8 incredible city getaways around Australia

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With stylish new stays, vibrant creative scenes, world-class dining and fabulous festivals, our cities set the stage for a great escape.

1. A midwinter dalliance at Dark Mofo, Tas

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

A staple of our cultural calendar for more than a decade, Dark Mofo returns to Hobart in full force this year. Gorge yourself on Tassie produce at the decadent Winter Feast. Have your mind and ears blown by its progressive live music and arts program. Celebrate winter solstice by plunging naked into the chilly River Derwent. Get in touch with your inner pagan at the burning of the Ogoh-Ogoh. Or all of the above. There’s no other festival like it in Australia.

the Winter Feast, Dark Mofo
Gorge yourself on Tassie produce at the decadent Winter Feast. (Image: Adam Gibson)

2. Choose your own cultural adventure in Canberra, ACT

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Canberra has been thrust into the limelight over the past few decades due to the world-class exhibitions on show at landmark attractions such as the National Museum of Australia. You must visit the Australian War Memorial at least once, as the reimagined institution continues to evolve and expand to tell Australian stories of service and sacrifice. There’s also plenty to keep food-focused travellers in Canberra with its plethora of award-winning restaurants, cafes, bars and vineyards.

the National Museum of Australia, Canberra
The National Museum of Australia forms its own landscape of themes and colours. (Image: Visit Canberra/Lean Timms)

3. Hike a 100-km loop around Adelaide, SA

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Take your visit to Adelaide one step further along the new Adelaide100. The trail loops around the SA capital for more than 100 kilometres, taking in its coastline, waterways and hills. Its founder Jim McLean took more than a decade to develop the trail, inspired by the 100 square-mile parcels of land that were marked out during the city’s founding in the 1800s. Tackle short sections or walk the entire Adelaide100 in about six days.

a crowded beach at Adelaide/Tarntanya
Glenelg is a popular metropolitan beach in Adelaide. (Image: South Australia Tourism Commission/Josie Withers)

4. Experience the all-new Melbourne Place, Vic

Travelling with: Katie Carlin

Melbourne Place has become the new must-stay hotel since throwing open its doors at the end of 2024. Sandwiched between the urban delights of Bourke and Little Collins streets, the 14-storey hotel on Russell Street rivals the world-class dining on its doorstep with three onsite hospitality venues: Med-inspired terrace restaurant Mid Air, Portuguese diner Marmelo and late-night basement bar Mr Mills. Inside, rooms are drenched in soothing colour palettes of burnt orange, rose and moss, embellished with bouclé armchairs, brass fixtures and floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows.

the brass interior of Melbourne Place
Brass fixtures bring the luxe to Melbourne Place. (Image: Anson Smart)

5. Test your fitness in Brisbane, Qld

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Fitness tourism is on the rise around Australia and the Queensland capital is streaking ahead with its packed sporting calendar. Running over the Gateway Bridge in Brisbane gives visitors the chance to view the city as they’ve never seen it before. Start training now for the annual Bridge to Brisbane fun run held in September, which has five-kilometre and 10-kilometre race options. Once you’ve crossed the finish line at Brisbane Showground, make your way to the King Street precinct to refuel with a Kuhl-Cher coffee or big-ass burger at Super Combo.

participants of a running event in Brisbane pose for a photo
Run in Brissie to see the city from a different perspective.

6. Find out why Perth is topping global must-visit lists, WA

Travelling with: Fleur Bainger

Singled out by TIME, BBC Travel and New York Times in their respective best places to travel in 2025 lists, Perth is sizzling – and not just with sunshine. The WA capital will soon welcome a host of new hotels, including Australia’s first Hyde Hotel, Garde Hotel in the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison Heritage Precinct and The Elizabeth Hotel and Residences, which will seriously up the luxury stakes at Elizabeth Quay. There’s also a new yoga experience at Perth Zoo, a kooky beachside cafe called Magic Apple doing bentonite clay and sea buckthorn-packed smoothies, and the first Light Years Asian Bar & Diner to open on the West Coast.

the Magic Apple beachside cafe, Perth
A kooky beachside cafe called Magic Apple. (Image: D-Max Photography)

7. Embrace nocturnal tourism in Sydney, NSW

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Sydney is synonymous with summer but shines just as bright in winter. Sparkling days transition into colourful nights during Vivid Sydney, which illuminates Sydney Opera House and other landmark buildings around the city. This festival runs each year in autumn and includes talks, live music and foodie events designed to spark ideas and inspiration. Check into Park Hyatt Sydney on the edge of the harbour to stay in the heart of the action.

bright city lights at the Vivid Sydney
The city lights up during Vivid Sydney. (Image: Destination NSW/Henry Li)

8. Tick off Darwin’s coolest openings, NT

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Darwin’s emergence as a cool urban getaway has been gradual. But as the gateway to the wonders of the Top End, it was only a matter of time before the city became a destination unto itself. Have a cocktail at The Trader Bar , shop at the House of Darwin flagship store , visit Laundry Gallery in hip hood Parap and time your visit to coincide with Darwin Festival in August. Return for the 2026 opening of the Northern Territory Art Gallery.

the Laundry Gallery, Darwin NT
Visit Laundry Gallery in the hip hood of Parap. (Image: Jeremy Simons)
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The top 10 events you don’t want to miss in Victoria in 2026

    Lara PiconeBy Lara Picone
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    From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

    1. Festival of Sails

    the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025
    The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    When: 24–26 January
    Where: Melbourne and Geelong

    This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

    2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

    cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
    Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    When: 31 January – 1 February
    Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

    Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

    3. Riverboats Music Festival

    the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River
    The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

    When: 13–15 February
    Where: Echuca–Moama

    Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

    4. Neerim ArtsFest

    the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures
    Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

    When: 28 February – 15 March
    Where: Gippsland

    This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

    5. ChillOut Festival

    a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival
    Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

    When: 5–9 March
    Where: Daylesford

    Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

    6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

    Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival
    Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

    When: 6–9 March
    Where: Port Fairy

    In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

    7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

    a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival
    Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

    When: 7–9 March
    Where: Ballarat

    In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

    8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

    Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival
    The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

    When: 3–6 April
    Where: Bendigo

    Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

    9. Grape Escape

    a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape
    Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

    When: 1–3 May
    Where: The Grampians

    Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

    10. Comedy in the Vines

    Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards
    Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

    When: 24–26 October
    Where: Yarra Valley

    The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.