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.
2025 is the year of the Snake (Wood Snake), which symbolises wisdom, charm, elegance, and transformation.
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 2025, Lunar New Year will be celebrated on Wednesday, 29th January.
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: 1st February 2025
📍 Location: Haymarket
⏰ Timing: 5pm – 10pm
For a complete list of events in Sydney, click here.
Melbourne
🧧 Event: Melbourne Chinese Lunar New Year Festival
📅 Date: 2nd February 2025
📍 Location: Chinatown
⏰ Timing: 10am – 8pm
For a complete list of events in Melbourne, click here.
Brisbane
🧧 Event: Lunar New Year Celebrations
📅 Date: 1st February 2025
📍 Location: Chinatown Mall and Brunswick Street Mall, Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
⏰ Timing: 2pm – 9pm
For a complete list of events in Brisbane, click here.
Perth
🧧 Event: Perth Chinese New Year Fair 2025
📅 Date: 2nd February 2025
📍 Location: James and Lake St, Northbridge and Yagan Square
⏰ Timing: 12pm – 9pm
For a complete list of events in Perth, click here.
Adelaide
🧧 Event: 2025 Chinatown Adelaide Lunar New Year Street Party
📅 Date: 8th February 2025
📍 Location: Gouger Street and Moonta Street, Adelaide SA
⏰ Timing: 2pm – 9pm
For a complete list of events in Adelaide, click here.
Gold Coast
🧧 Event: Lunar New Year
📅 Date: 1st February 2025
📍 Location: Chinatown, Davenport and Young Streets, Southport
⏰ Timing: 3pm – 7.30pm
For a complete list of events in Gold Coast, click here.
Hobart
🧧 Event: Lunar New Year Festival
📅 Date: 2nd February 2025
📍 Location: Parliament Lawns, 1 Salamanca Place, Hobart, 7000
⏰ Timing: 10am – 4pm
For a complete list of events in Hobart, click here.
Canberra
🧧 Event: Canberra Lunar New Year
📅 Date: 1st February 2025
📍 Location: Woolley Street, Dickson
⏰ Timing: 10am – 10pm
For a complete list of events in Canberra, click here.
Darwin
🧧 Event: Darwin Chinese New Year Festival 2025
📅 Date: 1st March 2025
📍 Location: 235 Abala Road, Darwin, NT
⏰ Timing: 11am – 7pm
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.