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.

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

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.

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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.

Good wine, great food, sunny vibes – the Pair’d Margaret River festival has everything you need for a weekend well spent. Who’s ready to sip and savour?

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.

The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.

From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.

1. Warburton

Biking around Warburton is one best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. — Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.

The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.

If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.

2. Yarra Glen

Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.

A highlight is Alowyn Gardens, which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.

Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.

3. Healesville

One of the best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is seeing a Koala upclose. — Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.

To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.

Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.

4. Olinda

Cloudehill Gardens is a beautifully curated, year-round garden destination featuring nine terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and lush plant varieties. — Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.

The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.

The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.

Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.

5. Emerald

A lady eating with the view of Emerald Lake Park. — Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges, the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.

You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.

The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.

Start planning your next adventure at visityarravalley.com.au