What's On In Your State This June - Australian Traveller

Here’s how to make the most of this mid-year moment.

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the year! I don’t know about you, but June always feels like a bit of a slump for me – it’s officially cold, that post-summer buzz is gone, and my motivation starts to dip. I’ve definitely been feeling that mid-year wobble, haven’t you?

That’s exactly why it’s the perfect time to shake things up and add a little excitement to the calendar. Luckily, there’s no shortage of incredible events happening across Australia this month, from cosy winter festivals to cultural celebrations. Whether you’re keen to rug up and explore your own city or plan a little winter escape, there’s something happening near you that’ll reignite that spark – I promise!

Taylah’s top picks of the month:

Best foodie event: Eat Local Month, Scenic Rim, Qld (until 29 June)
Best music event: Cabaret Festival, Adelaide, SA (5–21 June)
Best cultural event: Ningaloo Sky Festival, Exmouth, WA (2–29 June)
Best outdoor event: Finke Desert Race, Alice Springs, NT (6–9 June)
Best arts event: Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala, Sydney, NSW (from 21 June)

Upcoming events to keep on your radar:

Christmas in July in Canberra, ACT (3–6 July)
Winter Wonderlights in Ballarat, Vic (4–27 July)
National Indigenous Art Fair in Sydney, NSW (5–6 July)
The Curated Plate on the Sunshine Coast, Qld (25 July – 3 August)
Beaker Street Festival in Hobart, Tas (12–19 August)

NSW | Vic | Qld | Tas | WA | SA | NT | ACT

What’s on in NSW in June

HARVEST FESTIVAL
CENTRAL COAST
7–8 JUNE

The Giving Farm on the Central Coast, NSW — Make friends with the furry locals at The Giving Farm. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Harvest Festival will be in full bloom again this June to celebrate the rich abundance of the Central Coast hinterland. You’re invited to take a glimpse behind the farm gate, visiting a range of rural farming communities to see where the region’s top-quality produce comes from.

Travel between event hubs, from Wyong and Yarramalong to Somersby and Spencer, to meet local makers, sample fresh fare, and learn about the unique Central Coast food bowl. Pit stop to soak in live music, join a guided tour and cuddle friendly farm animals. It’s the ultimate winter weekend away for those fond of fun, fresh air and even fresher food.

YOLŊU POWER EXHIBITION
SYDNEY
FROM 21 JUNE

Mulkuṉ Wirrpanda with The Mulka Project 'Rarrirarri' 2023, fiberglass, plaster, projections, sound, 10 min, 3200 x 4900 x 8300 cm, commissioned and produced by RISING and co-commissioned by Illuminate Adelaide for Shadow Spirit (2023) curated by Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta), courtesy and © the artists and The Mulka Project, Yirrkala — Mulkuṉ Wirrpanda with The Mulka Project ‘Rarrirarri’ 2023, fiberglass, plaster, projections, sound, commissioned and produced by RISING and co-commissioned by Illuminate Adelaide for Shadow Spirit (2023) curated by Kimberley Moulton (Yorta Yorta), courtesy and © the artists and The Mulka Project, Yirrkala.

Starting in June and running for over four months, more than 80 years of Yolŋu art and culture will be celebrated at the Art Gallery of NSW. In a landmark exhibition, 70+ Aboriginal artists connected to Yirrkala in the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land will present their work for Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala .

Presented in partnership with the Indigenous art centre in Yirrkala, Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka, the exhibition will showcase over 200 incredible artworks, touching on themes of familial connection, cultural continuation and significant historical moments. Tickets are on sale now.

OPENFIELD ARTS FESTIVAL
BERRY
13–15 JUNE

Openfield Arts Festival in Berry, NSW — Admire outdoor exhibits across the town of Berry. (Image: Ainslie McNamara)

The biennial Openfield Arts Festival is back after a successful inauguration into the community of Berry in 2023. The multidisciplinary venues across the NSW South Coast town will host everything from participatory installations and performance art to workshops and live shows.

