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.

Why settle for another landlocked weekend away when you could spend a thrilling few days sipping cocktails poolside with friends and family, taking in a Broadway-style musical, and having once-in-a-lifetime adventures—all without leaving Australia?

Royal Caribbean’s summer 2025/26 season packs all the excitement and variety of a cruise holiday into a new lineup of weekend getaways. There’s something for everyone on board, from your mum who just wants to relax at a spa to your adrenaline-junkie mate who is keen to skydive in a simulator on the deck. With two world-class ships making debut voyages from Brisbane and Sydney, there’s never been a better time to plan the ultimate short getaway with a Royal Caribbean Australia cruise.

Why cruise?

Royal Caribbean Weekend Cruises cruising from Australia. — The ultimate adventure, close to home.

On a short cruise holiday, you’ll set sail with zero planning stress, booking drama, or traffic woes, knowing your itinerary is jam-packed with fine dining and adventure (or relaxation, if that’s more your vibe). And everyone’s needs will be catered to, from your parents to your gourmand partner to your toddler niece. All main meals* and most onboard activities are seamlessly included in your fare, from Royal Caribbean Entertainment to the Adventure Ocean® Kids’ Club.

The ship

Boy rock climbing at Adrenaline Peak on Royal Caribbean Weekend Cruises, excitement, thrills, effort, challenge, fun. — Scale new heights at sea with onboard rock climbing.

Sailing from Sydney for the first time, Anthem of the Seas® is an award-winning ship. It boasts 360-degree views from its thrilling North Star® observation capsule – the tallest viewing deck on any cruise ship, anywhere, stretching an astonishing 91 meters above the ocean. And it offers tailored adventures for families and friend groups alike.

Thrill-seekers can on the FlowRider® Surf Simulator, or try out the bumper cars. For those looking to chill, relax poolside at the adults-only Solarium with a cocktail in hand. Experience some culture and show-stopping entertainment with a Broadway-style production of We Will Rock You.

Or set sail aboard Voyager of the Seas® , making her debut voyages from Brisbane this summer with a turbo-charged slate of activities, including mini golf and ice skating, as well as The Perfect Storm℠ – a three-storey high-speed waterslide.

Onboard activities

meal at giovannis on a royal caribbean ship — The onboard dining scene is legendary.

Royal Caribbean’s onboard dining scene rivals what you’d find in any top global city, bringing top chefs and inventive flavours from around the world right to your ship’s deck. From Japanese sushi bars to old-world Italian joints, late-night cafes, private room service and five-course, white-tableclothed Chef’s Table culinary journeys, there’s something to suit every mood and palate.

For those craving relaxation, the Vitality℠ Spa and Fitness Centre offers a full menu of massages, facials, hair and nails, teeth whitening and even medi-spa treatments to plump skin and smooth wrinkles. Not to mention state-of-the-art gym facilities. Or take in the pristine views at the adults-only Solarium, a serene retreat space featuring tranquil pools and whirlpools.

Meanwhile, the thrill-seekers in your group can pack more adrenaline into three or four nights than most holidays do in a week. Royal Caribbean’s signature RipCord® by iFLY® skydiving simulator* delivers the singular rush of a freefall without ever boarding a plane. And the 12-metre-long FlowRider® surf simulator lets everyone from beginner boogie-boarders to advanced shredders catch a wave without ever leaving the deck. Launch yourself down a multi-story waterslide against a backdrop of ocean views or grab the whole crew for Battle for Planet Z℠*, a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience. Top it all off with rock climbing, ice skating, pickleball, or a game of basketball on the sports court.

When night falls, the drama amps up with a slate of award-winning shows: We Will Rock You, the Queen musical playing on board Anthem of the Seas®, or Ice Odyssey, a dazzling and futuristic spectacle performed on Voyager of the Seas® ’ very own ice rink. Or bar hop before catching some live music, a comedy show, a silent disco, an outdoor film night, and so much more.

Where can you sail?

people snorkelling on a day trip with royal caribbean cruises — Snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef.

Departing from Brisbane, take a four-night getaway to stunning Airlie Beach, Queensland on board Voyager of the Seas®. Along the way, spend time immersed in Airlie Beach, where you can take a Segway tour, hop on a glass-bottom boat and try an ocean rafting eco-adventure. Book a Shore Excursion and take a trip to the Whitsunday Islands for snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, or hike to secluded beaches in Molle National Park.

If you prefer to depart from Sydney, hop on board Anthem of the Seas® for a five-night holiday to Hobart, Tasmania. You’ll spend time docked in Hobart experiencing Tasmania’s other-worldly beauty and famous culinary scene, from hikes and horse rides on Mount Wellington to strolls through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens to winery tours in the countryside and up-close encounters with Tasmanian devils.

Days at sea are a chance to create your own adventure and savour it all, from the ships’ astonishing breadth of dining experiences and activities to the serenity of the open seas to unhurried moments with loved ones – the most memorable part of any holiday.

Book a short getaway that everyone will love (and don’t compromise on forever memories) at RoyalCaribbean.com.au.