Australia is no stranger to very hot temperatures, and with Christmas right in the middle of the hottest time of year, it's no surprise that there have been some scorchers over the years.

Whether you need some last-minute items or are looking for a Christmas Day lunch, these are the places that will — and won't — be open on 25 December.

Sydney has enjoyed a warm and sunny Christmas Day with an expected change of conditions for the Sydney to Hobart blue water classic.

Christmas Day is looking dry and sunny for most of the country, with a distinctive lack of rain-producing low-pressure systems, troughs or cold fronts appearing on the charts.

Reverend Bill Crews served up Christmas Day lunch and a whole lot of festive cheer at Ashfield in Sydney's inner west.

Australian celebrities flock home to enjoy the show that Australia puts on for Christmas. Find out who has made their way Down Under already!

Christmas is still a few sleeps away but the festivities have already kicked off on the Australian calendar with many around the country celebrating what's become known as "Gravy Day".