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
- Sydney to Brisbane – 8 Day Boutique Tour
- Indian Pacific Train with Sydney & Perth
- Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest - 9 Day Boutique Tour
- Brisbane to Cairns Adventure
- Brisbane to Cairns - 7 Day Boutique Tour
- Best of Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain (14 destinations)
- North Queensland Adventure (22 destinations)
- Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
- Kangaroo Island Short Break Adventure
6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
52 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Beautiful scenery & wildlife. Sleeping in the swag a novel experience & much more comfortable than I expected.”
Sian, traveled in March
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 12 to 75 year olds Operator Untamed Escapes From
- NZ$1,613
The festive season unfolds from Sydney's Holiday Inn Potts Point to Brisbane. Wildlife encounters await at Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital while seasonal celebrations light up Byron Bay. Summer brings perfect conditions for beach activities and New Year festivities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane Age Range 30 to 90 year olds Operator Via Travel Australia From
- NZ$4,948
Luxury awaits aboard the Indian Pacific train during Australia's festive season. The route winds through the Blue Mountains, features Christmas dining in Adelaide's wine regions, and concludes with New Year celebrations in Perth and Margaret River wineries.
Duration 13 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Broken Hill, Adelaide, Nullarbor National Park, Perth, Rottnest Island, Margaret River Age Range 10 to 84 year olds Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
- NZ$9,171
Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest - 9 Day Boutique Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good overview of what Queensland can offer, spectacular views.”
Yves, traveled in July
Queensland's holiday charm begins at The Point Hotel Brisbane. Whitehaven Beach invites Christmas snorkeling, Kuranda's rainforest views unfold from gondola rides, and Daintree's Cape Tribulation offers wildlife encounters.
Duration 9 days Destinations Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Mission Beach, Atherton, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, Port Douglas, Mossman GorgeSee all destinations Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Via Travel Australia From
- NZ$6,420
Duration 8 days Destinations Brisbane, Noosa, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Townsville, Lucinda, Mission Beach, AthertonSee all destinations Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,225
20% Off- NZ$3,380You save $845
Brisbane to Cairns - 7 Day Boutique Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was my first tour in over 10 years and if I had known what an amazing job Jason, Tara, and the rest of the crew at Via does each and every day.”
leslie, traveled in March
The Great Barrier Reef beckons with festive season cruises, rich marine life snorkeling, and visits to Whitehaven Beach. Guests stay at Flynn Hotel Cairns and Mantra Club Croc during the holidays. Special year-end meals create lasting memories with fellow travelers.
Duration 7 days Destinations Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Mission Beach, Atherton, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Via Travel Australia From
20% Off- NZ$4,505
Duration 6 days Destinations Launceston, Stanley, Smithton, Waratah, Corinna, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$3,345
Duration 13 days Destinations Brisbane, Noosa, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Townsville, Lucinda, Mission Beach, TullySee all destinations Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $7,875
20% Off- NZ$6,300You save $1,575
Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was great, and the hotels were nice. I really enjoyed it!”
Jonathan, traveled in October
Australia's 14-day holiday adventure unfolds from Sydney's summer atmosphere through Hunter Valley wineries, K'gari's beaches, and Great Barrier Reef snorkeling. Flynn Hotel Cairns provides boutique accommodation during the journey.
Duration 14 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Via Travel Australia From
20% Off- NZ$9,161
Kangaroo Island Short Break Adventure
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Kangaroo Island Short Break Adventure was the most amazing tour I've been on in my time in Australia!”
Heti-Maria, traveled in October
Summer wildlife comes alive on Kangaroo Island during festive December departures. Sea lions bask at Seal Bay, while Remarkable Rocks stand sentinel. Holiday picnics provide perfect opportunities for wildlife watching in the long evening light.
Duration 2 days Destinations Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$1,705
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Australia
- Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
I'm in my 60s...this tour was a mix of comfortable accommodation and enjoyable light activities. It was a small group of like minded people. We loved it !!
- Best of Australia
Great tour, saw amazing places, met great people, experienced a few adventures and conquered some of my fears! I would definitely do it again.
- 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.
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!"