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
- 15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
- 6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
- Aussie Icons - Sydney, Cairns & Melbourne
- Super 7 - Seven Day Tour of Tasmania
- Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
- Best of Tasmania (including Port Huon)
- AUSTRALIA – 9 Days Highlights Cairns Barrier Reef Sydney
- Australia: City to Surf (Air Price Australia: City To Surf)
- 【Perth】7 Days All-Inclusive Touring Grand Packages
- Highlights Western Australia: Outback Coast & Wave Rock Package
15-Day Great Australian Adventure - Private
2 Reviews 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 $2,475
5% Off- US$2,351You save $124
6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
53 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good experience overall.”
Atil, traveled in December
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
5% Off- US$877
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 Ages 8+ Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From $2,865
6% Off- US$2,703You save $162
Super 7 - Seven Day Tour of Tasmania
87 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a very interesting tour. The only hard part was getting up early to begin mopst days, but we did get to see more as a result.”
William, traveled in February
Tasmania's wonders shine during December departures. Port Arthur Historic Site, Cradle Mountain treks, and Hobart's Christmas markets await. Special holiday dinners and seasonal wildlife viewing enhance this 7-day adventure through 19 key destinations.
Duration 7 days Destinations Hobart, Mount Field National Park, Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Queenstown, Strahan, Henty Dunes, Tullah, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Dove Lake, SheffieldSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Under Down Under Tours From
6% Off- US$890
Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We would recommend this tour to anyone considering an extensive tour of Tasmania.”
Rachel, traveled in September
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
6% Off- US$2,054
Bruny Island's dramatic coastline sets the stage for holiday adventures. The Cape Bruny Lighthouse climb and festive local tastings charm visitors. Salamanca Markets radiate holiday spirit while Huon Valley's fourth-generation orchards pour Tasmanian wines.
Duration 9 days Destinations Launceston, Stanley, Waratah, Corinna, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Hobart, Port Arthur, Tasman Island, Hartz Mountains National Park, Port HuonSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,140
25% Off- US$3,105You save $1,035
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
25% Off- US$3,590
Australia: City to Surf (Air Price Australia: City To Surf)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was taken care of and organized, which made doing all the many activities we did so much more rewarding.”
Ashley, traveled in November
Morning yoga at Byron Bay's lighthouse, festive surfing at Bondi Beach, and holiday festivities at Sydney Harbor mark the season. Christmas dinner at Noosa Everglades bistro and K'gari's paradise-like beaches offer the perfect summer holiday blend.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Bondi, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Brisbane Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,381
10% Off- US$1,243+$134 upfront costsYou save $138
【Perth】7 Days All-Inclusive Touring Grand Packages
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The day was well organized in terms of transport and interesting places.”
Sharon, traveled in March
Margaret River's holiday wine tastings and Perth's New Year celebrations set the festive mood. The natural wonders of Wave Rock, the Pinnacles Desert, and Christmas-themed Swan River cruises create unforgettable memories. Includes 4-star accommodation and seasonal meals.
Duration 7 days Destinations Perth, Nambung National Park, Rottnest Island, Margaret River, Wave Rock, Fremantle Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Delightful Travel From
10% Off- US$1,746
Western Australia's natural wonders shine during the holiday season. Festive stays in Perth, Albany, and Monkey Mia complement a Christmas catamaran cruise in Shark Bay and New Year wildlife encounters with wild dolphins.
Duration 10 days Destinations Perth, Fremantle, Pemberton, Walpole, William Bay, Albany, Stirling Range National Park, Hyden, Wave Rock, YorkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 7+ Operated in English, German, French Operator WA NT TOURS From
10% Off- US$3,636
What people love about Christmas & New Year Tours in Australia
- 6-Day Esperance & Margaret River Adventure Tour
The itinerary was great and the guide was excellent. I saw some amazingly beautiful natural places and would definitely recommend this trip. Be forewarned that it is serious camping - tents & swags and some nights without electricity or even showers (some on my tour had never been camping at all before and it was a bit of a challenge for them). Summertime would be best weather-wise in order to take full advantage of the gorgeous beaches.
- Super 7 - Seven Day Tour of Tasmania
The Ultimate 8 Tassie tour was really great because we had a fantastic guide in Justin. He went well out of his way to make our experience exceptional and has a real love for nature and passes on his enthusiasm. The motels were really good on the motel upgrade option. The tour bus wasn't full and we had ample space but may have been cramped if fully loaded. The seats by the wheels have restricted leg room so awkward for anyone tall or with back issues. The tour was well organised and really packs alot in so early starts each day. Good value for money. The first 5 days are a set tour then the last 3 days are day trips out of Hobart so new people join the group. Justin was our guide for the bulk of the tour(first 5 days) thankfully as he was superb. We had Adelene for day 6 who was also very good. Then we had another guide for days 7 and 8 and here comes the only real criticism of the trip. This guide would have ruined the trip for me if he had been the guide for most of the tour and would not give a good impression of the company to those just doing the day trips at the end of the tour. This guide had a massive chip on his shoulder and I suspect self esteem issues! Among other things he regularly criticised other guides saying things like 'aren't you pleased you have got me as your guide because the others don't know what they are talking about'. He openly contradicted the poor girl giving the honey demonstration on the Bruny Island trip which was cringeworthy. He constantly referred to this or that good friend of his that was famous in some way which was a bore after several hours! He was rude to some walkers in an attempt at being funny. He wasn't as well organised as the other 2 guides confusing pick up points, timings and also forgot to order the cheese whilst on the Bruny island trip. He was also unhelpful to one of the girls on the MONA & the mountain day trip- she had a suitcase and he just left her stranded with it when she had to board the ferry and visit the art gallery even though he had cut the morning mountain section of the day short due to poor weather conditions. At least he could have dropped her off at the hostel which would have taken him a few minutes! The walking mentioned in the MONA & the mountain and Bruny island day trip itineraries was minimal especially compared to what we had experienced on previous days with the other 2 guides. He was also an erractic driver constantly turning round to look at us. The tour was great but would not have been if we had the guide used on the last 2 days of the tour for the whole tour. Check which guides are going to be used!
Under Down Under Tours is the way to see Tasmania if you've ever been considering it and want an easy, hassle free way to see this amazing state. Many different tour types to suit your needs. I did the 10 day comfort tour and it was fabulous. Amazing sights, great accommodation and Campbell was an absolutely fantastic guide. Super knowledgeable, funny and approachable. 1000% recommend.
Ultimate Tasmania - 10 Day Comfort Tour of Tasmania
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!"