The Best Autumn Festivals In Australia

The arrival of autumn is definitely worth celebrating.

Summer has well and truly had her time in the spotlight this year, with sweltering hot days delivering perfect beachside memories. But for those of us who prefer the cooler months, the arrival of autumn is a welcomed change.

If you’re one of us, grab your favourite knit cardigan and pair of Blundstones – it’s time to celebrate this glorious season. From food-focused festivities and wine weekends to autumnal plant fairs and arts events, here’s your comprehensive guide to the best autumn festivals in Australia by date.

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

Macedon Ranges, Vic: 1–30 April

Macedon Ranges, Victoria — Join walking tours with a guide through stunning foliage.

What better way the prettiest season than in one of the prettiest places in Victoria? The eponymous month-long Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival encapsulates over 50 curated events taking place across a variety of towns in the Macedon Ranges. Focusing on the region’s food, wine, music, art, history and community, there are farmers’ markets, art exhibitions, cooking masterclasses, live music, foraging workshops and more. Don’t miss the festival’s iconic foodie trails, which include the self-explanatory Pie & Tart Trail, Edgy Veg Trail and Tipple Trail.

Tasmanian Autumn Festival

Derwent Valley, Tas: 1–30 April

Once summer disappears, the Derwent Valley in Tasmania really dials up its charm. A major part of this allure is the month-long Tasmanian Autumn Festival , where local producers come together to deliver and showcase the best of the region. Embrace the cool change with mushroom foraging workshops, historical tours, foodie trails, distillery tours, wine tastings, guided hikes and plenty more – just don’t forget your coat and woolly hat!

Jamieson Autumn Festival

Jamieson, Vic: 4–6 April

Head up to the Victorian High Country to experience the turning of the seasons at the Jamieson Autumn Festival . Witness the leaves turn fiery shades of red, orange and yellow throughout the small town, which feels like something out of a fairytale. Start the weekend by wandering through the markets with a hot drink, followed by live music at Jamieson’s Night of Blues at the Memorial Hall. On Sunday, join an arts and crafts workshop or the guided Significant Tree Walk to learn about the historical and botanical significance of the surrounding flora.

SA Autumn Garden Festival

Clare, SA: 6 April

One of the best things about autumn is watching our natural landscape transform – which is why the SA Autumn Garden Festival is such a hit every year. Known as South Australia’s first-ever gardening festival, it welcomes green thumbs of all abilities to learn about garden care in the cooler months. This year, master the art of growing irises, join a backyard bee-keeping demo, take part in a fermentation workshop, and even hear from Gardening Australia‘s Costa Georgiadis!

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light

Mparntwe/Alice Springs, NT: 4–13 April

The only Aboriginal festival of its kind, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Arrente Country this year. A must on Alice Springs/Mparntwe‘s autumnal calendar, the free 10-night festival is set to blow its guests out of the water with nightly projections against the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges. A few 2025 program highlights include the Buy Blak Market, a meandering six-metre-high puppet and the first open-air performance by Darwin Symphony Orchestra , as well as performances, talks, films and more.

Stomp Festival

Canberra, ACT: 5–6 April

Four Winds Vineyard in Canberra, ACT — Four Winds is just one of many participating cellar doors. (Image: Four Winds Vineyard)

For oenophiles, autumn is the best season of the year. It’s when many Australian vintners, particularly those working with full-bodied reds, decide to harvest. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, then Stomp Festival is the autumn event for you! The wonderful wine weekend is all about exploring Canberra’s world-class cellar door scene, with a side of live music, gourmet food and interactive experiences. From Clonakilla Wines to Four Winds Vineyard, it’s time to get tasting!

Outback River Lights Festival

Cunnamulla, Qld: 11–13 April

Yes – you can even welcome autumn’s arrival in Outback Queensland – the Outback River Lights Festival just puts its own spin on it. This annual three-day event in Cunnamulla celebrates the spirit of community and local outback life with everything from workshops and competitions to live performances and cultural experiences. Whether you dine under the stars at a long-table dinner, join a bush tucker cooking class, take a fire-twirling workshop or simply admire fireworks over the Warrego River – you’re in for an autumnal treat.

Yarra Valley Autumn Plant Fair

Wandin, Vic: 12–13 April

Calling all plant hoarders – this one is for you! The Yarra Valley Autumn Plant Fair & Garden Expo is back for another festival of flowers and foliage, with a particular focus on autumn varietals. Held over two days in Wandin, visitors can expect a range of live gardening demonstrations, panel talks with special guests, expert-run garden clinics and over 30 market stalls touting plants, tools and equipment. Be sure to attend the Rare Plant Auction too, where you can bid on precious plants to support the Kids With Cancer Foundation .

