While most of the world spends their white Christmas and New Year’s bundled up like a burrito, Christmas and New Years in Australia is different. It’s a unique experience where you can catch Santa surfing in his board shorts while you fire up a BBQ by the beach. Put away the scarves and check out these 15 fantastic ways that you can spend Christmas or countdown to the New Year in the land down under.
Image thanks to Ozparty
Where: Cargo Bar, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour
This is the ultimate party for you to enjoy a fun boozy packed night on Christmas Eve while cruising by the beautiful Sydney Harbour with 850 other partygoers. Get your most festive Christmas outfit ready for a selfie on the split level glass island boat and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with all-inclusive drinks. Tickets also include FREE after party entry and epic prizes to be won! Tickets are selling fast so grab them ASAP for an unforgettable Xmas eve night with your mates.
Image thanks to Life Without Andy
Where: Marion Bay, Tasmania
Kick off the end of December with Falls Festival and if you don’t know what all the hoo-ha is about, you should. You can’t actually say you have partied in OZ unless you have been to one of the Falls Festivals. Tickets entitle you to 3 days of camping onsite and three endless days of entertainment with the hottest DJs and top bands. We can’t think of a more wicked way to welcome in the New Year.
Image thanks to Nomadsworld
Where: Magnetic Island, Townsville, Queensland
Australia’s very own answer to Thailand’s Koh Pha Ngan Full Moon Party ever since 2004 and every year they are bigger and better. Say goodbye to the past and be sure to never look back. With fire twirlers and dancing vibes flying between the mass of 3000 bodies on an island beach with a sick view, this is Australia’s most iconic outdoor party that will be a night that you may or may not remember.
Image thanks to White Party
Where: Gold Coast, Queensland
Did you keep that sexy white dress stashed somewhere because you can’t find the occasion to wear it? Whip it out and strut it in style at the White NYE Party on the Gold Coast where you party from sunset till sunrise on a two-levelled spacious boat cruise. Tickets are very limited, so jump on board now to welcome the new year on a high note.
Image thanks to Woodford Folk Festival
Where: Woodford (just outside Brisbane)
The Woodford Folk Festival is an Australian New Years mainstay that has been drawing people to Woodford from the 27th of December to the 1st of January for over 30 years. Each year construction starts in early December while people work hard install bars, food places, craft and merch stalls and more before hosting more than 2,000 local and international artists and musicians. The place is puts out more good vibes than the Dalai Lama making it a magical experience not to be missed.
Image thanks to Bondi 38
Where: Bondi Beach, Sydney
Spend your Christmas day relaxing by the beach and enjoy a Christmas day picnic under blazing blue skies. Unwind at the iconic Bondi Beach by day where all the action happens and catch the Sydney Harbour Fireworks at night. If you are looking to escape the crowd, head to one of Sydney’s secret beaches. You can snorkel off the coast of Shelly beach or just watch the world go by at the hidden sandy spot of Milk beach for a truly unique Australian Christmas.
Image thanks to Freedom Time
Where: Roe St Carpark, Northbridge, Perth
Get your dancing shoes on and party like it’s the end of the world at Freedom Time. A certified good time and NYE mecca for people who love to dance. Head on down to Roe St Carpark in Northbridge (because when you think about it, an empty car park is the perfect place to party) for a Day/Night party featuring a booming sound system with good vibes and a line-up of amazing DJ’s to match.
Image thanks to ER Productions
Where: Greenwood Hotel, Sydney
Start the New Year with a bang at the biggest Underground house and Techno party in Sydney. The no.1 club Space Ibiza is bringing the Annual NYD Party and each year they boast the biggest line-up ever with many international artists and the best local supporting acts. This is one event you absolutely cannot miss so grab your tickets right now to start the year right here in sun-soaked Sydney!
Image thanks to Gilligan’s
Where: Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort, Cairns
Dress to impress at the Las Vegas themed party at Gilligan’s NYE Party. Book a stay at a great backpacker hostel accommodation located in the heart of Cairns and get a discounted rate for a crazy night of fun without breaking the bank.
Image thanks to Monsoons
Where: Monsoons, Mitchell Street, Darwin
Monsoons Bar at Darwin is bringing their very own party this Christmas in the Northern Territory and the atmosphere is hot as ever. Put on your favourite clothes and go twinning with your BFF at the NYE Party and have the time of your life with resident DJ’s and special guests!
Image thanks to Viator
Where: South Bank Parklands, South Bank
If getting as physically drunk as possible is not on your new year wish list, enjoy an evening of free fireworks shows and ring in the New Year with a complete list of entertainment at Brisbane’s Fireworks Spectacular in South Bank. Celebrations start as early as 3pm where you can catch free live music performances by City Sounds Artists and free movies at the Cultural Forecourt. Grab a bite at the many food trucks serving up all sorts of food from around the world from 11am onwards. Savoury sausage sizzles or sweet Nutella filled donuts? You name it they got it. The first fireworks show starts as early as 8:30pm so be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot!
Image thanks to Wicked Club Crawl
Where: Surfers Paradise Life Saving Club
Let loose to welcome the new year with hot backpackers and the best local DJ at Gold Coast. Party hard at the massive balcony and see the Midnight Fireworks right in front of your eyes! The music is pumping at this exclusive private beach front party and there is no better way to bring in the New Year in style at the Gold Coast.
Image thanks to Loop Roof
Where: Loop Roof, 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne
Get front row seats to Melbourne City’s New Years fireworks on the top of the best open air rooftop bar with and make sure to start your night with an exotic Espresso Martini. The view is bonza and the atmosphere is awesome so get dressed and dance till the early hours upstairs, then head down and keep the party going well into the new year at Loop Roof’s very own Laneway nightclub.
Image thanks to Melbourne Food Festivals
Where: Hopscotch, Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC 3006
Countdown to the New Year under the stars at Hopscotch’s magical night garden festival. Enjoy house spirits and pork tacos or have a nitro ice cream while watching the riverside fireworks lighting up the Melbourne skyline.
Image thanks to ShowFX
Where: Princes Wharf Shed No. 1, Hobart
Hobart is one of the coolest places to spend the New Year in Australia as you see the usually sleepy city burst into life during the New Year’s Eve party featuring the island’s sensational food and beverages, captivating entertainment and the best view of the midnight fireworks you’ll find on the waterfront.
Related Articles
