15 stunning spring festivals around Australia

Your petal-packed guide to spring’s best festivals awaits.

Shake off the winter chill, spring is here! When the air hums with warmth, the days stretch a little longer and landscapes burst into colour as blossoms unfurl across the country. It’s a season made for sun-dappled mornings and golden afternoons, when Australia’s wild beauty wakes up in spectacular style.

From fields of flowers and alfresco feasts to music-filled markets and seaside celebrations, here’s where to soak up the magic at spring festivals nationwide.

1. CHArts Festival

Stanley, Tas: 31 August – 5 October

Stanley, Tasmania — Welcome spring with a refreshing dip at Godfrey’s Beach. (Image: Poon Wai Nang)

Held in the village of Stanley in Tassie’s rugged north-west, the annual CHArts Festival is a month-long celebration of the region’s culture, heritage and arts scene. It’s all about showcasing local creatives while offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy exhibitions, mostly displayed by local businesses.

A highlight of the program each year is the Spring Swim – because what better way to farewell winter than a plunge in the Bass Strait? Join the community as they gather to do just that at Godfrey’s Beach, whether you dare to take a dip or just want to watch from the shore.

2. Bloom & Graze

Coldstream, Vic: 6–7 & 13–14 September

CherryHill Orchards in the Yarra Valley, Victoria — You can also pick your own cherries at the Yarra Valley orchard.

In Victoria’s bucolic Yarra Valley, family-run CherryHill Orchards will officially open its gates ahead of harvest season with the inaugural Bloom & Graze festival. Running for the first two weekends of spring, the colourful celebration is all about waving off winter and welcoming the warmth.

A range of market stalls run by local businesses will take over the orchard as it begins to bloom, touting everything from wine and whiskey to cheese and crafts. Each vendor will run its own insightful workshop or demonstration, too. There will also be live music, kids’ entertainment, food trucks and a cherry-inspired farmgate store.

3. Desert Mob

Alice Springs, NT: 11 September – 26 October

Desert Mob in Alice Springs/Mparntwe — See the colours of spring from a new perspective at Desert Mob.

It’s not about flowers at Desert Mob , it’s about something way cooler. Head out to Alice Springs/Mparntwe this September to witness the convergence of more than 30 Art Centres from across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia.

The result is an unforgettable collection of events – an exhibition, artist talks, after-dark events and a huge artwork marketplace, all celebrating First Nations artists. Guests can participate in an incredible program that also includes workshops, studio tours, live performances and more.

4. Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba, Qld: 12 September – 6 October

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in Toowoomba, Queensland — Admire incredible gardenscapes at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Toowoomba in Queensland is known for two things: as the home of the Lamington, and the host of the Carnival of Flowers . Held every year at the beginning of spring, this vibrant event brings colour back to Toowoomba in spades, with more than 40 million flowers on display.

Bringing together the region’s best food, wine, flora and entertainment across the city’s public parks and spaces, it showcases all that Toowoomba and its surrounds have to offer. Along with beautiful blooms, guests can enjoy tasting tours, festive feasts, themed parades (there’s even one dedicated to dogs), lawn parties and more.

5. Tulip Time

Bowral, NSW: 12 September – 4 October

Tulip Time Flower Festival in Bowral, NSW — Bowral bursts to life with the colourful Tulip Time festival. (Image: Destination NSW)

Step into a floral wonderland at Bowral’s Corbett Gardens for the Tulip Time Flower Festival this September. Hand-planted tulips and vibrant annuals bursting in every shade creates one of NSW’s most celebrated spring displays – perfect for flower lovers and photographers.

Beyond the blooms, the festival buzzes with live music, boutique markets and food trucks. Stroll the gardens, wander locally run stalls or simply soak up the sun with friends. It’s a joyful celebration of colour, community and all things Southern Highlands.

6. Tesselaar Tulip Festival

Silvan, Vic: 13 September – 12 October

Tesselaar Tulip Festival in Silvan, Victoria — Over a million spring bulbs will flower in Silvan.

The town of Silvan in Victoria’s Yarra Ranges loves its tulips so much, it’s dedicated a whole month to them. Between September and October, over a million bulbs will flower at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival , which celebrates 70 years in 2025.

Grab your nearest and dearest to bask in the spring sunshine with a picnic, listen to live jazz performances and ride the festival tractor, then check out what else the huge program has to offer. There are also themed weekends – a great opportunity to dress up and snap a few colourful photos for your Insta feed.

7. Floriade

Canberra, ACT: 13 September – 12 October

Floriade in Canberra — Floriade is the brainchild of Christiaan Slotemaker de Bruine.

Arguably the biggest celebration of spring around the country, any mention of flower festivals would be incomplete without Floriade . Held for a full month in the nation’s capital, this epic event has been blooming every spring since 1988.

Floriade is the perfect day out for the whole family. Visitors can look forward to live entertainment, music, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market stalls, art displays and more. This year’s theme is ‘Science and Nature’, so get ready to put your thinking cap on!