This year, Guringai Yuin artist Amanda Jane Reynolds has also curated a First Nations program to celebrate cultural diasporas and connection to Country. A stunning array of Indigenous art will be shared throughout the festival, providing a unique insight into the region’s First Nations history.

BURNING OF THE BARREL
HUNTER VALLEY
28 JUNE

Burning of the Barrel at Glandore Wines, Hunter Valley, NSW — The night culminates in a huge, beautiful bonfire. (Image: Chris Elfes)

Voted one of the top 50 wine events in the world in 2023, the Burning of the Barrel at Glandore Wines is a Hunter Valley stalwart. Set amongst the cellar door’s rolling vineyards and backdropped by stunning mountains, the event is all about good wine and great company.

To celebrate winter and the harvest season, Glandore brings live jazz music, delicious food and all-round cosy vibes directly to its guests, so you have no excuse not to join in the fun. The evening culminates in a spectacular bonfire and fireworks display, often cited as the night’s highlight.

SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL
SYDNEY
4–15 JUNE

State Theatre in Sydney, NSW — Catch a few flicks at the State Theatre for the Sydney Film Festival. (Image: Destination NSW)

In 2022, the 72nd Sydney Film Festival will present a range of films from all over the world, including national and international premieres, bringing together hundreds of local and global stories. The festival will unfold across various iconic Sydney venues like the State Theatre and Art Gallery of NSW.

Movies entered span countless genres, from comedy and fantasy to horror, LGBTQIA+ and history, so there’s something for all film buffs. Between screenings, head to the festival hub at Sydney Town Hall for a bite to eat or drink at the pop-up bar, as well as trivia, talks and themed parties.

WINSTON & MATES
SYDNEY
12 JUNE

Winston & Mates dinner in Glebe, Sydney — Dine with celebrity chef Colin Fassnidge in the heart of Glebe this month.

Expect a bit of A-grade banter between TV chef personality Colin Fassnidge and executive chef Nelly Robinson at the launch of a new six-part culinary series at The Nags Head Hotel in Glebe. Dishes will showcase each chef’s individual style, with highlights including prawn tart and pig’s ear schnitzel. Tickets are selling fast for the one-off eight-course dinner, priced at $120 per person, which will see Robinson collaborate with everyone from Justin North to Julian Cincotta and Manu Feildel.

THE MOMENT CLUB
SYDNEY
TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Fujifilm X Half Moment Club in Sydney — Head to Baptist Street Rec Club for Filmfilm’s exclusive The Moment Club.

Next month, Fujifilm will launch its brand-new Fujifilm X Half camera with The Moment Club, a first-of-its-kind photography dayclub experience, and you’re invited! The exclusive event will take place at one of Sydney’s hottest bars, Baptist Street Rec Club, where digital creator Alex Hayes will be there to spin the decks, too. Tickets are on sale now ($25 per person) and include a throwback cocktail and Southeast Asian-inspired bites – but they’re selling out fast, so don’t miss out!

BUBBLE PLANET
SYDNEY
FROM 6 JUNE

Bubble Planet in Sydney, NSW — The immersive experience will debut in Sydney this June.

Get ready, Sydney – the global phenomenon that has wowed more than two million visitors across Europe and the USA is making its Aussie debut this June. Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience is a multi-sensory journey through 10+ immersive rooms filled with surreal experiences.

Think mind-bending illusions, cutting-edge installations, bubble-bath ball pits, glowing undersea environments and even a VR room. Bubble Planet is taking over Sydney Olympic Park’s Paddington Pavilion throughout winter, but be sure to book soon – spaces are filling up faster than a bubble goes pop!

What’s on in Victoria in June

INTERNATIONAL EV AUTOSHOW
MELBOURNE
27–29 JUNE

Melbourne International EV AutoShow in Victoria — Head to Melbourne and check out the latest in EV tech.

