30 stunning spring festivals around Australia

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

It’s time to shake off that winter chill; spring is here! When the air hums with warmth, the days are a little longer, and landscapes burst into colour as blossoms unfurl across the country.

It’s a time made for sun-dappled mornings and golden afternoons, as our vast land’s wild beauty wakes up in spectacular style. The best way to celebrate? Shed those winter layers, grab your favourite sun hat, and embrace the seasonal magic at these spring festivals around Australia.

1. CHArts Festival

Stanley, Tas: 1–30 September

Stanley in Tasmania — The community festival is held in the village of Stanley. (Credit: Jess Bonde)

Held in the small fishing village of Stanley on Tassie’s wild north-west coast, the annual CHArts Festival is a month-long celebration of the region’s culture, heritage and arts scene, showcasing local creatives while offering visitors a chance to enjoy exhibitions, activities and events. 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?

2. Brisbane Festival

Brisbane, Qld: 4–26 September

Brisbane Festival, Qld — Brisbane Festival has returned to the Queensland capital. (Credit: Sean Dowling & Atmosphere Photography)

For three decades, Brisbane Festival has brought the best in arts and culture to Queensland’s capital. Under the guidance of new artistic director Ebony Bott, this year’s ‘Switch On, Light Up, Come Alive’ program marks a fresh chapter, pairing beloved festival traditions with bold new experiences. From sunrise ceremonies to late-night revelry, events will unfold across the river city’s most iconic public spaces.

3. Paper Daisy Spring Festival

Sydney, NSW: 4 September – 11 October

Paper Daisy Spring Festival, NSW — The Paper Daisy Spring Festival debuts at Mount Annan’s Botanic Gardens this September.

The Botanic Gardens of Sydney is launching the inaugural Paper Daisy Spring Festival this month. Held at its stunning Mount Annan location, the free six-week event will be filled with food trucks, live music, floristry workshops, painting classes, lakeside lawn games and a spring pop-up shop. Anticipated to be the biggest display of paper daisies Sydney has ever seen, more than one million seeds are expected to bloom.

4. Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show

Ravensthorpe, WA: 7–19 September

Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show in Western Australia — Admire gorgeous floral displays crafted by Ravensthorpe locals. (Credit: Peter Albion)

Each spring, this tiny WA town transforms into a rainbow of more than 700 wildflower species, many found nowhere else in the world. Held at the local town hall, the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show invites guests to explore artists’ paintings, floral displays, craft stalls, guided walks, 4WD tours and ranger-led adventures across the region.

5. Desert Mob

Alice Springs, NT: 10 September – 25 October

Desert Mob in Alice Springs, NT — Admire incredible artworks by First Nations artists at Desert Mob.

Head out to Alice Springs/Mparntwe this spring to experience the convergence of more than 30 Art Centres from across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia at Desert Mob. The result is an unforgettable collection of events – exhibitions, artist talks, after-dark events and a huge artwork marketplace – celebrating First Nations artists and culture on Arrernte Country.

6. Tulip Time Flower Festival

Bowral, NSW: 11 September – 5 October

Tulip Time Flower Festival, NSW — Thousands of tulips bloom during spring in Bowral. (Credit: Southern Highlands)

Step into a floral wonderland at Bowral’s annual Tulip Time Flower Festival, where thousands of hand-planted tulips and vibrant annuals in every shade create one of NSW’s most iconic spring displays. Beyond the blooms, the festival buzzes with live music, boutique markets and food trucks – the perfect excuse to get outside, soak up the sun and spend time with friends.

7. Margaret River Region Open Studios

Margaret River, WA: 12–27 September

Margaret River Open Studios in Western Australia — Visit artists like Chloe Wilder as they open their studios to the public. (Credit: Luke Latty)

Every September, more than 150 artists open the doors to their private workspaces for the Margaret River Region Open Studios. For just 16 days, visitors can go behind the scenes to admire original artworks and meet the creatives behind them, from painters and potters to ceramicists and sculptors. As well as studio openings, an array of workshops, classes and collaborative events foster inspiration and connection.

8. Floriade

Canberra, ACT: 12 September – 11 October

Floriade in Canberra, ACT — Don’t miss Dog’s Day Out at Floriade this September.

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. In 2026, visitors can look forward to live entertainment, music, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market stalls, art displays and more.

9. Bloom Festival

Great Southern, WA: 12 September – 11 October

Wildflowers blooming in Western Australia — The Great Southern region is a postcard of colour come spring. (Credit: Getty Images/MXW Photo)

If WA is known for anything, it’s the wildflowers that bloom all across the state each spring. Nowhere knows this better than the Great Southern region, which hosts a month-long celebration because of it. Bloom Festival is all about showcasing the flowers that burst to life here, with everything from creative workshops and themed markets to guided walks and open gardens.

10. Junction Arts Festival

Launceston, Tas: 17–20 September

Junction Arts Festival in Launceston — Junction Arts Festival returns to Launceston for another year of exciting events.

