Christmas & New Year Tours in Australia
Want to escape the cold over Christmas and New Year? Why not head to the Australian summer? Check out Sydney's beaches, drenched in sun and blue skies, enjoy Melbourne's events, discover Uluru’s magic, tour the Great Barrier Reef, and experience festive Aussie barbecues. You're celebrating the holidays in summer, seeing Australia when it's most alive. Honestly, Christmas on the beach beats winter back home every time!
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I had a fantastic time with Groovy Grape. I did an overnight tour to Kangaroo Island, the your was well paced, with plenty of time at each stop. Never felt rushed and really enjoyed the trip. Our guide (Aaron) was very knowledgeable, friendly and engaging. I would definitely your with GG again, and would highly recommend!
Kangaroo Island 2 day small group Wildlife Adventure (shared and private accomm available)Amazing experience, everything ran smoothly, and I couldn’t recommend it any more than - DO IT! Best time of my life on this tour, action packed days and it was so good to see different parts of Sydney and the wider area you might not have normally. Great value for money!
UltimateOz - Gap Year | UltimateWe had a good time with a good mix of travellers lots of fun and laughter We found it very interesting The only comment we have is a name tag The 4 Queensland Girls
Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
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- Kangaroo Island 2 day small group Wildlife Adventure (shared and private accomm available)
- Perth 4-day Stopover Program
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- 3 - Day Kangaroo Island Adventure Tour
10 best Christmas & New Year Australia tour packages
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- Kangaroo Island 2 day small group Wildlife Adventure (shared and private accomm available)
- UltimateOz - Gap Year | Ultimate
- Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
- Tasmanian Discovery - 6 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
- 15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
- Sydney to Cairns exploring Byron, Kgari, Islands & Reef - 14 Day Boutique Tour
- Phillip Island Penguin Tour with Koala Conservation Experience
- Great Barrier Reef & Whitsundays 9 Day Comfort Tour with Daintree Rainforest (Brisbane to Cairns)
- Best Of The East Coast of Australia - 16 Day Boutique Tour
- Sydney to Cairns Adventure (31 destinations)
Kangaroo Island 2 day small group Wildlife Adventure (shared and private accomm available)
“We visited bunch of interesting places, saw a lot of wildlife and learnt a lot of about Kangaroo island past and present.”
Smajo, traveled in January
December departures cover Kangaroo Island's summer highlights including swimming at Stokes Bay (Australia's top beach) and Emu Bay's dolphin-rich waters during the festive season. Flinders Chase National Park showcases coastal landmarks Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, you'll walk with endangered sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, and have a traditional Aussie BBQ dinner under the stars at Eleanor Downs Farm. Cape Jervis ferry transfers, guided koala spotting at Duck Lagoon, and picnic lunch at Little Sahara's sand dunes come included while you celebrate the holiday season on one of Australia's most beautiful islands.
Duration 2 days Destinations Adelaide, Cape Jervis, Penneshaw, Kingscote, Flinders Chase National Park, Seal Bay Age Range Ages 12+ Operator See Adelaide and Beyond From
- US$623
UltimateOz - Gap Year | Ultimate
“The first few days of the tour were great with meeting everyone and going to base camp.”
joshuatubbs, traveled in November
Sydney Harbour cruises pass the illuminated Opera House during Christmas season. Ultimate Basecamp near One Mile Beach hosts festive BBQs and beach parties, while Sydney's vibrant nightlife districts come alive with seasonal pub crawls.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, Coogee, Bondi Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Ultimate Travel From
- US$905
Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
“The Under Down Under 10-day tour was incredible! I'd highly recommend it to anyone who loves the outdoors, adventure, and stunning scenery.”
Lisa, traveled in December
Tasmania's UNESCO rainforests come alive as you travel from Hobart to the Gordon River, stopping at Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park and Lake St Clair, Australia's deepest freshwater lake. The UNESCO-listed Port Arthur Historic Site on Tasman Peninsula includes a harbour cruise, and you'll wander Richmond's convict-built village.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hobart, Mount Field National Park, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Queenstown, Strahan, Burnie, Stanley, Penguin, UlverstoneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Under Down Under Tours From
- US$2,281
Tasmanian Discovery - 6 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
“The 6 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania exceeded my expectations in the best way. As an older (mid 70s) woman travelling alone, I was able to see just about everything I hoped.”
Sharon, traveled in November
This 6-day small-group tour (max 20 people) leads through Tasmania's wilderness over Christmas and New Year, starting at Hobart's Salamanca Market then heading into the UNESCO-listed wilderness area. You'll see Russell Falls at Mount Field National Park and cruise the Gordon River past ancient Huon pines over a thousand years old.
Duration 6 days Destinations Hobart, Mount Field National Park, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Queenstown, Strahan, Macquarie Harbour, Tullah, Dove Lake, SheffieldSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Under Down Under Tours From
- US$1,508
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.”
Ignacio, traveled in August
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, St Kilda, Uluru, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Yulara, Sydney, Bondi Beach, Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, Mount TamborineSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
- US$2,353
Sydney to Cairns exploring Byron, Kgari, Islands & Reef - 14 Day Boutique Tour
“Very good itinerary. Mostly good lodging.”
William, traveled in December
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, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Via Travel Australia From
- US$5,914
Phillip Island Penguin Tour with Koala Conservation Experience
“The Driver was very nice and informative.”
Kayvan, traveled in January
Summer brings Australia's finest wildlife viewing, with Little Penguins returning at sunset, koalas spotted in natural woodland, and fur seal colonies visible from clifftop viewpoints. Available December-March with 75+ departures.
Duration 1 day Destinations Melbourne, Phillip Island Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Autopia Tours From
- US$113
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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!"