The Ultimate Summer Festival Guide - Australian Traveller

These are the summer festivals you’ll be talking about long after the season ends.

If summer in Australia had a soundtrack, it would be loud, live and playing somewhere outdoors. Every year across the country, festivals of every shape take over parks, beaches and city streets. Long days turn into golden sunsets, weekends fill fast and there’s always a setlist calling your name. Consider this your shortcut to the best of them, from open-air gigs to foodie fiestas and everything in between.

Dougstock

Willunga, SA: 5–6 December

Dreaming of a hilltop escape that feels like a local secret? Look no further than Dougstock. The two-day music and camping festival in Willunga brings original Aussie artists together in a lush, elevated setting. Plus, artisan markets, food trucks, yoga sessions and good vibes, of course. Whether you’re into psych-rock, jazz, soul or acoustics, the line-up is sure to excite.

Rolling Sets

Central Coast, NSW: 6 December

Nothing beats a good summer festival, and this one is up there with some of the best. Hosted on NSW’s picturesque Central Coast, Rolling Sets pairs live music with good vibes and great times (plus a delicious curation of food trucks, of course). This year’s musical line-up features acts like Hilltop Hoods, Spacey Jane, The Jungle Giants and Skeggs.

Spilt Milk

Canberra, ACT: 13 December

Spilt Milk is gearing up for another huge year, and Canberrans won’t be missing out. The festival rolls into its hometown at Exhibition Park in December, bringing the same electric energy that’s made it one of Australia’s most in-demand music events. Past performers include big names like Post Malone, Flume and Fisher, so expectations for the line-up are high.

Cherry Harmony Festival

Manjimup, WA: 13 December

Celebrate the local food and wine of Manjimup at the Cherry Harmony Festival this December. The flavour-fuelled day is full of exciting activities, including live music, street performances, exhibitions, workshops and the much-loved log-chopping competition.

Woodford Folk Festival

Moreton Bay, Qld: 27 December – 1 January

Woordford Folk Festival — Woodford Folk Festival is inspired by culture passed through generations. (Image: Lachlan Douglas)

Welcome the New Year by setting your soul free at the Woodford Folk Festival. Built by a diverse congregation of the creative community, the festival has transformed into a village of music, culture and colour since its inception in 1887. The vibrant event is held in the magical lands of Woodfordia by Lake Gkula, around a 1.5-hour drive north of Brisbane.

Taste of Summer

Hobart, Tas: 27 December – 3 January

Hobart’s waterfront explodes with flavour and festivity over the New Year period, as Taste of Summer transforms Princes Wharf into a week-long celebration of Tasmania’s finest produce. Over 80 locally led artisan stalls will be dishing up seasonal fare, fresh seafood, craft beer and premium wines across the week, paired perfectly with a line-up of live music.

Snack Festival

Perth, WA: 31 December

More NYE wonderland than music festival, Snack takes over Perth with three main stages hosting epic music acts. Each stage has its own offshoot: The Pyramid Stage has a silent disco dancefloor, Sin City, a kissing booth, and the Duckzilla Stage, a VIP deck. The festival also features thrilling rides, food trucks, a wedding chapel and a tattoo parlour.

Field Day

Sydney, NSW: 1 January

Field Day is the best way to welcome 2026 and the antidote to the whole panoply of NYE drawbacks. Picture it: you’re out in the summer sun, your friends are by your side, and the best music you’ll hear all year is blasting. Field Day specialises in party music, with global artists delivering a mix of house, hip-hop, indie and electronica.

Summernats

Canberra, ACT: 8–11 January

Revheads, get ready – the annual Summernats Car Festival is returning to Canberra this January. Considered Australia’s biggest horsepower party, the four-day festival takes over Exhibition Park in the heart of the country’s capital with lawn-mower racing, burnout shows, mullet competitions, live performances by Aussie icons and more.

Sydney Festival

Sydney, NSW: 8–25 January

The NSW capital comes alive for the Sydney Festival, celebrating culture, creativity and the questioning mind since 1977. Watch impactful shows at the Roslyn Packer Theatre. Catch comedy at Carriageworks. Enjoy live music at the Opera House. Admire art exhibitions at the National Art School. Whatever you choose, you’ll leave feeling creatively recharged.

