All Bridge & Wickers holidays are tailor-made and no two are the same. We have made some accommodation suggestions, however we will tailor your quote to your preferred standard and style of accommodation.

Although most of us would suffer from hypothermia at the mere thought of a dip in the sea on Christmas morning, enjoying a swim and a sunbathe on the beach before lunch epitomises the great pleasures of spending the festive season - or indeed any time during the grey-grim days of our winter - Down Under. And if turkey in the tropics doesn’t turn you on, you can always substitute a few king size prawns on the barbie accompanied by a glass or two of chilled Margaret River chardonnay.

Days 1 to 4 - SYDNEY

Such is the breadth of attractions in Sydney that you could enjoy a wonderful family holiday in Australia and never set forth beyond the city’s boundaries. Your home base, Quay West Suites just behind the historic Rocks district and close to the Harbour, is perfectly positioned for exploring Sydney on foot or by ferry. You’ll stay in a two bedroom suite with a spacious living room, superbly-equipped kitchen, a laundry and fantastic views of the Bridge and the Opera House. The hotel also has a recreation deck on the 24th floor, with a Roman bath style heated swimming pool, spa, sauna and gym with million dollar views. Alternatively, we’d be happy to book a two-bedroom unit at the Medina Grand Harbourside apartments in Darling Harbour, just a ferry ride from Circular Quay.

Click here for alternative accommodation options in Sydney.

Take a look at our favourite family activities in Sydney for some fun ideas .

Days 5, 6 and 7 - NOOSA AND THE SUNSHINE COAST

Noosa is a great spot for families. Aside from its surf beaches and lively town with lots of cafés and restaurants, we recommend that you rent a car and explore the surrounding, scenically delightful, countryside, visit the Australia Zoo, run by Steve Irwin’s family, where you can cuddle a koala and hand feed an elephant. We’d also recommend a visit to Fraser Island where you can drive along the amazing 75 Mile Beach highway, or the sand dunes of the Cooloola National Park (guided safaris available). You’ll stay in a two bedroom apartment at the new Quay West Resort, two minutes from the action on Noosa’s Hastings Street.

Click here for alternative accommodation options in Noosa.

Days 8, 9 and 10 LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK

I’m A Celebrity. . . Get Me Out Of Here! Was set in the rainforest of Southern Queensland, protected by the Lamington National Park. You’ve seen it on the telly, now check out the real thing. You’ll be able to commune with wildlife – minus Ant and Dec, but including pandemelons, frogs, possums, and an amazing array of birds. You’ll drive from Noosa to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Resort, 3,000 feet above sea level (views to die for) and within the World Heritage National Park boundaries. A full range of ‘Discovery’ activities is on offer each day for all ages and includes early morning bird walks, 4WD jaunts to scenic lookouts, a treetop walk with bird’s eye views of the rainforest and night walks in search of glow worms and nocturnal animals. The resort also has a (seasonal) Scrub Club for children aged five plus, with environmentally-biased activities. Accommodation will be in a two bedroom canopy suite or a two-bedroom Mountain Villa.

Days 11 to 14 - HAMILTON ISLAND

Drop your car in Brisbane for your direct flight to Hamilton, gateway to the 74 or so tropical islands that make up the Whitsundays off the Queensland coast. It’s Australia’s best loved escape for families, with a heap of activities ranging from cookery and pottery for the grown-ups, frog spotting and ‘mud madness’ for the kids, and fun jaunts around the island in your own golf buggy. We can also book trips out to the Great Barrier Reef  or the famous Whitehaven Beach. As well as having its own airport, this buzzy, self-sufficient island resort has a marina, several restaurants and shops, plus a choice of accommodation, from modest apartments and private villas to five-star hotels. We suggest you take a two bedroom, fully equipped villa where you can self cater or dine out at many of the waterside restaurants which surround the marina. Again, there’s the option to upgrade to a superior or deluxe villa, or stay in a four-bedroom, super deluxe villa in the new Yacht Club.

When to go: Although this is a trip that’s ideal for the Christmas or Easter holidays, it would be suitable for travel any time from mid-October to mid-April. But do remember, when planning a family trip for Christmas, you need to book as early as possible to be sure of getting your flights as well as securing accommodation.