Junction Arts Festival is an annual gathering of extraordinary art experiences in unusual spaces. First presented as a one-off event annexed to the 2010 Regional Arts Australia Conference, it has since filled a creative niche and prompted Events Tasmania and the City of Launceston to support it annually, much to the delight of artists and audiences across northern Tassie.

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11. Blossom Festival

Coldstream, Vic: 18 September – 4 October

CherryHill Orchard's Blossom Festival in Victoria — Picnic among the petals at CherryHill’s Blossom Festival.

Held among the blossom trees at CherryHill Orchards in the Yarra Valley, the ever-popular Blossom Festival returns this spring with 12 days of floral fanfare, just as the entire orchard enters full bloom. Guests can enjoy a range of themed experiences, live music and local food and wine tastings, plus plenty of kid-friendly activities for little ones.

12. Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba, Qld: 18 September – 5 October

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

Toowoomba is known for two things: 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 the city in spades, with more than 40 million flowers on display. Alongside beautiful blooms, guests can enjoy tasting tours, festive feasts, themed parades, lawn parties and more.

13. Kakadu Bird Week

Kakadu National Park, NT: 23–27 September

Kakadu Bird Week in Kakadu National Park, NT — Kakadu National Park is home to more than 280 bird species. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/Paul Thomsen)

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 differently during Kakadu Bird Week.

14. Nature Festival

Statewide, SA: 25 September – 11 October

Mount Lofty Botanic Garden art class, SA — Join a journalling class in Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. (Credit: Visit Adelaide Hills)

Dedicated to showcasing South Australia’s diverse flora and fauna, Nature Festival returns for its seventh year with an estimated 350 events across the state. There’s something on for every green thumb to enjoy, from open gardens on Kangaroo Island and nature journalling in the Adelaide Hills to guided walks on the Fleurieu Peninsula and creative workshops in Port Augusta.

15. Horizontal Festival

Bowral, NSW: 2–4 October

Horizontal Festival in the Southern Highlands, NSW — Cheers to good food, good wine and good times at Horizontal Festival.

Following a successful debut last year, Horizontal Festival is returning to Bowral’s Centennial Vineyards this October. The three-day affair is inspired by the viticultural concept of horizontal tasting, where different producers of the same vintage are tasted side by side. In 2026, guests can expect bold flavours served up by culinary heavyweights like Matt Moran, Mark Best and Francis Mallmann, back on Australia’s east coast after 15 years.

16. Savannah in the Round

Mareeba, Qld: 8–11 October

Savannah in the Round, Mareeba, Queensland — This year’s line-up features some of Australia’s best acts. (Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland)

Held at the remote Mareeba Rodeo Arena, Savannah in the Round is one of Queensland’s biggest music festivals. As well as celebrating all things country, the outback bash will welcome classic Aussie musicians like Icehouse and Missy Higgins to the stage. Making a trip out of it? No stress, you can camp out right next door, with a free shuttle bus service for all ticketed guests.

17. Bendigo Wine Week

Bendigo, Vic: 8–19 October

Wine Bank on View in Bendigo, Victoria — Stop by local cellar doors for tastings at Bendigo Wine Week. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Bendigo Wine Week celebrates this Victorian region’s vibrant vineyard scene, its fresh produce and foodie offerings. Winery hopping between some of Bendigo’s top cellar doors, oenophiles will taste a variety of delicious tipples, meet the makers and learn the stories behind the bottle along the way.

18. Wynyard Tulip Festival

Wynyard, Tas: 10 October

Table Cape Tulip Farm in Wynyard, Tasmania — Thousands of tulips across the coastal town of Wynyard burst open as spring arrives. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

It’s almost impossible to miss spring’s arrival in Wynyard, as thousands of tulips burst into bloom across the small town. To mark the occasion, the annual Tulip Festival fills Gutteridge Gardens with food stalls, markets, live music and dazzling floral displays, all free to attend. For the ultimate souvenir, pick your own bouquet from the immaculate rows at nearby Table Cape Tulip Farm.

19. Sculpture by the Sea

Sydney, NSW: 16 October – 2 November

Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi Beach, NSW — Admire giant sculptures along the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Sydney’s beloved Sculpture by the Sea exhibition has long been a favourite event in Bondi, inviting winter-worn Aussies to shed their winter layers and enjoy the sun at one of the city’s best beaches. The two-kilometre stretch of more than 100 unique artworks and installations is the world’s largest free-to-the-public sculpture exhibition, making it a must for Sydneysiders this spring.

20. Savour The Tweed

Tweed Coast, NSW: 21–25 October

Savour the Tweed in Tweed Shire, NSW — Dive into the region’s top culinary delights at Savour The Tweed.

Savour The Tweed is again enticing visitors to experience this peaceful pocket of Northern NSW through the palate, bringing another year of flavour-packed fun. Launched in 2024, the five-day event has become a calendar highlight, proudly showcasing the region’s best businesses and produce through chef collaborations, local markets, long lunches, curated masterclasses and guided farm walks.

