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
- 15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
- Indian Pacific Train with Sydney & Perth
- Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
- Complete Australia Highlights 14 days
- Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
- 4 Day Red Centre Uluru to West MacDonnell 4WD Tour - to/from Alice Springs
- Australia: North Queensland Adventure
- Best of Australia with Sightseeing Tours
- Australia: North Queensland Adventure (Sailing)
6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
52 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Safety was paramount throughout the trip, and our tour guide's meticulous attention to detail was evident.”
Roseline, traveled in November
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$1,496
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 All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
- NZ$4,053
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 Ages 10+ Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
- NZ$9,381
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 Ages 18+ Operator Via Travel Australia From $11,869
15% Off- NZ$10,089You save $1,780
Duration 14 days Destinations Melbourne, Uluru, Gold Coast, Cairns, Sydney Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
15% Off- NZ$4,488
Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Under Down Under Tours is the way to see Tasmania if you've ever been considering it. Amazing sights, great accommodation.”
Ashleigh, traveled in January
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
15% Off- NZ$3,505
4 Day Red Centre Uluru to West MacDonnell 4WD Tour - to/from Alice Springs
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Central Australia radiates summer intensity with temperatures above 50°C. Uluru displays changing colors at sunset, while Kata Tjuta's ancient domes and Ellery Creek Big Hole offer scenic wonders. Festive campfire dinners complete starlit desert evenings.
Duration 4 days Destinations Alice Springs, Yulara, Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park, Ormiston Gorge, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Autopia Tours From
15% Off- NZ$1,744
Bush tucker dining in Cairns and holiday snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef mark the season. Christmas walks through Daintree Rainforest, koala spotting on Magnetic Island, and New Year celebrations on Whitehaven Beach's pristine shores create unforgettable memories.
Duration 9 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $2,745
5% Off- NZ$2,608You save $137
Ancient rainforests and iconic landmarks provide a magical Christmas backdrop. Festive BBQ at Uluru, seasonal marine activities at Great Barrier Reef, and New Year's Eve harbor views in Sydney create unforgettable moments. Special holiday markets and celebrations at Darling Harbour complete the experience.
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
5% Off- NZ$6,622
Australia: North Queensland Adventure (Sailing)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was excellent. 5/5 to him.”
Curran, traveled in December
Tropical Queensland delivers holiday magic. Whitsundays sailing, Christmas bush tucker feasts with Kuku Yalanji people in Cairns, and Rock Wallaby watching on Magnetic Island create memories. Optional skydiving over Airlie Beach costs around $210.
Duration 9 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $3,135
5% Off- NZ$2,978+$60 upfront costsYou save $157
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Australia
- 6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
I really liked the tour!
- Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
Having traveled to 50+ countries now, this tour was one of the most epic trips I've ever done. In fact, the dive and snorkeling day trip was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of my life. Besides that though, the tour was a great mix of interesting excursions, like K'Gari and the Whitsundays, to epic coastal regions and beach towns like Byron Bay, an incredible visit to the Daintree Rainforest, and incredibly insightful and enriching visits with First Nations and aboriginal groups. The tour guides, Jason and Justin, were absolutely TOP!!! Looked after the group and filled us in on Australian history along the way. On one of the longer drive days, Justin had even organized a fun group trivia session which helped break up the drive. The hotels and holiday apartments were all comfortable and in-line with expectations - not 5* luxury but all well-appointed, clean, and local boutique style accommodations - some even had free laundry facilities which was a HUGE PLUS. Overall, I would highly recommend this trip!!
- 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 !!
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!"