One of our savvy travellers-in-the-know, Amber Jesson, walks us through her experience and advice for spending Christmas in Australia as a backpacker. If you find yourself thinking about spending your festive season Down Under, but aren’t sure where to start… Don’t stress! Amber’s put together the perfect guide. She covers everything you need to know as a backpacker, so you can make the most of your Aussie Christmas, right here in Sydney!

I’m originally from the UK. So, my Christmas Day typically consists of ugly Christmas jumpers, a warm fireplace, mulled wine, and a roast turkey dinner that I practically drown in gravy. It is usually freezing outside. And if you’re from Europe or North America, I’m sure your Christmas Day looks somewhat similar.

The first thing you need to know about Christmas in Australia: it’s HOT. We’re trading out a cosy, indoor Christmas for warm weather, BBQs on the beach, cheap tinnies. And everyone wearing red swimmers paired with a Santa hat.

Amber recommends joining in the free hostel activities at Wake Up! Sydney Central throughout the christmas and new year's period. Including a Champagne Breakfast on Christmas Morning, run by the hostel's activities crew.
According to Amber, as a backpacker in Sydney, there is only one destination that everyone goes to on Christmas Day. And that is: Bronte Beach.

We decided to stay at Wake Up! In Sydney, as they organise a special activity schedule. It’s designed to give their guests the best taste of Aussie holiday fun. From Christmas Day champagne breakfast to New Year’s glitter and all-white parties, they’ve got it all covered. It’s a laid-back yet unforgettable way to experience the holidays, with plenty of opportunities to meet fellow travellers, make new friends, and enjoy the festive spirit without the winter cold.

My 5 Favourite Christmas & New Year’s Experiences in Sydney as a Backpacker

1. Champagne Breakfast at Wake Up! 

Wake up and head down to Side Bar early Christmas morning. The activities staff work hard to put on a large buffet breakfast, specially for guests. With champagne and mimosas served directly from the bar and the biggest array of freshly baked pastries, muffins and breakfast goodies – it’s a perfect way to start the festive celebrations. Fill up your bellies before getting ready to head to Bronte Beach! 

In her Backpacker's Guide to an Aussie Christmas, Amber shares her experience on Christmas Day - joining in the Wake Up! Hostels Champagne Breakfast - a free activity for the hostel's guests.

2. Bronte Beach on Christmas Day – iconic! 

As a backpacker in Sydney, there is only one destination that everyone goes to. And that is: Bronte Beach. You can expect around 10,000 backpackers to show up on the day all celebrating together. It’s like one big backpacker beach party!

Make sure to have your red swimmers on! Everybody is typically decked out in a red bikini, boardshorts or if you’re a real Christmas lover, some festive budgie smugglers. Get amongst it and enjoy the tradition. 

My top tips to make the most of your Christmas Day at Bronte Beach: 

  1. Aim to get there nice and early to claim a good spot.
  2. Check the transport routes in advance! With so many people making their way to Bronte, expect the transport services to be busy. Despite this, it really is so much fun. We ended up making friends on the way and sang Christmas songs at the top of our voices on the bus. I’m pretty sure the bus driver enjoyed it ;)
  3. Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated. The lifeguards have multiple water stations and emergency tents set up, that you can go to and re-hydrate.
  4. If you have an esky (otherwise known as a cool-box), bring a small one to keep your food & drink cool throughout the day!
  5. Due to it being so busy, usually phone service can become an issue. Once you’ve set up a spot, send your friends a location pin and keep to your location so they can find you later on! 

And the most important: 

  1. Please bring a garbage bag with you and remember to clean up all of your belongings. It is so wonderful to celebrate in this way, but it is also important to respect Australian land and its wildlife. Please do not leave your mess for other people to clean up, and clean after yourselves. 
Amber's top tips to make the most of your Christmas Day at Bronte Beach in Sydney Australia.
One of Amber's iconic memories of her Australian Christmas while backpacking, was Christmas Day on Bronte Beach.
To make the most of your Christmas Day in Sydney, Australia as a backpacker traveller, then check out Amber's top tips.

4. Boxing Day Races at Randwick Racecourse 

Are you feeling lucky? 

In Sydney, the festivities definitely do not end once Christmas Day is over. Boxing Day happens to be just as crazy – especially if you are a backpacker. The city moves the party to the Boxing Day Races at Randwick Racecourse. 

Remember when you were packing your rucksack and debated for days about that one REALLY fancy outfit? Well, now is your chance to iron out the wrinkles and dress up nice and fresh! Get dressed up with your friends, treat yourself to a bottle of champagne, and win some $$$.

Buy your tickets online in advance to make the process easy on the day.

As a backpacker in Sydney over Christmas, you might like to spend Boxing Day at the Randwick Racecourse
If you're going to do the Boxing Day Races at Randwick Racecourse, Amber recommends to buy your tickets online in advance to make the process easy on the day.

4. NYE at Side Bar 

While the fireworks are exploding outside, the atmosphere in Side Bar is just as explosive as we celebrate counting down to the New Year together! Typically a popular destination for guests from all over the world and Sydney’s local partygoers, Side Bar on NYE is even more fun and a great location to be. 

Being connected directly to Wake Up! Sydney Central makes it a perfect way to experience New Year’s for those staying at the hostel. If you’re not staying at Wake Up! Sydney, it is still such a convenient party hangout thanks to its central location. 

5. Sydney Fireworks 

If you are looking for some wholesome, classic NYE fireworks instead, Sydney (in my opinion) has one of the most iconic and beautiful firework displays in the world, with direct views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. 

New Year’s Eve in Sydney is one of (if not) the busiest night of the year. Many locals, tourists and travellers need to plan their night well in advance. Most transport routes will be shut down, diverted or delayed – so factor this into your plans! 

In terms of the best location to find yourself when the clock strikes midnight, I recommend doing your research. Many people will queue for hours (some even the whole day) to ensure they get the best views of the fireworks across the harbour.

Make sure to bring blankets, food and drink, fold out chairs, a power bank, and anything else you may need to be prepared for the long wait times. Despite this, it truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a wonderful thing to witness if you have the time. 

Christmas in Conclusion

Christmas in Australia is an experience like no other! While it is completely natural to feel homesick (especially if this is your first time away from family, friends and home during the festive season), this is the perfect time to connect with fellow travellers and enjoy the relaxed, adventurous spirit of an Aussie Christmas. Embrace it fully. Make amazing memories that you will carry with you wherever your travels take you. I promise, you won’t regret it.

Christmas in Australia is an experience like no other! Amber shares her experience as a backpacker from the UK, and her list of things to do in Sydney, Australia over Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year's.