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Your Sydney Winter Wonderland

Winter in Australia has started showing its magic and although it might be too cold to go for a swim in Bondi, there are still a plenty of fun things to do in Sydney at this time of the year. From pop-up ice rinks to high tea on Ferris wheels, the city is as bustling and busy in winter as it is in summer and here is a list of things that you can venture into to make the most out of your Australian winter season in Sydney.

Good Food and Wine Show

When: June 22nd – June 24th

The Good Food and Wine show are back again, and you can spend a weekend immersed in all of the booze and yummy goodness the city has to offer. This year’s event will bring back some old favorites’ and provide an exciting line-up of features to discover, taste, share and enjoy. There will be lunches with notable chefs such as Maggie Beer, Manu and Clarissa Feidel, Miguel Maestre, Matt Morgan as well as other fun and educational events. From vegan pizza master classes to boozy brunches and more, you will want to add this event to your calendar.

Vivid Sydney

When: May 25th – June 16^th

The world’s largest festival of lights, music and ideas is returning to Sydney for its 10th year in a row. Last year Vivid Sydney drew over 2.33 million visitors to the city for its massive list of events including educational talks and seminars, live music and light shows, and its 10th anniversary is shaping up to be as spectacular as ever. From the Heaps Gay Queens Ball to Vivid After Hours at the Art Gallery of NSW, the Snugglepot and Cuddlepie light display and so many more, you’ll definitely be wanting to get involved in Vivid Sydney this year.

Bondi Winter Magic Festival

When: June 28^th – July 29^th

I know what you’re thinking, going to the beach in winter? Well, why not especially when Bondi is bringing back its winter magic! You can ski along the shores as the festival brings snow to sand in the form of an ice-skating rink. There will be an educational history series, as well as daily ice skating and hockey demos and lessons.

Road and Snore at Taronga Zoo

When: April 30^th – July 5^th

Roar and snore is a long-running overnight experience offer by Taronga Zoo. It lets you bunker down after the zoo shuts its gates and stay in luxurious tents until morning. You’ll get to meet all the critters such as lions, tigers, snow leopards and a sun bear as well as dine at the zoo’s restaurant. The next morning you will be served a delicious brekkie before being able to feed a giraffe, pat a seal and sun bake with an echidna. From the 25th of May to the 16th of June, you can also catch Roar and Snore VIVID which will see amazing light installations on top of your furry filled experience.

Ferris Wheel High Tea

When: May 5^th – 22^nd September

The Deck in Sydney has brought back its quirky Ferris wheel high tea, so you can snack on scones and sip prosecco while taking in the best view in town. Served on board the iconic Luna Park Ferris Wheel, this next level experience is unlike any other tea party the city has to offer. After your one hour ride, you’re invited to sit back and warm up with a cuppa in the deck lounge.

Sydney Film Festival

When: June 6^th – June 17^th

Are you ready for 12 massive days of film, fun, talks, parties and of course all the movie snacks? Sydney film Festival kicks off in June and is bringing Sydneysiders over 120 flicks. With several of last year’s titles such as Call Me by Your Name, On Body and Soul and A Fantastic Woman scoring Oscar nominations or wins, you’ll certainly be wanting to take a sneak peak at this year’s lineup. From You Were Never Really Here starring Joaquin Phoenix, Kiwi flick, The Breaker Upperers and a hoard of other indie titles and docos, the program is packed to the brim. The State Theatre will be hosting most of the screenings, but there will also be films showing around the city in Newtown, Cremorne, Randwick and Western Sydney.

Whether you are planning your winter in Sydney or in another city, go to Aabode.com now to check out some cozy properties!

How Christmas is celebrated in Australia

Christmas in Australia takes place during Summer which makes the celebration quite different from Europe and America.

Although Australia still follows the traditional practice of exchanging gifts on 25th December and decorating a Christmas tree, here’s a look at how Australia celebrates Christmas!

1. Christmas at the beach

As the rest of the world locks themselves indoors away from the snow, Australians flock to the beach with their friends. It is common to see thousands of beach-goers sun baking, walking around in thongs and wearing a Christmas themed singlet or a Santa hat.

