A Christmas gift guide for the travellers in your life

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping this year with our curated selection of memorable gifts.

There is an art to gift-giving. You need to know what makes a person tick – and for real impact, what meaning or memories they will attach to the gift long after the festive season ends. We have curated a list of gifts that are sure to inspire your gift-giving this Christmas and are guaranteed to be used with fondness by your loved ones throughout the year ahead.

For the reader who’s always en route

Got a friend who’s always jetting off to a beautiful destination with a book in hand? Or someone who scours through the aisles of newsagencies and bookstores for the latest glossies to inspire her carefree lifestyle? Here are handy ideas and incredible gifts that will surely delight travelling bibliophiles as they embrace the joy of turning the page.

Australian Traveller and International Traveller bundle subscription

Australian Traveller and International Traveller Christmas bundle subscription — All Australian Traveller and International Traveller print subscriptions include digital subscriptions for free.

For the best reads to inspire next journeys, a subscription to Australian Traveller and International Traveller grants anyone access to expert-approved travel experiences out there, around Australia and beyond. Each subscription comes with digital access to the latest issue, too, giving discerning readers instant travel inspo at their fingertips.

Price: $54.95

Kindle

Even committed fans of the paperback can use a break once in a while and take in the joys of packing light. The Kindle, which comes in a delicious matcha green colourway, saves anyone from a holiday schlep, with its waterproof feature coming in handy for reading days by the pool or bathtub.

Price: $168

SONY WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones

Sony noise-cancelling headphones — Hit play on your next airport playlist with trusty headphones. (Image: Supplied)

Only a select few items can make a world of difference to anyone’s holiday – and wireless headphones that can drown out noise and let you be in your own literary world are no doubt an invaluable purchase. SONY’s WH-1000XM6 noise-cancelling headphones epitomise quiet luxury, and serve a rich and expansive soundscape so anyone can enjoy reading in peace.

Price: $578

Business card holder

One thing that should never go out of style? Business cards. Not only do they prove useful for old-school networking, but they’re also incredible in showing off somebody’s taste, from font and colours to the texture of paper stock. This cardholder tray from Studio Henry Wilson houses valuables in a sleek, hand-finished display guaranteed to impress business prospects.

Price: $190

For the sun seeker

With December signalling not just the start of the festive season but also summer, there’s never been a better time to treat your favourite sun-seeker. Luckily, there are options aplenty for stylish and practical pieces to enjoy perfect days by the sea.

Miss Amara beach mat

Isandro beach mat — A cute towel sets the scene for relaxing by the sea. (Image: Supplied)

If you’re quite unsure about someone’s preferences but still want a foolproof gift, then look no further than a chic and practical beach mat. Anybody who loves to lounge in the outdoors all day would appreciate the earthy-toned Miss Amara’s beach and picnic rugs collection, featuring mats that are equal parts aesthetic and durable with their water-resistant fabric.

Price: From $109

Bondi Born swimsuit

With Australia’s close proximity to water, it just makes sense to invest in swimwear pieces that last past the season’s end. Perfectly capturing its namesake’s laid-back vibe, a Sculpteur® fabric suit from local luxury swimwear brand Bondi Born comes in signature cool-girl-nonchalance: think timeless cuts crafted with advanced technology that’ll make figures look effortlessly snatched and sculpted.

Price: $300

Christopher Esber thongs

Move over, loafers and sneakers. It’s time for the slip-and-go this season, and these minimalist tonal thongs from Christopher Esber can be someone’s newest chic and dependable footwear obsession.

Price: $300

Velvet Canyon sunglasses

La Touriste sunglasses — Summer calls for a functional and fab accessory. (Image: Supplied)

Aside from sporting statement-making swimmies and comfortable sandals, one staple that immediately springs to mind is a trusty pair of classic sunglasses, which come in handy for the beach and beyond. Inspired by the romanticism of the 60s, La Touriste by Velvet Canyon keeps peepers stylishly shaded, equipped with a UV400 grade functionally made for the Aussie sun rays.

Price: $329

Beso Beach Beso De Mar perfume

One spritz evoking the serene and salty air of Formentera, the Beso De Mar fragrance is the perfect present for the summer-loving fraghead in your life. The recipe? Cardamom, lavender, lemon, with a touch of woodiness that is pure bliss.

