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
- Aussie Icons - Sydney, Cairns & Melbourne
- 15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
- Indian Pacific Train with Sydney & Perth
- Sydney to Brisbane – 8 Day Boutique Tour
- Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
- Brisbane to Cairns Adventure
- Best of Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain (14 destinations)
- Best of Tasmania
- Melbourne to Kangaroo Island Adventure
- Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
Aussie Icons - Sydney, Cairns & Melbourne
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Over all very nicely organized and selected tours.”
Sinhareb, traveled in September
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 8 to 79 year olds Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
- NZ$4,473
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
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 up to 70 year olds Operator Vio Travel From
- NZ$3,885
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$9,208
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 $4,967
20% Off- NZ$3,974You save $993
Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The fellow group of travels were very diverse but got a long so well that it made so pleasurable.”
Danya, traveled in September
Wildlife encounters at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and reef adventures from Cairns highlight the season. A festive welcome dinner in Sydney precedes Hunter Valley wine tasting and K'gari (Fraser Island) exploration during Australia's summer holidays.
Duration 16 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$11,647
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
5% Off- NZ$4,014You save $211
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 $3,360
25% Off- NZ$2,520You save $840
Duration 9 days Destinations Launceston, Stanley, Smithton, Waratah, Corinna, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Hobart, Port Arthur, Tasman Island, Hartz Mountains National ParkSee all destinations Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,475
25% Off- NZ$4,106You save $1,369
Southern Australia's treasures shine during the holidays, from Melbourne through the Great Ocean Road's 12 Apostles. Ballarat's historic sites, Apollo Bay's Wildlife Wonders, and Kangaroo Island's Penneshaw Penguin Centre offer seasonal charm.
Duration 11 days Destinations Melbourne, Daylesford, Ballarat, Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Grampians National Park, Stawell, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
25% Off- NZ$5,110
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 6 to 82 year olds Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
25% Off- NZ$4,333
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 !!
- 7 Day Perth to Exmouth Explorer & Ningaloo Reef Return - from Perth
We love the tour very much
- 6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
Amazing! Sean is such a great guide and the organisation was perfect
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!"