Your Guide to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Australia
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a major cultural celebration around the globe.
In Australia, there are many events happening at this time of Lunar New Year that you can’t afford to miss. From the well-known Sydney landmarks to Melbourne’s famous Chinatown and other cities, there is a lot to see and do.
So, in this guide, we are covering details on celebrations for the Lunar New Year in Australia.
What is a Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year is a traditional festival celebrated in Asian cultures to welcome the new year as per the lunar calendar.
The festival is celebrated with joy, pride and reflection by millions around the world each year.
Each lunar year is characterised by the animal of that year which is part of the Chinese Zodiac.
2024 is the year of the Dragon, which symbolises power, courage, and good fortune.
Who celebrates the Lunar New Year?
As mentioned previously, the Lunar New Year is mainly celebrated by Asian communities, but in Australia, many people from different backgrounds also join the festivities.
Here is a list of the countries where Lunar New Year is celebrated:
- China
- Hong Kong
- Korea
- Malaysia
- Japan
- Vietnam
- Singapore
- Phillippines
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- Mongolia
- Tibet
- Taiwan
- Cambodia
Keep in mind that celebrations for the Lunar New Year may vary among different cultures.
When is the Lunar New Year?
In 2024, Lunar New Year will be celebrated on Saturday, 10th February.
Please note that the date for the Lunar New Year changes each year as it is based on the lunar calendar. However, it usually falls between January 21 and February 15 as per the Greogian calendar.
The Lunar calendar is based on the monthly cycle of the moon’s phases.
The festivities for the Lunar New Year typically run for 15 days.
How is the Lunar New Year celebrated in Australia?
Lunar New Year festivities include various events such as parades, food, dragon dances, and traditional customs.
Some of these events are listed in the next section.
Lunar New Year festivities usually start with house cleanings and decorations (usually red colour) prior to the festival.
Many people visit temples on the day to pray for good health, wealth and prosperity for the year ahead.
Most of the families celebrating will have a reunion dinner with some symbolic dishes like fish, dumplings and noodles.
It is common to give red envelopes (usually money inside), to younger family members and visiting friends. This tradition symbolises good luck for the year.
Giving other gifts as a token of goodwill is also a part of the celebrations.
Here is a list of gifts commonly exchanged during Lunar New Year:
- Money (In Red Envelope)
- Clothes
- Food hampers
- Fruits
- Tea
- Alcohol
One of the most common greeting to wish someone a Lunar New Year is Gōng xǐ fā cái, which means wishing you happiness and prosperity.
Depending on the events, there could be fireworks or firecrackers being lit in the late evening to welcome the new year.
List of Lunar New Year events around Australia
Here is a list of popular Lunar New Year events across Australia:
Sydney
Event: Sydney Lunar Streets
Date: 10 February 2024
Location: Haymarket
Timing: 5pm – 10pm
For a complete list of events in Sydney, click here.
Melbourne
Event: Chinese Lunar New Year Dragon Festival
Date: 11 February 2024
Location: Chinatown
Timing: 10am – 9pm
For a complete list of events in Melbourne, click here.
Brisbane
Event: Lunar New Year
Date: 10 February 2024
Location: Chinatown Mall and Brunswick Street Mall, Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
Timing: 3pm – 9pm
For a complete list of events in Brisbane, click here.
Perth
Event: Perth Chinese New Year Fair 2024
Date: 11 February 2024
Location: James St, Northbridge, WA, 6003
Timing: 12pm – 9pm
For a complete list of events in Perth, click here.
Adelaide
Event: 2024 Chinatown Adelaide Lunar New Year Street Party
Date: 17 February 2024
Location: Gouger Street, Adelaide SA, Australia
Timing: 2pm – 9pm
For a complete list of events in Adelaide, click here.
Gold Coast
Event: Lunar New Year
Date: 10 February 2024
Location: Chinatown, Davenport and Young Streets , Southport 4215
Timing: 3pm – 8pm
For a complete list of events in Gold Coast, click here.
Hobart
Event: 2024 Lunar New Year Festival
Date: 11 February 2024
Location: Parliament Lawns, 1 Salamanca Place, Hobart, 7000
Timing: 10am – 4pm
For a complete list of events in Hobart, click here.
Canberra
Event: Lunar New Year 2024
Date: 10 February 2024
Location: Woolley Street, Dickson
Timing: 11am – 11pm
For a complete list of events in Canberra, click here.
Darwin
Event: Chinese New Year: A Celebration of Culture
Date: 24 February 2024
Location: NT Library, Parliament House
Timing: 10am – 3.30pm
For a complete list of events in Darwin, click here.
We hope you found the guide useful and wishing you all a very Happy Lunar New Year ahead.
