There’s no shortage of things to do in Australia. If anyone knows that, it’s us…
However with such a breadth of things going on around the country, it can sometimes get a little overwhelming to separate the champs from the chumps. You’re busy people, we get it.
To help you out, we have collated a guide of the best-goings-on for the month of April, helping you plan your calendar accordingly. Thank us later.
NSW
Narooma Oyster Festival
Narooma
April 30
This multiple-award-winning festival delivers something special for oyster-lovers everywhere.
At the heart of Australia’s Oyster Coast, this festival celebrates the region’s oysters and their growers, their natural clean quality produce, chefs and rich artistic and cultural talents.
Narooma Oyster Festival delivers
Yours and Owls
Woollongong
April 17-18
Yours & Owls heads to Wollongong’s Thomas Dalton Park in April 2021, once again showcasing a lineup of some of Australia’s biggest stars.
Although they may have had to push back their 2020 plans, Yours & Owls are determined to deliver the festival that we all know and love, and have us back in the lush ocean air.
And as anyone who has experienced Yours & Owls will know, this Australian gem is a weekend filled with indie, pop and electronic music, with artists such as Tones and I, Hayden James and DMA’s all performing in 2021.
Yours & Owls heads to Wollongong’s Thomas Dalton Park
La Traviata
Sydney
Until April 25
Experience the joy and heartache of the world’s most popular opera at one of Sydney’s most luxe nights out.
Violetta is the life of every party. A courtesan with a heart of gold, she’s free and free-spirited. Could a little love change everything? Opera Australia presents La Traviata: the story that inspired Moulin Rouge, with a giant chandelier that shimmers over the harbour stage, and fireworks lighting up the sky at every performance.
Opera Australia presents La Traviata
VIC
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Melbourne
Until April 18
The lights of Melbourne shine a little bit brighter when the Melbourne International Comedy Festival takes over town. For three and a half weeks in March and April the city loads up on laughs, with comedians hitting stages across the CBD and further afield.
The Festival has something to tickle everybody’s funny bone with free family entertainment, world-class special events, trail-blazing solo shows and late-night fun. Celebrate the joyful, the inspiring and the silly at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival takes over town
Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival
Macedon
Until April 26
Celebrate autumn at the inaugural Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival.
There’s so much more to autumn in the Macedon Ranges than Macedon’s oak-lined Honour Avenue and Mt Macedon. Celebrate the best of autumn throughout the region at the inaugural Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival on until 26 April.
From events, creative workshops and scenic country drives, to autumn flavours and promotions to tickle your tastebuds and senses – autumn is the most magical time of year to visit.
Gippsland Country Music Festival
Gippsland
Until April 24
Gippsland Country Music festival is a celebration of all things country.
As well as showcasing Australia’s best country music including well-known legendary artists and the most exciting up-and-coming live acts, Gippsland Country Music Festival also features food trucks, smokehouse barbecue, line dancing, whip cracking, rides, market stalls, on-site bars and all-round good times.
NGV Triennial
Melbourne
Until April 18
Exploring some of the most globally relevant and pressing issues of our time – isolation, representation and speculation on the future – the NGV Triennial presents a large-scale exhibition of international contemporary art, design and architecture.
Featuring 86 projects by more than 100 artists, designers and collectives from more than 30 countries, the NGV Triennial comprises an ambitious and diverse selection of works showcasing the vanguard of contemporary practice. Having been open since December, April is your last chance to view a visually arresting and thought-provoking view of the world at this unique moment.
NGV Triennial is the most visited exhibition in NGV’s 157-year history
ACT
Good Folk
Queanbeyan
April 8 and 9
Good Folk is a two-day concert series that brings together the folk community in Queanbeyan and beyond. Punter can experience exceptional performances, celebrate folk culture while supporting musicians and local businesses.
The lineup includes 2021 Golden Guitar Awards “Female Artist of the Year” Fanny Lumsden, Central Coast trio Little Quirks, one of Australia’s most enduring musical ensembles, Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen, and Queanbeyan’s very own esteemed author, poet and rapper, Omar Musa.
Heritage Festival
Canberra
April 6-26
The 2020 theme, “REIMAGINE” is back for 2021, and may be event more apt than before. Event holders have been asked to “reimagine” how they bring their activities to you in a COVID-safe way.
From 6-26 April, over 150 diverse events will take place across the Canberra region including workshops, tours, talk, suburban walks, virtual events and more. Now in it’s 38th year, the Festival raises awareness of the ongoing need to converse our natural, historic and Aboriginal heritage.
The full program of events is now available online. Many of the events require bookings, so make sure you get in early and secure your spot.
Canberra International Music Festival
Canberra
From April 30
Vienna. The city where Schubert and Strauss were born. The place where Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven made history. The opera house that Mahler transformed for the 20th century. The circles where Schonberg foreshadowed the tragedy of two world wars.
In 2021, CIMF brings the music of Vienna to Canberra, performed by an exceptional cast of Australian artists.
Over ten glorious autumn days, music becomes your guide to Canberra’s cultural treasures. Open your heart to our cool little capital.
TAS
International Mural Fest
Sheffield
April 21-27
There’s a reason that Sheffield has become known as Tasmania’s ‘Town of Murals’, and that’s due to this: the truly unique art competition that commences on Easter Sunday every year.
Mural Fest sees nine artists compete in a public ‘paint off’, using the same poem as their mural’s central theme and inspiration.
Beauty at MuralFest (Photo: Tourism Tasmania)
The competition is conducted in Mural Park, Sheffield’s very own outdoor art gallery in the heart of Tasmania’s cradle mountain.