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Elvis Festival

Parkes, NSW: 7–11 January

You may do a double-take when visiting the regional NSW town of Parkes, as thousands of Elvis lookalikes fill the streets each January. If you chuck on a leather jacket, slick your hair back and grab those blue suede shoes, you’ll fit right in. Live performances, art exhibitions, dance workshops, street parades, and more will have you All Shook Up in no time.

Cygnet Folk Festival

Cygnet, Tas: 9–11 January

Serving as one of Tassie’s most iconic calendar events, the Cygnet Folk Festival is a community-driven affair showcasing eclectic music genres, as well as other melodic art forms like dancing and poetry. Alongside attending an assortment of live performances, guests can indulge in local food and wine, attend workshops and browse local markets.

Forage & Feast

Central Highlands, Vic: 12 January – 15 February

Brought to life by the Central Highlands Growers and Producers Hub, Forage & Feast is a summer-centric tour of local flavours by the region’s artisan producers, tracing towns like Ballarat, Bendigo, Trentham and Daylesford. This year’s jam-packed program brims with everything from local markets and beekeeping classes to dinner degustations and farm tours.

Australian Open

Melbourne, Vic: 12 January – 1 February

One of the biggest events on Australia’s sporting calendar, the Australian Open sees some of the world’s best tennis stars take to the court across 21 heated days. Internationally recognised players like Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will battle it out across a range of divisions at Melbourne Park.

Tamworth Country Music Festival

Tamworth, NSW: 16–25 January

Each January, the regional hub of Tamworth transforms for its iconic Country Music Festival. In 2026, more than 700 artists will perform across town, from live outdoor concerts and intimate indoor gigs to the Golden Guitar Awards. Guests can look forward to a star-studded line-up this year, including headliners Troy Cassar-Daley and Lee Kernaghan.

Bunbury Fringe

Bunbury, WA: 23–31 January

Bunbury festival — Bunbury features art, music and circus. (Image: Martin Frazer)

Launched in 2016, Bunbury Fringe has grown into one of Western Australia’s top arts and culture festivals. The sole purpose of the Fringe is to bring happiness to its guests and cause as much laughter as possible – the epitome of feel-good fun. This year also marks 10 years of Bunbury Fringe, so expect the biggest celebration yet!

Rosé & Dumplings Festival

Adelaide Hills, SA: 24–25 January

Rosé & Dumpling Festival at Howard Vineyard, Adelaide Hills, SA — Devour hand-rolled dumplings and all-day rosé at Howard Vineyard. (Image: Ryan Cantwell)

Howard Vineyard’s Rosé & Dumpling Festival pairs two of the world’s most delicious delicacies, while also inviting guests to indulge in local cocktails and beer, plus other foodie favourites. It’s the perfect excuse to dress up with your friends for a day of free-flowing rosé, live music, hand-rolled dumplings and lawn lounging in the summer sun.

Festival of Us

Darwin, NT: 26 January

Run by the Australia Day Council of the Northern Territory, the Festival of Us is a celebration of the NT’s diversity, culture and history. Chaired by Larrakia man Dr Richard Fejo and made up of a multicultural board, the not-for-profit is all about inclusivity. Embrace the 2026 theme of Reflect. Respect. Celebrate with workshops, market stalls, live performances and more.

Party in the Paddock

Carrick, Tas: 5–8 February

Just outside of Launceston, the town of Carrick is a master of disguise. On the outside, it appears to be a humble historic village. But linger a little longer, and you’ll see it transform into one of Tassie’s biggest arts festivals. This year’s line-up is a crowd pleaser – think Ocean Alley, The Veronicas, Peking Duk, Ball Park Music and more.

Perth Festival

Perth, WA: 6 February – 1 March

The Perth Festival program has been designed from day one to please all – think dance, theatre, film, art, literature and more. But the music program remains a highlight, with names like Baker Boy, Annahstasia, King Stingray and Ngaiire on the setlist. Off-stage, over 100 other events will keep you entertained, from poetry readings to panel talks.

