A calendar of Aussie festivals and events to add to your travel diary.
January
Australian Open
Victoria, January 17-30
The best tennis players in the world compete in the first Grand Slam event of the year at Melbourne Park.
February
Adelaide Fringe
South Australia, February
18-March 20
The biggest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere transforms the city with a program of eclectic, colorful and fun events.
March
Sculpture By The Sea, Cottesloe
Western Australia, March 4-21
The world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition is held along the shorefront at Perth’s Cottesloe beach.
The world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition. (Image: Louise Coghill)
April
Parrtjima – A Festival In Light
Northern Territory, April 8-17
Artworks by Indigenous artists are transformed into luminous light installations projected onto the Alice Springs landscape.
May
Vivid Sydney
NSW, 27 May-18 June
Sydney transforms into a canvas of brilliant light installations alongside a packed schedule of music and workshops.
June
Truffle Kerfuffle
Western Australia, June 24-26
A weekend-long celebration of all things truffle-related in the heart of Australian truffle country.
A weekend-long celebration of all things truffle-related.
July
Boulia Camel Races
Queensland, July 15-17
The Kentucky Derby of camel racing, this quirky event is a one-of-a-kind Australian Outback experience.
August
Darwin Festival
Northern Territory, August 4-21
Australia’s tropical Top End comes alive for 18 dazzling days and nights of cabaret, theater, dance, visual arts, outdoor concerts and family-friendly events.
Australia’s tropical Top End comes alive for 18 dazzling days and nights.
September
Floriade
Australian Capital Territory, September 17-October 16
Canberra’s Commonwealth Park is transformed into a vibrant display of over one million flowers alongside music, cultural celebrations, food and wine, horticultural workshops, and activities.
October
Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
Victoria, October 14-16
Among the many reasons to visit Phillip Island is this adrenaline-charged race and its entertainment events.
Visit Phillip Island to catch this adrenaline-charged race.
November
Melbourne Cup Festival
Victoria, October 29- November 5
The racing elite descend on Flemington Racecourse between October 29 and November 5 for four days of sport, fashion and food. Make sure you dress to impress!
December
Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
Tasmania, December 26-January 1
One of the world’s most prestigious ocean races, watch the flotilla of colorful yachts race out of Sydney Harbour, following Australia’s east coast to the finish line in Hobart.
One of the world’s most prestigious ocean races. (Image: Rolex Sydney Hobart)