Price: $330

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

UE MINIROLL speaker

miniroll speakers — Portable speakers are the perfect grab-and-go option for audiophiles on the go. (Image: Supplied)

Who says portability and quality can’t go hand-in-hand? The UE MINIROLL is tiny but makes up for its size; its battery life lasts 12 hours, and it’s waterproof, dust-proof and drop-proof. Plus, it comes with a hookable strap that is perfect for keeping the tunes going while hitting the road, lake, or just about anywhere.

Price: $99.95

For the person whose bar cart is their pride and joy

If the way to a heart is through the stomach, then alcoholic beverages are surely part of the equation. Below, delectable cocktails and wines that are meant to be shared with a giftee who’s a certified bon vivant.

Coravin Hermitage Red Timeless Six + wine preservation system

Coravin Hermitage Red Timeless Six + aerator — Never waste another drop of wine. (Image: Kera Wong Photography)

Looking for the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life? Coravin has officially become an essential accessory in every oenophile’s arsenal. The wine preservation system allows you to pour a glass of wine without removing the cork, helping savour opened bottles for years to come. To celebrate the holidays, Coravin has released a limited edition ‘Hermitage Red’ colour that’s both timeless and festive. The Hermitage Red Timeless Six+ package includes the Timeless Six+ System, three Coravin Pure Argon Capsules, six Coravin Screw Caps, a Premium Timeless Aerator, a carry case, and a wine bottle sleeve. Cheers to that!

Price: $699.95

Corey Ashford martini glasses

Another elegant gift idea for the thoughtful hostess, the martini glasses from Melbourne-based designer Corey Ashford are something you wanna earmark (even for yourself). Not only are they aesthetically pleasing and unique, given how they’re produced using a mouth-blown technique, but they’re also durable and dishwasher safe.

Price: $220

Pommery Champagne

Pommery's 2025 World Collection — Pommery’s 2025 World Collection draws inspiration from Mexico’s radiant spirit. (Image: Supplied)

This pretty bottle adorned with vivid floral motifs and symbolic patterns comes by way of lauded Champagne house Pommery’s 2025 World Collection. The limited-edition champers are an ode to Mexico’s creative and festive spirit, the perfect drinks to pop in this year’s special holiday moments.

Price: $125

FIELDBAR drinks box

fieldbar cooler box — Who says cooler boxes can’t look chic? (Image: Supplied)

With the hot, scorching days creeping in, anybody would surely appreciate a stylish cooling box to keep beverages chilled and ready to quench their thirst. The FIELDBAR Drinks Box in Lobster Red is equal parts stylish and functional, the perfect carry-on for upcoming adventures under the sun.

Price: $299

Handpicked Taste the Symphony gift box

Oenophiles are notoriously hard to impress, but rest assured, even seasoned ones will be willing to give Handpicked’s new gift pack a go, created in collaboration with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The pack features the latest vintage releases from Tasmania, coupled with a QR code linking to a symphony, making a case for how music enhances somebody’s perception of flavour.

Price: $150

Never Never panetonne negroni

Panettone Negroni — The festive cocktail smells like Nonna’s kitchen on Christmas. (Image: Supplied)

For somebody who loves hosting a festive gathering, a seasonal cocktail is a guaranteed hit. Inspired by the flavours of the traditional Italian sweet bread and crafted using Triple Juniper Gin, bitter citrus aperitif, and sweet vermouth, Panetonne Negroni will make any celebration memorable.

Price: $75

El Toro pocket cocktails

Pocket Paloma — This cheeky drink is made for pockets and purses. (Image: Supplied)

On hot summer days, there’s no better spirit that pleases the taste buds than good ol’ tequila. Packed as small bottles serving big vibes, look no further than El Toro’s pocket cocktails for some of the easiest and sneakiest Palomas you can give to friends.

Price: $15 each

W.J. Sanders wine stopper

Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo Wine Stopper — The intricately designed stopper embellishes wine bottles with Australian charm. (Image: Supplied)

It’s easy to get a regular wine stopper, but an eccentric, Australian-inspired cockatoo one? Surely one way to attract a hostess who loves joie de vivre. Buy the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo Wine Stopper and achieve just that.

