The Ultimate Summer Festival Guide - Australian Traveller

These are the summer festivals you’ll be talking about long after the season ends.

If summer in Australia had a soundtrack, it would be loud, live and playing somewhere outdoors. Every year across the country, festivals of every shape take over parks, beaches and city streets. Long days turn into golden sunsets, weekends fill fast and there’s always a setlist calling your name. Consider this your shortcut to the best of them, from open-air gigs to foodie fiestas and everything in between.

Dougstock

Willunga, SA: 5–6 December

Dreaming of a hilltop escape that feels like a local secret? Look no further than Dougstock. The two-day music and camping festival in Willunga brings original Aussie artists together in a lush, elevated setting. Plus, artisan markets, food trucks, yoga sessions and good vibes, of course. Whether you’re into psych-rock, jazz, soul or acoustics, the line-up is sure to excite.

Rolling Sets

Central Coast, NSW: 6 December

Nothing beats a good summer festival, and this one is up there with some of the best. Hosted on NSW’s picturesque Central Coast, Rolling Sets pairs live music with good vibes and great times (plus a delicious curation of food trucks, of course). This year’s musical line-up features acts like Hilltop Hoods, Spacey Jane, The Jungle Giants and Skeggs.

Spilt Milk

Canberra, ACT: 13 December

Spilt Milk is gearing up for another huge year, and Canberrans won’t be missing out. The festival rolls into its hometown at Exhibition Park in December, bringing the same electric energy that’s made it one of Australia’s most in-demand music events. Past performers include big names like Post Malone, Flume and Fisher, so expectations for the line-up are high.

Cherry Harmony Festival

Manjimup, WA: 13 December

Celebrate the local food and wine of Manjimup at the Cherry Harmony Festival this December. The flavour-fuelled day is full of exciting activities, including live music, street performances, exhibitions, workshops and the much-loved log-chopping competition.

Woodford Folk Festival

Moreton Bay, Qld: 27 December – 1 January

Woordford Folk Festival — Woodford Folk Festival is inspired by culture passed through generations. (Image: Lachlan Douglas)

Welcome the New Year by setting your soul free at the Woodford Folk Festival. Built by a diverse congregation of the creative community, the festival has transformed into a village of music, culture and colour since its inception in 1887. The vibrant event is held in the magical lands of Woodfordia by Lake Gkula, around a 1.5-hour drive north of Brisbane.

Taste of Summer

Hobart, Tas: 27 December – 3 January

Hobart’s waterfront explodes with flavour and festivity over the New Year period, as Taste of Summer transforms Princes Wharf into a week-long celebration of Tasmania’s finest produce. Over 80 locally led artisan stalls will be dishing up seasonal fare, fresh seafood, craft beer and premium wines across the week, paired perfectly with a line-up of live music.

Snack Festival

Perth, WA: 31 December

More NYE wonderland than music festival, Snack takes over Perth with three main stages hosting epic music acts. Each stage has its own offshoot: The Pyramid Stage has a silent disco dancefloor, Sin City, a kissing booth, and the Duckzilla Stage, a VIP deck. The festival also features thrilling rides, food trucks, a wedding chapel and a tattoo parlour.

Field Day

Sydney, NSW: 1 January

Field Day is the best way to welcome 2026 and the antidote to the whole panoply of NYE drawbacks. Picture it: you’re out in the summer sun, your friends are by your side, and the best music you’ll hear all year is blasting. Field Day specialises in party music, with global artists delivering a mix of house, hip-hop, indie and electronica.

Summernats

Canberra, ACT: 8–11 January

Revheads, get ready – the annual Summernats Car Festival is returning to Canberra this January. Considered Australia’s biggest horsepower party, the four-day festival takes over Exhibition Park in the heart of the country’s capital with lawn-mower racing, burnout shows, mullet competitions, live performances by Aussie icons and more.

Sydney Festival

Sydney, NSW: 8–25 January

The NSW capital comes alive for the Sydney Festival, celebrating culture, creativity and the questioning mind since 1977. Watch impactful shows at the Roslyn Packer Theatre. Catch comedy at Carriageworks. Enjoy live music at the Opera House. Admire art exhibitions at the National Art School. Whatever you choose, you’ll leave feeling creatively recharged.

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Elvis Festival

Parkes, NSW: 7–11 January

You may do a double-take when visiting the regional NSW town of Parkes, as thousands of Elvis lookalikes fill the streets each January. If you chuck on a leather jacket, slick your hair back and grab those blue suede shoes, you’ll fit right in. Live performances, art exhibitions, dance workshops, street parades, and more will have you All Shook Up in no time.

