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.

Christmas & New Year Tours from Melbourne

Picture exploring Melbourne's vibrant culture and gardens, driving the Great Ocean Road and seeing the 12 Apostles, and dining under the stars at Uluru. Amazing, isn't it? Snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef from a catamaran, and discover the Blue Mountains and native wildlife. Australia's greatest hits can’t be done in one trip, but a festive visit will show you exactly why you should return.

10 best Christmas & New Year tour packages from Melbourne

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Explorer
Best of Australia with Sightseeing Tours
2.6 (5 traveler reviews)
"This tour far exceeded our expectations! The cities, flights, activities, schedule was carefully curated."
DAVE, traveled in December
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+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd
From
US$4,445per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Great Ocean Road and Rainforest Walk 1 DAY
4.4 (10 traveler reviews)
"Well organized coach tour catching all the main sites of the Great Ocean Road... we saw koalas, kangaroos and even a porcupine."
Brendan, traveled in January
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Melbourne, Geelong, Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay,Great Otway National Park,Twelve Apostles Marine National Park,Loch Ard Gorge+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wildlife Tours Australia
From
US$81per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"It was an excellent tour very well balance between the time spent in each place, the included hours, the hotels and transportation."
Ignacio, traveled in August
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Uluru, Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
From
US$2,475per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Journeys: Discover Australia National Geographic Journeys
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"This trip was a dream come true to mystical magical places around Australia!!!"
Allison, traveled in March
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Uluru, Sydney, Port Douglas,Cairns+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
East Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
From
US$6,499per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Wildlife
Phillip Island Penguins & Koalas Tour
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
"Just nice view, penguins and koalas. Good to have guides like Brit, I would give my sincere recommendation."
eric, traveled in October
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Melbourne, Phillip Island
Age Range
Ages 18+
Islands
Phillip Island
Operated in
English
Operator
Autopia Tours
From
US$124per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Explorer
AUSTRALIA – 12 Days Melbourne Uluru Cairns Sydney
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Uluru, Sydney, Cairns
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bucket List Group Travel LLC
From
US$4,990per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
【Melbourne】All Inclusive Discover 6 Days Touring Packages
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Melbourne
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
East AustraliaYarra ValleyVictoria+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Delightful Travel
From
US$1,834per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Solo-ish Australia
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Sydney,Cairns+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Australia Northern TerritoryCentral AustraliaAustralian OutbackRed Centre+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From $4,699
US$3,759per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Introducing Australia – Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Phillip Island, Apollo Bay, Sydney,Blue Mountains,Cairns,Fitzroy Island,Green Island National Park+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
East Australia
Operated in
English
Operator
Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd
20% Off
From
US$2,469per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Hiking & Trekking
Grampians National Park & Wildlife Escape
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Melbourne, Ballarat, Beaufort, Halls Gap,Grampians National Park,Ararat+2 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
Autopia Tours
20% Off
From
US$99per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
10-Day Australia Starter Package - Private
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"Great choice of cities in Australia. Tours in all three places were very good."
Catherine, traveled in October
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Great Barrier ReefEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
20% Off
From
US$1,437per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Wildlife
Penguin Parade and Wildlife Tour 1 DAY
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"Great way to see the cutest penguins in the world!"
CATHERINE, traveled in June
Duration
1 day
Destinations
Melbourne, Phillip Island
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Phillip Island
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch+6 more
Operator
Wildlife Tours Australia
20% Off
From
US$109per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Melbourne to Brisbane Adventure
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Sydney, Hunter Valley, Cessnock, Port Macquarie,Byron Bay,Springbrook,Gold Coast,Surfers Paradise,Brisbane+5 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Australia East CoastEast Australia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From
US$5,350per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Great Ocean Road & Grampians Discovery - 2 days
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Great Otway National Park, Halls Gap,Grampians National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From
US$515per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Best of the Great Ocean Road & Grampians - 3 days
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park,Warrnambool,Grampians National Park,Halls Gap+3 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Country Region
Great Ocean RoadVictoria+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From
US$815per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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