The event sees the test of artistic skill, endurance and tenacity – so much so that similar events have begun popping up both nationally and overseas. A pretty clear indicator that Mural Fest is doing something right.
Echo Festival
Cranbrook
April 23-25
Presented over the weekend prior to Easter each year, ECHO is a curated program of experiences delivered at an idyllic riverside setting within the rural hamlet of Cranbrook, in wine country positioned between the seaside towns of Swansea and Bicheno.
The Chef’s Native Bounty feast offers guests delights of local shellfish, wallaby and bush foods, cooked on the open coals.
In the old Gala Mill, expert vignerons and distillers will guide us through a showcase of fine Tasmanian wines and craft spirits.
WA
Good Food Month
Perth
Throughout April
Good Food Month presented by Citi will return to Perth this April, for the seventh year. You’re invited to four spectacular feature events taking place within the City of Perth, complemented by 20 Friends of Good Food Month dining experiences.
There’s the floating fried chicken feast, Esmay pop-up at Hearth, and the unique Glasshouse dining experience. All yours to sample throughout April.
Fairbridge Festival
Pinjarra
April 9-11
Fairbridge Festival is one of Australia’s most loved, family-friendly music and camping festivals. Held since 1992, it is a place of wonder and magic, with inspiration and delight for all ages at every turn.
Over the three days, there is an abundance of music, dance, free workshops, crafts, market stalls, delicious food, street theatre, comedy, in-conversation, jam sessions and so much more. The beating heart of the festival, Mandja (Noongar for meeting place) is the main concert venue and home to spectacular live music shows. Head here for the large-scale festival moments, combined concerts and spectacular evening shows. Pop over to Gus’ Bar between shows for a refreshment and a singalong.
Fairbridge Festival is one of Australia’s most loved, family-friendly music and camping festivals
SA
Tasting Australia
Adelaide
Beginning April 30
For 10 days, Tasting Australia is your passport to the premium, unprecedented eating and drinking experiences that only South Australia can offer.
Town Square is where the magic happens
Take a journey through produce from paddock to plate, sampling the musings of world-class chefs at one of the country’s longest-running food and wine festivals.
Long lunches, exclusive dinners, farm tours, tastings, masterclasses, sharing and conversation; they’re all there.
Colour Tumby Street Art Festival
Tumby Bay
April 12-14
After an extremely successful inaugural event, this iconic street art festival is back, adding a splash of colour to the walls of Tumby Bay’s local buildings.
the iconic street art festival is back
Located in the seaside town, numerous artists have been invited to spread and share their talent, where spectators are encouraged to attend all weekend long.
This silo mural was created by Martin Ron and Matt Gorrick
Expect some iconic imagery, created by iconic artists. Like this one above. Created by Martin Ron, an Argentinian street artist based in Buenos Aires, and South Australian painter Matt Gorrick, this silo mural celebrates the two best things about Tumby Bay: beaches and art
And in a twist for this year, organisers have arranged with the local transport company to create some mobile street art on a large trailer and prime mover, something which will eventually create another icon that will travel through regional South Australia.
Watching paint dry has never been this much fun.
2021 Barossa Vintage Festival
Barossa Valley
April 14-18
Join the Barossa community for a celebration of the region’s wine, food, culture and heritage at the historic Barossa Vintage Festival.
South Australia’s largest regional festival creates opportunities for interstate and international visitors to immerse themselves and experience some of Barossa’s finest food and wine experiences against the backdrop of divine history and heritage.
Come along and soak up the atmosphere for a day, or stay for the entire five day Festival. Explore over 75 events including masterclasses, exclusive wine tastings, long lunches, dinners, live music, picnics and parties as the community comes together for one big celebration.
NT
Parrtjima – Festival of Light
Alice Springs
April 5-14
Parrtjima is the only authentic First Nations festival of its kind, showcasing the oldest continuous cultures on earth through the newest technology – all on a 300-million-year-old natural canvas in the Red Centre.
Step inside Parrtjima: the incredible festival of light
The theme for Parrtjima 2019 is Language Expressions, which aligns with the United Nations Year of Indigenous Languages.
This theme helps celebrate the ways in which artists can evolve and experiment with different styles and materials, while staying true to the ancient philosophy of connection and Country.
Held across two event precincts over 10 nights, the free event includes incredible artwork and light installations, alongside a 10-night public program of interactive workshops, music, film and talks.
Outback Cycling Easter in the Alice
Alice Springs
April 20-22
Part of the 2019 National Cup, Easter in the Alice is a nationally recognised event through Mountain Bike Australia, as part of the Cross-Country category.
Cycle the outback
Bring your family and friends and come race in some of Australia’s most unique mountain biking terrain. Beautiful blue skies, perfect weather, and scenery you’ll never forget.
QLD
Gold Coast Film Festival
Gold Coast
April 14-25
3 World premieres, 10 Australian premieres, 4 Queensland premieres, 107 films, 13 locations, 12 days. The Gold Coast Film Festival is bringing film to life this April.
Expect intimate seminars and workshops from Australia’s leading producers, writers and directors, all while watching acclaimed cinema from both local and international talent.
Special events include the Women in Film Lunch, Movie & Music Trivia, free outdoor film screenings, industry panels and workshops, and SIPFest, the annual short film competition transforming Surfers Paradise beach into a vibrant and unique cinema featuring 12 cinematic masterpieces by emerging filmmakers from around Australia.
Undara Outback Rock and Blues
Undara
April 23-25
Quickly becoming the must-do event of Tropical North Queensland, the Undara Outback Rock and Blues Festival attracts a wide variety of both performers and visitors.
2021 will see five high-quality acts performing over three days, making this a weekend guaranteed to suit fans of all genres, held in one of Australia’s most celebrated natural locations.
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