‘Tis the Season: Experiences That Make the Best Christmas Gifts

Ho-ho-ho! Christmas is (almost) here, and the search for that perfect gift is on.

This year, skip the socks and scented candles; the best gifts are all about experiences and making memories that outlast any tin of shortbread. Cosy up with a cup of cocoa and check out these experiences that have everyone on your gift-giving list covered, from thrill-seekers to nature lovers.  

The best Christmas gifts for foodies 

Indulge in modern Australian fare with sky-high views in Melbourne

Serve up a slice of Victoria’s finest with a three-course dinner at Langlands Restaurant and Bar. With sparkling wine on arrival, Yarra River views and a menu packed with local flavors, it’s the perfect festive treat for the foodie in your life.

Admire 360-degree views of the Gold Coast at Horizon Sky Dining

Why settle for just one view when Horizon Sky Dining serves up the ocean, hinterland and cityscape in a single sitting? Perched on the 26th floor of the Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise, this revolving restaurant pairs its panoramas with a spread of fresh seafood, charcuterie and decadent desserts.

Dine with stunning Sydney Harbour views  

Here, the views are as showstopping as the food. Tucked into the historic Campbell’s Stores at The Rocks, this spot pairs its modern Australian menu with Sydney Harbour in the backdrop. Bonus: the three-course set menu comes with a bottle of wine to split.

Discover fine wines in the Barossa Valley 

Sample award-winning wines, enjoy a delicious lunch at Lambert Estate Winery and leave the logistics to the experts with convenient return transfers. It’s a perfect pairing of indulgence and adventure, guaranteed to warm the holiday spirit. 

Sit down to the Yarra Valley’s finest at Immerse Winery 

Start with a delightful tasting at the cellar door, then relax over a leisurely lunch with views of the estate’s chapels and gardens. Enjoy a shared entree, choose a main dish from the seasonal menu and end on a sweet note with mini desserts to share. Continue the tasting experience at home with a complimentary bottle of wine. 

Take in the whole city at Sydney’s O Bar 

This revolving restaurant offers stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline from a guaranteed window table. The lucky recipient will sip a signature cocktail and enjoy a five-course tasting menu from celebrated chef and owner Michael Moore. 

Treat someone special to a steak dinner at The Meat & Wine Co.

Enjoy a three-course feast that showcases Afro-centric fine dining, from sizzling skewers to aged steaks and fresh seafood. Finally, top it off with dessert from your choice of crème brûlée or chocolate and hazelnut fondant.

Float along the Swan River on a gourmet wine cruise

Raise a glass to sunshine and the Swan Valley on a full-day gourmet wine cruise. Sip local wines paired with cheese and enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch on board before kicking back with drinks and live entertainment on the way home from wine tastings at Mandoon Estate.

Share a decadent lunch at Golding Wines in the Adelaide Hills

Treat yourself and a plus one to a taste of South Australia’s best at Golding Wines in the rolling Adelaide Hills. Enjoy a winery set-menu lunch (or go all out with a premium upgrade) and sip on a glass of their Market Series wine, all while soaking in the views.

Feast on a Japanese degustation in Adelaide

Celebrate with a night of fine dining at Ginzo Miyako Japanese Restaurant, located in Adelaide’s luxurious Stamford Plaza. Indulge in a six- or eight-course degustation, where Japanese flavors fuse with French technique.

The best Christmas gift experiences for nature lovers 

Spend a day snorkelling in Cairns

Discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef with a full-day boat tour from Moore Reef Pontoon. A gourmet lunch is included, plus optional upgrades like guided snorkel tours or a Seawalker dive are available to level it up for the holidays.

Explore the Northern Territory’s best national parks 

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this experience includes a cruise through the crystal-clear waters of 13 deep, sandstone-walled gorges in the majestic Katherine Gorge. Unwind in naturally occurring thermal springs and immerse yourself in the region’s rich Indigenous culture at the Top Didj Gallery. You’ll also have an opportunity to explore the historic town of Pine Creek, which played a vital role during the Northern Territory’s gold rush. 

Soar over the Hunter Valley on a hot air balloon ride

Take your Hunter Valley adventure to new heights with a hot air balloon ride over one of Australia’s oldest wine regions. Lift off just before sunrise and watch the sun light up the stunning landscape, from Pokolbin to Rothbury. After your flight, enjoy a delicious breakfast and sparkling wine tasting at Peterson House Winery.

Spend a day at the Floriade flower festival in Canberra

Treat the floral enthusiast in your life to a full-day guided tour at Australia’s premier flower festival. The 2025 Floriade festival is set to showcase more than 300,000 blooming bulbs across Canberra. Discover the magnificent installations at the National Arboretum, home to the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, and wander through the Tulip Top Gardens for a vibrant display that outshines any Christmas decoration. 

See Melbourne or Bendigo from new heights

Have a morning to remember with a hot air balloon flight over Melbourne or Bendigo. Soar through the sky as the city skyline or Bendigo’s peaceful landscapes come alive with the colors of sunrise. Glide over iconic landmarks, taking in a stunning mix of urban and natural beauty – all while enjoying the fresh morning air from the comfort of the wicker basket.

The best Christmas gift experiences for spa lovers 

Be pampered at the lavish Shangri-La spa

Spoil someone (or yourself) with a luxurious day at Sydney’s iconic Shangri-La spa. Be treated to a 60-minute aromatherapy massage, a choice between a body brush or express facial, and access to luxe wellness facilities like a whirlpool and sauna. Top it all off with a high tea overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Relax at Alba Thermal Springs on the Mornington Peninsula 

Pampering knows no season. Located on the Mornington Peninsula, Alba Thermal Springs offers 22 bathing pools, including geothermal and rain pools. Add a two-course meal at Thyme, from award-winning chef Karen Martini, and a glass of local wine or craft beer for a complete day of indulgence.

Unwind with a French-influenced pamper package in Brisbane 

This luxurious experience includes a soothing heated stone massage, a hydrating facial and a relaxing Indian head massage, delivering the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. To top it off, unwind with a glass of sparkling wine and decadent chocolates. 

Indulge in a spa and high tea experience 

Give the gift of pure relaxation with an indulgent day at Shangri-La Sydney’s Chi, The Spa. Here, enjoy an aromatherapy massage, body brush exfoliation or facial, followed by a foot treatment. Then, take in sweeping city views over a luxurious high tea on the 36th floor, paired with a glass of sparkling wine.  

Go on a blissful Hunter Valley retreat 

This blissful escape includes a rejuvenating hydro-lounge session with an infrared sauna and outdoor mineral spas, followed by a soothing milk bath and a 45-minute couples’ massage. Toast to the moment with a glass of sparkling wine and indulge in chocolates while soaking in the stunning views of the mountains and rolling green hills.  

The best Christmas gift experiences for… everyone

Treat them to a Luxury Escapes gift card 

Give the gift of choice with Luxury Escapes gift card, to open a world of unforgettable getaways and bucket-list experiences. Let your loved one decide whether to embark on a weekend spa retreat, wine-tasting tour, once-in-a-lifetime escape or an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Memories are the gifts that keep on giving after all.