Christmas is Australia’s peak holiday season — a time when warm weather, school break, and festive gatherings combine to create one of the busiest (and most expensive) periods of the year for travel. For families dreaming of a two-week escape with two adults and two young children, the cost of a domestic holiday in Australia this Christmas will depend heavily on destination, transport, accommodation style, and the activities you choose.

But whether you’re eyeing a sun-soaked beach week in Queensland, a city break full of shows and attractions, or a relaxed regional retreat away from the crowds, one thing is certain: a Christmas holiday in 2025 won’t come cheap.

This guide looks at the real-world costs across popular destinations — from flights and accommodation to food, car hire, activities, and festive extras — to help families budget accurately for a two-week getaway.

The Big Picture: What Families Should Expect to Spend

For a family of four, a two-week domestic Christmas trip in 2025 is likely to cost:

• Budget holiday: $6,000 – $8,500

• Mid-range holiday: $9,000 – $14,000

• Premium holiday: $15,000 – $25,000+

Prices surge from mid-December to early January, with many operators charging peak rates up to 40–70% higher than during regular school holidays.

1. Airfares: The Christmas Price Squeeze

Even domestic flights become a luxury at Christmas.

Return airfares (approx. Christmas peak pricing 20 Dec – 5 Jan):

• Sydney ⇆ Gold Coast / Brisbane: $350–$550 per adult, $250–$400 per child

• Melbourne ⇆ Queensland resorts: $400–$600 per adult, $280–$420 per child

• Sydney ⇆ Perth: $750–$1,000 per adult, $550–$750 per child

• Sydney ⇆ Cairns: $650–$900 per adult, $450–$700 per child

Estimated total for a family of four:

• Short-haul destinations: $1,200 – $1,800

• Long-haul destinations: $2,400 – $3,800

Families travelling from regional centres may pay 20–40% more due to limited route competition.

2. Accommodation: The Largest Cost of the Holiday

Accommodation is where Christmas pricing goes into overdrive. Availability shrinks and nightly rates spike, especially at beach destinations like Noosa, Byron Bay, Airlie Beach, and the Great Ocean Road.

Two-week accommodation estimates (14 nights):

Holiday Parks & Cabins

• Powered site: $80–$150 per night

• Family cabin: $180–$350 per night
  Total: $1,500 – $3,600

Hotels & Resorts (3–4 star)

• Standard hotel room or family room: $250–$500 per night
  Total: $3,500 – $7,000

Holiday Houses / Airbnbs

• Coastal regions: $350–$800 per night

• Remote beach or high-end areas (Noosa, Byron): $900–$1,800 per night
  Total: $5,000 – $14,000+

Five-Star Resorts

• Family suite or beachfront resort: $700–$1,300 per night
  Total: $10,000 – $18,000+

Accommodation can make up 40–60% of the total trip cost.

3. Food & Dining: Australia’s Holiday Inflation Hits Hard

Food costs have risen sharply, and dining out during Christmas can take a large chunk of a family’s budget.

Estimated food spending for two weeks:

Self-catered holiday house

• Groceries + snacks: $350–$500 per week

• Occasional takeaway and mid-range meals: $400–$600
  Total: $1,100 – $1,600

Hotel or resort stay with limited cooking

• Buffet breakfasts: $25–$40 per adult, $15–$25 per child

• Casual lunches & dinners: $15–$30 per child, $25–$45 per adult

• Holiday special meals (Christmas lunch often $130–$200 per adult)
  Total: $2,000 – $3,500

4. Getting Around: Transport & Car Hire

Car hire (14 days):

• Compact car: $800 – $1,200

• SUV: $1,200 – $2,000

• 4WD (in demand in QLD, WA, NT): $1,800 – $2,800

• Car seats often extra: $10–$15 per seat per day

Fuel

• 1,000–1,500 km of holiday driving: $200 – $350

Airport transfers / rideshare

• Major-city return transfers: $80 – $150

Total transport cost: $1,100 – $3,300 depending on needs.

5. Activities, Attractions & Entertainment

Two weeks with kids means theme parks, boat trips, wildlife encounters, shows, mini-golf, waterslides, and a lot of ice cream.

Indicative activity costs:

• Theme parks (QLD): $110–$150 per person

• Reef tours (Cairns/Whitsundays): $350–$550 per adult, $250–$400 per child

• Wildlife parks: $30–$50 per person

• Surf lessons: $70–$120

• Cinema family pass: $60–$80

• Kayak hire: $40–$70

• Christmas events: $20–$50 each

A family of four can easily spend $800 – $2,500 on activities alone.

6. Christmas Extras: Gifts, Decorations & Special Meals

Travelling at Christmas means transporting gifts or buying them on arrival. Many families also book special dining experiences.

Extras estimate:

• Gifts for kids & family: $300–$700

• Beach gear, sunscreen, hats, toys: $100–$200

• Christmas Day lunch at a restaurant: $350–$700 total

• Holiday-themed experiences or tours: $100–$250

Christmas extras: $500 – $1,800

Destination Comparison: What Two Weeks Will Cost

1. Queensland Beaches (Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns)

• Total: $9,000 – $14,000
  Most popular for families; accommodation and theme park pricing push up costs.

2. NSW North Coast (Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie)

• Total: $8,500 – $15,000+
  Beautiful but often very expensive, particularly Byron Bay.

3. Victoria (Mornington Peninsula, Great Ocean Road)

• Total: $7,500 – $12,000
  Accessible by car for many families; savings on flights help keep costs lower.

4. WA (Perth + Margaret River)

• Total: $10,000 – $16,000
  Long flights add cost, but family-friendly once you arrive.

5. Tasmania

• Total: $7,000 – $11,000
  Lower-cost accommodation but higher transport prices.

6. Capital City Breaks (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)

• Total: $7,500 – $13,000
  Hotels are expensive over Christmas, but endless free activities help.

Ways Families Can Lower the Cost

✔ Book accommodation 6–11 months ahead

Peak periods sell out and prices spike closer to Christmas.

✔ Fly on less popular days (Dec 18–20, Dec 31, Jan 1)

Significant savings versus the December 22–27 window.

✔ Choose self-contained accommodation

Cooking saves thousands over two weeks.

✔ Look for multi-day attraction passes

Theme park and wildlife park bundles can lower costs.

✔ Drive instead of fly

For families within 1,500 km of destination, self-driving can save $1,000–$2,000.

Final Verdict: The Real Cost of a Christmas Break in Australia

For a family of two adults and two young children, a Christmas holiday in Australia is a wonderful memory-maker — but increasingly a luxury. Realistically, you’re looking at:

Two weeks at Christmas 2025 will cost:

• Budget trip: From $6k

• Comfortable mid-range: $10k–$13k

• Premium coastal escape: $15k–$25k+

Despite the rising prices, many families still prioritise a Christmas getaway because it’s the one time of year when everyone can truly disconnect. Beaches are buzzing, the weather is perfect, and Australia’s holiday towns come alive.

If you plan early, shop smart, and choose the right destination, a magical family Christmas by the sea — or under the gum trees — is still possible.

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