For many people, Christmas is their favourite time of year. For some, it’s all about the food, with delicious feasts of ham, turkey and prawns followed by a trifle or a fruity pavlova. For others, casual get-togethers and splashing about in the waves with the grandkids down at the local beach is the preference. Or maybe for you it’s about jetting off on an adventure and exploring a new part of the country (or the world) with friends or your significant other.
However you spend the day, it’s usually pretty special. But 2020 has thrown us many hurdles and for some the thought of spending hours in the kitchen prepping a big lunch for the whole family sounds way too draining after an already hectic and confusing year.
It’s for this reason that many Aussies have planned to get away from home this festive season, and escape to the tropical paradise of Fraser Island in Australia’s sunshine state. It’s a chance to remove all the pressure of preparing the perfect day for your loved ones and let someone else do all the hard work as you focus on yourself for a change. And the fact it’s quite literally an island paradise really ticks the box for Aussie over-60s.
The group of seniors are heading to Fraser Island for four nights over Christmas, staying at the four-star Kingfisher Bay Resort. The spacious, comfortable rooms are an ideal escape from the everyday, while your private balcony offers the perfect spot for a morning tea or coffee as you listen to the island’s myriad native birds.
Located just 360 kilometres north of Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, and just a short 40-minute boat ride from the mainland town of Hervey Bay, the World Heritage-listed island is a bucket-list destination for many, with its diverse landscapes and unique wildlife enticing thousands of tourists to its shores each year.
In 2020, things have been a little different to say the least, with overseas travellers unable to set down in Australia for many months. But this gives Aussies all the more opportunity to experience Fraser Island’s true beauty – without having to battle crowds of international visitors.
Big selling points on the island include long stretches of beaches, ancient sand dunes, lush rainforests and crystal-clear freshwater lakes and creeks, with tonnes of activities to enjoy throughout your stay. The special Travel at 60 Fraser Island holiday will give you a taste of what’s on offer, with 4WD adventures to iconic locations, ranger-guided walks showcasing the island’s local tribes and culture, bush-tucker talks and tastings, and of course plenty of other delicious food along the way.
On Christmas Day you certainly won’t go hungry either, with a big buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner (just think how great it will be to not have to cook or wash up any of the dishes yourself!). Then, in between meals, you’ll have the freedom to do as you please and perhaps take a dip in the ocean, read a book by the pool, or explore the island by foot via one of the many walks.
This will prepare you for a full day of adventure on Boxing Day, on a 4WD island tour, visiting Lake McKenzie, Wanggoolba Creek, 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek, the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of The Pinnacles – all highlights of Fraser Island.
And then on the last day of the holiday (Sunday, December 27), it’s breakfast with your new friends before you head home to ring in the new year.