Halloween in Australia has grown from a niche celebration into a nationwide October spectacle. In 2025, the festivities are bigger, louder, and packed with parades, street carnivals, and spooky attractions.
From Sydney’s waterfront streets to Brisbane’s bayside, you’ll find costumes, candy, and camera-worthy moments everywhere. If you’re planning to join in, you’ll want more than just the date.
You need the exact times, routes, and insider tips to make your night unforgettable.
That’s exactly what you’ll get here straight from someone who’s been through more than a few haunted Octobers.
Halloween in Australia 2025
| City / State | Main Parade / Event | Date | Time | Location / Route | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney, NSW | Ghost in The Rocks Parade | Nov 2, 2025 | 8:00 pm | George St, The Rocks | Free |
| Sydney, NSW | Sydney Zombie Walk | Nov 1, 2025 | 10:00 am–5:00 pm | Starts St Mary’s Cathedral Square | Free |
| Blue Mountains, NSW | Lithgow Halloween Street Party | Oct 25, 2025 | 4:00–8:00 pm | Main St, Lithgow (Bridge St to Cook St Plaza) | Free |
| Brisbane, QLD | Wynnum Halloween Parade | Oct 25, 2025 | 5:30 pm | Bay Tce → Edith St, Wynnum | Free |
| Gold Coast, QLD | Movie World Fright Nights | Oct 4–31, 2025 | 6:00–10:30 pm | Warner Bros. Movie World, Oxenford | Ticketed |
| Melbourne, VIC | Luna Dark & Spooktober | Late Oct–Nov 1 | Evenings | Luna Park Melbourne | Ticketed |
| Adelaide, SA | Festival of Halloween | Oct 4, 2025 | 10:00 am–6:00 pm | Market Shed on Holland | Ticketed |
Ghost in The Rocks | Sydney’s Waterfront Parade
The Rocks turns into a cobblestone carnival of ghosts and ghouls this November.
The Ghost in The Rocks Parade happens Sunday, Nov 2 at 8:00 pm, marching along George Street with live performers, street theatre, and glowing lanterns.
The best viewing spots are near the First Fleet Park end, where the parade slows for photo ops. Arrive by 6:30 pm if you want front-row views without having to elbow your way in later.
Sydney Zombie Walk
On Saturday, Nov 1, thousands of fake-blood-covered walkers shuffle from St Mary’s Cathedral Square through the CBD. This is more than just a parade it’s a charity event, with participants raising funds for causes while scaring tourists.
If you’re joining, the earlier you get there, the more time you’ll have to take part in the pre-walk makeup stations. It’s free, but donations are encouraged, and costumes are a must if you don’t want to feel out of place.
Lithgow Halloween Street Party | Blue Mountains
Two hours west of Sydney, Lithgow hosts one of NSW’s most family-friendly yet theatrical Halloween events. On Saturday, Oct 25 from 4:00–8:00 pm, Main Street closes to traffic for rides, live music, and themed markets.
This is a perfect choice if you want a community vibe without the chaos of city crowds. Expect street performers, costume contests, and food stalls serving everything from pumpkin pie to glow-in-the-dark fairy floss.
Wynnum Halloween Parade | Brisbane Bayside
If you like your Halloween with a touch of seaside breeze, the Wynnum Halloween Parade is a must. It kicks off Saturday, Oct 25 at 5:30 pm, starting on Bay Terrace near Berrima/Bride Street and winding down to Edith Street.
The parade is the centerpiece of a larger 3:00–8:00 pm street festival, packed with market stalls, live music, and trick-or-treat zones. Best spot? Near the Edith Street junction it’s where floats slow down and performers really interact with the crowd.
Movie World Fright Nights – Gold Coast
Forget the mild scares Movie World Fright Nights is for those who want movie-level horror effects. Running on select nights from Oct 4–31, gates open 6:00 pm and the scares last until 10:30 pm.
The event features multiple horror mazes, scare zones, and live stunt shows, with the park’s rides running late into the night. Tip from experience: buy tickets in advance and book a Fast Track pass if you hate queues more than zombies.
Luna Dark & Spooktober – St Kilda
Melbourne’s Luna Park transforms into Luna Dark, with Halloween-themed rides, live performances, and scare zones. In 2025, it runs across late October to Nov 1, with evening sessions perfect for catching the park lit up in eerie colors.
Pair it with Spooktober, Melbourne’s long-running haunted festival known for elaborate escape rooms and themed bars. The two events often coordinate timings, so you can jump from carnival rides to creepy mazes without missing a beat.
Costume Culture in Melbourne
Melbourne takes costumes seriously, so expect everything from hyper-realistic horror make-up to witty pop culture references. If you plan to dress up, go big think theatrical capes, LED accessories, or full-body paint jobs.
Popular spots for post-event photos include St Kilda Pier and Acland Street, where the nightlife keeps going well after the last ride stops.
Festival of Halloween | Market Shed on Holland
Adelaide’s Festival of Halloween returns Saturday, Oct 4 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
It’s an indoor-outdoor market-style event with stalls, themed food, and live entertainment for all ages.
