Although a white Christmas has its charm, in Oz we like our holidays nice and warm, and there’s nothing better than a beachy Christmas! So, if you’re looking to wear your Santa hat with a view of the ocean, we’ve got great news!
In order to find the most picture-perfect beaches to spend the holidays on, frameshop.com.au analysed historic Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) weather data from the last three years, to find the most statistically likely beaches to have ideal weather conditions on Christmas Day!
The study ranked beaches by maximum and minimum temperatures, sunshine exposure and rainfall averages, so you’ll have all the facts to make an informed decision.
Lady Musgrave Island Beach off Bundaberg
Small but mighty, Lady Musgrave Island is tucked inside a calm turquoise lagoon off the coast of Bundaberg and the Town of 1770, and is best known for its myriad of marine species, which make it impossible to look away from its clear waters.
Thanks to its Great Barrier Reef location, the island is bursting with life. And, if you go between November and March, you’re pretty much guaranteed plenty of turtle sightings! If you’re passionate about conservation, you can even snorkel with purpose, joining the citizen science program, surveying coral and reef life, supporting reef research while you marvel at the majesty of the ocean and its denizens.
For those who are low-maintenance, you can even camp on the island from Easter to late January for less than $10 a night. It’s just you, the turtles, the stars, the waves, and the perfect weather, with highs of 29º, lows of 23.6º and only 3.6mm of rain! There’s a reason this little island came out on top in the study.
Agnes Water Beach
Known for being Queensland’s northernmost surf beach, Agnes Water Beach most famous for surfing — it’s best for longboards — and other water sports, as much as it is for its beauty. The beach stretches for a gorgeous 6km, all the way to Seventeen Seventy headland.
Every year, the surf comes alive around March, when the annual Reef2 Beach Longboard Classic takes place, and in October, athletes flock to compete in the Agnes Water Triathlon.
You’re also likely to catch sight of a number of marine animals, including dolphins and turtles. For the latter, especially if you go in November and December, their nesting season. Also in December, you’ll get pleasant highs of 29.2º, lows of 22.6º, and 4.2mm of rain.
Lake McKenzie in K’gari (Fraser Island)
Only a 3-hour drive from Brisbane — and a potential stop on one of Queensland’s most sought-after road trips — World Heritage-listed K’gari is reachable either by SeaLink ferry or, for the adventurous, on a 4WD vehicle.
Once on this remarkable sand island, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities, from swimming and snorkelling to kayaking, jetskiing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing tours and more!
While there, you can’t miss McKenzie’s jetty circuit, or even venture out to the 90km K’gari Great Walk, but be sure to be prepared, as it takes 6 to 8 days to complete! If you’re in relaxation mode, Lake McKenzie is nestled among the rainforest, and its turquoise waters are infused with natural tea tree oil, creating an idyllic swimming sanctuary. Or grab a floaty drift down lazy Eli Creek, whose natural current takes you on an effortless, weightless journey to Seventy-Five Mile Beach.
Lake McKenzie also happens to be third for best weather over Christmas, with a max. temperature of 29.6º, dropping only as low as 21.3º, and a rainfall average of just 4.8mm.
Even being indoors at K’gari can be a special experience, with Kingfisher Bay Resort offering a wide range of eco experiences, from swimming with whales to guided nature walks and tours, plus a variety outdoor family activities!
Huntingfield Bay on Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is true to its name, drawing the eco-conscious, adventure seekers, and family vacationers alike. It helps that it’s easy to reach through a pleasant 25-minute ferry from Townsville.
Reached by boat, Huntingfield Bay part of Magnetic Island’s stunning and protected Five Beach Bays boasts jaw-dropping waterfalls that cascade through a number of rock pools before eventually merging into a creek and finding their way to the ocean.
We may not get snowfall but this waterfall is perfect for the holiday season with its highs of 31.6º, low temperatures reaching 24.1º and 6.5mm of rain.
Radical Bay on Magnetic Island
Thanks to its seclusion — Radical Bay is only accessible by hiking trail — this mesmerising spot offers pristine beaches and quiet beauty. To get there, you can hike 2.5km (about a half hour) from the Forts Route, or from Horseshoe Bay, which is only 1.5km, although a bit steeper.
Either way, reaching Radical Bay will be worth it, with its untouched natural wonders, variety of wildlife and snorkelling opportunities. It’s not just marine life, though. Radical Bay provides an excellent vantage point to observe koalas, wallabies and a huge array of birdlife!
It’s no wonder so many furry, feathered and scaled critters have made this slice of paradise their home, with maximum temperatures of 31.6º, lows of 24.1º and 6.5mm of rain, making it an ideal tropical climate.
Whatever you decide, we hope Christmas finds you lying on one of our beautiful beaches!