Falling Leaf Festival

Snowy Valleys, NSW: 26–27 April

Tumut, NSW — Tumut is known to dial up the charm during autumn. (Image: Destination NSW)

With the Falling Leaf Festival , it’s all in the name. Attendees are invited to warm their hands on a mug of mulled wine and toast to crisp, cold days across Tumut, a regional town that truly comes to life during autumn. It’s a great opportunity to check out what this picturesque pocket of the Riverina region has to offer, from market stalls touting fresh regional produce to live music by local artists. There will also be creative workshops, kids’ entertainment, roving performers, live theatre and even a community fun run!

Bright Autumn Festival

Bright, Vic: 25 April – 4 May

Bright in Victoria's High Country — The town of Bright epitomises autumn. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another jewel in Victoria’s crown is the town of Bright, where deciduous tree species and a cool alpine climate make it an autumnal dream come true. Each year, the small but mighty town celebrates this claim to fame with its Bright Autumn Festival , a 10-day event that sees local businesses showcase the region’s best. With market stalls, live music, historic tours, campfire sessions, art exhibitions, guided walks and more, it’s the perfect excuse to book an autumnal road trip through the High Country.

Tasting Australia

South Australia: 2–11 May

Journey Beyond presents Tasting Australia 2025 , the iconic foodie festival that takes over the state of South Australia each autumn. At its heart, the 10-day event is a celebration of eating and drinking, but has evolved over the years to encompass people, place and produce. This is evident throughout the program, which includes meet-and-greets, masterclasses, degustations, tours, tastings and more. Get a taste of autumn from the Fleurieu Peninsula to the Flinders Ranges and everywhere in between.

Bickley Harvest Festival

Perth Hills, WA: 3–4 May

La Fattoria in the Perth Hills, Western Australia — La Fattoria is one of 20 host venues this year. (Image: Experience Perth Hills Kalamunda)

It may be home to one of the best wineries in Perth, but Bickley has more to offer than its world-class vino. Take the Bickley Harvest Festival , which has been delighting visitors for more than 25 years. Running over just two days in May, guests are invited to get a taste of the region’s finest wine, food and music. There are 20 different local venues hosting events this year – from Hogg Culture Brewing Co. to La Fattoria – all backdropped by views over orange-hued valleys and vineyards.

Festival of Outback Opera

Winton, Qld: 13–19 May

Hosted by Opera Queensland, the Festival of Outback Opera is a series of outdoor concerts in the Outback Queensland towns of Longreach and Winton. Autumn colours won’t just be found in the changing of leaves but in the golden light cast against this stunning landscape. In 2025, guests can look forward to performances by headline act Sumi Jo, alongside some of Queensland’s finest singers. There will also be cultural conversations, trivia nights, long lunches and a spectacular gala ball.

Ballarat Heritage Festival

Ballarat, Vic: 16–25 May

Running across 10 days in autumn, the Ballarat Heritage Festival has always been a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Focusing on the history of the township and its people, the program features art exhibitions, tours, talks and workshops, as well as an antique fair, vintage car show and steam train ride. There are plenty of great places to stay in Ballarat too, so linger a little longer to truly experience the charm of this historic town.

Ord Valley Muster

Kununurra, WA: 16–25 May

A traditional Corroboree under the night sky. A long lunch on a working cattle station. A real-life rodeo (with real-life cowboys). This is autumn in the Kimberley. This is the Ord Valley Muster , a nine-day extravaganza of diversity, tradition, culture and character. From bush tucker foraging and black-tie dinners to an open-air gallery and party in the park, the program alone makes this a bucket-list-worthy festival. And if that doesn’t convince you, a one-night-only performance by Fleetwood Mac will.

Vivid Sydney

Sydney, NSW: 23 May – 14 June

Vivid Sydney is turning 15 in 2025, and to celebrate, the 23-day event promises to delight and dazzle like never before. How so, you may be thinking? Well in a recent announcement, Vivid revealed an all-new programme of events with a bunch of incredible special guests, including Nigella Lawson herself! But that’s not all – there will also be outdoor light installations, live music line-ups, interactive art exhibits, expert panel talks, gourmet dining experiences and more.

Taste of Kakadu

Kakadu National Park, NT: 23–25 May

Running for three days this May, Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu: Taste of Kakadu will take you on a stimulating journey of taste and sound. Discover the foods, stories and customs that come alive in Kakadu’s Bangkerreng and Yekke seasons, which correspond to autumn on the Western seasonal calendar. Immerse yourself in the landscape through weaving workshops, cooking demos, dance performances and more – offering an insight into Indigenous culture and customs.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .