New research reveals Aussies are big Halloween fans, with younger travellers and cruisers leading the charge for spooky season traditions.
There was a time when Halloween was a blip on the Aussie cultural radar. A nod to American tradition which we half-heartedly embraced. Not so anymore. A recent study by Carnival Cruise Line found more than half of Australian households – 58 percent, to be exact – celebrate Halloween. That’s a massive leap from the 29 percent of adults who remember donning costumes or knocking on doors as kids. Another five percent say they’ll be joining the festivities for the first time this year.
Halloween is now firmly etched into the nation’s social calendar.
Young Aussies lead the Halloween charge
It’s not just the little ‘monsters’ out trick-or-treating. Halloween has morphed into a festival that transcends all ages. Three quarters of parents jump in on the fun (perhaps that’s for legitimate safety reason too). But here’s the thing. Halloween is not just for kids. More than half of adults without children are celebrating Halloween too. Millennials and Gen Zs are the real driving force, with 75 percent and 71 percent respectively embracing all things spooky. The young at heart are rewriting the rulebook, turning Halloween into an all-in affair.
Halloween is bigger, bolder, and a whole lot sweeter
Two in three Australians reckon Halloween has grown into a bigger cultural event in recent years. What’s fuelling the frenzy? A surge in Halloween-themed events and parties, over-the-top decorations, and outlandish themed experiences.
The top ways Aussies are marking the spooky season:
- indulging in lollies and chocolate (35%)
- classic trick-or-treating (32%)
- decking out their homes (27%)
- donning costumes (27%)
The price of fright? Households planning to celebrate expect to fork out an average of $970. Nearly a third are set to spend more than ever before, signalling the celebration is only getting bigger, and, if anything, a little more extravagant.
Carnival brings Halloween to the high seas with themed cruises
For those keen to join the fun without the hassle of hosting at home, Carnival Cruise Line has you covered. Every October, Carnival transforms its ships departing Sydney and Brisbane into floating fright-fests. Think eerie décor, costume parties, themed trivia, trick-or-treating on deck, and entertainment for every age bracket. There’s even the odd surprise guest popping up to keep things interesting.
Costume competitions, family-friendly activities, and Halloween bashes are just part of the package. Carnival’s Halloween cruises are one piece of their bigger plan to offer more themed voyages, giving Aussies fresh reasons to book a cruise, and perhaps even start a new tradition.
How to join the floating Halloween party
Halloween-themed sailings start from $444 per person, twin share, based on an interior cabin on a three-day Getaway departing October 2026 (subject to change).
Ready to set sail on a Halloween adventure? Check out Carnival’s upcoming itineraries and join the growing ranks of Aussies putting a new spin on spooky season.
