While Christmas might be six months away, with the cooler temperatures, now seems the perfect time to harness the yuletide spirit to celebrate Christmas in July.
There are many regions around Australia that deck the halls with boughs of holly, brew the mulled wine and roast the perfect turkey.
So here at Flight Centre, we think it'll be great to not only embrace the festivities but also to explore these beautiful places around the country.
Celebrate Christmas in July
The Blue Mountains, New South Wales
This iconic section of the Great Dividing Range inland from Sydney offers dozens of fantastic hiking trails both along the cliff line and deep in the valley.
Away from the heat of summer, July is a great month to explore the natural beauty. However you can make your visit all the more special by enjoying Yulefest 2013 with log fires, family singalongs and with the prospect that Santa may make a guest appearance.
Many restaurants swing into the spirit with Christmas decorations and dinner packages including The Paragon in Katoomba with a dinner and show package, the Blue Mountains Manor House with piano entertainment and carols and the Palais Royale, which does a special yulefest dinner and murder mystery show.
Sovereign Hill, Victoria
While Sovereign Hill is usually associated with our gold rush heritage, this month the Ballarat attraction embraces everything Christmas with a range of family-friendly school holiday activities.
There'll be carols to sing, Christmas treats to savour and crafts to make. It's also rumoured that St Nicholas will even make a visit. Make sure you also sample the fresh gingerbread, which was a popular gift during Victorian times.
Airlie Beach, Queensland
The jumping off point for the stunning Whitsundays, Airlie Beach is a fantastic destination to kick back for a couple of days and soak in that glorious northern Queensland sun.
A special Christmas-themed dinner, live band and secret Santa has been arranged for July 27 at the Shute Harbour Café and Bar, which is a beautiful venue overlooking Shute Harbour at the Ferry Terminal.
There can be no better location to celebrate Christmas in July with an incredible Australian natural outlook.
Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Immortalised in the film, Babe, the gorgeous Southern Highlands of New South Wales is the perfect place to escape the buzz of city life.
This year the Peppers Manor House and Peppers Craigieburn are offering special Christmas in Winter Packages, which include accommodation and a sumptuous yuletide dinner.
These beautiful country estates are sure to be filled with joyous sentiment, warming fires and genuine hospitality. Also in the Southern Highlands, the Fountaindale Grand Manor are arranging special Christmas events throughout the month including traditional European lunches, a Christmas shop and the gardens will be adorned with festive lights.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland
The beautiful hinterland of Queensland's Sunshine Coast is characterized by the charming villages of Montville and Maleny.
These towns, which offer great views over the coastline, are known for their quaint stores that are perfect for browsing and restaurants and cafes that serve delicious meals.
Throughout July the Montville Café, Bar and Grill is offering a terrific 4-course Christmas in July meal with carol singers, bon bons and Christmas lights.
Alternatively in Maleny, King Ludwig's German Restaurant & Bar are offering a special Christmas in Winter, which includes a 4-course Bavarian-styled dinner with music and audience participation.
australia sunshine coast whitsundays
