While the rest of the world might be bundling up for a white Christmas like a burrito, 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.
Celebrating Christmas and New Year's in the land down under is an experience unlike any other. With an incredible line-up of events and parties across the country, put away the scarves and check out 15 of the best ways to enjoy an Aussie-style festive season.
Image thanks to Ozparty
Where: Cargo Bar, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour
Kick off your Christmas Eve in true Aussie style with this iconic Sydney Harbour cruise.
This is the ultimate party for you to enjoy a fun boozy packed night on Christmas Eve while cruising by the beautiful Sydney Harbour. OzParty Xmas Eve Cruise brings together 850 revellers on a split-level, glass island boat for a night of all-inclusive drinks, delicious buffet dinner. Tickets also include FREE after party entry and epic prizes to be won! Tickets sell fast so grab them ASAP for an unforgettable Xmas eve night. Get your mates together, don your best festive outfit, and soak in Sydney’s lights as you sail by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Image thanks to Life Without Andy
Where: Marion Bay, Tasmania
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. Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable beachside celebration in Marion Bay. Known as one of Australia’s best music festivals, Falls Festival blends stunning coastal views with an incredible lineup of bands and DJs. With a ticket, you get three days of camping onsite,and three days of endless entertainment, and the unbeatable energy that only Tassie can deliver. There’s no better way to cap off the year than with live music, beach vibes, and festival friends under the stars.
Image thanks to Nomadsworld
Where: Magnetic Island, Townsville, Queensland
Australia’s answer to Thailand’s Koh Pha Ngan Full Moon Party, the Island Life NYE Party on Magnetic Island is an all-out, electrifying beach bash. With fire twirlers, DJs, and thousands of partygoers, this celebration brings a wild energy to the shores of Magnetic Island. Say goodbye to the old year in true island style, dancing barefoot on the sand in paradise. Book early, as this iconic event draws in a crowd year after year for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve under the stars.
Image thanks to White Party
Where: Gold Coast, Queensland
Pull out that white outfit you’ve been saving for a special occasion and get ready for the White NYE Party on the Gold Coast! This stylish party starts at sunset and keeps going into the early hours on a spacious two-level boat cruise. Tickets are very limited and sell out fast, so grab yours early to ensure a spot on one of Queensland’s most glamorous NYE events.
Image thanks to Woodford Folk Festival
Location: Woodford, Queensland (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 to install bars, food places, craft and merch stalls and much more, before hosting more than 2,000 local and international artists and musicians. The place puts out more good vibes than the Dalai Lama making it a magical experience not to be missed.
Woodford Folk Festival is a must-do for anyone wanting a more laid-back vibe. This six-day festival near Brisbane is the perfect place to kick back with like-minded people, soak up the vibes, and celebrate the new year in a way that’s truly unique.
Image thanks to Bondi 38
Location: Bondi Beach, Sydney
Live the quintessential Australian Christmas and spend the day relaxing by the beach and enjoy a Christmas day picnic under blazing blue skies. Unwind at the iconic Bondi Beach by day - locals and tourists alike gather here to celebrate with BBQs, beach games, and swims under the summer sun.
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
Location: Roe St Car Park. Northbridge, Perth
Get your dancing shoes on and party like it’s the end of the world at Freedom Time in Northbridge. A certified good time and NYE mecca for people who love to dance. Head on down to Roe St Car Park in Northbridge - because when you think about it, an empty open-air car park is the perfect place to party! This epic Day/Night party features a booming sound system, a line-up of amazing DJ’s, and electric vibes, making it the perfect spot to welcome the New Year.
Image thanks to ER Productions
Where: Greenwood Hotel, Sydney
Kick off your year at Space Ibiza’s Annual NYD Party in Sydney! On New Year’s Day, Sydney’s biggest house and techno event, Space Ibiza, takes over the Greenwood Hotel. This underground house and techno party boasts a huge lineup of the top international DJs to Greenwood Hotel’s sun-soaked courtyard, delivering a party that’s just as epic as New Year's Eve. It’s a legendary start to the year and a must for dance music fans, 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
Known for its buzzing backpacker scene, Gilligan's throws unforgettable NYE theme parties. Located in the heart of Cairns, it’s the ideal spot for budget-conscious travellers who want to ring in the new year in a fun, lively environment.
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.
They also have a decent New Years Day vibe where you can carry on partying or just laze by the pool in an Aquahut!
Image thanks to Monsoons
Location: Mitchell Street, Darwin
Celebrate the New Year in the tropical Northern Territory at Darwin’s Monsoons Bar. With a mix of resident DJs, a lively atmosphere, and some of the friendliest locals, Monsoons promises a night of dancing, laughter, and good vibes. This spot is a go-to for a laid-back yet exciting NYE experience.
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, Brisbane’s South Bank hosts a family-friendly NYE celebration with live music, food trucks, and fireworks shows. Enjoy an evening of free entertainment as you count down to the New Year with a colourful display lighting up the Brisbane River.
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 to watch the colourful display lighting up the Brisbane River.
Image thanks to Wicked Club Crawl
Where: Surfers Paradise Life Saving Club
Surfers Paradise hosts an epic beachside NYE party with hundreds of hot backpackers gathering to celebrate in true Gold Coast style. With the best local DJs spinning, you can party hard on 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
Loop Roof offers front row seats to Melbourne City’s New Years fireworks on the top of the best open air rooftop bar. front-row seats to the city’s NYE fireworks, all from an open-air rooftop bar. Kick off the night with a cocktail (try an Espresso Martini for that Melbourne vibe), enjoy the bonza view and top notch atmosphere. Get dressed up 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
Hopscotch’s Night Garden party is a magical way to spend New Year’s Eve, complete with house spirits, delicious tacos, and nitro ice cream. Situated on the riverside, you’ll get a fantastic view of Melbourne’s fireworks as they light up the night sky. This garden-themed celebration is a unique way to welcome the new year in Melbourne.
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. The Taste of Tasmania festival features fantastic food, drinks, and entertainment. The New Year's Eve party is a true highlight, featuring the island’s best food and beverages, live performances, and the best spot to watch Hobart’s midnight fireworks over the Derwent River.
Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Australia offers endless options, from beach BBQs and fireworks to festivals and rooftop parties. Whether you're after a laid-back vibe or a full-on dance party, Australia has something for every type of traveller. For those wanting to make the most of their trip, Backpackers World Travel has you covered with tours and packages across Australia to enhance your holiday season.
Australia’s summer festivities are all about celebrating in the sun, meeting new people, and soaking up the unique Aussie vibe. Wherever you end up, remember that the true Aussie way is to have a laugh, enjoy the beach, and toast to the New Year under the Southern Cross. Cheers to an unforgettable holiday season in Australia!
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