10 Kid-Friendly Holiday Activities for Australian Caravanning

As Canadians, it’s difficult for us to wrap our heads around the idea of a hot and sunny Christmas. We actually pray for snow so that if we have to put up with the cold, at least it’s pretty! As we understand it, a Christmas swim is a pretty great tradition, and gathering around the outdoor BBQ is maybe better than gathering around the fireplace?

We asked one of our Aussie connections to give us some favourite activities for celebrating the holidays down under. Hope you enjoy!

And of course, leave the cool down and comfort to us. If you need to upgrade to Sirocco II or add a couple more, we’ve made a comprehensive list of where you can find the Sirocco II RV fan.

Whether you’re out on the road or staying home, Christmas in Australia is the most magical time of the year, especially for children. So cherish the sweet moments and get the whole family laughing with these activities.

Photo credit: Big Oz Explorers

Water fight!

“Oh! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way,
Christmas in Australia
on a scorching summer’s day, Hey!”

We all know the song… and boy, is it true! It’s common for Chrissy to reach 40°+ across this sunburnt country. A family water fight is a great way to cool down (water restrictions permitting). And it’s not much of a fight really, everybody wins by cooling down! Time to prep the super soakers.

Hit the beach

Join the throng or head out of town to find something more secluded. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to slip, slop, slap and put on a hat! And keep your eyes peeled… surfing Santas have been spotted all over Australia! Snap a pic and send it to your Northern Hemisphere friends and family - because nothing says “Aussie Christmas” more than Saint Nick riding a wave.

Photo credit: Atlas Campervans

Tour the Christmas lights

Once the sun sets and the heat starts to die down, the Christmas lights come up. A magical end to a special day, you can find elaborate Christmas displays in every town and city across Australia. Often, there are even street competitions - so if you’re on the road, have a google to find the local hot spots.

Write a letter to Santa

Did you know that Australia Post offers a Santa Mail service? And, if you send your letter by the 2nd of December, he’ll send a reply! Australia Post even supplies brainstorming ideas and templates.

Take a dorky family photo

“It's Summer time and I am in

my singlet, shorts and thongs”

Again, Aussie Jingle Bells captures our spirit perfectly. Ugly Christmas sweaters? Nah, not down under. Dress up in your most Aussie get-up and snap a family portrait. If you do this every year, you’ll have the funniest album to look back on in years to come.

Forage for decorations

Foraging is interactive, creative, and adventurous fun for the whole family. So get outdoors and see what you can discover! Want to take your foraged finds to the next level? Set up a crafts station with twine, glitter, and paint and get decorating. Almost anything can be turned into a tree ornament… How about a googly-eyed gum nut Santa? Some silver-spray painted leaves?

Let your imagination run wild but remember: the Australian ecosystem is precious. Only forage on your property or where you have the owner's permission. Don’t forage in public spaces like parks, beaches, or in the bush.

Beach or backyard cricket

Whether you’re on the sand, at home, or out camping - there’s always space to whip out the wickets! Slather some green and gold zinc across your face and away you go.

Leave a treat out for Santa

Don’t have time or space to cook something up? Why not dazzle Santa with some Australian delicacies: crackers with cheese and Vegemite, a few Tim Tams for dessert, and a Bundaberg Ginger Beer to wash it all down. And once the kids have gone to bed? You get to enjoy the spread!

Go camping

The real magic of Christmas is not the gifts you receive but the memories you make. Camping gets you away from all the hubbub and helps you concentrate on what’s most important: family time.

Photo credit: Trip in a Van 

Play some Aussie Christmas tunes

Traditional carols don’t really cut it Down Under. Snow? Bells? Chimneys? Fir trees? You’ll be hard-pressed to find those around here! So pop on some modern Aussie classics and groove away. Here are some Spotify recommendations that are sure to please both young and old:

• “The Best Aussie Christmas” playlist on Spotify
• “Wiggly, Wiggly Christmas” by The Wiggles
• “Friends For Christmas” by John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John