The festive season is still technically a few weeks off, but you can hear the jingle bells a ringinโ from here, and restaurant reservations for Christmas Day get snapped up fast.
So whether itโs for lunch or dinner, a family affair or a gathering with friends, Gourmet Traveller have compiled some great ideas for outsourcing Yuletide good times.

Palm Cove
Settle in beneath the hanging gardens for Christmas at the beach. Slow-roasted Tablelands pork with Daintree vanilla and cherries, and line-caught fish with lychee and papaya may feature in the three-course affair. On the sweet side, thereโll be velvet crumble with passionfruit marshmallow, classic mince pies and Christmas pudding ice-cream. Priced $85-$95 per person.
1 Veivers Rd, Palm Cove, (07) 4059 1880

Port Douglas
Berkshire pork with apple and mash or north Queensland barramundi with corn and jalapeรฑo โ the choice will be yours from a four-course menu mixing the traditional bill of fare with tropical touches at this elegant beach house. Priced $120 per person.
22 Wharf St, Port Douglas, (07) 4099 4011

Brisbane
Itโs out with the old and in with the new as the Brisbane bistro offers a five-course spread featuring wagyu beef carpaccio, Mooloolaba tiger prawn ceviche and a roasted rack of lamb with watercress and fennel. The finale? Strawberry cheesecake. Priced $135 per person.
181 Mary St, Brisbane, (07) 3229 3686

Brisbane
With sleek tandoori ovens, wood fired delicacies, and wok stations, Thymeยฒ has all your needs covered. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with a lucious and deep menu.
249 Turbot Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia, +61 7 3835 3535