Incredible outback events worth travelling for

Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
hero media
Not only will these incredible events connect you to Country; they’ll become experiences you’ll never forget.

From celebrations of First Nations cultures to dazzling light displays and outdoor opera performances to drag and diva festivals, here are the best outback events held on red dirt and under vast desert skies.

Festival of Outback Opera
14–20 May
Winton and Longreach, Qld

What could be more mesmerising than an operatic voice under an outback sky studded with stars? Hosted by Opera Queensland, the Festival of Outback Opera is a week-long program of outdoor concerts in the towns of Winton and Longreach.

To give an idea of the quality of performance that can be expected, the headline act for 2024 was singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke. Tenor Rosario La Spina, soprano Rachelle Durkin and more joined her. The festival isn’t just about singing though, join a long lunch event, a spectacular gala ball and hear experts in the industry and the local community speak on what it means to bring the performing arts to parts of Australia that don’t usually have access to them.

Kate Miller Heidke performing at the Outback Opera Festival in Winton, 2024
No stage lighting could compare to the tapestry of colours painted by an outback sunset. (Image: Glenn Hunt Photo)

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
12–21 April
Alice Springs Desert Park, NT

The 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges and surrounding desert is a natural canvas for large-scale light installations during this 10-night celebration of Aboriginal art and culture.

A combination of innovative technology and traditional storytelling, the 2024 theme centres around ‘Interconnectedness’. Visitors can also expect live music, workshops, demonstrations and an open-air food market.

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
The 2024 theme centres around ‘Interconnectedness’. (Image: NT Major Events/James Horan)

Garma Festival
2–5 August
Gulkula, Arnhem Land, NT

Garma is the country’s largest Indigenous gathering, attracting thousands of political and business leaders from across the globe. It’s organised by the Yothu Yindi Foundation to share traditional Yolu knowledge systems and improve social equity for Aboriginal people.

Held in remote Northeast Arnhem Land, Garma showcases art, song, dance, film and storytelling from the Gulkula ceremonial site on the Gove Peninsula.

Indigenous man at Garma Festival
Garma is the country’s largest Indigenous gathering. (Image: Nina Franova)

Alice Springs Beanie Festival
21–24 June
Araluen Arts Centre, Mparntwe/Alice Springs, NT

Crafting beanies has become a distinctive art form in the Red Centre, where a festival dedicated to the humble headpiece has been held for almost three decades.

The Alice Springs Beanie Festival exhibits a dazzling array of beanies made by craftspeople from Mparntwe/Alice Springs and other remote areas, as well as workshops run by Indigenous women who share their methods of needlework, spinning and basketry.

fabALICE Festival
7–10 March
Mparntwe/Alice Springs, NT

The rugged landscape of Mparntwe/Alice Springs will be sprinkled with fabulousness for this festival that celebrates inclusivity and diversity. The event pays homage to the 1994 cult Aussie film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Think burlesque shows, Drag Queen Story Time and a street parade. There will also be a screening of the film and tours around the Central Desert town in a Budget Barbie Camper.

Two drag queens at fabALICE festival
Mparntwe/Alice Springs will be sprinkled with fabulousness for fabALICE. (Image: Tourism NT)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Barunga Festival
7–10 June
Barunga, NT

At the 1988 Barunga Festival, then Prime Minister Bob Hawke was presented with the Barunga Statement, which called for Indigenous rights and inspired the Yothu Yindi hit Treaty.

The festival, held in the small community of Barunga, 80 kilometres south-east of Katherine, continues to foster reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The program aims to preserve ancient Aboriginal rites, customs and skills through dance, sporting events, art, bush medicine, storytelling and more.

Dancers at Barunga Festival
Barunga Festival continues to foster reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Big Red Bash and Mundi Mundi Bash
2–4 July, Birdsville, Qld
15–17 August, Broken Hill, NSW

The tiny outback Queensland town of Birdsville has become an unexpected icon for its historic pub and annual Birdsville Races. But even bigger is the Big Red Bash, an all-ages music festival held on the edge of the Simpson Desert. Camping under the Milky Way is an unforgettable experience; add to that a line-up of Aussie music legends such as Tina Arena and Richard Clapton.

