The best autumn festivals around Australia in 2026

The season of cosiness and colour calls for celebration.

Summer has well and truly had her time in the spotlight this year, with sweltering hot days delivering beachside bliss. But for those who prefer the cooler months, autumn’s arrival is a welcome change. So grab your favourite knitted cardigan and follow us – it’s time to celebrate this glorious season at Australia’s cosiest autumn festivals.

Lighting the Sound

Albany, WA: 13–29 March

Lighting the Sound is a large-scale outdoor light installation that will transform Albany’s coastline into an immersive experience over three weekends. Visible from key locations across town, the illumination of landforms around King George Sound shifts attention from the coast to the ocean – a life-giving source rich in ancestry, culture, ecology and history. Created by internationally renowned artist Kari Kola, it’s anticipated to be the largest light installation on Earth.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Canberra, ACT: 14–22 March

For nine mesmerising days, the nation’s capital comes alive with the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, which sees countless hot air balloons dance across the sky in a kaleidoscope of colour. Taking place in the John Dunmore Lang Place Park, keen spectators can arrive early to see the balloons up close before they take off each morning. Or grab a top-quality coffee before heading to Lake Burley Griffin, arguably the best spot to view the iconic floating parade.

Orange FOOD Week

Orange, NSW: 20–29 March

Hosted across a variety of the town’s iconic and emerging venues, Orange FOOD Week is a love letter to the region’s incredible local produce and the people who grow it, nurture it, bottle it or transform it on a plate. This year, the festival celebrates 35 years, and to honour the milestone, the program is going big. More than 100 events will allow guests to experience Orange at its best – it is one of Australia’s prettiest autumn towns after all.

FabAlice

Alice Springs, NT: 26–29 March

Continue the Mardi Gras party this autumn at fabALICE, a festival of drag and cabaret that celebrates the inclusivity and diversity of Mparntwe/Alice Springs. Across four glitter-filled days, the town transforms into a stage for dazzling performances, disco dance floors, drag queen bingo, film nights, cabaret shows and a sparkling street parade that brings everyone together. Join this vibrant NT community as it sparkles in honour of pride, love and diversity.

A Taste of the Hills

Adelaide Hills, SA: 28–29 March

Join a collection of South Australia’s top wineries, distilleries, breweries and cideries all in one place this March at A Taste of the Hills. Explore the region by glass with vendors like Golding Wines, Vinteloper, Tin Shed Distilling Co, Heaps Good Spirits, Silver Bark Brewery, Lenswood Cider Co and more. There will also be live music and plenty of local food vendors to keep you satiated between sips.

Feast of the Senses

Innisfail, Qld: 29 March

Fruit market — Load up on a range of fresh tropical fruit. (Credit: Getty/Cacio Murilo de Vasconcelos)

Discover the riches of Tropical North Queensland’s backyard at Feast of the Senses, held on the jaw-dropping Cassowary Coast. Here, the spotlight is on locally sourced produce and exotic fruits, but attendees can also sample the region’s best meat, seafood, herbs, spices and wine. Meander your way around Innisfail via various events, from guided walks and food-focused trails to trivia nights and live music delights.

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

Macedon Ranges, Vic: 1–30 April

The month-long Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival encapsulates over 50 curated events across nine of the region’s prettiest towns. Focusing on local food, wine, art and history, the program spans from farmers markets and guided tours to trivia nights and painting classes. Be sure to join the Pie & Tart Trail for sweet and savoury treats; or if wine is more your style, tag along on the Tipple Trail.

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Tasmanian Autumn Festival

Derwent Valley, Tas: 1–30 April

Basket full of mushrooms — A mushroom foraging workshop is the perfect autumn activity. (Credit: Getty/Knape)

Once summer disappears, Tasmania’s Derwent Valley dials up its charm. A major part of its allure is the month-long Tasmanian Autumn Festival, where local producers come together to showcase the best of the region. Embrace the cool change with kitchen garden tours, guided walks, wine tastings, ghost walks, foraging workshops, long lunches and more – just don’t forget your woolly hat!

International Street Arts Festival

Fremantle, WA: 3–6 April

Over the Easter long weekend, WA’s breezy port city transforms into an epic outdoor exhibition for the International Fremantle Street Arts Festival. local favourites and global standouts unite for more than 160 family‑friendly performances, filling the heart of Freo with colour and movement. Best experienced on foot, the free event is open to all – no tickets, no barriers, just pure unfiltered entertainment.

