As 2024 is coming to a close, you might be wondering what to do on the first day of the new year.
We’ve got loads of suggestions for you of fun things to do on New Year’s Day in 2025, from relaxed to energetic, indoors to outdoors, solo or with big crowds.
Head to the beach
Australia is home to absolutely stunning beaches, and what better way to spend your New Year’s Day? Pack a picnic, your esky, a hat and sunscreen, and enjoy the sand and sea.
The beach can be a great place to unwind and relax after the busy Christmas period. You might like to swim, snorkel, paddle along the waterline, go for a stroll, read a book, or play games like beach cricket.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, practise beach safety and protect yourself from the sun.
Attend a festival or party
New Year’s Day boasts some big parties and festivals in Australia. Check out some massive electronic acts at Field Day at the Domain in Sydney.
In Melbourne, you can start your New Year’s Day in style at Northcote’s Enchanted Garden Party, which starts in the afternoon on New Year’s Eve and continues into the early hours.
If you’re in Perth, the Fremantle Arts Centre is hosting its annual New Year’s Day Concert.
Enjoy a backyard BBQ
One of the most traditional Aussie ways to enjoy New Year’s Day is a barbecue or BBQ. A BBQ is a relaxed backyard gathering with food, drinks, outdoor games and, if you’re lucky, maybe even a paddling pool!
Make sure you bring something to share, whether food or drink, and dress comfortably. It could be a great opportunity to share some traditional cuisine from your home country.
Check out a movie
Going to the cinema is a great way to keep cool if New Year’s Day is a hot one this year. Grab a cold drink or an ice cream and enjoy the air conditioning and big screen.
Some of the biggest blockbusters are released at the end of the year. This New Year’s Day, check out the live-action Mufasa film or the new animated The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. If you’re in the mood for romance, check out Anora, the award-winning comedy-drama.
Visit a museum or gallery
A great cool, quiet option for a New Year’s Day is to visit an art gallery or museum in your local city or town. Many of these are open on public holidays such as New Year’s Day, including the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art (Sydney), the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum (Adelaide), the National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia (Canberra).
If you fancy a unique outdoor art experience, head to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens to see the enormous Chihuly glass sculptures.
For a spectacular experience in Melbourne on New Year’s Day 2025, check out the immersive Vincent Van Gogh exhibition at THE LUME, Melbourne.
Before you go, always make sure to double-check opening hours in case there are any changes.
Make New Year’s resolutions
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on the year that has just passed and the year to come. You can formalise this by making New Year’s resolutions: a list of things you want to do or achieve in the coming year.
Common examples of New Year’s resolutions include study or employment goals, trying new hobbies, exercise goals or self-care practices like daily gratitude or mindfulness.
Have a quiet one at home
Remember that you don’t have to go out and join the crowds on New Year’s Day. The Christmas period can be very busy, and you might be feeling low in energy at the end of it. Staying home on New Year’s Day is a great way to rest up and also save some money.
Cuddle up on the couch with a favourite movie, organise a phone or video chat with friends or family back home, or enjoy a delicious meal.
Finally, don’t forget that New Year’s Day is a public holiday so most shops are closed or have different opening hours.