Whether you’re an EV enthusiast or just a little bit curious, the Melbourne International EV AutoShow is the place to be this June. Back for its third year, the event brings over 100 sleek and sustainable vehicles together under one roof, from plug-ins and hybrids to full-blown BEVs.

Expect industry names like Polestar and Xpeng, plus some showstoppers like the Ferrari SF90 and the Aussie debut of the ultra-luxe Rolls-Royce Spectre. It’s the perfect winter outing for tech lovers, car buffs or anyone keen to see what the future of driving looks like up close.

HARVEST OPEN DAY
THE GRAMPIANS
8 JUNE

Grampians Olive Co in the Grampians, Vic — Grampians Olive Co. is home to 28,000 olive trees.

Honour the harvest of liquid gold this June long weekend at the stunning Grampians Olive Co. This year, you can expect grand festivities like all-you-can-eat woodfired pizza paired with local wines, a behind-the-scenes walking tour and a harvesting demonstration from branch to bottle.

Treat yourself to breathtaking views over the grove’s 28,000 olive trees and the surrounding Grampians National Park in Victoria. Chat with the experts about their process, olive pruning and curing, or how to care for your olive trees at home. It’s the perfect foodie day out.

RISING
MELBOURNE
4–15 JUNE

Rising, Melbourne, Vic — Get ready for Rising in Melbourne.

During the first week of winter, artists from all walks of life pulse through Melbourne in the name of RISING . A surge of music, food, art and culture comes together under moonlight, and you’re invited to experience it all. This year’s immersive program is exploding with dance, music and theatre, as well as visual, performance and exhibition art from Australia and around the world.

RISING also has a key focus on accessibility, with assisted access, assisted listening, audio description, Auslan translation, captioning, wheelchair access and quiet spaces all available. Built by and for Melbourne, this has got to be one of Australia’s most exciting winter festivals.

EAST GIPPSLAND WINTER FESTIVAL
GIPPSLAND REGION
20 JUNE – 20 JULY

East Gippsland Winter Festival, Victoria — Witness masters of ice carve and sculpt in real time.

Experience a truly unique spin on the cold season at the month-long East Gippsland Winter Festival . Running over both the Winter Solstice and Victorian winter school holidays, the program has been curated to rival any winter festival program.

Think musical performances, live ice sculpting, fire-breathing shows, lantern-making workshops, winter feasts, wellness experiences and more. From Benambra to Bemm River, Paynesville to Mallacoota and everywhere in between, winter in Gippsland just got a whole lot more exciting.

WOODEND WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL
MACEDON RANGES
6–9 JUNE

If you’re craving a cosy weekend with a cultural twist, the Woodend Winter Arts Festival is pure magic. Celebrating its 20th year this June, the beloved event transforms the Macedon Ranges into a hub of music, film, and big ideas across the long weekend.

Expect performances from world-class artists, panel talks and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to rug up, slow down and soak it in. With over 90 artists attending across stunning heritage venues, it’s the perfect place for those seeking a soulful and inspiring event.

What’s on in Queensland in June

EAT LOCAL MONTH
SCENIC RIM
UNTIL 29 JUNE

Eat Local Month in the Scenic Rim, QLD — Join the longest lunch at O’Reilly’s. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Eat Local Month is truly a gastronome’s dream. The festival of farming and food takes place in various locations around Queensland‘s Scenic Rim region, which is just one hour’s drive from Brisbane. Choose from a wonderful variety of events, each sure to tantalise your tastebuds.

Why not try a spirit blending class? Or learn about the world of winemaking at an award-winning vineyard? Maybe you’d rather eat your way through the event’s longest lunch? Or wander the Scenic Rim twilight markets? Whatever your pick, you’re sure to have a blast.

COOLY ROCKS ON
GOLD COAST
4–8 JUNE

Red vintage car at Cooly Rocks On. — Celebrate the motor cars, music, fashion and lifestyle of yesteryear at Cooly Rocks On.

