Australia is bracing for a surge in Chinese tourists during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, with projections indicating a more than doubling of bookings compared to last year, according to Trip.com’s 2026 Lunar New Year travel forecast.
The nine-day holiday, running from February 15 to 23 – significantly longer than the eight-day break in 2025 – is expected to drive millions of outbound Chinese travellers, with Australia positioned as a prime destination. Industry insiders attribute this increased interest to Australia’s offerings of wine tours, seafood experiences, natural attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and the outback, and the availability of flexible small-group itineraries.
The anticipated influx comes as Beijing encourages domestic spending through the extended holiday period. Total trip spending from China to Australia reached A$12.3 billion (US$8.7 billion) for the year ending in September 2025, according to Tourism Australia.
Nick Henderson, Tourism Australia’s regional general manager for Greater China, highlighted key attractions for Chinese visitors, including wine regions, Melbourne’s cafe culture, and the Sydney Fish Market. “These experiences resonate strongly with Chinese travellers seeking high-quality, authentic Australian experiences,” Henderson said.
The potential for increased tourism from China may also be influenced by recent geopolitical factors. A travel warning issued by Beijing for Japan, a traditionally popular destination for Chinese tourists, amid an ongoing diplomatic dispute, could be diverting travellers to alternative locations like Australia.
The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the start of a new year in the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar and is celebrated across many East and Southeast Asian communities. In 2026, the festival begins on February 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse – specifically, the Red Horse or Fire Horse. Celebrations can last up to 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.
In Australia, Lunar New Year celebrations have evolved since the gold-rush era of the 1850s, shaped by diverse Asian communities. Lion dancing is a common tradition during the festivities, as observed in cities like Perth and Sydney. South Korea observes the festival as Seollal, with families gathering for ancestral rites and eating traditional foods like rice cake soup.
The Year of the Horse is associated with speed, stamina, and a determined spirit. However, contemporary interpretations also reflect modern workplace pressures, as evidenced by the recent popularity of a “crying horse” plush toy in China, symbolizing long hours and heavy workloads.