Tickets are required, but the vibe is casual and family-friendly.
You’ll find plenty of vendors selling locally made Halloween crafts perfect if you like decorating with unique pieces.
Halloween Wail at the Gaol
On Saturday, Oct 25, the historic Adelaide Gaol hosts a spook-filled day from 2:00–9:00 pm. Expect live bands, costume contests, and the eerie thrill of exploring a real 19th-century prison at night.
Some areas are dimly lit to up the atmosphere, so bring a flashlight if you’re bringing kids. This event blends history with Halloween, making it a standout in Adelaide’s calendar.
Western Australia | Perth & Fremantle’s Eerie Evenings
Freaks on the Beach – North Fremantle
The Port Beach Brewery in North Fremantle turns into a spooky live music venue on Saturday, Oct 25. It’s a 21+ event with themed cocktails, stage performers, and a dress-to-impress policy.
While Perth doesn’t have a large-scale Halloween parade, venues across the city host themed nights in the week leading up to Oct 31. Check local listings in October for updated schedules.
Tasmania | Hobart’s Local Haunts
Hobart keeps Halloween intimate with community-led events, often announced closer to the date. Expect pub costume nights, small street festivals, and themed river cruises.
If you’re visiting, keep an eye on Salamanca Market and waterfront pubs they’re known to join in the fun with themed menus and live music.
Northern Territory | Darwin Waterfront Nights
The Darwin Waterfront precinct has a history of staging Halloween evenings with trick-or-treat trails, outdoor movies, and market stalls. While 2025’s official page is pending, local tourism reps confirm plans are in motion.
The area is well-lit, family-friendly, and walkable, making it a safe option for those with younger children.
Australian Capital Territory | Canberra’s Creepy Corners
Canberra may not host a major Halloween parade, but themed markets and bar nights are a staple. Venues around Braddon and Civic often hold late-night costume competitions with prizes.
For families, local schools and community centres host free trick-or-treat trails in late October. These are usually announced on local council event pages a few weeks before Halloween.
How to Participate in a Parade or Event
Joining a parade usually requires pre-registration if you’re marching with a group or float. Costume rules vary some events require family-friendly attire, while others welcome full-on gore.
Many events are free, but ticketed festivals and theme parks often sell out.
Book early, especially if you’re planning to travel from another city.
Viewing Tips and Best Spots
Arriving early is the golden rule for any Halloween parade in Australia.
For Sydney’s Ghost in The Rocks, aim for 6:30 pm to secure a front-row spot near First Fleet Park.
In Brisbane’s Wynnum Parade, stand near Edith Street for the best performer interaction. For Lithgow, anywhere along Main Street offers a clear view without big-city crowds.
Costume Themes and Ideas
In 2025, expect a mix of pop culture icons and classic horror.
Sydney’s Zombie Walk will lean heavy on creative gore and cinematic makeup.
Melbourne’s Luna Dark crowd goes for theatrical, high-drama costumes think LED wings or elaborate masks. If you’re unsure, choose a bold but comfortable outfit so you can enjoy the night without fussing over your costume.
Travel and Accommodation Tips
Book hotels close to parade routes if you want to avoid post-event transport rushes.
In Sydney, The Rocks and Circular Quay hotels are prime spots for Ghost in The Rocks.
For Wynnum, consider staying in Brisbane’s bayside suburbs or central CBD.
If you’re hitting theme parks like Movie World, look for Gold Coast stays near Oxenford for easy access.
Food and Local Experiences
Halloween isn’t just about scares it’s also about snacks.
Parades like Lithgow and Wynnum often have food trucks selling themed treats.
In Melbourne, St Kilda’s cafes and pubs roll out spooky specials and limited-edition cocktails. Adelaide’s Festival of Halloween features stalls with locally made sweets and savory bites.
Safety and Rules
Most parades have clear safety guidelines no real weapons, and props should be event-approved. Family-friendly events may have restrictions on extreme gore, so check before dressing.
If you’re bringing kids, look for designated family zones. Always carry water, especially at afternoon events in warmer climates.
Photography and Social Media Tips
The best parade shots are taken from low angles as floats pass by. For night events, adjust your phone or camera settings for low light to avoid blurry images.
Use event hashtags like #GhostInTheRocks, #WynnumHalloween, and #LunaDark for a chance to be featured on official pages. Be mindful of others’ view when using tripods or selfie sticks.
Conclusion
Halloween in Australia has evolved into a vibrant mix of community spirit, creative costumes, and high-energy entertainment.
Whether you’re dancing with zombies in Sydney, catching glow-lit floats in Wynnum, or riding haunted coasters on the Gold Coast, there’s something for every kind of Halloween fan.
If you’ve got a favorite event or a killer costume idea, drop it in the comments.
Better yet, share your photos you might inspire someone else’s Halloween adventure next year.
FAQs
Yes – participation is higher than ever, with major parades and themed events in multiple cities.
No – most are free, but ticketed festivals like Luna Dark or Fright Nights require purchase.
Some community parades allow pets in costume, but theme parks and large street parades usually don’t.
Sydney for scale, Melbourne for creativity, and Brisbane for family-friendly vibes.