How about that weather forecast? Just when we thought 2021 had thrown everything it had at us, La Niña said, ‘Hold my beer.’

But we’ve worked too hard to let something as trivial as a major cyclonic weather event derail our well-deserved Christmas break. Though Covid restrictions have made it hard to plan a summer holiday, you’ve still got another few weeks to lock something in. Like…

Barossa Valley

South Australia has been off the Christmas trip list due to rigid restrictions, but that all changed yesterday with the announcement that SA will open its borders to visitors from NSW, Victoria and the ACT from November 30. Awaiting your visit is Australia’s most historic and esteemed wine-making region, the Barossa Valley. Vineyards in the hundreds produce some of the world’s best tasting Shiraz, Grenache, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon, perfectly paired with some of the country’s best gourmet food. As of today, flights to Barossa start at as little as $176 roundtrip, so it’s time to click, trip, and sip.

Port Fairy

The silver lining to Melbourne being crowned the most locked-down city in the world is that now that its borders are open, Melbournians are fleeing in record numbers, leaving plenty of room for the rest of us to come in and have a good look around. Fly to Melbourne or Avalon airport and then hire a car to traverse the Great Ocean Road, ending with a stay in Port Fairy, Victoria. A charming coastal town dotted with 19th century cottages, Norfolk pines and old stone churches, the seaside village has beautiful beaches, great food, a historic riverfront port, a thriving arts scene, and most importantly, is in a different state to the one we’ve been locked in for half the year.

Canberra

Being barred from the ACT likely wasn’t on anyone’s 2021 bingo card, yet we found ourselves locked out for a good portion of the latter half of this year. Alas, no more. Canberra has always been a last-minute getaway option for Sydneysiders looking to pamper themselves at the Park Hyatt, make a new coin at the mint, or confirm firsthand that politicians don’t work as many hours as they claim to. But there’s heaps of other stuff to do in our capital city, including picturesque bushwalks in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, wine tastings at local vineyards, and dining in first-class restaurants like Courgette, Les Bistronomes, and Pilot, to name a few.

Bellingen

If a road trip is more your speed, about a 5.5 hours’ drive north you’ll find the forest friendly town of Bellingen. Known to locals simply as “Bello”, the local township encapsulates the laidback lifestyle pretty well—an old building disguises the most organic-focused IGA you’ll ever visit, Hearthfire Bakery makes bread and pastries with local flours, and the best restaurant in town, Qudo, serves up fresh and healthy Japanese dishes from a converted country home on stilts. But the real showstopper is the FernGully-esque Promised Land, home to the stunning Never Never Creek that demands a dip in.

Gerringong

If you’re traveling as a family and need to plan a getaway a little closer to home, consider the South Coast town of Gerringong. Just under two hours’ drive from Sydney CBD, Gerringong provides everything you need for the perfect beachside getaway: surf, sand, and old school fish and chips. Gerringong’s undergone a bit of a facelift over the last few years, with plenty of trendy cafes and bakeries lining the main strip—including Bambinos, which serves up classic Italian pizza and pasta dishes, as well putting an Aussie twist on some others, like lasagne pie (can confirm it’s delicious). Werri Beach is the local surf spot, but if you’re looking for a safer swim option, the family friendly Seven Mile Beach is only a few minutes away. Sorted!