Celebrate the motor cars, music, fashion and lifestyle of yesteryear at Cooly Rocks On in Coolangatta, which sits right on the NSW/Queensland border on the Gold Coast. This year, there’s a lot for attendees to get excited about.

Amongst stalwart events like live rock music and vintage car displays, there’s also swing dancing, pin-up pageants, market stalls, dance workshops and the annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist. For returning lovers of the festival, opt for the VIP Legends Pass for exclusive, premium access to all your favourite shows!

CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
SUNSHINE COAST
6–8 JUNE

Running across three days in June, the Sunshine Coast Chamber Music Festival is all about reimagining chamber music in a contemporary context. Suitable for all music lovers, the festival has created a jam-packed program bursting with all kinds of genres, from classical to jazz. This year’s line-up features a number of exciting Queensland and Sunshine Coast premieres from some of the biggest names in Australian classical music.

ECOFIESTA
CAIRNS
22 JUNE

Great Barrier Reef, QLD — The Great Barrier Reef is just a stone’s throw away. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Known as Queensland’s premier sustainability event, the Cairns Ecofiesta is a platform for sharing net-zero news and sustainable living solutions. From live performances and expert panels to local food and hands-on workshops, there’s a lot to learn at this eco-conscious Cairns gathering.

What’s more, you’ll be right on the doorstep of not one, but two World Heritage sites, the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest. The free event is perfect for a family day out, of both learning and leisure.

What’s on in Tasmania in June

DARK MOFO
HOBART
5–21 JUNE

Dark Mofo in Hobart, Tasmania — Dark Mofo will take over the Tassie capital once again. (Image: Adam Gibson)

After successfully surviving a year without it, Tasmanians are rejoicing at the return of their beloved Dark Mofo festival this June. To atone for its absence, the winter solstice celebration is packing its program with events that range from the dazzling and divine to the downright disturbing.

In 2025, cult-favourite rituals like the Ogoh-Ogoh, Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim are all on the cards, as well as live music, public exhibitions, performance art and more. Tickets for all of your returning favourites, plus a few all-new events, are on sale now!

FESTIVAL OF VOICES
STATE-WIDE
27 JUNE – 6 JULY

Festival of Voices in Tasmania — Delight in live music performances from a deluge of talent. (Image: Lusy Productions)

It’s time to warm up those vocal cords, folks – the Festival of Voices is back! This state-wide festival is a favourite among Tasmanians who love everything to do with music, for good reason too. The extensive program is full of fantastic events for the musically inclined, like choral workshops, live performances, silent discos and song trivia.

The event that garners the most attention is The Big Sing. The free event actually used to be the only event; it’s how the festival originally began and has since become Tassie’s largest annual sing-along. It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice vocalist or a celebrated singer – everyone is invited to join.

BAY OF FIRES WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL
ST HELENS
6–15 JUNE

The Bay of Fires in Tasmania — The arts festival is held near the Bay of Fires. (Image: Lisa Kuilenburg)

The 10-day Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival showcases the best and most unique artworks of this stunning region via several diverse mediums. This year, the event program is full of activities for all to enjoy, like open studios, garden trails, exhibitions and the Dawn Dash & Splash.

Some prize winners will also be announced, including the Bay of Fires Art Prize, Youth Art Prize and the epic $20,000 Art Prize. This fun-filled festival in the gorgeous Bay of Fires on Tassie’s east coast is a celebration of the imagination and is sure to bring out your creative side.

What’s on in Western Australia in June

NINGALOO SKY FESTIVAL
EXMOUTH
27–29 JUNE

Ningaloo Sky Festival, Exmouth WA — Witness the skies above Ningaloo come alive this winter. (Image: Terra Australis)

Delight in the raw beauty of WA’s Coral Coast at the 2025 Ningaloo Sky Festival , a celebration of the region’s natural wonders. Held in the sleepy town of Exmouth, guests are invited to experience a melting pot of cultures, where traditional flavours meet local live music and astronomy talks share the stage with drone shows – all under the blanket of Ningaloo’s breathtaking starscape. It’s the perfect place to escape the winter chill this season.