Price: $1980

Smokehead Islay single malt scotch

Smokehead High Voltage Islay Single Malt Whisky — This whisky is ideal for people who love their Christmas drink with drama. (Image: Supplied)

With a plethora of whisky brands to choose from, it’s a bit difficult to start. But if the lucky recipient wants their dram bold, smoky and with a bit of drama, then the Islay Single Malt Whisky is as good as it gets.

Price: $123.99

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Studio by Miraval Rosé

Remaining a perennial favourite of pink drinkers, Studio by Miraval Rosé is a great buy for anybody who loves grilled dishes, seafood and salads during the holidays.

Price: $28.99

Edinburgh strawberry & pink pepper gin

Edinburgh pink gin — The drink for lovers of sugar and spice. (Image: Supplied)

Make a special addition to any gin lover’s collection with Edinburgh Strawberry & Pink Pepper Gin, crafted with locally sourced Scottish strawberries that truly capture the essence of summer.

Price: $74.99

For the glow-getters

Shopping for somebody who doesn’t skip her skincare routine despite long hours on the plane? Luckily, there’s no shortage of indulgent yet fuss-free self-care gifts for the beauty-obsessed.

Nanoleaf LED light therapy face mask

LED light therapy mask — LED light therapy suits jetsetting individuals who love salon-like experiences. (Image: Supplied)

Give the gift of beauty rest with Nanoleaf LED Light Therapy Face Mask, which offers a host of healing benefits – from addressing fine lines, acne, uneven skin tone and more to boosting glow. It’s perfect for beauty fanatics looking for skincare indulgence on long-haul flights, and works just as well for a quick hotel refresh.

Price: $212.49

Ayurscience energetic mask

Ayurscience mask — A detoxifying mask is always a good idea. (Image: Supplied)

For someone who dreads the horror of long-haul flights and changing weather on the skin, a detoxifying clay mask is a must. The Ayurscience Purifying Mask soothes any irritation and comes with targeted botanicals to reset the skin and calm any flare-ups.

Price: $59.95

Vintage mirror by Gaetano Pesce

Perhaps it’s quite a splurge and something that can’t be brought on travels, but we can’t resist adding this whimsical face-themed mirror housed in an unassuming vintage shop in Sydney’s Elizabeth Bay neighbourhood to this list. It’s the ultimate mood booster and makes for that satisfying selfie pre-trip.

Price: $2200

For the savvy traveller

For travellers who are notoriously practical, it’s all about striking the right balance: give them something memorable but ensure it’s not adding any chaos inside their luggage! Below are some smart items worth giving to that globetrotter on your list.

Samsonite C-Lite suitcase

With its shock-absorbing design and double wheels for smooth manoeuvring, the Samsonite C-Lite suitcase earns a spot in a traveller’s list of allies. Plus, the fact that it comes in a chic chilli red colourway saves you time from spotting it at the airport and gives some serious endorphins in the style department, too.

Price: $450

Icebreaker merino thermal leggings

oasis women's leggings — Good for staying chic and warm. (Image: Supplied)

Jeans and shorts trends may come and go, but a good pair of leggings is tried and tested to last for seasons and beyond. For your bestie who loves to travel to cold-weather destinations, thermal leggings from Icebreaker are a no-brainer for powering through a multitude of activities and adventures.

Price: $139.99

Icebreaker merino blend short-sleeve t-shirt

Merino scoop tee — A soft and versatile tee is a necessity for outdoor adventures. (Image: Supplied)

And for those heading for a summer trip overseas or staying in town for coastal adventures, this scoop t-shirt passed the wear test, made from a breathable and lightweight fabric designed to help keep anybody cool.

Price: $119.99

Fjällräven Skule 28 bag

Perfect for chiller hikes and short weekend trips, this lightweight bag from Swedish brand Fjällräve is a testament to their signature nature-focused style. Durable and timeless, it’s a worthy addition to any explorer’s reliable bag collection.

Price: $179.95

Abandoned mills and forgotten paper plants are finding second lives – and helping redefine a city long underestimated.

