Christmas & New Year Tours from Melbourne
4.6 stars on(8,886 reviews)- Choose from 27 Melbourne tours
- 32 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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10 best Christmas & New Year tour packages from Melbourne
Compiled by
MelissaMelbourne travel expert at TourRadar
- 15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
- Phillip Island Penguins & Koalas Tour
- Great Ocean Road and Rainforest Walk 1 DAY
- Best of Australia with Sightseeing Tours
- Peninsula Hot Springs Spa Entry & Transfer Bus
- Highlights of Australia and New Zealand
- Penguin Parade and Wildlife Tour 1 DAY
- Journeys: Discover Australia National Geographic Journeys
- Melbourne to Kangaroo Island Adventure
- Contrasts of Australia and New Zealand
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We had a great time & it went very smoothly. I appreciate also that she would contact us to see how things were going.”
Stanley, traveled in March
Melbourne's festive charm comes alive at the UNESCO Royal Exhibition Building with its holiday lights. The Christmas markets at Queen Victoria Market buzz with activity, while Collins Street dazzles with seasonal displays. St. Paul's Cathedral hosts Christmas services and the Arts Precinct fills with festive performances.
Duration 15 days Destinations Melbourne, Uluru, Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
- NZ$3,995
Phillip Island Penguins & Koalas Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We really enjoyed all the sites we visited.”
Teri, traveled in March
The Little Penguins of Summerland Beach create an enchanting spectacle as they waddle home at sunset. This premier wildlife tour takes you along Woolamai Beach's dramatic coastline and to the Conservation Reserve's koala sanctuary. An ideal festive activity for nature enthusiasts.
Duration 1 day Destinations Melbourne, Phillip Island Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Autopia Tours From
- NZ$194
Great Ocean Road and Rainforest Walk 1 DAY
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was lovely and offered a glimpse of the Great Ocean Road and rain forest.”
Tracey, traveled in September
Victoria's stunning coastline shimmers during Melbourne's summer festivities. The seaside towns of Anglesea and Lorne sparkle with decorations, Apollo Bay serves holiday treats, and the 12 Apostles stand majestic in summer sunshine. An ideal festive escape from city heat.
Duration 1 day Destinations Melbourne, Geelong, Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park, Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Loch Ard Gorge Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wildlife Tours Australia From
- NZ$128
Melbourne's Federation Square dazzles with festive displays while Flinders Street Station glows with Christmas projections. The Queen Victoria Market hosts a vibrant night festival, the Royal Botanic Gardens showcase summer blooms, and St. Patrick's Cathedral welcomes holiday revelers.
Duration 13 days Destinations Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Yulara, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, Sydney, Blue Mountains Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
- NZ$6,654
This wellness retreat offers priority access to Peninsula Hot Springs' extensive facilities from 8:20 AM. Guests unwind for 3 hours in cave pools, Turkish baths, and the signature hilltop infinity pool before returning to Melbourne by 3:00 PM.
Duration 1 day Destinations Melbourne, Mornington, St Kilda Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Autopia Tours From
- NZ$111
Highlights of Australia and New Zealand
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Planned tours were wonderful. Extra tours were fantastic.”
John, traveled in February
Experience Melbourne's festive charm during the holiday season exploring Victorian arcades and eclectic laneways adorned with Christmas decorations. Join walking tours through Brunswick Street's quirky boutiques, feast at The General Assembly on South Wharf, and optionally visit Phillip Island to witness the magical penguin parade under summer evening skies.
Duration 22 days Destinations Melbourne, Uluru, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake TekapoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $16,855
10% Off- NZ$15,170+$4,845 upfront costsYou save $1,686
Penguin Parade and Wildlife Tour 1 DAY
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The highlight of the tour was definitely the penguin parade at sunset!”
Heti-Maria, traveled in October
Thousands of Little Penguins create a magical holiday spectacle as they waddle across Phillip Island's beaches at sunset. The seasonal journey takes you to Woolamai Beach, Swan Lake's secluded observation platforms, and the brilliantly lit Nobbies Centre.
Duration 1 day Destinations Melbourne, Phillip Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch Operator Wildlife Tours Australia From
10% Off- NZ$172
Journeys: Discover Australia National Geographic Journeys
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I am happy to travel with you.”
No, traveled in December
Melbourne's vibrant holiday atmosphere unfolds through a curated foodie walk in famous laneways. Three distinct dining venues, from Asian fusion to Italian cuisine, pair perfectly with local wines. The city's street art scene adds color while the Great Ocean Road beckons for optional excursions.
Duration 12 days Destinations Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Uluru, Sydney, Port Douglas, Cairns Age Range Ages 12+ Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From $10,539
10% Off- NZ$9,485You save $1,054
The Hanging Rock Reserve summit walk and Daylesford Sunday Market kick off Melbourne's festive season. Wildlife Wonders in Apollo Bay offers unique animal encounters, while the historic gold rush town of Ballarat showcases holiday spirit. A perfect blend of nature and culture awaits during the holiday season.
