Spending the Festive Season in Australia"s Biggest Cities
Australia goes for Christmas and New Year in a big fashion.
It's the country's principle holiday season, and consequently most of the city takes time off from work and school to enjoy a few days of family fun towards the end of December.
Both Sydney and Melbourne are known for being particularly enthusiastic when it comes to Yuletide and New Years.
From the cities' decorations to the events that are held on their streets, both metropolises get a huge dose of festive fever at the time of year.
For backpackers, there can be few better places to be in the entire world for celebrating the festive season with joy and vigor.
Sydney Sydney's Christmas Program includes a variety of events and attractions that could keep the backpacker busy for days.
Close to the top of this list has to be the lights that come to adorn much of Sydney come the third week of December; these light up the city like you'd never believe, and it's possible to spend nights on end simply traipsing round the streets and gazing in awe at the illuminations on display.
The Sydney Town Hall is particularly worth a visit if you're looking to see the light fantastic.
A gorgeous old building, it's lit up in vibrant colors every evening.
During the day, meanwhile, various 'family concerts' take place in the city's many green spaces.
Featuring live bands and a fun picnic scene, these concerts make for a great way to pass a gentle couple of hours.
And, for the budget weary backpacker, they're free to boot.
As is to be expected, New Year's is more of an all-out party occasion than Christmas in Sydney.
In fact, New Year's here is known as being one of the most atmospheric and jumping parties you'll find anywhere in the world.
New Year's in Sydney is all about getting down to the Sydney Harbour, drinking and chatting with friendly strangers on the streets, and then watching as a magnificent fireworks display goes up at midnight.
After that, people dance the night away, before finally filing back to their hostel Sydney come the early sunlit hours of the morning.
Melbourne As with Sydney, Melbourne comes alive during December as festive cheer takes hold of one and all.
Check in to a hotel or hostel Melbourne offers during this time and you'll be sure to catch some event or other taking place, be it in the accommodation itself or somewhere in the surrounding vicinity.
Must see Christmas attractions in this Australian city include the light show at City Square, and the massive advent calendar at Federation Square.
Shopping is also a must in the days leading up to Yuletide as Melbourne is known as a shopper's hangout through and through.
Having recovered from the indulgences of Christmas, Melbourne picks itself up to party the night away with gusto on the night of December 31st.
For an all-consuming New Year's Eve itinerary here, go to Yarra Park for the 'family party' at nine, before then heading to the Docklands area for the real deal come midnight.
It's the country's principle holiday season, and consequently most of the city takes time off from work and school to enjoy a few days of family fun towards the end of December.
Both Sydney and Melbourne are known for being particularly enthusiastic when it comes to Yuletide and New Years.
From the cities' decorations to the events that are held on their streets, both metropolises get a huge dose of festive fever at the time of year.
For backpackers, there can be few better places to be in the entire world for celebrating the festive season with joy and vigor.
Sydney Sydney's Christmas Program includes a variety of events and attractions that could keep the backpacker busy for days.
Close to the top of this list has to be the lights that come to adorn much of Sydney come the third week of December; these light up the city like you'd never believe, and it's possible to spend nights on end simply traipsing round the streets and gazing in awe at the illuminations on display.
The Sydney Town Hall is particularly worth a visit if you're looking to see the light fantastic.
A gorgeous old building, it's lit up in vibrant colors every evening.
During the day, meanwhile, various 'family concerts' take place in the city's many green spaces.
Featuring live bands and a fun picnic scene, these concerts make for a great way to pass a gentle couple of hours.
And, for the budget weary backpacker, they're free to boot.
As is to be expected, New Year's is more of an all-out party occasion than Christmas in Sydney.
In fact, New Year's here is known as being one of the most atmospheric and jumping parties you'll find anywhere in the world.
New Year's in Sydney is all about getting down to the Sydney Harbour, drinking and chatting with friendly strangers on the streets, and then watching as a magnificent fireworks display goes up at midnight.
After that, people dance the night away, before finally filing back to their hostel Sydney come the early sunlit hours of the morning.
Melbourne As with Sydney, Melbourne comes alive during December as festive cheer takes hold of one and all.
Check in to a hotel or hostel Melbourne offers during this time and you'll be sure to catch some event or other taking place, be it in the accommodation itself or somewhere in the surrounding vicinity.
Must see Christmas attractions in this Australian city include the light show at City Square, and the massive advent calendar at Federation Square.
Shopping is also a must in the days leading up to Yuletide as Melbourne is known as a shopper's hangout through and through.
Having recovered from the indulgences of Christmas, Melbourne picks itself up to party the night away with gusto on the night of December 31st.
For an all-consuming New Year's Eve itinerary here, go to Yarra Park for the 'family party' at nine, before then heading to the Docklands area for the real deal come midnight.