Riverboats Music Festival

Echuca-Moama, Vic: 13–15 February

At the convergence of two historic regional towns, the Riverboats Music Festival entertains all weekend long. The stellar line-up is always a crowd-pleaser, with big names like Baker Boy, Xavier Rudd, Daisy Kilbourne and The Living End taking to the stage. It’s intimate sideshows will also return onboard the PS Pevensey paddlesteamer for one-hour gigs along the Murray.

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Mardi Gras

Sydney, NSW: 13 February – 1 March

Celebrating LGBTQIA+ identities since 1978, Mardi Gras has become a cultural stalwart with connection and community at its core. Running across 17 days, the jam-packed program features everything from pool parties to comedy clubs. This year, more than 80 events will take over some of Sydney’s hottest venues, including Enmore Theatre and the Art Gallery of NSW.

BrisAsia

Brisbane, Qld: 14–15 February

The streets of Brisbane will be pulsing with energy this February at BrisAsia, a 10-day festival celebrating the Lunar New Year with everything from rooftop parties to garden picnics. This year is the Year of the Horse, representing strength, endurance, freedom, independence and momentum – values worth embracing in 2026.

St Kilda Festival

Melbourne, Vic: 14–15 February

The beloved St Kilda Festival returns in 2026 to celebrate summer along the city’s iconic foreshore. Designed to entertain all, the two-day program traverses everything from live music and interactive workshops to food trucks and market stalls. It kicks off with First Peoples First, a vibrant celebration of First Nations music and culture, followed by Big Festival Sunday.

Royal Canberra Show

Canberra, ACT: 20–22 February

The Royal Canberra Show is the city’s largest all-ages event, hosted annually by the Royal National Capital Agricultural Society. While agriculture has always remained at its core, the community event has since expanded to include rides, entertainment, educational features, exhibitions and food stalls galore.

Adelaide Fringe

Adelaide, SA: 20 February – 22 March

The largest arts festival in Australia will again bring its hometown of Adelaide alive throughout February and March this year. Its program is practically exploding with theatre, dance, comedy, film, music, circus and even magic. Think workshops, panel talks, community gatherings and family-friendly activities, plus plenty of food and drink from across the state and beyond.

Big Beer Festival

Bundaberg, Qld: 21 February

A tasting paddle of craft beers — Sample local craft beers via curated tasting paddles. (Image: Getty/JWU)

Raise a glass to Bundaberg’s beloved brewery scene at the Big Beer Festival in Alexandra Park. Sip your way through a wide range of craft pours, served alongside cocktails, wines and spirits for the beer-averse. A line-up of live music makes for the perfect soundtrack, while the official Beer Pong Tournament adds an energetic edge.

National Penny Farthing Championships

Evandale, Tas: 21 February

The National Penny Farthing Championships is cycling as you’ve never seen it; instead of the carbon rigs of today, competitors battle it out atop 1870s-style bicycles. There are multiple races throughout the day, from sprints and slaloms to relays and novelty laps. Trackside, spectators can enjoy a range of food stalls, markets and period-themed entertainment.

Noosa Summer Swim

Noosa, Qld: 21–22 February

Grab your togs and get ready for the Noosa Summer Swim, a water-filled weekend of saltwater, sand and sun. Held on the shores of Noosa Main Beach, it’s the perfect excuse to explore Australia’s most-loved town of 2025. Races range from a cruisy one-kilometre splash to the five-kilometre main event, with open-water clinics run by local experts for the less competitive.

Tropfest

Sydney, NSW: 22 February

The largest short film festival in the world will take over Sydney’s Centennial Parklands in February, featuring some of the biggest names in Hollywood right now. Don’t believe us? Take it from this year’s Jury President, Margot Robbie, instead. Global filmmakers are set to showcase their talents at Tropfest via a seven-minute movie, all for your screening pleasure.

Enlighten Festival

Canberra, ACT: 27 February – 9 March

Light, sound and movement collide in a kaleidoscope of colour at Enlighten Festival, an 11-day celebration of culture and creativity. The mesmerising display of artworks is not one to miss, as each masterpiece is projected onto the city’s most iconic buildings. From interactive after-dark experiences to live music line-ups and more, it’s clearly the place to be come February.

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.