Christmas & New Year Tours in Australia
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10 best Christmas & New Year Australia tour packages
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- 6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
- 10-Day Australia Starter Package - Private
- 15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
- Kangaroo Island 2 day small group Wildlife Adventure (shared and private accomm available)
- Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
- Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
- Best of Tasmania (including Port Huon)
- Aussie Icons - Sydney, Cairns & Melbourne
- Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
- Best of Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain (6 destinations)
6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
53 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I really enjoyed the hikes, the swags and the landscapes.”
Manon, traveled in January
A 6-day holiday adventure leads from Perth through Margaret River's wineries to Esperance's beaches. Lucky Bay provides festive camping, sunrise kangaroo encounters, and Christmas meals under stars at Cape Le Grand National Park.
Duration 6 days Destinations Perth, Busselton, Margaret River, Walpole, Albany, Cape Le Grand National Park, Esperance Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Untamed Escapes From
- NZ$1,552
10-Day Australia Starter Package - Private
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Hotel locations was perfect near city center, hotel is clean and perfect.”
Lilbeth, traveled in June
Holiday magic fills Queen Victoria Market, Sydney Harbour's NYE fireworks light up the sky, and Cairns hosts tropical celebrations. Illuminated gardens, beachfront events, and seasonal festivities at iconic landmarks create lasting memories.
Duration 10 days Destinations Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $2,514
5% Off- NZ$2,389You save $126
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
2 Reviews 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
The festive season comes alive across Australia's iconic locations. Holiday markets, twinkling lights at the Sydney Opera House, and New Year celebrations create memorable moments. Uluru offers spiritual ambiance during December, while Gold Coast buzzes with beachside festivities.
Duration 15 days Destinations Melbourne, Uluru, Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $4,331
5% Off- NZ$4,114You save $217
Kangaroo Island 2 day small group Wildlife Adventure (shared and private accomm available)
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour is very well planned as we were always in front of the big tourist bus so we could even enjoy the marvelous rocks almost by ourselves.”
Jessica, traveled in April
Duration 2 days Destinations Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Penneshaw, Kingscote, Flinders Chase National Park, Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay Age Range Ages 12+ Operator See Adelaide and Beyond From
5% Off- NZ$1,025
Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful scenery and above all an extremely excellent guide who took good care of us.”
Ingrid, traveled in November
Duration 10 days Destinations Hobart, Queenstown, Tullah, Stanley, Devonport, Launceston, Bay of Fires Conservation Area, Bicheno, Freycinet National Park, RichmondSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Under Down Under Tours From
5% Off- NZ$3,636
Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tours that were booked for us everyday were interesting, and adventurous!”
Ashley, traveled in April
Sydney's iconic NYE fireworks light up the sky as harbour cruises and Christmas markets at The Rocks spread holiday cheer. Harbourfront restaurants serve festive meals while summer celebrations stretch from Bondi to Manly Beach.
Duration 12 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, Fitzroy Island, Green Island National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
5% Off- NZ$4,579
Bruny Island's dramatic coastline sets the stage for holiday adventures. The Cape Bruny Lighthouse climb and festive local tastings charm visitors. Salamanca Markets radiate holiday spirit while Huon Valley's fourth-generation orchards pour Tasmanian wines.
Duration 9 days Destinations Launceston, Stanley, Waratah, Corinna, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Hobart, Port Arthur, Tasman Island, Hartz Mountains National Park, Port HuonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $6,025
25% Off- NZ$4,519You save $1,506
Aussie Icons - Sydney, Cairns & Melbourne
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“TourRadar did an outstanding as an travel agency.”
Theresa, traveled in June
UNESCO sites like Blue Mountains and Great Barrier Reef sparkle during holiday season. Cairns Esplanade, Melbourne's Federation Square, and Sydney's landmarks host seasonal celebrations perfect for summer adventures.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Daintree National Park, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
25% Off- NZ$4,728
Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Well organized, I will remember this trip forever!”
Claudia, traveled in November
The coastline from Sydney to Cairns sparkles with holiday spirit. Wake Up Hostel Sydney shares Christmas traditions, Byron Bay hosts festive beach BBQs, and tropical Cairns rings in the New Year. K'gari Island offers special holiday camping experiences.
