Travel Channel

Vietnamese New Year

A riot of colour

Victoria Street
Melbourne, VIC 3121

Nearest Train: West Richmond train station (Epping & Hurstbridge lines); tram 109

Phone: +61 (0)3 9428 9078

Fax: +61 (0)3 9428 9079

Located in one of Melbourne's most colourful areas, the Vietnamese enclave of Victoria Street in Richmond, this celebration of the Lunar New Year is, if anything, more raucous than its better known Chinatown equivalent. The street is closed to traffic for the day. Small children play with firecrackers, people sell red and yellow flowers, to bring good luck for the New Year. It has a lively, family-oriented atmosphere, with traditional entertainment. The event date varies with the Lunar New Year (usually February-March). The Vietnamese street party takes place on the Sunday following the New Year, to avoid clashing with the Chinese celebrations held in the city on Saturday.