ALBANY CLASSIC
ALBANY
1 JUNE

Vintage cars racing down the streets of Albany. (Image: Amazing Albany) — See this historic event with your own eyes. (Image: Amazing Albany)

Experience the spectacle of vintage and classic cars competing on a contemporary street circuit at the Albany Classic ‘Around the Houses’ this June. This leading historic motorsport event presents a wide variety of cars from vintage wire wheels, post-vintage and classics, as well as open-wheel racers and big cube muscle cars.

Alongside the action in Albany, this family-friendly festival also hosts a variety of kids’ activities, markets, car displays, food stalls and exhibitions, alongside an epic display of vintage cars and street machines. Tickets are on sale now!

ROTTNEST RUNNING FESTIVAL
ROTTNEST ISLAND
15 JUNE

Rottnest Island in WA — Each race will take place on Rottnest Island. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Rottnest Running Festival is a community-minded event presented by the West Australian Marathon Club, with all proceeds donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Now in its 31st year, the race takes place on the stunning Rottnest Island and showcases some of its most spectacular views.

From the full and half marathon to a 10-kilometre race and a five-kilometre fun run, there’s something suited to all abilities. The 300-metre Simmos Quokka Dash is also back for its fifth year. Available for children eight and below (or young ones who cannot compete in the five-kilometre race), it’s an adorable dash to the finish line.

What’s on in South Australia in June

CABARET FESTIVAL
ADELAIDE
5–21 JUNE

Adelaide Cabaret Festival in Adelaide, SA — Witness some of the world’s best cabaret acts. (Image: Darren Lewis)

Now in its 25th year, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival is the biggest cabaret festival globally and a major event in the Australian arts calendar. It’s garnered a reputation for highlighting national and international artists through an eclectic program of classic and contemporary performances. This year is no different, with artists like Reuben Kaye, Rizo, Bobby Fox, Mitch Tambo and more taking to the stage to showcase their talents.

WINTER WHALE FEST
VICTOR HARBOR
1–30 JUNE

Southern Right Whale for the Winter Whalefest in Victor Harbor, SA. — Witness the gorgeous Southern Right Whale arrive at the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Celebrate the arrival of Southern Right Whales at the 2025 Winter Whale Fest . This magnificent creature can grow anywhere between 14 and 18 metres and has a lifespan of up to 100 years, so witnessing them in the wild is a rare and beautiful sight you won’t want to miss.

The month-long festival isn’t just about welcoming the whales, though. It has been crafted to engage and educate visitors about whale conservation and the marine environment as well. This year, there will be more than 25 events across the Fleurieu Peninsula – one of the best whale watching spots in Australia.

GIN FESTIVAL
ADELAIDE
20–22 JUNE

Getty image of gin and tonic drink — Sample everything from the classic G&T to new and exciting flavours.

Join 55 boutique distillers as they showcase over 200 uniquely crafted gins for you to sample and purchase at the Adelaide Gin Festival . Grab your tote bag at the door of the Adelaide Convention Centre and make your way around to some of the best distillers across the country.

Classic, mature-aged and flavoured gins will all be on tap. If you’re looking to get experimental, there will also be plenty of new and contemporary flavours. Find a new favourite? Purchase it and pop it into that handy tote of yours. There will also be food trucks onsite to feed grumbling bellies. Tickets are on sale now and selling out fast!

What’s on in the Northern Territory in June

FINKE DESERT RACE
ALICE SPRINGS
6–9 JUNE

Finke Desert Race in Alice Springs, NT — Over 500 off-road vehicles join the race across the NT each year.

Once a year, across an unforgiving expanse of the Northern Territory, over 500 cars, motorbikes, buggies and ATVs take on 460 kilometres of rugged off-road terrain. To cross the finish line in the remote community of Aputula two days later is to officially conquer the Finke Desert Race . And while it may take weeks to rid your pores of the red dirt, you’ll have experienced the Australian outback like never before.