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21. Royal Hobart Show

Hobart, Tas: 22–24 October

Royal Hobart Show in Hobart, Tasmania — Kids will love the range of interactive activities. (Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy)

Proving some traditions only get better with age, the Royal Hobart Show is back again this spring, after celebrating 200 years in 2025. From country heritage and agriculture to top-level competition and the latest in entertainment, the carnival fair has been a Tassie favourite for over two centuries now – and this year will be no different.

22. Canberra Nara Candle Festival

Canberra, ACT: 24 October

Nara Candle Festival in Canberra, ACT — Over 2000 candles will illuminate Nara Peace Park at Lennox Gardens. (Credit: VisitCanberra)

Each October, the Canberra Nara Candle Festival transforms Nara Peace Park into a glowing haven, with more than 2000 candles lighting up the dark to honour Canberra’s Japanese sister-city, Nara. Locals and visitors are encouraged to join in for an evening of cultural artistry, from live performances and martial arts demos to lantern-making workshops and food stalls.

23. Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival

Wangaratta, Vic: 30 October – 1 November

Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival in Victoria — Enjoy three days of live music across the regional Victorian town of Wangaratta.

If you crave crooning melodies, make tracks for the Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival in regional Victoria. The exciting three-day program unfolds across local venues, where some of Australia and the world’s most exciting voices will take to the stage. Apart from mesmerising live performances, attendees can also look forward to the 36th National Jazz Awards and the Tiny Jazz Series.

24. Jacaranda Festival

Grafton, NSW: 30 October – 8 November

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 thanks to the countless blossoming jacaranda trees that call it home. To celebrate, the aptly named Jacaranda Festival invites you to experience the magic for yourself as petals rain down across garden parties, long lunches, local markets and more.

25. Mural Fest

Sheffield, Tas: 1–7 November

Mural Fest in Sheffield, Tasmania — Walk the streets of Sheffield to admire the stunning artworks. (Credit: Emilie Ristevski)

Once a year, Sheffield converts into a living canvas as painters turn public spaces into vibrant masterpieces for Mural Fest. Held in the so-called ‘town of murals’, it’s both an art competition and a celebration of local art, where visitors get the chance to vote for their favourite mural, admire local exhibits and witness one of Tassie’s most charming towns transform into an open-air gallery.

26. Pair’d

Margaret River, WA: 19–22 November

Pair'd in Margaret River, WA — Good food and great wine combine at Pair’d in Margaret River. (Credit: CJ Maddock)

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 WA. The plentiful program has been curated through the lens of a sommelier, with wine tastings masked as pottery workshops and Sunday sessions fuelled by good food, great wine and live music – all hosted by the region’s top vintners and producers.

27. Sunset on Seppeltsfield Road

Barossa Valley, SA: 20 November

Pindarie winery in Barossa, South Australia — Sample Barossa Valley wines at Sunset on Seppeltsfield Road. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Evening light, palm-lined views and the very best of the Barossa come together for Sunset on Seppeltsfield Road, where local vineyards, distilleries, producers and food stalls turn the strip of bitumen into a flavour-packed adventure. Wander down the avenue of Canary Island date palms, tucking into local gourmet fare, sipping the region’s standout wines and soaking up that golden-hour magic.

28. Hamilton Island Ocean Swim

Hamilton Island, Qld: 22 November

Hamilton Island Ocean Swim in Queensland — Escape the heat with the Hamilton Island Ocean Swim. (Credit: Reuben Nutt)

Join hundreds seeking respite from the Queensland heat as they dive into the waters off Catseye Beach this November. Framed by palm trees and coral reefs, the Hamilton Island Ocean Swim is part of the Endurance Series, an ongoing catalogue of island-based sporting adventures. It’s equal parts challenge and idyllic escape: a sun-soaked day of fitness and fun set against the beauty of the Whitsundays.

29. Great Vic Bike Ride

Great Ocean Road, Vic: 23–27 November

Great Vic Bike Ride on the Great Ocean Road — Take in scenic views as you cycle along the Great Ocean Road. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

The Great Vic Bike Ride is the ultimate excuse to explore Victoria on two wheels, swapping city noise for coastal breeze along the Great Ocean Road. Over five days, participants will roll through scenic townships, pushing their pace or casually cruising with friends. By night, you’ll set up camp under the stars and enjoy local food, live music and restorative activities like yoga.

30. Giiyong Festival

Eden, NSW: 28 November

Giiyong Festival in Eden, NSW — Witness live cultural performances at Giiyong Festival. (Credit: David Rogers Photography)

Giiyong Festival is a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal culture held at Jigamy, a property between Pambula and Eden in NSW. Meaning ‘Come to Welcome’ in the language of the South Coast Elders, it invites everyone to experience the richness of Country through music, dance, art, workshops, markets and storytelling. More than just a festival, Giiyong is an opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate living culture.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.