It’s the perfect way to escape the heat wave on this public holiday!

2. Food and Cake

Due to the hot weather, for Christmas lunch Australians serve cold meats such as turkey or ham, and seafoods such as prawns and lobster.

Instead of chocolate cake, Australians serve pavlova, a meringue-based dessert topped with seasonal fresh fruit.

3. Boxing Day

Boxing Day, the day after Christmas Day is also a national public holiday.

On Boxing Day, Australians are either having a BBQ with friends and family or scoring the best sales from large retailers. Retail stores commonly hold sales on this day which can see shoppers lining up before the stores are even open!

Boxing Day also marks the start of the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht race.

4. Ugly Christmas Sweater

The downside to having Christmas in summer is the lack of Ugly Christmas Sweaters! Australians can’t wear these sweaters for obvious reasons but their love for celebrating means that Christmas in July is growing in popularity.

5. Pets

Australians are always sure to include their furry family member in the festivities. This usually means wrapping a small gift up for their pet to tear apart.

Although pets can’t be dressed up in cute Santa outfits or Christmas sweaters, Australians keep it simple by hanging tinsel around their neck or propping reindeer ears on.

6. Decorations

You’ll find that a lot of the Christmas decorations have an Australian theme to them.

Some common ones are:

Santa in a singlet and shorts
Santa surfing
Santa riding a kangaroo
Native Australian animals in Christmas clothing

Aabode.com has over 3000 unique properties for you to book from! Click here to browse our Australian listings, but be quick as Christmas is a peak holiday season in Australia!

The Gold Coast: Everything You’d Ever Want In A Holiday

The Gold Coast is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. And this isn’t simply because of its long sandy beaches and surfing hotspots – the Gold Coast is complete with everything you’d ever want in a holiday!

With all sorts of adrenaline-filled activities to do, awe-inspiring sights to see and luxurious accommodations to enjoy, the Gold Coast is hands down the perfect all year round holiday destination for everyone.

For the Family

The Village Roadshow Theme Parks are always catering to families by offering a variety of passes all year round for cheaper access to the Gold Coast’s famed amusement parks. Ticket types range from annual passes to unlimited entry for 3 days. Be sure to buy your tickets online to save $10 and keep a lookout on Groupon for the occasional discounted package deals!

Make the most of a family holiday by exploring the Gold Coast’s marine life extravaganza at Sea World, take on authentic Australian farm life experiences at Paradise Country and even immerse yourself in fantasy by visiting Movie World! In the Summer, Wet’n’wild is a must-go and for thrill-seekers, Dream World is another attraction with an abundance of amusement rides to challenge.

As the Gold Coast is known even internationally for its surfing community, where else will your kids learn to surf? Treat your kids to some surfing lessons from the experts at Get Wet Surf School for $30/hr. We can guarantee it’d make for some pretty good photo opportunities!

For Couples

Currumbin beach is a resident favourite for its cozy small-town feel and hidden from all the bustling tourists, it is the perfect place to go for some alone time with your partner. After exploring the pocket beach, head over to Little Truffle, an award-winning fine dining Australian restaurant serving the most delicious foods your taste palette will ever experience!

At the Gold Coast, you can also plan some outdoor activities with your partner by heading over to the Springbook National Park. Witness mother nature’s beauty with your own eyes and do some exercise while you’re at it! Enjoy a romantic stroll and follow the park’s quiet trails to see glorious waterfalls, explore an underground glow-worm cave and more!

To truly make the most of your romantic adventure, why not book this stunning Penthouse Apartment in the heart of Currumbin, just meters from the beach!

For Adventurers

For adventurers, the Gold Coast offers many unforgettable outdoor experiences, such as snorkelling and kayaking tours. In particular, the Stradbroke Island Kayak and Snorkelling Tour is the perfect combination of exercise and stunning scenery, complete with Australian wildlife interaction. For under $100, spend a full day paddling around and exploring Australian seas to your heart’s content at the Gold Coast!