NT WRITERS FESTIVAL
ALICE SPRINGS
29 MAY– 1 JUNE

For four days across Alice Springs/Mparntwe, the NT Writers Festival will bring panel talks, readings and immersive events celebrating story, language, ideas and culture to audiences. This year, join a brilliant line-up of writers and thinkers as they explore the theme of reverberations.

The 2025 program is sure to get readers and writers excited. There will be a number of unforgettable events delivered by incredible talents, including Winnie Dunn, Veronica Gorrie, Sam Elkin, Linda Wells and more.

BETR DARWIN TRIPLE CROWN
DARWIN
20–22 JUNE

Cars driving at The Betr Darwin Triple Crown — The Betr Darwin Triple Crown is a must-do on the Top End’s events calendar.

There’s something for the whole family at the Betr Darwin Triple Crown this year. The 2025 program promises to be bigger and better than ever too, with supercars, muscle cars, V8 superutes, combined sedans and more taking to the track.

Get amongst the action with an epic pit-lane walk, driver signing session, night transporter convoy and more. Paired with the Northern Territory’s incredible weather and tourism experiences, the Betr Darwin Triple Crown is a must on the Top End’s events calendar.

ALICE SPRINGS BEANIE FESTIVAL
ALICE SPRINGS
20–23 JUNE

Alice Springs Beanie Festival in Alice Springs, NT — Purchase a cool and quirky beanie to take home with you.

Come the colder months, beanies are a closet essential. But in Central Australia, the handmade hats are so much more; they’re celebrated as a distinctive regional art form at the Alice Springs Beanie Festival . As well as browsing hundreds of unique beanies, visitors can join a textile workshop or Indigenous beanie-making lesson, too. It’s also a great opportunity to explore this spectacular region and all it has to offer.

What’s on in the ACT in June

AFTER-DARK TRUFFLE FEST
CANBERRA
20 JUNE

Truffles from Beltana Farm in Canberra, ACT — Truffle hunting is a quintessential winter activity. (Image: VisitCanberra)

If you’re after a winter evening that feels straight out of a storybook, the After Dark Truffle Fest at Beltana Farm is calling your name. For one night only, Canberra’s premier truffle experience will light up the night with glowing fairylights, a moonlit barbecue, truffle trees and a cosy fireside feast.

Guests can wander the farm with a glass of wine in hand, learn about the magic of truffle season from onsite farmer Alice and indulge in a cheeky shared menu laced with the gourmet fungi of the night. It’s the ultimate way to welcome (and celebrate) truffle season.

NATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL OF AUSTRALIA
CANBERRA
12–15 JUNE

National Wine Festival of Australia in Canberra, ACT — Vineyards across Canberra will participate in the wine festival. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Wine lovers, mark your calendars. Canberra is set to host the ultimate celebration of Australian winemaking with the launch of the National Wine Festival . To honour the 50th anniversary of the National Wine Show of Australia, the festival kicks off with a trophy presentation dinner at Parliament House. There will be over 1000 wines to sample across four days, as well as exclusive events and a showcase of the latest in Aussie viticulture. Cheers to that!

GIANTS VS PORT ADELAIDE
CANBERRA
7 JUNE

If you’re craving some live footy, mark your calendar. The GWS Giants are set to face Port Adelaide at Manuka Oval for Round 13 of the AFL Premiership season . Expect a day filled with powerful performances, cultural acknowledgments, and the electric atmosphere that only AFL can deliver before watching the teams go head to head on the field. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the game, this is a match not to be missed!

Winding down in the Yarra Valley, where ‘work from home’ becomes ‘work from wine country’.

