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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Minke • traveled in April
This was an incredible experience! Amazing views, beautiful sunrise hikes, (bush) camping in swags and learning so much about geological and cultural history. My tour group was very small which created a very relaxed dynamic. No one was left behind or left out. Teamwork makes the dream work. Sid, our tour guide, is pretty damn awesome in what he does. I learned so much about these parts of Australia and he really kept me engaged because he showed authenticity and genuine engagement with people and his surroundings. He was very professional and cool even when things went a little south (blown out tire with a very long drive ahead). He had to stray away from the itinerary a couple of times but I fully trusted him to give us the best experience on this tour. He noticed when you took an interest in learning specific things and would try and teach you about what he knows. Also shoutout to Gary, who was a trainee tour guide. He'll do great on his first tour through the desert and that group will be lucky to have him. This part of Australia is so unique compared to the east coast and south. It's definitely in my top 2 of tours I've been on.
7-Day Uluru to Adelaide Tour - S
Stanley • traveled in March, 2025
Our tour went very well & Noemie, the tour specialist assigned to us, was very helpful & quickly resolved the few issues that came up during our tour. I appreciate also that she would contact us to see how things were going. We had a great time & it went very smoothly.
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private - S
Siew • traveled in March, 2026
Excellent, cover a lot of nice places like seal bay, stokes bay etc..
Kangaroo Island 2 day small group Wildlife Adventure (shared and private accomm available)
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10 best Christmas & New Year Australia tour packages
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
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7-Day Uluru to Adelaide Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a great trip, with a great guide.”
Christian, traveled in January
The Australian outback comes alive with sunrise walks at Uluru, traditional campfire dinners, and starlit nights. The historic William Creek Hotel serves festive counter meals while magical summer sunsets paint Kings Canyon. December brings ideal weather for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Duration 7 days Destinations Yulara, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru, Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon, Coober Pedy, Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Quorn, ClareSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Untamed Escapes From
- US$949
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 $2,241
5% Off- US$2,129You save $112
Kangaroo Island 2 day small group Wildlife Adventure (shared and private accomm available)
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wildlife was abundant and our tour manager Aaron was fantastic.”
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
5% Off- US$631
AUSTRALIA – 9 Days Highlights Cairns Barrier Reef Sydney
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“All tours and accommodations were amazing. I look forward to traveling with Tour Radar again!”
Holly, traveled in September
Sydney's festive atmosphere peaks with an optional New Year's Eve harbor cruise (approx. $460) offering prime firework views of the Opera House and Bridge. Holiday-themed experiences and festive meals highlight December departures.
Duration 9 days Destinations Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Bondi Beach, Blue Mountains, Kiama Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Bucket List Group Travel LLC From
5% Off- US$3,590
Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
20 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was packed with beautiful drives, photo stops, and walks. We loved that there wasn't dead 'time on your own' that other tours have after only a half day.”
Jeanne, traveled in November
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, Queenstown, Stanley, Devonport, Launceston, Bicheno, Bay of Fires Conservation Area, Freycinet National Park, Richmond, Bruny IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Under Down Under Tours From
5% Off- US$2,310
Tasmanian Discovery - 6 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tasmania is a beautiful place so glad we did this tour.”
Theresa, traveled in February
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
5% Off- US$1,527
Best of Australia with Sightseeing Tours
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour far exceeded our expectations! The cities, flights, activities, schedule was carefully curated.”
DAVE, traveled in December
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, Otway, Twelve Apostles Marine National Park, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Yulara, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru, CairnsSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd From
5% Off- US$4,443
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!"