Australian Christmas cuisine: BBQ, seafood & wine

Starting in December, while many countries are immersed in the cold of winter, Australia celebrates Christmas on sunny days. Christmas in the land of kangaroos does not have falling snow or roaring fireplaces; instead, there are blue seas, clear skies, and lively outdoor parties. This difference creates a summer-style Christmas cuisine: fragrant BBQ, fresh seafood, and chilled wine.

Christmas in Australia is a season of golden sunshine and bustling beaches.

For Vietnamese tourists, traveling to Australia during Christmas is not only an opportunity to explore beautiful scenery but also a chance to enjoy a unique festive cuisine that is completely different from European countries. And with the direct flights from Vietjet to Sydney and Melbourne, the journey to experience an Australian-style Christmas has never been more convenient.

1. What is different about an Australian Christmas party?

While Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere is associated with images of white snow and indoor dinners, in Australia, the holiday falls in the middle of summer. Temperatures can rise above 30 degrees, beaches are crowded, and parks are always filled with families and friends gathering together. This difference in weather creates an Australian Christmas party with a completely different style.

Australians do not place much importance on heavy dishes like turkey or traditional cold cuts. Instead, they opt for easy-to-prepare dishes that suit the outdoor atmosphere and provide a refreshing feeling: BBQ, fresh seafood, summer fruits, and light wines.

Outdoor grilling is a very characteristic Christmas activity for Australians.

For tourists, the excitement lies not only in the food but also in the experience. You can see dozens of families grilling right next to the beach, groups of young people gathering around public BBQ tables in parks, or colorful picnic parties right by the bay.

2. Discovering Australian Christmas cuisine

2.1 Outdoor BBQ

In the list of Australian Christmas dishes, BBQ definitely takes the top spot. On Christmas Day, it's not hard to find groups of people gathering around public BBQ stations in parks or on beaches. Australian sausage trays, beef steaks, spiced lamb, or golden grilled chicken wings are quickly prepared and eaten on the spot.

For Australians, BBQ is not just a meal but also a community activity: grilling together, sharing together, eating while swimming, and fully enjoying the outdoor Christmas spirit.

Vietnamese tourists arriving in Australia can prepare a small BBQ meal, take it to the beachside park or down to Bondi, and blend in with the locals. This is the most authentic way to experience Australian Christmas cuisine.

Vietjet helps bridge the gap between Vietnam and Australia, bringing tourists closer to the experience of Australian Christmas cuisine through flexible and convenient flights during the holiday season.

2.2 Seafood

Among Christmas dishes, seafood always holds a special place. With the advantage of a long coastline and abundant raw materials, Australians prioritize fresh seafood for Christmas lunch. Lobster, prawns, Tasmanian oysters, rock crab, and salmon are must-have dishes at the Australian Christmas feast.

If you're wondering what to eat in Australia during Christmas, just stop by the Sydney Fish Market on the morning of December 24 or 25, and you'll find the answer: trays of seafood piled high, locals lining up to buy fresh prawns, live oysters, squid, and fish… to take home for cold dishes or grill on the spot.

Australian-style Christmas cuisine at a fish market.

The bustling atmosphere at the fish market during the holiday season is a travel experience worth trying.

If tourists choose to travel to Melbourne, the St Kilda area or coastal restaurants are also perfect choices to enjoy authentic Australian Christmas seafood.

With direct flights from Vietjet to Melbourne, Vietnamese tourists can easily plan to celebrate at summer night markets and enjoy authentic Australian Christmas cuisine. See flight details HERE.

2.3 Wine & festive drinks

In the hot summer atmosphere, wine, especially white wine, rosé, and sparkling wine, has long become a popular drink in Australian Christmas cuisine. A chilled Sauvignon Blanc paired with a Tasmanian oyster platter, or a light rosé combined with BBQ lamb will make the Christmas lunch party complete.

If there is more time, visitors can take a trip to Hunter Valley (near Sydney) or Yarra Valley (near Melbourne) to experience a wine tasting tour. These destinations are conveniently accessible by bus or rental car.

A chilled glass of wine is a sophisticated highlight in the summer Christmas party.

3. Local experiences: Notable Christmas food events that visitors should not miss

3.1 Bondi Beach BBQ party

Bondi Beach during Christmas is the most vivid representation of an Australian Christmas party. Thousands of people flock here from early morning, bringing food, portable speakers, volleyballs, and laying long blankets on the sand. Christmas in Bondi is not formal or elaborate, but just sun, sea, smiles, and self-prepared BBQ meals.

Vietjet currently operates flights to Sydney, making it easy for Vietnamese travelers to start their Christmas journey with a sunny afternoon at Bondi. See details with ticket prices starting from 250,000 VND (excluding taxes and fees)HERE.

3.2 Seafood Festival & Summer Night Market

The festive atmosphere at the summer night markets is also a hallmark of Australian Christmas cuisine. Melbourne is famous for the Queen Victoria Summer Night Market - where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, barbecued dishes, street food, and immerse themselves in the crowd watching art performances.

In Sydney, the coastal neighborhoods and around Darling Harbour are also more vibrant during the holiday season, offering countless options for those wanting to delve deeper into the Australian Christmas food rich in street food culture. See flight detailsHERE.

The festive atmosphere shines brightly at the bustling markets of Melbourne and Sydney.

3.3 Christmas Lunch Cruise on the river or bay

If you want to elevate the experience to something more luxurious and fresh, you can try the Christmas Lunch Cruise on Sydney Harbour or the Yarra River. This activity combines great cuisine and sightseeing: guests enjoy a seafood buffet, BBQ, salads, and wine while leisurely admiring the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the cruise ship.

For those still wondering what to eat in Australia during Christmas, these cruises are the most complete choice as all the spirit of Australian cuisine is encapsulated in a special lunch.

Christmas in Australia is a colorful experience: no white snow or fireplaces, but warm sunshine, blue seas, and outdoor meals soaked in spirit. From fragrant BBQs, fresh seafood to chilled glasses of wine, Australian Christmas cuisine offers a vibrant and unique version of Christmas.

For Vietnamese travelers, the Christmas season is the perfect time to fully enjoy Australian Christmas dishes and understand why the locals love the summer festival lifestyle so much.

If you are looking for a unique journey, choose the direct flight of Vietjet to Sydney or Melbourne, and let each Christmas meal become a memorable memory for you in the land of kangaroos. Don't forget to check the domestic and international flight promotion program of 0 Dong (excluding taxes and fees) during the hours of 12 - 2 PM every day to enjoy discounted ticket prices. See detailsHERE.

Follow flight information, promotional programs, and travel guides on the official channels of Vietjet: