The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of Christmas carols, the warmth of family gatherings, and the excitement of gift-giving. But there's one aspect of the holiday season that can dampen the spirits of even the most enthusiastic celebrants: the dreaded holiday traffic. However, fear not, dear members of the Seniors Discount Club, because we've got some genius tips to help you navigate the roads this Christmas season without getting caught in the bumper-to-bumper chaos!

According to insights from Novated Lease Australia, there's a strategy to beating the traffic, and it involves some early rises or late evenings. Their research into traffic trends across Australia during the summer holidays has revealed that the key to a smooth journey is all in the timing.


For those of you planning to hit the road between December 20 and New Year’s Day, the research suggests that setting off in the early morning, before the sun graces the sky, is your best bet for a clear run. Not only will you enjoy the tranquility of the open road, but you'll also have the added bonus of witnessing the beauty of an Australian sunrise.


If you're not an early bird, there's still hope. The roads are also less congested after 7pm, giving you plenty of time to reach your destination before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Just imagine the peaceful drive with the evening breeze as your companion, and the twinkling stars overhead.


Now, let's talk specifics. On Christmas Day, when the air is filled with the scent of roasting turkey and the sound of wrapping paper being torn in excitement, the worst traffic is expected between 11am-2pm and 5pm-7pm. These are the times when most people are traveling to and from family events. So, if you must travel on Christmas Day, try to plan your journey outside these hours.

Boxing Day brings its own set of challenges, with traffic peaking in the morning and early afternoon as families venture out of town and bargain hunters rush to the shopping centres for the Boxing Day sales. There's also a spike between 4pm and 7pm, so aim to travel between 2pm and 4pm to avoid the rush.

New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration, and traffic tends to build up from around 4pm as people head to parties and public events. Our advice? Get your supplies early in the day and stay off the roads until the next morning. Trust us, starting the New Year in a traffic jam is not the way to go.


When it comes to the return journey on New Year’s Day, the early bird catches the worm once again. It's fine to travel before 2pm, but traffic peaks in the evening as holidaymakers head back home.

Aside from these holiday-specific tips, the study by Novated Lease Australia also shed light on the worst Australian cities for traffic year-round. Melbourne takes the dubious honour of being the most congested city, with motorists spending an average of 92 hours in traffic per year, costing $205 in petrol. Sydney follows closely behind, with 83 hours and $175 in petrol costs. Surprisingly, Adelaide, not Brisbane, takes third place, with 72 hours and $130 in petrol costs.

So, dear members, as you prepare for the festive season, remember that a little planning goes a long way. Consider these traffic trends when scheduling your holiday travels. And if you find yourself in a jam despite your best efforts, take a deep breath and remember that the true spirit of the season is about peace, joy, and goodwill to all – even to fellow drivers.


We'd love to hear your own tips and experiences with holiday traffic. Have you discovered any secret routes or times to travel that keep you clear of congestion? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's help each other have a merry and stress-free Christmas season on the roads!