Cygnet Folk Festival

Cygnet, Tas: 9–11 January

Serving as one of Tassie’s most iconic calendar events, the Cygnet Folk Festival is a community-driven affair showcasing eclectic music genres, as well as other melodic art forms like dancing and poetry. Alongside attending an assortment of live performances, guests can indulge in local food and wine, attend workshops and browse local markets.

Forage & Feast

Central Highlands, Vic: 12 January – 15 February

Brought to life by the Central Highlands Growers and Producers Hub, Forage & Feast is a summer-centric tour of local flavours by the region’s artisan producers, tracing towns like Ballarat, Bendigo, Trentham and Daylesford. This year’s jam-packed program brims with everything from local markets and beekeeping classes to dinner degustations and farm tours.

Australian Open

Melbourne, Vic: 12 January – 1 February

One of the biggest events on Australia’s sporting calendar, the Australian Open sees some of the world’s best tennis stars take to the court across 21 heated days. Internationally recognised players like Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will battle it out across a range of divisions at Melbourne Park.

Tamworth Country Music Festival

Tamworth, NSW: 16–25 January

Each January, the regional hub of Tamworth transforms for its iconic Country Music Festival. In 2026, more than 700 artists will perform across town, from live outdoor concerts and intimate indoor gigs to the Golden Guitar Awards. Guests can look forward to a star-studded line-up this year, including headliners Troy Cassar-Daley and Lee Kernaghan.

Bunbury Fringe

Bunbury, WA: 23–31 January

Bunbury festival — Bunbury features art, music and circus. (Image: Martin Frazer)

Launched in 2016, Bunbury Fringe has grown into one of Western Australia’s top arts and culture festivals. The sole purpose of the Fringe is to bring happiness to its guests and cause as much laughter as possible – the epitome of feel-good fun. This year also marks 10 years of Bunbury Fringe, so expect the biggest celebration yet!

Rosé & Dumplings Festival

Adelaide Hills, SA: 24–25 January

Rosé & Dumpling Festival at Howard Vineyard, Adelaide Hills, SA — Devour hand-rolled dumplings and all-day rosé at Howard Vineyard. (Image: Ryan Cantwell)

Howard Vineyard’s Rosé & Dumpling Festival pairs two of the world’s most delicious delicacies, while also inviting guests to indulge in local cocktails and beer, plus other foodie favourites. It’s the perfect excuse to dress up with your friends for a day of free-flowing rosé, live music, hand-rolled dumplings and lawn lounging in the summer sun.

Festival of Us

Darwin, NT: 26 January

Run by the Australia Day Council of the Northern Territory, the Festival of Us is a celebration of the NT’s diversity, culture and history. Chaired by Larrakia man Dr Richard Fejo and made up of a multicultural board, the not-for-profit is all about inclusivity. Embrace the 2026 theme of Reflect. Respect. Celebrate with workshops, market stalls, live performances and more.

Party in the Paddock

Carrick, Tas: 5–8 February

Just outside of Launceston, the town of Carrick is a master of disguise. On the outside, it appears to be a humble historic village. But linger a little longer, and you’ll see it transform into one of Tassie’s biggest arts festivals. This year’s line-up is a crowd pleaser – think Ocean Alley, The Veronicas, Peking Duk, Ball Park Music and more.

Perth Festival

Perth, WA: 6 February – 1 March

The Perth Festival program has been designed from day one to please all – think dance, theatre, film, art, literature and more. But the music program remains a highlight, with names like Baker Boy, Annahstasia, King Stingray and Ngaiire on the setlist. Off-stage, over 100 other events will keep you entertained, from poetry readings to panel talks.

Riverboats Music Festival

Echuca-Moama, Vic: 13–15 February

At the convergence of two historic regional towns, the Riverboats Music Festival entertains all weekend long. The stellar line-up is always a crowd-pleaser, with big names like Baker Boy, Xavier Rudd, Daisy Kilbourne and The Living End taking to the stage. It’s intimate sideshows will also return onboard the PS Pevensey paddlesteamer for one-hour gigs along the Murray.

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Mardi Gras

Sydney, NSW: 13 February – 1 March

Celebrating LGBTQIA+ identities since 1978, Mardi Gras has become a cultural stalwart with connection and community at its core. Running across 17 days, the jam-packed program features everything from pool parties to comedy clubs. This year, more than 80 events will take over some of Sydney’s hottest venues, including Enmore Theatre and the Art Gallery of NSW.