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light

Alice Springs, NT: 10–19 April

The only Aboriginal festival of its kind, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, celebrates the arrival of autumn on Arrente Country in Alice Springs. A stalwart of the city’s arts calendar, the free 10-night event blows guests out of the water each year with nightly projections against the MacDonnell Ranges. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the outback in all its glory and learn about one of the oldest living cultures in the world.

Outback River Lights

Cunnamulla, Qld: 17–19 April

Outback River Lights puts its own spin on autumn along the banks of the Warrego River. Across three days, Cunnamulla celebrates the spirit of community and local life with everything from workshops and competitions to live performances and cultural experiences. Whether you do dinner under the stars, join a bush tucker cooking class or take a fire-twirling lesson, you’re in for an autumnal treat.

Autumn Garden Festival

Clare, SA: 19 April

Gardening Australia's Costa Georgiadis — Get some top gardening tips from Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis.

One of the best things about autumn is watching the landscape transform – which is why the SA Autumn Garden Festival is such a hit every year. Known as South Australia’s first-ever gardening fest, it welcomes green thumbs of all abilities to learn about plant care in the cooler months. This year, catch Gardening Australia‘s Costa Georgiadis and Sophie Thomson at workshops and panel talks across the program.

Bright Autumn Festival

Bright, Vic: 24 April – 3 May

Bright autumn streets — The cosy town of Bright peaks during autumn. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Deciduous tree species and a cool alpine climate make Bright in Victoria’s High Country a true seasonal delight. Each year, the small but mighty town celebrates this claim to fame at the Bright Autumn Festival, a 10-day affair showcasing the region’s best. With local markets, live music, historic tours, art exhibitions, guided walks and more, it’s the perfect excuse for an autumnal road trip.

Falling Leaf Festival

Tumut, NSW: 1–3 May

Tumut in Snowy Valleys, NSW — Tumut is best experienced in autumn. (Credit: Jake McBride)

At the Falling Leaf Festival, it’s all in the name. Whether warming your hands on a mug of mulled wine or dancing through piles of golden leaves in the park, Tumut invites you to explore this autumn. Nestled in a cosy pocket of the Snowy Valleys, the regional town comes alive across three splendid days with creative workshops, market stalls, live music, comedy shows and more.

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Bickley Harvest Festival

Perth Hills, WA: 3 May – 1 June

La Fattoria in Perth Hills, WA — La Fattoria will welcome guests during the Bickley Harvest Festival. (Credit: 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. Case in point: the Bickley Harvest Festival. Running throughout May, guests can taste their way around town via its best venues, from cideries and farms to wineries and restaurants. This year, guests can stop by Brookside Vineyard, Carmel Distillery, La Fattoria, Masonmill and more.

Tasting Australia

South Australia: 8–17 May

Journey Beyond presents Tasting Australia 2026, an iconic foodie festival that takes over SA each autumn. At its heart, the 10-day program is a celebration of eating and drinking, evolving over the years to unite people, place and produce. Events are held everywhere from the Flinders Ranges to the Fleurieu Peninsula, including Adelaide, the Barossa, Kangaroo Island and across the Riverlands. This year, there’s even an exclusive new culinary rail journey on The Ghan.

Ord Valley Muster

Kununurra, WA: 15–25 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 to black-tie dinners, the program alone makes this a bucket-list experience.

Ballarat Heritage Festival

Ballarat, Vic: 21–24 May

The beloved Ballarat Heritage Festival has always been a favourite among locals and visitors of The Golden City. A diverse annual program spotlights the history of Ballarat and those who shaped it, through art exhibitions, heritage tours, panel talks and creative workshops. Other highlights include the antique fair, vintage car show, and steam train rides through town.

Vivid Sydney

Sydney, NSW: 22 May – 13 June

Vivid Sydney is turning 16 in 2026, and to celebrate, the 23-day event promises to delight like never before. This year’s program has been given a revamp, filled with an exciting mix of light shows, soundscapes, live music, art exhibitions and a whole lot of food! Spend the evening wandering the Light Walk, having a boogie with local bands, tasting your way through the Fire Kitchen or enjoying open-air circus acts, the dazzling city as your backdrop.

Taste of Kakadu

Kakadu National Park, NT: 23 May

This May, Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu: Taste of Kakadu will take you on a sensory journey of taste and sound. Discover the foods and stories that come alive during Kakadu’s Bangkerreng and Yekke seasons, which correspond with autumn on the Western calendar. Immerse yourself in the landscape through weaving workshops, cooking demos, dance performances, bush tucker tastings and more – offering an insight into Indigenous culture through a First Nations lens.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray, then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve. Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co. has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General. Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu, inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.