Meanwhile, James Reyne, Daryl Braithwaite and The Living End will take to the stage near the frontier mining town of Broken Hill in outback NSW for the Mundi Mundi Bash.

Mundi Mundi Bash Nutbush 2023
Festival-goers performed The Nutbush at the 2023 Mundi Mundi Bash. (Image: Matt Williams)

Outback River Lights Festival
19–21 April
Cunnamulla, Qld

It’s all colour and creativity in Cunnamulla for the Outback River Lights Festival. The annual three-day event celebrates the spirit of community and local outback life with everything from workshops to live entertainment, face painting, food stalls and a lantern parade.

While in town, be sure to also appreciate the rugged beauty of the outback at the brand-new Cunnamulla Hot Springs. Meditate on your surrounds while soaking in the mineral-rich pools and relaxing in the sauna and steam room on the banks of the Warrego River.

Deni Ute Muster
4–5 October
Deniliquin, NSW

A large convergence of utes put the small town of Deniliquin on the map in 1999 during a devastating drought. 25 years on and the largest and flattest plains on Earth now welcome some 10,000 utes to town each year for the festivities.

The program includes country and rock performances, bull rides, woodchopping, whip cracking and the ‘Blue Singlet Count’, which currently stands at 4136.

Deni Ute Muster
A large convergence of utes put the small town of Deniliquin on the map.

Broken Heel Festival
5–9 September
Broken Hill, NSW

While the 30th anniversary of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert will be cause for celebration this year, its spiritual home honours the film annually with the Broken Heel Festival.

But 2024 is expected to be bigger and better than ever and will involve some of the cast and crew during a five-day program that is all about drag, divas and disco.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Shinju Matsuri
17 August – 1 September
Broome, WA

Now in its 54th year, the Shinju Matsuri Festival is a showcase of Broome’s unique multicultural history, pearling industry and striking natural landscape where the red desert clashes with turquoise water.

Japanese for ‘Festival of the Pearl’, the two-week program held on the Traditional Lands of the Yawuru people includes gourmet festival, A Taste of Broome, long lunches, film screenings and a spectacular float parade through Chinatown.

Dancers at the Shinju Matsuri Festival in Broome, WA
The Shinju Matsuri Festival is a showcase of Broome’s unique multicultural history. (Image: Laura Gass)

The Karijini Experience
4–7 April
Karijini National Park, WA

Deep in the Pilbara in Karijini National Park’s ancient and spectacular landscape, the Karijini Experience welcomes some 2000 visitors annually to the Traditional Lands of the Banjima people for a cultural event organised closely with Traditional Owners.

The experiences are designed to connect people to Country and include bush medicine workshops, storytelling and language workshops, guided bushwalks, as well as concerts under the stars by local musicians.

Ord Valley Muster
17–25 May
Kununurra, WA

From its Corroboree Under the Stars with traditional bush tucker to a black-tie dinner that includes entertainment by The Screaming Jets and Sarah McLeod, the Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster is a nine-day event in East Kimberley with a diverse program.

Other events include Yoga on a Boat, the Gibb Challenge (a bike ride along the iconic outback road) and cultural storytelling by local Miriwoong people.

Corroboree Under the Stars at Ord Valley Muster
Attend the Corroboree Under the Stars. (Image: Sarah Duguid Photography)

Perfect Light Film Festival
22–24 March
Broken Hill, NSW

A celebration of all things film, this free festival kicks off with the screening of an Aussie movie at the 1950s Silver City Cinema in Broken Hill. The fest continues with an outdoor marathon of short films, alongside market and food stalls at Sturt Park and a free filmmaking workshop.

Festival of Outback Skies
3–5 May
Hughenden, Qld

The jewel of the outback is the glittering sandstorm of stars that bedazzle the desert skies each night. This year, the inaugural Festival of the Outback Skies in Hughenden celebrates the lifestyle of the rural community and all things astronomical.