BrisAsia

Brisbane, Qld: 14–15 February

The streets of Brisbane will be pulsing with energy this February at BrisAsia, a 10-day festival celebrating the Lunar New Year with everything from rooftop parties to garden picnics. This year is the Year of the Horse, representing strength, endurance, freedom, independence and momentum – values worth embracing in 2026.

St Kilda Festival

Melbourne, Vic: 14–15 February

The beloved St Kilda Festival returns in 2026 to celebrate summer along the city’s iconic foreshore. Designed to entertain all, the two-day program traverses everything from live music and interactive workshops to food trucks and market stalls. It kicks off with First Peoples First, a vibrant celebration of First Nations music and culture, followed by Big Festival Sunday.

Royal Canberra Show

Canberra, ACT: 20–22 February

The Royal Canberra Show is the city’s largest all-ages event, hosted annually by the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society. While agriculture has always remained at its core, the community event has since expanded to include rides, entertainment, educational features, exhibitions and food stalls galore.

Adelaide Fringe

Adelaide, SA: 20 February – 22 March

The largest arts festival in Australia will again bring its hometown of Adelaide alive throughout February and March this year. Its program is practically exploding with theatre, dance, comedy, film, music, circus and even magic. Think workshops, panel talks, community gatherings and family-friendly activities, plus plenty of food and drink from across the state and beyond.

Big Beer Festival

Bundaberg, Qld: 21 February

A tasting paddle of craft beers — Sample local craft beers via curated tasting paddles. (Image: Getty/JWU)

Raise a glass to Bundaberg’s beloved brewery scene at the Big Beer Festival in Alexandra Park. Sip your way through a wide range of craft pours, served alongside cocktails, wines and spirits for the beer-averse. A line-up of live music makes for the perfect soundtrack, while the official Beer Pong Tournament adds an energetic edge.

National Penny Farthing Championships

Evandale, Tas: 21 February

The National Penny Farthing Championships is cycling as you’ve never seen it; instead of the carbon rigs of today, competitors battle it out atop 1870s-style bicycles. There are multiple races throughout the day, from sprints and slaloms to relays and novelty laps. Trackside, spectators can enjoy a range of food stalls, markets and period-themed entertainment.

Noosa Summer Swim

Noosa, Qld: 21–22 February

Grab your togs and get ready for the Noosa Summer Swim, a water-filled weekend of saltwater, sand and sun. Held on the shores of Noosa Main Beach, it’s the perfect excuse to explore Australia’s most-loved town of 2025. Races range from a cruisy one-kilometre splash to the five-kilometre main event, with open-water clinics run by local experts for the less competitive.

Tropfest

Sydney, NSW: 22 February

The largest short film festival in the world will take over Sydney’s Centennial Parklands in February, featuring some of the biggest names in Hollywood right now. Don’t believe us? Take it from this year’s Jury President, Margot Robbie, instead. Global filmmakers are set to showcase their talents at Tropfest via a seven-minute movie, all for your screening pleasure.

Enlighten Festival

Canberra, ACT: 27 February – 9 March

Light, sound and movement collide in a kaleidoscope of colour at Enlighten Festival, an 11-day celebration of culture and creativity. The mesmerising display of artworks is not one to miss, as each masterpiece is projected onto the city’s most iconic buildings. From interactive after-dark experiences to live music line-ups and more, it’s clearly the place to be come February.

The Mornington Peninsula might be synonymous with summer, but winter offers equally compelling reasons to visit.

Come winter, the Mornington Peninsula transforms into a relaxing and rejuvenating escape. Think misty trails and dramatic ocean views along the rugged coastline, drinking and dining by crackling firesides, fewer crowds and a more small-town feel – the perfect ingredients for a slow and restorative weekend.

If you want a truly local winter experience, here’s where you need to go.

1. Sample spirits at local distilleries

JimmyRum distillery on the mornington peninsula — Sample small-batch rums and cane spirits at JimmyRum. (Image: Visit Victoria)

No matter your tipple, you’re bound to find a Peninsula distillery to suit. Chief’s Son is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its award-winning range of single malt whiskies. Make sure to try the Black Forge – a heady combination of whisky and coffee.

JimmyRum is the Mornington Peninsula’s first and only craft rum distillery. Enjoy a tasting to sample small-batch rums and cane spirits, or book a table to feast on generous share plates and creative cocktails.

Bass & Flinders is another must-visit, and something of a local icon. It was the Peninsula’s first distillery and remains a favourite for craft gins, brandies and fruity liqueurs. Pick up a bottle (or two) to take home and toast your winter getaway.

2. Warm up in the hot springs

man in pool at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa — Dive into Alba Thermal Springs & Spa.

Locals know winter is the best time to visit the famous hot springs. With the air cool and crisp and the springs reaching temperatures up to 43 degrees, the experience is akin to a warm embrace.

