Christmas In The Whitsundays
Have you ever dreamed of spending Christmas in a tropical paradise, lounging on the beach under the shade of a palm tree? If trading a white Christmas with hot chocolate for white sandy beaches and cocktails sounds up your alley, the Whitsundays is calling!
Christmas in the Whitsundays is a magical time of year. Visitors flock from around the globe to experience the festive season here, booking months in advance to ensure the holiday of a lifetime. With the warm tropical climate, perfect sailing conditions and tour options to suit every holidaymaker, it's an idyllic spot to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Popular tours fill up fast, especially during the holiday season, so be sure to plan ahead to secure your spot in paradise!
Christmas in the Tropics
Christmas in Australia, and particularly North Queensland, is all about embracing the warm weather. Rather than huddling around a cozy fire, you'll find families enjoying Aussie BBQs, cooling off at the pool, and feasting on a Christmas lunch of summer salads and fresh seafood smorgasbords. Tropical summer cocktails replace hot chocolate and egg nog, making for a festive, fun-filled holiday that's a world away from the White Christmases celebrated in the northern hemisphere. Whether you'd prefer to celebrate the merry season sunbaking on the beach or heading for an adventurous day out, most tours and operators in the Whitsundays can cater to your plans - just be sure to book early to secure your spot!
Take a look through our favourite day tours around the Whitsundays!
Christmas Eve and Day in the Whitsundays
Christmas in Australia certainly isn’t traditional compared to most other places in the world, and holidaying in the Whitsundays is a unique way to celebrate during the silly season. Airlie Beach boasts hot days and warm nights during summer, and the standard dress code is thongs and swimmers. The Aussie BBQ is a signature Christmas experience, complete with cold beers, and being pool or beachside. If you're spending the festive period on the mainland, there are plenty of exceptional restaurants to choose from in Airlie Beach.
Or, if you're hoping for a Christmas on the crystal-clear Coral Sea, check out taking our selection of overnight tours. Picture this: Christmas Eve sipping drinks under the stars with your loved ones, fellow travellers, or new friends. Then wake up on Christmas Day to a tropical paradise, filled with swimming, snorkelling, soaking up the sun, or even scuba diving! That'll be something to write home about!
Check out our top overnight tours to Whitsunday Island
Where can I go for Christmas dinner in the Whitsundays?
Whether you're travelling from overseas, or you live locally, enjoying a feast on Christmas day is a must! While the heat may deter you from wanting that traditional roast, the local chefs around the Whitsundays know exactly how to accommodate. Christmas day meals in Australia are typically big lunches, rather than dinners. Check out what restaurants are hosting 2025 Christmas lunches in the Whitsundays!
Coral Sea Resort
- When: 11:30am on the 25th of December
- Cost: $360 per adult and $80 per child
- Meal: Christmas buffet lunch with fresh seafood, a carving station, hot and cold foods, and gourmet desserts
- Inclusions: All food, three-hour beverage package, live music, and air-conditioned comfort
Airlie Beach Hotel
- When: 11:30am on the 25th of December
- Cost: $180 per adult, $120 per teenager, $70 per child, and under 4 free
- Meal: Christmas lunch buffet with entrees, seafood, meats, salads and desserts
- Inclusions: All food and a special visit from Santa
Reef Gateway Hotel
- When: 11:30am on the 25th of December
- Cost: $159 per adult, $85 per teenager, $60 per child and free under 5
- Meal: Christmas lunch buffet with cold and hot selections, salads and desserts
- Inclusions: All food and a courtesy bus
Mantra Club Croc
- When: 12:00pm on the 25th December
- Cost: $179 per adult and $79 per child
- Meal: Christmas buffet lunch with fresh seafood, roast turkey, roast veggies, roast beef, and desserts
- Inclusions: All food
Jubilee Tavern
- When: 11:30am on the 25th of December
- Cost: $160 per adult, $90 per teenager, $65 per child and free under 5
- Meal: Christmas lunch buffet with meats, seafood, salads, and desserts
- Inclusions: All food and a lucky dip for children!
Grand View Hotel (in Bowen)
- When: 11:30am on the 25th of December
- Cost: $125 per adult, $100 per senior, $55 per child and free under 4
- Meal: Three-course meal with seafood platters, Christmas ham and turkey, salads, and Christmas pudding
- Inclusions: All food
Tips for booking Christmas in the Whitsundays
1. Book your Whitsunday travel and tours ahead
Bookings for the Christmas season can be as early as one year in advance, with many tours and accommodation options booking out in June and July, if not earlier. That's why it's extremely important to book as early as you can to ensure you are able to get on the tour of your choice. Backpackers, families, couples and independent travellers often choose the holiday period to travel, with the most popular tours already booked out well in advance.
Bearing this in mind, the Whitsundays are bountiful with all types of trips to accommodate every visitor. There are both day tours and overnight trips available, with a handful of day trips departing on Christmas Day. New Years in the Whitsundays is also extremely popular with many guests wanting to ring in the New Year in the Whitsunday Islands, enjoying the tranquillity of the ocean and the tropical islands, or living it up in Airlie Beach with all the festivities available!
2. Act fast - The best Whitsunday tours go quick!
The most sought after overnight trips, particularly catamarans, those with private cabins and low passenger numbers book out first as they are in high demand, no matter the time of year. However, there are many other trips that are great options and offer a similar experience and itinerary that you can ask your travel expert about. No matter what tour you choose, you will still get to see the beauty of the Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach with plenty of activities on the itinerary.
3. Whitsundays Private Charters are in high demand
Private Charters are a top choice during the Christmas season in the Whitsundays, offering an exclusive and personalised experience for you and your loved ones. Whether you're planning a romantic festive getaway for two, a private family get-together, or a Christmas party for up to fifty guests, renting a private charter allows you to curate the perfect experience. You can tailor your charter to suit your perfect Christmas vacation, with everything from budget-friendly vessels to luxury yachts available for rent. Explore the Whitsundays at your own pace, work with your skipper to design your dream itinerary, and choose the activities that will suit you and your guests. If you need help deciding which charter would suit you best this Christmas, feel free to reach out to one of our friendly local experts!
Due to high demand during the holiday season, it's a good idea to book your private charter well in advance to ensure you don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
4. Watch out for holiday black out dates
Please note that some trips may not depart around Christmas and New Years Day, simply check with us to see what is available to you. Tours have a strict itinerary departing on certain days only, so if you cannot get on a tour over Christmas or New Years, there are often tours available during the rest of the festive season. Enquire with us as soon as possible and please note that your first trip of choice may not be available. However, your travel experts will do their best to get you on a tour that is best for you this Christmas!