Enjoy a dinner under the stars, a telescope viewing and the lantern-lit lake where you can lie back and marvel at the stars above.

Astronomist looking at outback sky
The night skies are the jewel of the outback. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Megan Arkinstall
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
View profile and articles
Qantas aircraft wing during flight
Australia

Qantas just put 2 million seats on sale – here’s where the value is

Your time to fly business has come.

Read more
anthem of the seas in sydney harbour
Australia

Royal Caribbean announces 3 ships for Australia’s 2027 summer

It's time to start planning your 2027/2028 summer adventure.

Read more
Perseids meteor shower
Australia

The lucky few cities that’ll catch the Perseid meteor shower this week

Get ready – the Perseid meteor shower is just around the corner.

Read more
jetstar carry-on luggage fees
Australia

Jetstar to charge for overhead carry-on baggage, a move that’s illegal overseas

In a controversial overhaul of its carry-on policies, Jetstar will charge fees from $25 for carry-on luggage stored in the overhead lockers from 2027.

Read more
hero media

Discovering Bendigo’s unique heritage through incredible foodie experiences

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    Continue
    Tuck your napkin firmly in place and get ready to dive into Bendigo’s history.

    It’s an internationally recognised fact that Bendigo food experiences prove this region knows how to wine and dine. After all, its shiraz-laden landscape was named Australia’s first UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy. But what visitors lured in by this shiny label might not know is how deeply its culinary scene sits within the gold-rush town’s colourful past.

    Whether you’re eating in a grand colonial bank or nibbling through a gold miner’s garden, grab a big plate. In Bendigo, every meal is served with a huge helping of heritage.

    Take a food tour

    foodie walking tour in bendigo at Ms Batterhams restaurant Bendigo foodie experiences
    Join a Foodie Walking Tour to local highlights like Ms Batterhams.

    Start in the capable hands of Bendigo Guided Tours. Named as the 2025 Victorian Best New Tourism Business, they run two 12-person options. A Taste of Bendigo – Foodie Walking Tour will see you tasting seasonal dishes and sipping wine, craft beer and cocktails made with regional spirits over two-and-a-half hours, with stops at Ms Batterhams, Wine Bank on View, The Dispensary and Bendigo Brewing.

    You can up the ante a notch or two with the Four Hats of Bendigo – a night of fine-dine hopping with the experts across Terrae, Le Foyer, Alium Dining and The Woodhouse.

    Book a table

    Terrae restaurant in bendigo victoria
    Dine at Terrae.

    Alternatively, see Bendigo’s stars under your own steam. There’s Terrae, where produce from the owners’ own farm kitchen garden and orchard is plated up inside what was once a bank, while cocktails are poured in the underground bar below. For something special, book a private table in old bank vault. Rather less wholesome? The bullet hole in the window – a throwback to Victoria’s wild gold rush era.

    Another former bank-turned-eatery, Alium Dining, goes full art nouveau inside a 1908 building overlooking the Alexandra Fountain in the heart of Bendigo. Here, Alium’s Asian-meets-European flavours run all the way from duck leg croquettes with mandarin marmalade to raw trevally with coconut and nước chấm, to pork milanese with anchovy and stout mustard.

    Beneath an old school hall at Mackenzie Quarters, Ms Batterhams serves southern European-inspired dishes inside a 19th-century basement bar and restaurant. Beyond its sourdough crumpets (smeared with taramasalata, paprika and parsley oil, if you must know) is the origin of the restaurant’s name: Winifred Batterham, the owners’ mother’s former kindergarten teacher. Honour her properly with a ‘Winifred’ cocktail.

    Alium Dining in bendigo victoria
    Alium Dining offers a unique setting inside a 1908 building.