If you’re travelling with kids or want something more laid-back, Peninsula Hot Springs is your best bet. Spanning 42 acres and with an organic vibe, the complex has hillside pools, saunas, bath houses and family-friendly spaces perfect for all ages.

Alba Thermal Springs & Spa is slightly more luxe, with 25 thermal pools amid architectural surrounds. The on-site restaurant, Thyme, is a highlight, featuring seasonal lunch dishes, high teas and picnics, and a beautifully designed interior.

3. Coastal walks feel more dramatic

Millionaire's Walk in sorrento — Take in gorgeous seaside scenery on Millionaire’s Walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The Peninsula is situated between Port Phillip Bay and the wide expanse of the Southern Ocean, giving it front-row access to stunning sea vistas. In winter, and especially on rainy days, the outlook is incredibly dramatic, with waves crashing against the clifftops and a steely hue. The trails hugging the ocean are also much quieter and mostly filled with locals.

Make sure to drop by Cape Schanck Lighthouse on your coastal walk – the lighthouse was built in 1859, making it one of Victoria’s oldest. Climb the stone stairs all the way to the top and take in panoramic, windswept views.

Millionaire’s Walk in Sorrento is another local favourite. This easy 1.5-kilometre coastal trail takes you past gorgeous seaside scenery and some of the grand homes the town is famous for.

4. Sip on world-class pinot noir

green olive winery at red hill on the mornington peninsula — Stop by Red Hill’s cellar doors, like Green Olive. (Image: Visit Victoria)

If you’re a fan of the light-bodied and elegant red, your winter escape should include a stop at one of the Peninsula’s many cellar doors.

The hinterlands around the township of Red Hill are particularly renowned for pinot noir (and chardonnay) thanks to their cool maritime climate and red clay soils. There are more than 50 boutique cellar doors to choose from, where you can sample a selection or do as the locals do: take a bottle back to your accommodation to savour by the fireside.

5. See misty rolling hills from above

Arthurs Seat Eagle on mornington peninsula — Get a bird’s-eye view on Arthurs Seat Eagle. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula winters bring with them a thick mist and fog, which make for atmospheric and dreamlike scenery. Shroud yourself in the clouds with a gondola ride at Arthurs Seat Eagle. The summit is 305 metres high, giving you a genuine bird’s-eye view of the entire Peninsula region and Port Phillip Bay in their moody and misty glory.

6. Dine beside a roaring fire

table full of dishes at Rare Hare Wine & Food Store — Enjoy food and wine beside a roaring fireplace at Rare Hare Wine & Food Store. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The Peninsula is an essential part of Melbourne’s “food bowl”, with 70 per cent of the region a designated Green Wedge zone. It’s little surprise, then, that there are so many opportunities to try its fresh produce. Visit farm gates like Torello Farm, Hawkes Farm and Tully’s Corner to sample the region’s winter harvest: apples, root vegetables, mushrooms and truffles.

Nothing beats a fireside feast in winter, and several local dining venues offer exactly that. Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill is a two-hatted restaurant with a roaring fire, Crittenden Estate does seasonal dishes and estate wines amid a cosy indoor space, and Rare Hare Wine & Food Store has a double-sided fireplace that anchors the warm and welcoming dining room.

If the sun is out, enjoy a picnic amid the sprawling grounds of Montalto Winery. You’ll kick off with a tasting before heading outdoors to a covered picnic table, where you’ll feast on starters, mains, desserts and more wine.

7. Go whale watching at Cape Schanck

whales in victoria australia — Look for whales between May and October. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Beyond the spectacular lighthouse views, Cape Schanck is also an excellent place to watch whales migrating through the Bass Strait. Between May and October each year, particularly during June and July, Southern Right and Humpback whales make their way past the area, and can sometimes be spotted just 150 metres from the shoreline. Many locals watch for free from the cape’s boardwalks and viewing platforms, but you can also book a boat tour.

8. Explore Point Nepean National Park

Point Nepean National Park is on the Mornington Peninsula’s tip, just outside Portsea. Set right beside the clifftops, it’s wild, windswept and defined by its rugged terrain.

Locals love the national park for its more than 80 walking and cycling tracks, and you’ll often spot them getting a winter workout in. But if you’ve never been here, make sure to discover its rich history.

It forms part of an Indigenous cultural landscape on the lands of the Bunurong People, and holds significance as a site for early settlement and military operations. Numerous historical buildings – including the heritage-listed Quarantine Station – still stand today.

Start planning the ultimate winter escape at visitmorningtonpeninsula.org.