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WISHING YOU A

MERRY "aussie" CHRISTMAS

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW

ABOUT AUSTRALIA AT CHRISTMAS TIME

While we might be wrapping up warm and prepping turkey and all the trimmings, Christmas in Australia retains many similar traditions. Here is our guide to Christmas Down Under.

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
The annual Australian tradition of Carols by Candlelight sees crowds gather in parks and outdoor venues to listen to carols sung by candlelight. The largest event takes place on Christmas Eve in Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl and features celebrity performances.
The event attracts thousands of spectators and is broadcast throughout Australia. Sydney also hosts a similar event known as Carols in the Domain, while the Adelaide Christmas Pageant features floats, bands and a variety of entertainers as well as an appearance from Santa Claus and attracts 400,000 people.

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

CAROLS BY CANDLEIGHT

The annual Australian tradition of Carols by Candlelight sees crowds gather in parks and outdoor venues to listen to carols sung by candlelight. The largest event takes place on Christmas Eve in Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl and features celebrity performances. The event attracts thousands of spectators and is broadcast throughout Australia. Sydney also hosts a similar event known as Carols in the Domain, while the Adelaide Christmas Pageant features floats, bands and a variety of entertainers as well as an appearance from Santa Claus and attracts 400,000 people.

AUSTRALIAN FOOD at christmas

The dining experience is one of the biggest differences, given that Australia
celebrate Christmas in the middle of their summer!

The dining experience is one of the biggest differences, given that Australia celebrate Christmas in the middle of their summer!

Families typically gather for Christmas lunch, which is enjoyed al fresco in the backyard. In place of a hot roast, Australians will prepare a turkey or ham in advance to carve and serve cold, and, while each family has its own variation, typically the roast is glazed with honey, maple or apricot and sometimes even pineapple juice.

But the king at Christmas is seafood, specifically prawn cocktails and barbequed Tiger Prawns. Australians consume 45,000 tonnes of prawns throughout the holidays. After the main meal, a fruit platter with golden mangoes and ruby cherries is handed around. Later on in the day, Australians indulge in Pavlova covered in fresh fruit, Christmas Pudding with a scoop of cold custard, mince pies and White Christmas, which is a no-bake slice loved by children.

And with Christmas at the beach, surfing Santas, carols and chocolate calendars there is plenty to celebrate and enjoy.

So when you are unwrapping your Christmas Lions bobble hat and heading out for a winter walk, spare a thought for all those Aussies on the beach and know it won’t be long until you are Down Under for real!

AUSTRALIAN FOOD & dining AT CHRISTMAS

The dining experience is one of the biggest differences, given that Australia celebrate 
Christmas in the middle of their summer!

Families typically gather for Christmas lunch, which is enjoyed al fresco in the backyard. In place of a hot roast, Australians will prepare a turkey or ham in advance to carve and serve cold, and, while each family has its own variation, typically the roast is glazed with honey, maple or apricot and sometimes even pineapple juice.

But the king at Christmas is seafood, specifically prawn cocktails and barbequed Tiger Prawns. Australians consume 45,000 tonnes of prawns throughout the holidays. After the main meal, a fruit platter with golden mangoes and ruby cherries is handed around. Later on in the day, Australians indulge in Pavlova covered in fresh fruit, Christmas Pudding with a scoop of cold custard, mince pies and White Christmas, which is a no-bake slice loved by children.

And with Christmas at the beach, surfing Santas, carols and chocolate calendars there is plenty to celebrate and enjoy.

So when you are unwrapping your Christmas Lions bobble hat and heading out for a winter walk, spare a thought for all those Aussies on the beach and know it won’t be long until you are Down Under for real!

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Day Trip to Adelaide

Wednesday 30 July - Departs 9:30 AM / Returns 17:00 PM

The Barossa is in South Australia, about 70km north-east of Adelaide, the state’s capital city.   Your trip will include a visit of the city centre, The State Library of South Australia and lunch at a local wine bar and kitchen. 

The State Library is the information heart of South Australia, located in the North Terrace Cultural Precinct.  You will have the opportunity to explore all three buildings: the award-winning contemporary Catherine Helen Spence Wing with its iconic glass foyer, the Mortlock Wing with its 19th century Victorian splendour, and the 1861 heritage listed Institute Building.

Sweeping stadium views, stylish bar and lounge, premium menu and extensive wine list.  Bespoke Wine Bar & Kitchen is one of Adelaide’s most impressive dining experiences.

Extending across level three of Oval Hotel and into the iconic Adelaide Oval, Bespoke’s unique setting makes a stunning backdrop lunch.

Executive Chef Daniel Simpson’s modern Australian menu brings bold flavours to life through fresh, seasonal produce.  Two drinks are included, and you may choose from house wine, beer or a soft drink.

After lunch you will be transferred to the North Terrace, Adelaide city where you can choose to spend your time either at Rundle Mall, The Art Gallery of South Australia or South Australian Museum.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  We have been advised that the carpet is being replaced in the Mortlock Chamber (section of the library) and we are now unable to conduct tours through this section during July so we will amend the Private tour of the State Library slightly and now include access to the basement (old & rare artifacts storage) which is an area of the library usually inaccessible to the public. 

 

Private 60 minute tour of State Library of South Australia | 30 July 2025 – 11:00am

Guests will have the opportunity to explore one of South Australia’s great institutions and take a look behind the shelves. An expert librarian will take you on a walk sharing stories of how the State Library began. Your experience starts at the historic Adelaide Circulating Library to learn the history of the building. By 1861, the collection of books held there was to became the first public library in South Australia. The Adelaide Circulating Library has been used in the past as a backdrop to several movies including Shine and Gallipoli. Continue your way to the basement to see some of the interesting old & rare artifacts housed in the library. Discover how the state’s most important treasures are maintained in the state-of-the-art storage and how the preservations team cares for the collection. 

Legends that have joined us on previous experiences