Just 15 years ago, Federal Mills was a very different place. Once among the most significant industrial sites in Victoria, the historic woollen mill was one of a dozen that operated in Geelong at the industry’s peak in the mid-20th century, helping the city earn its title as ‘wool centre of the world’. But by the 1960s global competition and the rise of synthetic fabrics led to the slow decline of the industry, and Federal Mills finally shuttered its doors in 2001. Within a few years, the abandoned North Geelong grounds had become makeshift pastoral land, with cows and goats grazing among the overgrown grass between the empty red-brick warehouses. It was a forgotten pocket of the city, all but two klicks from the bustle of the CBD.

Geelong cellar door wine bar — Geelong has shed its industrial identity to become an innovative urban hub with reimagined heritage spaces. (Image: Ash Hughes)

Federal Mills: from forgotten factory to creative precinct

Today, the century-old complex stands reborn. The distinctive sawtooth-roof buildings have been sensitively restored. An old silo is splashed with a bright floral mural, landscapers have transformed the grounds, and the precinct is once again alive with activity. More than 1000 people work across 50-plus businesses here. It’s so busy, in fact, that on a sunny Thursday morning in the thick of winter, it’s hard to find a car park. The high ceilings, open-plan design, and large multi-paned windows – revolutionary features for factories of their time – have again become a drawcard.

Paddock Bakery andPatisserie — Paddock Bakery and Patisserie is housed within the historic wool factory. (Image: Gallant Lee)

At Paddock, one of the precinct’s newer tenants, weaving looms and dye vats have been replaced by a wood-fired brick oven and heavy-duty mixers. Open since April 2024, the bakery looks right at home here; the building’s industrial shell is softened by ivy climbing its steel frames, and sunlight streams through the tall windows. Outside, among the white cedar trees, families at picnic benches linger over dippy eggs and bagels, while white-collar workers pass in and out, single-origin coffee and crème brûlée doughnuts in hand.

Geelong: Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design

Paddock Bakery can be found at Federal Mills. (Image: Gallant Lee)

“A lot of people are now seeing the merit of investing in Geelong,” says Paul Traynor, the head of Hamilton Hospitality Group, which redeveloped Federal Mills. A city once shunned as Sleepy Hollow, and spurned for its industrial, working-class roots and ‘rust belt’ image, Geelong has long since reclaimed its ‘Pivot City’ title, having reinvented itself as an affordable, lifestyle-driven satellite city, and a post-COVID migration hotspot.

And the numbers stand testament to the change. In March 2025, and for the first time in its history, Greater Geelong became Australia’s most popular regional town for internal migration, overtaking Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Current forecasts suggest Geelong will continue to outpace many other Australian cities and towns, with jobs growing at double the rate of the population.

Tourism is booming, too. The 2023-24 financial year was Geelong and The Bellarine region’s busiest on record, with 6.4 million visitors making it one of the fastest-growing destinations in the country. It’s not hard to see why: beyond the city’s prime positioning at the doorstep of the Great Ocean Road, Geelong’s tenacity and cultural ambition stands out.

As Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design, Geelong is swiftly shaking off its industrial past to become a model for urban renewal, innovation, sustainability and creative communities. The signs are everywhere, from the revitalisation of the city’s waterfront, and the landmark design of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and Geelong Arts Centre, to the growing network of local designers, architects and artists, and the burgeoning roster of festivals and events. That’s not even mentioning the adaptive reuse of storied old industrial buildings – from Federal Mills, to Little Creatures’ brewery ‘village’ housed within a 1920s textile mill – or the city’s flourishing food and wine scene.

The rise of a food and wine destination

Restaurant 1915 is housed within a restored former boiler house. (Image: Harry Pope/Two Palms)

Traynor credits now-closed local restaurant Igni, which opened in 2016, as the turning point for Geelong’s hospo industry. “[Aaron Turner, Igni’s chef-patron] was probably the first guy, with all due respect, to raise the bar food-wise for Geelong,” he says. “People now treat it really seriously, and there’s clearly a market for it.” While Igni is gone, Turner now helms a string of other notable Geelong venues, including The Hot Chicken Project and Tacos y Liquor, all within the buzzy, street art-speckled laneways of the CBD’s Little Malop Street Precinct. Many others have also popped up in Igni’s wake, including Federal Mills’ own restaurant, 1915. Housed within the cavernous boiler house, 1915’s interior is dramatic: soaring, vaulted ceilings with timber beams, exposed brick, a huge arched window. The share plates echo the space’s bold character, playing with contrast and texture, with dishes such as a compressed watermelon tataki, the sweet, juicy squares tempered by salty strands of fried leeks, and charred, smoky snow peas dusted with saganaki on a nutty bed of romesco.

