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.
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.
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.
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.
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.