8. Kakadu Bird Week

Kakadu, NT: 24–28 September

Azure Kingfisher in Kakadu National Park — Spot beautiful birds like the azure kingfisher in Kakadu National Park.

After a long winter cosied away, the hundreds of bird species that call Kakadu National Park home emerge for the spring season. Instead of spotting buds and blooms, you’ll be on the lookout for azure kingfishers, rainbow bee-eaters, partridge pigeons, magpie geese and more.

BYO binoculars to witness how the season comes to life in a different way during Kakadu Bird Week , accompanied by beautiful birdsong, gushing waterfalls, wetland cruises and bush tucker cook-ups. It’s a whole new way to experience spring.

9. Riverland Rose & Garden Festival

Renmark, SA: 10–19 October

Roses in Renmark, South Australia — Renmark and the Riverland region are renowned for its roses. (Image: Coast to Outback)

The Riverland Rose and Garden Festival sees this stunning South Australian region shine in a kaleidoscope of colour. Held over 10 days each October, the festival includes open gardens, markets, floral displays, a four-course gala dinner and the annual Waikerie Flower Show.

While the 2025 program is yet to be announced, the event is known to host talks by horticulturalist superstars from TV programmes like Gardening Australia and Better Homes & Gardens. Local green thumbs would be silly to miss it!

10. Tulip Festival

Wynyard, Tas: 11 October

Table Cape Tulip Farm in Wynyard, Tasmania — Be sure to visit the nearby Table Cape Tulip Farm. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The small town of Wynyard explodes with beauty in October for its annual Tulip Festival , which occurs just as the region’s most coveted flower blossoms. Guests will be treated to plenty of festive fun, from rides and live music to roving entertainment and markets.

Held at Gutteridge Gardens, the event promises a big display of blooms, so be sure to bring your camera! If you have a bit of extra time, be sure to pop over to Table Cape Tulip Farm , too. Just a 10-minute drive away, it’s home to rows of immaculate tulips backdropped by the Bass Strait.

11. Sculpture by the Sea

Bondi, NSW: 17 October – 3 November

Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi, NSW — Admire stunning sculptures backdropped by the ocean. (Image: Destination NSW)

There may not be a festival of flowers, but the iconic Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi is a stalwart on Australia’s springtime calendar. It’s the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, all backdropped by one of the best beaches in Sydney.

Instead of admiring floral displays, you’ll be wowed by over 100 unique sculptures by artists from around the world. Not only will you witness the world’s largest free-to-the-public sculpture exhibition, you’ll also experience the Bondi to Tamarama walk, one of the city’s top coastal hikes.

12. Jacaranda Festival

Grafton, NSW: 24 October – 2 November

Jacaranda Festival in Grafton, NSW — Jacarandas have put the town of Grafton on the map. (Image: Destination NSW)

At its core, spring means flowers. And nowhere knows this better than Grafton in NSW’s Clarence Valley. Each year, the town is painted purple with countless jacaranda trees in full bloom, and the Jacaranda Festival is dedicated to honouring them.

Experience Grafton like never before as purple petals rain down across town. And this year, there’s plenty to see and do – from vintage car displays to market stalls touting purple ice-cream – it’s wholesome jacaranda-themed goodness at its best.

13. Spring in the Vines

South Tasmania: 31 October – 2 November

General getty image of wine being poured into glasses — Rosé and roses make for spring’s prettiest pairing. (Image: Liudmila Chernetska)

Presented by Wine South Tasmania, Spring in the Vines (unsurprisingly) spotlights a variety of vineyards from across the region as spring enters full bloom. From Hobart to the Derwent Valley and plenty of places in between, you’re promised the full experience of southern Tassie tipples.

Over 35 of the best wine producers from across southern Tasmania will be participating, opening their cellar doors to the public for tastings, workshops and more. Along with the opportunity to meet local growers and makers, you can also expect food, music and art.

14. Big Pineapple Festival

Sunshine Coast, Qld: 1 November

Big Pineapple Festival on the Sunshine Coast, Qld — The festival is held at one of Australia’s beloved Big Things.

While Australia’s fruit-picking calendar is arguably at its best during spring, this juicy pineapple is certainly not ripe for the picking. But although you can’t take a bite out of it, you can definitely party underneath it at the Big Pineapple Festival in November.

Presented by Triple J, it’s shaping up to be one of Australia’s most iconic music events, at one of our most iconic Big Things. Boogie to artists like Hilltop Hoods, Cat Empire, The Jungle Giants, Thelma Plum and more before camping under the stars with all your best mates.

15. Pair’d

Margaret River, WA: 20–23 November

Pair'd festival in Margaret River, WA — Take part in divine long lunches that highlight the region’s best produce.

Fusing the Margaret River’s extraordinary landscapes with the best of its diverse produce and wine is Pair’d , the latest foodie festival out of Western Australia. The plentiful program, which has been curated through the lens of a sommelier, is overflowing with epic events.

Think wine tastings masked as pottery workshops and Sunday sessions fuelled by good food, great wine and live music to match. Hosted by the region’s top vintners, producers, makers and shakers, Pair’d will make you fall in love with this charming WA region.

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.