And for those interested in extreme sports, be sure to get a thrill out of the Gold Coast’s hot-air balloon rides and sky-diving services! Check out highly-rated Gold Coast Skydive and Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast for more information on the once-in-a-lifetime experiences and again, keep a lookout on Groupon for the seasonal sales!

For Yourself

Sometimes it’s difficult to enjoy a relaxing holiday with company and travelling alone is just as fun – so don’t be ashamed to treat yourself with a solo trip to the Gold Coast! Splurge on a combined theatrical and dining experience at the Dracula’s, where they serve you a spooky three course dinner while you’re watching an even spookier musical show!

Or if you’re looking for a healthy, de-stress retreat, the Gold Coast has you covered with some of Australia’s best spa and massage services. We recommend Q1 Resort and Spa! Located conveniently in Surfers Paradise, their reclaimed Royal Thai Massage is sure to be a refreshing experience!

With so many activities catered to all types of visitors, the Gold Coast is surely the place to be for your next holiday break! And how would you upgrade your holiday at the Gold Coast to perfection? By booking your accommodation through Aabode.com, where the most homely and comfortable living experience is always guaranteed at the most affordable prices!

The 10 Best Aussie Secret Locations

Get your bucket list out because we’ve chosen our top 10 favourite Aussie secrets that will surely take your breath away.

Lake Bumbunga, SA

Located less than two hours away from Adelaide, lies the blushing pink, natural, salt lake. Visit in the summer to see the lake at it’s brightest, and be sure to bring your camera for those insta-worthy shots.

2. The Daintree Rainforest, QLD

Trek into the oldest tropical rainforest in the world and step into the world of Avatar. Take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Cooper Creek, zip line through the emerald green vines or cruise along the waterways in search for seawater crocodiles.

3. Wave Rock, WA

Be chased by a granite wave – one of Western Australia’s most treasured natural lifeforms. The Wave Rock is over 27 millions years old and stands tall at 15m, spanning 100m long. Whilst there, you can also check out more unusual rocky formations such as the Hippos Yawn, The Humps, Camels Peak and King Rocks.

4. Umpherston Sinkhole, SA

Sink into the gardens of the dissolved limestone cave, and immerse yourself in the glorious greenery of tropical plants and trees. Enjoy a picnic, or have an Aussie BBQ. Stay till dusk and you may even become friends with a possum!

5. Hopetoun Falls, VIC

Nestled in the mountains, Hopetoun Falls is located on the Aire River in the Great National Park. Enjoy the view from the upper platform, or descend to the base of the waterfall and soak up the spray.

6. Cradle Mountain, TAS

Renowned for its breathtaking scenery and home to a range of wildlife, Cradle Mountain is the place to go for those who are seeking tranquillity, adventure and natural beauty. With several walking tracks spanning from easy to difficult, you can experience the wonderful wilderness of Tasmania.

7. Dorrigo National Park, NSW

Travel to the East Coast of Australia where several scenic walking trails await you. The Dorrigo National Park is a nature lover’s paradise where you can visit the enchanting Crystal Shower Falls, or bird watch as you dine in the Never Never picnic area.

8. Orpheus Island, QLD

Encounter nature’s raw beauty in the remote section of the outer Great Barrier Reef. You can rent a boat and paddle across the turquoise waters, or snorkel with the marine life.

9. Bitter Springs, NT

Submerge yourself in the crystal waters of Bitter Springs, located in Esley National Park. These spring-fed thermal pools are the perfect place to unwind and relax as you take in the beautiful palms and woodlands of the park.

10. Lord Howe Island, NSW

Lord Howe Island is a multi-award winning, World Heritage-listed paradise, and just a two hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane. Prepare to have your breath taken away by the spectacular surroundings, and be sure to experience some of the world’s best hikes, snorkelling on the coral reef and feeding the fishes on Ned’s beach.

Looking to go on an Australian adventure? Why not head to Aabode.com and pick an accommodation option at random! Take a ride on the wild side! 😉