Australia has a lot to celebrate, perfect weather, great food, the dream lifestyle. Whether its national pride on Australia Day or bringing in the New Year. Australians don’t just celebrate their own traditions but also, international ones such as Chinese New Year.
Sun, beers and barbecues. Sounds like an average day in Australia? Though, this is usually how Australians celebrate Australia Day, the official national day of the country. The occasion is often marked with community and family events, as well as, awards and ceremonies. The record number of people pledging to become Australian citizens also happened this year, on Australia Day.
Now, Australia Day isn’t the only extravagant celebration in Australia, New Year’s Eve is huge. This year, it was estimated that 85,000 people watched the celebrations over the Brisbane River and in Melbourne, 14 tons of fireworks were used for their display. In Sydney, an estimated 1 million people watched the elaborate firework display, however, one of the projections over Sydney Harbour Bridge read ‘Happy New Year 2018’ leaving everyone confused as to whether they’d travelled back in time!
Australia doesn’t just celebrate one new year; not forgetting Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, one of several Lunar New Years in Asia celebrated on 5th February this year. Much like Christmas Day, Chinese New Year is a time for family. However, it is said more people in China travelled this year than ever before. As the festival lasts 7 days, it is a good chance for family and friends to get away, with most popular destinations being from neighboring countries such as Thailand and Japan.
Celebrations for the Chinese New Year in Australia were enjoyed by 4 million people with street festivals, markets, dancing and displays. Attracting huge amounts of people every year provides sponsor brands great exposure. At the Sydney Darling Harbour, the Dragon Boat racing is one of the biggest events of the festival and the concept Lunar Eats celebrates Sydney’s Asian cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for entertainment, adventure, or a place to relax, there is always an event to cater to your needs in Australia.
Sydney’s New Year’s Eve
Ring in the New Year amidst the landscape of Sydney’s city skyline, and experience Sydney’s world-renowned firework display cascade down the Harbour Bridge. Visitors may also choose to head to the water on Sydney’s New Year’s Eve Cruise, which hosts dinner and entertainment for the ultimate party experience.
Key dates: 31st December, 2018
Australia Day
This epic day celebrates everything great about being Australian, and is enjoyed outdoors, in parks or at the beach. Sydney’s Harbour bridge sets the stage for an unforgettable schedule of live entertainment throughout the day, followed by fireworks from 9pm.
Key dates: 26th January, 2019
Sydney Chinese New Year
Discover Sydney as the city transforms into a foreshore of life, filled with lanterns, dragon boat races, on the landscape of Darling Harbour. The city holds this spectacular event to celebrate the onset of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Key dates: Tuesday, 5th February
Melbourne Chinese New Year
Attracting crowds of up to 80,000 each year, the Victoria Street Lunar New Year celebrations holds a spectacular month-long variety of food stalls, wine offerings and live performances each night. People from all backgrounds are brought together to celebrate diversity and community.
Key dates: Tuesday, 5th February
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Comedians from all backgrounds are invited to take center stage at theatres, pub and clubs during this festival. The festival gives spotlight to Australian and International talent, and offers hundreds of shows, with baseline tickets averaging at $30 per head.
Key dates: 27th March – 21st April, 2019
Vivid Sydney
The multi-award-winning festival of light, music and ideas displayed across Sydney. A free public exhibition for all the family and enjoyed by over 2 million people each year, Vivid Sydney has something spectacular for everyone.
Key dates: 24th May – 15th June 2019 @ Sydney
Splendour in the Grass
Experience everything from indie pop to alternative rock as local and internationally-renowned talents take the stage at one of Australia’s most popular music events every year.
Key dates: 19-21st July 2019 (TBC) @ Byron Bay, New South Wales
Melbourne International Film Festival
Australia’s largest film festival runs from 17 days and has attracted crowds of over 200,000 people per year. The festival includes a 4-day conference, called South Market, where filmmakers, directors, distributors, producers, and other industry experts are encouraged to convene, network, attend workshops and lectures. The festival showcases both local and international talent and offers various prizes for best films of the year.
Key dates: 1-18th August, 2019
Melbourne White Night Festival
This signature Winter event runs into the night from 7pm to 7am, and showcases free and ticketed light display, street performance, adventure-themed and fashion experiences. The event offers a spectacle of the city’s unmatched music and cultural offerings, shining a light on the brimming talent of the Victorian capital.
Key dates: TBC, Late August, 2019
Sydney Christmas Festival
Christmas means spending time with loved ones. On this magical day, Sydney exhibits their best Christmas decorations, lighting up the city and surrounding suburbs. Holiday-goers can also enjoy Christmas food and drink market, local pop-up designer markets, and carols in Sydney’s renowned Town Hall.
Key dates: 24th November – 26th December 2019 (TBC) @ Town Hall
Melbourne Christmas Festival
The magic of Christmas is celebrated with festive dining and drinks, indulgent seasonal treats, and entertainment throughout the day. Free festive and Christmas-curated events are also on offer to the public throughout the Christmas period.
Key dates: 30th November – 25th December 2019 (TBC) @ Federation Square