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Arrawarra, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $5,539
15% Off- NZ$4,708You save $831
Tasmania offers holiday enchantment from Launceston. Festive dining at Cradle Mountain, devil feeding at Devils@Cradle sanctuary, and starlit New Year celebrations in Corinna await. Summer brings perfect conditions for Tarkine rainforest and coastal exploration.
Duration 6 days Destinations Launceston, Stanley, Waratah, Corinna, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,240
20% Off- NZ$2,592You save $648
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Australia
- 15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
It was an excellent tour very well balance between the time spent in each place, the included hours, the hotels and transportation, and the service provided by the tour agents throughout the tour. Highly recommended! Thank you very much for the unforgettable experience.
- 6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
The itinerary was great and the guide was excellent. I saw some amazingly beautiful natural places and would definitely recommend this trip. Be forewarned that it is serious camping - tents & swags and some nights without electricity or even showers (some on my tour had never been camping at all before and it was a bit of a challenge for them). Summertime would be best weather-wise in order to take full advantage of the gorgeous beaches.
Under Down Under Tours is the way to see Tasmania if you've ever been considering it and want an easy, hassle free way to see this amazing state. Many different tour types to suit your needs. I did the 10 day comfort tour and it was fabulous. Amazing sights, great accommodation and Campbell was an absolutely fantastic guide. Super knowledgeable, funny and approachable. 1000% recommend.
Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Australia
What are the most popular destinations for Christmas & New Year tours in Australia?
Australia's holiday season draws visitors to several key locations. Sydney leads with its harbor fireworks display while Melbourne attracts those seeking urban festivities and cultural events. Cairns serves as a gateway for tropical celebrations with easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. Beach destinations like the Gold Coast and Byron Bay offer classic Australian summer experiences with outdoor celebrations and beachside events. A TourRadar traveler shared "experiencing three different cities' celebrations made our Australian Christmas truly special."
What are the typical temperatures during Christmas & New Year in Australia?
December and January bring Australian summer with distinct regional variations. Sydney typically sees temperatures of 25-30°C (77-86°F). The tropical north including Cairns reaches 32-35°C (90-95°F) with considerable humidity while central desert areas like Uluru can hit 40°C (104°F). One TourRadar traveler noted "The weather was perfect for swimming at Whitehaven Beach and exploring the Great Barrier Reef during the holiday season." Light clothing and sun protection are essential.
How far in advance should I book an Australian Christmas & New Year tour?
The holiday season requires planning 6-9 months ahead due to high demand. Popular accommodations such as the Holiday Inn Potts Point in Sydney and Paradise Links Resort in Port Douglas reach capacity early. Booking data shows most tours fill up by July-August. A TourRadar traveler advised "We secured our December tour in March and were glad we did as many hotels and activities were sold out by September."
What special Christmas & New Year events can I experience in Australia?
The Australian festive season blends traditional celebrations with local flair. Sydney's Harbor Bridge and Opera House host the signature New Year's Eve fireworks. Hotels like The Point Brisbane and Mantra Club Croc in Airlie Beach put on special holiday programs. Coastal areas including Cairns feature beach celebrations and seafood feasts. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "Spending Christmas Day on a Great Barrier Reef cruise and watching the Sydney fireworks was a holiday highlight I'll never forget."
What unique wildlife experiences are available during Christmas & New Year?
Summer offers prime wildlife viewing across Australia. Visitors can find kangaroos at Cape Le Grand National Park's beaches dolphins in Port Macquarie and sea turtles while snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. The Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas and Featherdale Wildlife Park maintain regular holiday hours. As one TourRadar traveler recounted "Seeing kangaroos lounging on the beach on Christmas morning at Lucky Bay was surreal!"
How can I celebrate New Year's Eve in Australia?
Each major city presents distinct celebrations. Sydney's Harbor fireworks stand as the country's premier event. Brisbane features rooftop parties at The Point Hotel while Cairns offers beachfront celebrations at Flynn Hotel. Melbourne transforms Federation Square into a festive gathering space. A TourRadar traveler commented "Watching the fireworks from Mrs. Macquarie's Point in Sydney was the perfect way to welcome the New Year - absolutely unforgettable!"