8 unforgettable cultural getaways to have around Australia

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Everything from opera in the outback to the continuum of ancient cultural traditions in the Top End takes centre stage  as  in-depth ways to appreciate a destination.

1. Camping with Custodians, WA

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Western Australia’s Camping with Custodians is a first for Australia. The program invites travellers to stay at one of the state’s Aboriginal-owned and operated campgrounds, such as Lombadina on the Dampier Peninsula, Imintji on the Gibb River Road and Peedamulla in the Pilbara, to meet the Traditional Custodians and learn about their culture and land. Fees paid support employment, training and generating income, creating a positive impact for both camper and community.

the Lombadina on the Dampier Peninsula
Stay on Lombadina on the Dampier Peninsula. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

2. Garma Festival, NT

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

Garma is a four-day event hosted by the Yothu Yindi Foundation to share traditional Yolŋu knowledge systems and address and improve social equity for Aboriginal people. The annual festival in north-east Arnhem Land is the country’s largest Indigenous gathering, showcasing art, song, dance, film and storytelling. Garma attracts thousands of political and business leaders from across the globe who are invited to the remote Gulkula ceremonial site, about 40 kilometres from Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula. See also Cape York’s Laura Quinkan Dance Festival, slated next for June 2026, and the Katherine region’s Barunga Festival for more culturally significant First Nations gatherings.

dancers the Barunga Festival, NT
Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture with a broader community at Barunga Festival. (Image: Tourism NT/Alana Holmberg)

3. Festival of Outback Opera, Qld

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Opera Queensland has impressed its image into the red dirt of the outback. The Festival of Outback Opera , which runs annually during May, is about singing and scenery on a grand scale: gather under the stars at Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Winton for Dark Sky Serenade. Or linger in Longreach to see singers like Kate Miller-Heidke or soprano Sumi Jo lead Singing in the Night at Camden Park Station. Up the ante on the experience further with a stay at Rangelands Outback Camp.

The Festival of Outback Opera
The Festival of Outback Opera is held every May in Winton and Longreach. (Image: Glenn Hunt Photo)

4. Illumina, K’gari, Qld

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

The sky is a liquid violet as luminous lilies bobbing on the silvery surface of Lake McKenzie/Boorangoora help to illustrate its magnificence. Illumina by Canadian-born artist Bruce Ramus uses lighting, lasers and audio-visual projections to incorporate and celebrate the natural environment on Queensland’s K’gari. The light and sound show, Return to Sky, invites guests of Kingfisher Bay Resort to immerse themselves in the island’s landscapes.

the Illumina Light Show, K’gari
See K’gari in a new light. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

5. Adelaide’s festivals, SA

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

March is arguably the most exciting month on Adelaide’s calendar, with three huge events – Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide and Adelaide Festival – creating an absolute buzz on the streets. Some locals call it ‘Mad March’, when some 6000-plus artists descend on the city, from comedians and musicians to street performers. No matter which day you visit, or which way you look, you’re sure to find music, arts and entertainment. Or set your sights on Illuminate Adelaide, a winter festival of art, light, music and tech.

the WOMADelaide festival
WOMADelaide is one of six WOMAD festivals. (Image: Saige Prime)

6. Townsville’s art scene, Qld

Travelling with: Taylah Darnell

The temperature in Townsville isn’t the only thing that’s hot – the North Queensland capital of cool will have you wiping your brow thanks to its diverse culinary scene, incredible outdoor offerings and luxurious five-star waterfront hotel, Ardo. But the city’s relatively under-the-radar arts community and communal creative spaces are also raising the mercury. Whether it’s a rare exhibition at Perc Tucker Regional Art Gallery , a showcase of local work at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts or a hands-on pottery workshop at the North QLD Potters Association, Townsville’s creativity flows as freely as a sea breeze in summer.

7. Big Red Bash, Qld

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

The tiny outback town of Birdsville in south-west Queensland has become renowned for its historic pub and annual Birdsville Races. But each year, the numbers in the town also swell for the annual Big Red Bash , an all-ages music festival held in the Simpson Desert. The epic event is on pause for 2025 but is expected to come back bigger and better in 2026. Festival-goers camp under the starry sky and enjoy performances by Aussie music legends. If you can’t wait until 2026, fill your cup at NSW’s Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash in August, at which Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, Birds of Tokyo and The Cat Empire will perform.

artists performing at the Big Red Bash festival
Catch iconic Australian artists at the three-day extravaganza. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Hayley Williamson Photography)

8. Bendigo Art Gallery, Vic

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

A $54-million expansion of Bendigo Art Gallery is set to lure even more art lovers to the regional Victorian city, which has built its brand around arts, culture and events. Bendigo’s place in Australia’s art scene has also been bolstered by the exclusive exhibition Frida Kahlo: In her own image (until 13 July). Fans of the revolutionary Mexican artist are making a beeline for Bendigo to see the pop-up exhibition featuring some of the artist’s most treasured belongings.

the Frida Kahlo: In her own image exhibition, Bendigo Art Gallery
See Frida Kahlo: In her own image exhibition.
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The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)