    Carnivores, get ready to bang your sharpest knives on the table. Bendigo’s only dedicated steakhouse, The Woodhouse, specialises in Wagyu sourced from surrounding farms. They’ve got beef every which way – from tartare topped with Giaveri Oscietra caviar and wagyu toast to porterhouse dry-aged and grilled over redgum.

    Your next bank stop on the food circuit is Bunja Thai. Housed inside the former Colonial Bank, it’s all Victorian-era Australian grandeur, from the enormous arched ceilings to the detailing overhead. Thai Singha and local craft beer jostle for attention – but both are perfect quenchers when you’re sharing barramundi baked in banana leaf beneath all that old-world opulence.

    If your trip through Australia isn’t complete without a country pub stop, make it The Bridgewater Hotel on the Loddon River. Renovated since its 1942 beginnings, but the establishment still retains its Art Deco charm. It’s the kind of place where steak burgers come stacked with bacon, egg, cheese and dripping beetroot relish, and are best handled in the riverside beer garden.

    Pour a glass

    Heathcote Wine Hub bendigo food experiences
    Find over 180 local wines at Heathcote Wine Hub.

    Your plate’s been stacked. Now it’s the glass’s turn – ideally with the famously bold shiraz and cab sav grown here. Early settlers in Bendigo and Heathcote were onto something when they first planted vines in the area’s mineral-rich soil, and their legacy still pours strong across more than 60 cellar doors today. Start big at the Heathcote Wine Hub, where more than 180 wines from nearby vineyards sit beneath the rafters of a restored former wooden church, with 16 available to taste by the glass.

    Heathcote Winery might have become one of the area’s first commercial wineries in the seventies, but its story started way before its courtyard tastings. Back in 1854, it operated as a miners’ produce store during the gold-rush years. Other cellar doors aren’t immune to reinvention under the wine wave either. At Munari Wines in Heathcote, charcuterie boards are presented in their newly renovated cellar, originally the stables of the former sheep station.

    Discover local events

    the Heritage and Hidden Spaces Wine Walk in bendigo
    Time your trip for the Heritage and Hidden Spaces Wine Walk

    Time your trip right and watch the parks, gardens and buildings fill with food and drink. Fans of the malt: mark 29 August  2026 for Bendigo On The Hop, when craft breweries take over venues throughout the CBD. Brews make way for history at the Heritage and Hidden Spaces Wine Walk (17 October 2026), where bottles are opened inside some of the city’s most interesting buildings – including rarely opened spaces. In November, the Regional Gin Gala raises spirits in Mackenzie Quarters with a boozy celebration of its homegrown distilleries, including Noble Bootleggers, Envy Distilling and In Good Spirits. Explore wine, food and live music at Heathcote on Show (6 – 8 June 2026).

    Take it all in

    bendigo tram cafe Bendigo foodie experiences
    Tram meets tasty at Bendigo Tram Cafe.

    Takeaway means something different in Bendigo. At Australia’s oldest operating Tram Depot, the Tram Cafe sits aboard an out-of-service 1916 N-Class Tram that serves tea and scones. Once you’ve polished off the last crumb, you can even pop into the driver’s cab and try the controls yourself.

    Peppergreen Farm continues Bendigo’s long connection to Chinese market gardens, first established here by immigrants in the 1850s. Today, the not-for-profit farm invites visitors to pick up organic produce, alongside jars of honey harvested from its own hives.

    Indulge in retail therapy

    Bendigo Pottery
    Elevate your at-home dining experience after a trip to Bendigo Pottery.

    If there’s still room in your bag among the clanking jars and bottles, stop by Uniquely Bendigo inside the Old Post Office. Sharing space with the Bendigo Visitor Centre, it’s a one-stop shop for favourites like Bendigo Brittle, Bridgeward Grove and Tea Associates.

    If you’d rather leave your fingerprints on your Bendigo souvenir, there’s a place for that too. At Bendigo Pottery, visitors can try their hand at shaping clay while taking part in another tradition of evolving old spaces – creating works of art within Australia’s oldest working pottery.

    Start planning your Bendigo adventure at bendigotourism.com.