Steam from my morning coffee curls gently into the cool valley air, mist-veiled vineyards stretch out in neat rows below me. Magpies warble from trees, and the morning’s quiet carries the soft bleating of lambs from a nearby paddock. Midweek in the Yarra Valley has its own rhythm. It’s slower, quieter, with more empty tables at cafes and cellar doors, and walking trails I can claim all to myself. It’s as if the entire region takes a deep breath once the weekend crowd leaves.

walking trails in the Yarra Valley — You’ll find walking trails are less crowded during the week. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I haven’t come here for a holiday, but to do a little work somewhere other than my home office, where I spend too much time hunched over my desk. Deadlines still loom, meetings still happen, but with flexible work evolving from ‘work from home’ to ‘work from anywhere’, I’m swapping the view of my front yard to the vineyards.

A quiet afternoon at Yarra Valley Dairy

holding a glass of wine at Yarra Valley Dairy — Wine time at Yarra Valley Dairy, where you can enjoy a toastie or bagel in the cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the Yarra Valley just over an hour from the CBD, many Melburnians could drive here in their lunch break. I arrive late in the afternoon and am delighted to discover the Yarra Valley Dairy still open. On weekends, I’ve seen queues spilling out the door, but today there’s only one other couple inside. There’s no need to rush to secure a table; instead I browse the little store, shelves stacked with chutneys, spices, artisan biscuits and gorgeous crockery that would look right at home in my kitchen. It’s hard not to buy the lot.

a cheese tasting plate atYarra Valley Dairy — A cheese tasting plate at Yarra Valley Dairy.

I order a coffee and a small cheese platter, though the dairy has a full menu, and choose a wooden table with bentwood chairs by a wide window. The space feels part farm shed, part cosy café: corrugated iron ceiling, walls painted in muted tones and rustic furniture.

Outside, cows meander toward milking sheds. If pressed for time, there’s the option of quick cheese tastings – four samples for five dollars in five minutes – but today, I’m in no rush. I sip slowly, watching a grey sky settle over the paddock. Less than an hour ago I was hunched over my home-office desk, and now my racing mind has slowed to match the valley’s pace.

Checking in for vineyard views at Balgownie Estate

Restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate has views across the vines.

As my car rolls to a stop at Balgownie Estate , I’m quietly excited, and curious to see if my plan to work and play comes off. I’ve chosen a suite with a spacious living area and a separate bedroom so I can keep work away from a good night’s sleep. I could have booked a cosy cottage, complete with open fireplace, a comfy couch and a kettle for endless cups of tea, but as I am still here to get some work done, I opt for a place that takes care of everything. Dinner is served in Restaurant 1309, as is breakfast.

oysters at Restaurant 1309, Balgownie Estate — Oysters pair perfectly with a crisp white at Restaurant 1309.

On my first evening, instead of the usual walk about my neighbourhood, I stroll through the estate at an unhurried pace. There’s no need to rush – someone else is preparing my dinner after all. The walking trails offer beautiful sunsets, and it seems mobs of kangaroos enjoy the view, too. Many appear, grazing lazily on the hillside.

I wake to the call of birds and, after breakfast, with the mist still lingering over the vineyards, I watch two hot-air balloons silently drift above clouds. Perched on a hill, Balgownie Estate sits above the mist, leaving the valley below veiled white.

kangaroos in Yarra Valley — Spotting the locals on an evening walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Exploring the Yarra Valley on two wheels

the Yarra Valley vineyards — Swap your home office for a view of the vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria/Cormac Hanrahan)

Perhaps because the Yarra Valley is relatively close to where I live, I’ve never considered exploring the area any way other than by car or on foot. And with a fear of heights, a hot-air balloon is firmly off the table. But when I discover I can hop on two wheels from the estate and cycle into Yarra Glen, I quickly realise it’s the perfect way to step away from my laptop and experience a different side of the region.

COG Bike offers pedal-assist e-bikes, and while the bike trail and paths into town aren’t particularly hilly, having an extra bit of ‘oomph’ means I can soak up the surroundings. Those lambs I heard calling early in the morning? I now find them at the paddock fence, sniffing my hands, perhaps hoping for food. Cows idle nearby, and at a fork in the bike path I turn left toward town.