Duration 11 days Destinations Melbourne, Daylesford, Ballarat, Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Grampians National Park, Stawell, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$5,110
Melbourne's decorated laneways and arcades showcase the city's festive charm alongside its renowned café culture. The General Assembly on South Wharf serves local wines and craft beers. An optional evening penguin parade at Phillip Island adds unique holiday wildlife viewing.
Duration 18 days Destinations Melbourne, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Christchurch Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Trafalgar From $13,880
10% Off- NZ$12,492+$3,335 upfront costsYou save $1,388
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours from Melbourne
- Phillip Island Penguins & Koalas Tour
Vicki provided fantastic commentary throughout the tour. We really enjoyed all the sites we visited.
- Great Ocean Road and Rainforest Walk 1 DAY
The tour was great, The guide and The places visited were excellent. The only bad thing was that The chicken during The lunch wasn't well cooked so we asked for another. The guide also made us the favor to call and reconfirmed the Transfer to The airport.
- Highlights of Australia and New Zealand
Food was fantastic. Planned tours were wonderful. Extra tours were fantastic. Tour guides were helpful, humorous, entertaining and considerate. The only suggested improvement is eliminate the Agradome in New Zealand and replace it with the Hobitton tour. Dinner in Auckland was the best. and Lunch at Angies and Stan's farm was a close second.
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours from Melbourne
What are the typical holiday highlights included in Christmas and New Year tours starting from Melbourne?
You'll experience some amazing holiday moments on these tours, from watching the fireworks light up Sydney Harbour Bridge to celebrating New Year's Eve at The General Assembly restaurant in Melbourne. Travelers can mix city celebrations with natural wonders - you'll get to visit the Great Barrier Reef, drive along the stunning Great Ocean Road, and learn about Indigenous culture at places like Mossman Gorge. As one traveler told us: "the Melbourne city tour followed by New Year's Eve celebration was absolutely magical." The combination of festive city events and Australia's incredible landscapes makes these tours really special.
What kind of special holiday dining experiences are offered during Christmas and New Year tours from Melbourne?
You'll enjoy fantastic holiday meals at some of Australia's best restaurants, including The Grill in Auckland and Midden at the Sydney Opera House. The tours include traditional Australian Christmas dinners at places like Crown Plaza Melbourne and Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. You can look forward to fresh seafood platters in Cairns, Australian barbecue with views of Uluru, and special New Year's Eve celebration dinners. One of our travelers shared: "the Christmas lunch at Darling Harbour followed by the New Year's Eve dinner cruise was absolutely unforgettable."
What weather conditions can I expect during Christmas and New Year tours from Melbourne?
Since it's summer in Australia, Melbourne and Sydney stay pretty warm with temperatures between 77-86°F (25-30°C). If you're heading to Uluru, it gets really hot - up to 109-115°F (43-46°C). In tropical areas like Cairns, expect humid weather around 86-90°F (30-32°C). Our travelers suggest "packing light, breathable clothing for daytime activities and a light jacket for evening celebrations, especially for outdoor New Year's events."
What accommodation options are available during peak holiday season on tours starting from Melbourne?
These tours put you up in nice hotels right in the heart of the action, including Crown Plaza Melbourne, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, and Peppers Bluewater Resort in Lake Tekapo. The hotels are picked so you'll be close to all the holiday events and fireworks displays. Most places are 4-5 star hotels, though they fill up fast during the holidays. One of our travelers mentioned that "the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth offered perfect views of the New Year's fireworks over the harbour."
What special events and activities are included in Christmas and New Year tours starting from Melbourne?
You'll be part of some really fun holiday celebrations, from watching New Year's Eve fireworks at Federation Square to taking dinner cruises on the Yarra River and browsing holiday markets at Queen Victoria Market. One traveler told us: "The New Year's celebration in Melbourne was absolutely magical with amazing views of the fireworks from multiple locations." The tours take you to famous spots like the Twelve Apostles Marine National Park and Phillip Island, with stays at nice hotels like The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins or Holiday Inn Express Southbank right in Melbourne's festive atmosphere.
What unique photo opportunities are available on Christmas and New Year tours starting from Melbourne?
You'll find plenty of great spots for photos, from sunset at the Twelve Apostles to Melbourne's New Year's Eve fireworks from rooftop viewpoints and the colorfully decorated Hosier Lane. One of our travelers shared: "The Christmas lights at Federation Square and the midnight fireworks provided incredible photo opportunities." The tours make stops at beautiful places along the Great Ocean Road, and you'll get special access to high-up viewing spots at hotels like The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins.