 

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Newcastle: QT Newcastle

A suite at 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 Homestead in the outback
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

A room at the 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

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insider tips, offers, and more.

Tasmania: Tarkine and Cradle Mountain

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

Kangaroo Island coastline
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.

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
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7 Lake Macquarie secrets the locals don’t want you to know

Credit: Beau Pilgrim

An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.

Laidback Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.

Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.

1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side

Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.

2. There’s a booming arts scene

Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG
Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.

Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.

3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise

three people swimming in lake macquarie
In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.

4. The dining scene is unbeatable

8 at Trinity lake macquarie
Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.

Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.

5. There are hidden coves and waterways

kayakers on lake macquarie local secrets
Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.

6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

ll blue wren sitting on a tree branch
Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)

Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.

7. The lake has islands

sail lake macquarie
Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.

Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.

Start living like the locals at visitlakemac.com.au.