It’s still morning, and the perfect time for a coffee break at The Vallie Store. If it were the afternoon, I’d likely turn right, in the direction of four wineries with cellar doors. The ride is about 15 kilometres return, but don’t let that put you off. Staying off the highway, the route takes you along quiet backroads where you catch glimpses of local life – farmers on tractors, weathered sheds, rows of vines and the kind of peaceful countryside you don’t see from the main road.

A detour to the Dandenong Ranges

legs hanging over the sides of the train, Puffing Billy Railway — The iconic Puffing Billy runs every day except Christmas Day.

The beauty of basing myself in the Yarra Valley is how close everything feels. In barely half an hour I’m in the Dandenong Ranges, swapping vineyards for towering mountain ash and fern-filled gullies. The small villages of Olinda and Sassafras burst with cosy teahouses, antique stores and boutiques selling clothing and handmade body care items.

I’m drawn to RJ Hamer Arboretum – Latin for ‘a place for trees’. Having grown up among tall trees, I’ve always taken comfort in their presence, so this visit feels like a return of sorts. A stroll along the trails offers a choice: wide open views across patchwork paddocks below, or shaded paths that lead you deeper into the quiet hush of the peaceful forest.

The following day, I settle into a quiet corner on the balcony of Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis and soon hear Puffing Billy’s whistle and steady chuff as the steam train climbs towards town. Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s most beloved steam trains, running through the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge track. It’s famous for its open carriages where passengers can sit with their legs hanging over the sides as the train chugs through the forest. This is the perfect spot to wave to those on the train.

After my midweek break, I find my inbox still full and my to-do list not in the least shrunken, just shifted from one task to another. But I return to my home office feeling lighter, clearer and with a smug satisfaction I’d stolen back a little time for myself. A midweek wind-down made all the difference.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Balgownie Estate offers everything from cellar door tastings to spa treatments and fine dining – all without leaving the property.

Playing there

the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley — Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wander through Alowyn Gardens, including a stunning wisteria tunnel, then explore the collection of contemporary artworks at TarraWarra Museum of Art . Cycle the Yarra Valley with COG Bike to visit local wineries and cellar doors.

Eating and drinking there

Olinda Tea House offers an Asian-inspired high tea. Paradise Valley Hotel, Clematis has classic pub fare, while the iconic Yering Station offers wine tastings and a restaurant with seasonal dishes.

seasonal dishes at the restaurant inside Yering Station — The restaurant at Yering Station showcases the best produce of the Yarra Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Here’s how to make the most of this mid-year moment.

Taylah’s top picks of the month:

Upcoming events to keep on your radar:

What’s on in NSW in June

HARVEST FESTIVAL CENTRAL COAST 7–8 JUNE

YOLŊU POWER EXHIBITION SYDNEY FROM 21 JUNE

OPENFIELD ARTS FESTIVAL BERRY 13–15 JUNE

BURNING OF THE BARREL HUNTER VALLEY 28 JUNE

SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL SYDNEY 4–15 JUNE

WINSTON & MATES SYDNEY 12 JUNE

THE MOMENT CLUB SYDNEY TICKETS ON SALE NOW

BUBBLE PLANET SYDNEY FROM 6 JUNE

What’s on in Victoria in June

INTERNATIONAL EV AUTOSHOW MELBOURNE 27–29 JUNE

HARVEST OPEN DAY THE GRAMPIANS 8 JUNE

RISING MELBOURNE 4–15 JUNE

EAST GIPPSLAND WINTER FESTIVAL GIPPSLAND REGION 20 JUNE – 20 JULY

WOODEND WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL MACEDON RANGES 6–9 JUNE

What’s on in Queensland in June

EAT LOCAL MONTH SCENIC RIM UNTIL 29 JUNE

COOLY ROCKS ON GOLD COAST 4–8 JUNE

CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL SUNSHINE COAST 6–8 JUNE

ECOFIESTA CAIRNS 22 JUNE