The Woolstore, one of The Hamilton Group’s most recent hospo projects, opened in February. It occupies a century-old riverside warehouse and exudes a more sultry, fine dining ambience. Much like Federal Mills, the blueprint was to preserve the original brickwork, tallowwood flooring and nods to the building’s former life. That same careful consideration extends to the well-versed, affable waitstaff as well as the kitchen. Head chef Eli Grubb is turning out an eclectic mix of ambitious and indulgent mod Oz dishes that deliver: strikingly tender skewers of chicken tsukune, infused with hints of smoke from the parrilla grill, and glazed with a moreish, sweet gochujang ‘jam’; nduja arancini fragrant with hints of aniseed and the earthy lick of sunny saffron aioli; and golden squares of potato pavé, adorned with tiny turrets of crème fraîche, crisp-fried saltbush leaves, and Avruga caviar, to name but a few stand-out dishes.

Woolstore menu — Woolstore’s menu is designed for sharing.

Breathing new life into historic spaces

On the city’s fringe, hidden down a winding side road with little fanfare, lies a long-dormant site that’s being gently revived. Built from locally quarried bluestone and brick, and dating back to the 1870s, the complex of original tin-roofed mill buildings is lush with greenery and backs onto the Barwon River and Buckley Falls; the audible rush of water provides a soothing soundtrack. Fyansford Paper Mill is one of few complexes of its time to survive intact. It feels steeped in history and spellbindingly rustic.

“We were looking for an old industrial place that had some charm and romance to it,” explains Sam Vogel, the owner, director and winemaker at Provenance Wines which moved here in 2018. When he first viewed the building with his former co-owner, it was in such a state of disrepair that the tradie tenant occupying the space had built a shed within it to escape the leaking roof and freezing winter temperatures. “To say it was run down would be an understatement,” he notes. “There was ivy growing through the place; the windows were all smashed. It was a classic Grand Designs project.”

Provenance Wines moved to Fyansford Paper Mill in 2018. (Image: Cameron Murray Photography)

The team has since invested more than a million dollars into their new home. Where paper processing machinery once sat, wine barrels are now stacked. Vaulted cathedral ceilings are strung with festoon lights, and hidden in plain sight lies a shadowy mural by local street artist de rigueur Rone – one of only three permanent works by the artist.

While the award-winning, cool-climate pinot noir, riesling and chardonnay naturally remain a key draw at Provenance, the winery’s restaurant is a destination in itself. Impressed already by whipsmart service, I devour one of the most cleverly curated and faultlessly executed degustations I’ve had in some time. It’s all prepared in a kitchen that is proudly zero-waste, and committed to providing seasonal, ethical and locally sourced meat and produce under head chef Nate McIver. Think free-range venison served rare with a syrupy red wine jus and a half-moon of neon-orange kosho, shokupan with a deeply savoury duck fat jus (a modern Japanese take on bread and drippings), and a golden potato cake adorned with a colourful confetti of dehydrated nasturtiums and tomato powder, and planted atop a sea urchin emulsion.

handcrafted pieces — Bell’s handcrafted functional pieces on display.

The complex is home to a coterie of independent businesses, including a gallery, a jeweller, and its latest tenant, ceramicist Elizabeth Bell, drawn here by the building’s “soul”. “There’s so much potential for these buildings to have new life breathed into them,” says Bell, whose studio is housed within the old pump room. “Even people in Geelong don’t know we’re here,” she says. “It’s definitely a destination, but I like that. It has a really calming atmosphere.”

A Melbourne transplant, Bell now feels at home in Geelong, which offers something Melbourne didn’t. “If this business was in Melbourne I don’t think it would’ve been as successful,” she notes. “It’s very collaborative in Geelong, and I don’t think you get that as much in Melbourne; you’re a bit more in it for yourself. Here it’s about community over competition.”