For many Australians, Christmas at the beach is more than a tradition, it's a chance to unwind, reconnect, and slowdown in some of the most remarkable natural settings in the world. And a sunny escape on a secluded beach is closer than you might think.

SeaLink Marine & Tourism makes island escapes easy, connecting travellers to some of Australia's most beautiful beaches and pristine island destinations, making it easy to turn a Christmas break into something truly memorable.

With Australia's coastline home to thousands of beaches, islands and stunning marine environments, this festive season is shaping up perfectly for a coastal break or island stay. Early reports from the Bureau of Meteorology indicate average Christmas Day temperatures in the high twenties and low thirties across key coastal regions, including Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.

According to a 2021 Australian Government report, 87 per cent of Australians, or more than 22 million people, live within 50 kilometres of the coast. This means a beach or island escape is within easy reach for most of the population, whether planning a day trip, an overnight break or a longer holiday.

Phil Boyle, Executive General Manager, Customer, Sales and Marketing, SeaLink Marine & Tourism said with most Australians living close to the coast, a beach holiday is one of the easiest ways to celebrate the season.

“Most Australians are only a short drive from a beach, which makes a coastal escape the perfect way to celebrate Christmas with family and friends and support the many small and family run businesses that rely on the busy holiday trade.”

Beaches you can visit with SeaLink this holiday season

• SeaLink Western Australia: From Fremantle or Perth's Barrack Street Jetty, travellers can take a short SeaLink ferry to Rottnest Island, home to The Basin, Pinky Beach and Little Salmon Bay, along with secluded bays ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The island is vehicle free, and guests can hire bikes and explore at a relaxed holiday pace. Book your beach escape here.
• SeaLink Whitsundays: Departing from Airlie Beach in the heart of the Whitsundays, SeaLink Whitsundays and Red Cat Adventures connect travellers to picture perfect Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, as well as snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Visitors can also experience the water up close with Whitsunday Jetski Tours or take a fast boat adventure for the day. Book your Whitsundays adventure here: SeaLink Whitsundays Red Cat Adventures; Whitsunday Jetski Tours.
• SeaLink North Queensland: Just 25 minutes from Townsville, guests can board a SeaLink ferry to Magnetic Island and find family friendly beaches at Alma Bay, Florence Bay and Geoffrey Bay. With oceanfront walks, wildlife encounters and easy access to the water, it is a natural island escape for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. Book your day away here.
• South East Queensland: Located a short drive and ferry trip from Brisbane, SeaLink's vehicle and passenger services to North Stradbroke Island provide easy summer access to Cylinder Beach, Frenchmans Beach and Main Beach. Travellers can bring the car, explore surf spots, coastal lookouts and local dining, camp overnight, or simply settle in for a classic Queensland beach holiday. Book your self-guided getaway here.
• SeaLink Tasmania: Just 30 minutes south of Hobart, SeaLink's vehicle ferry to Bruny Island gives visitors access to peaceful beaches including Adventure Bay, Cloudy Bay and Jetty Beach, surrounded by wildlife, coastal walks and the island's lighthouse and nature experiences. While you're there, don't forget to stop and savour the food and spirits Bruny is so well known for. Book your Bruny beach retreat here.
• K'gari (Fraser Island): Around a 3-hour drive from Brisbane is the World Heritage Listed K'gari (Fraser Island). Hop on the SeaLink ferry services or take your own 4WD vehicle to drive Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visit Eli Creek and pristine Lake McKenzie. Stay overnight at K'gari Beach Resort or Kingfisher Bay Resort, offering beachfront access, guided nature walks, tours, and outdoor family activities, including Illumina, Queensland's only permanent light show, right on your doorstep. Book your memorable K'gari visit here: Kingfisher Bay Resort; K'gari Beach Resort; K'gari Explorer Tours
• SeaLink South Australia: Located around 1.5 hours south of Adelaide, travellers can take a SeaLink ferry to Kangaroo Island, to visit the stunning Vivonne Bay, Stokes Bay and Emu Bay, recognised among the world's most stunning and pristine coastal environments. It is an opportunity to explore some of the finest beaches anywhere in Australia. Book your brilliant KI getaway here.

“Whether a day trip, a weekend or a longer holiday break, SeaLink makes it easy for people to slow down, enjoy the outdoors and spend time together in some of the most remarkable coastal locations in the world not just the country. Our teams are proud to help visitors discover beaches and islands that offer real connection with nature and with the people who matter to you the most,” Mr Boyle said.

From island breaks to relaxed coastal escapes, SeaLink invites travellers across Australia to take advantage of the summer break and make their Christmas holiday one spent by the water, enjoying the breeze, soaking up the sun and making the kind of memories only Australia's beaches can offer.

For more information about ferry timetables, available experiences and holiday packages, visit www.sealink.com.au.

Photo Credits: Tourism Australia, South Australian Tourism Commission, Tourism Western Australia, Tourism and Events Queensland, and Tourism Tasmania