What's on around Australia in November 2025

Your jam-packed guide to making the most of November.

November reminds me of Baby Bear’s porridge – not too hot and not too cold, it’s just right. The countdown to summer is officially on, the air is warmer and the days are longer. It’s the perfect in-between season, when spring is still in bloom but weekends are now spent at the beach and backyard barbecues.

Before the end-of-year chaos swoops in, it’s the perfect time to slow down a little and sneak in some fun. Whether it’s an immersive art installation, fun foodie festival or breezy beachside bash, there’s no better time to get outside and soak up the sun. Here are a few suggestions.

Taylah’s top picks of the month:

Best foodie event: Pair’d, Margaret River, WA (20–23 November)
Best music event: Big Pineapple Festival, Sunshine Coast, Qld (1 November)
Best cultural event: Giiyong Festival, Eden, NSW (22 November)
Best outdoor event: Mural Fest, Sheffield, Tas (2–8 November)
Best arts event: The Regional, Warrnambool, Vic (from 15 November)

Upcoming events to keep on your radar:

5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After the Rain, Canberra, ACT (from 6 December)
Taste of Summer, Hobart, Tas (27 December – 3 January)
Elvis Festival, Parkes, NSW (7–11 January)
Australian Open, Melbourne, Vic (12 January – 1 February)
NATSIAA exhibition, Darwin, NT (until 26 January)

What’s on in NSW in November

Sydney Cellar Door
Sydney
8–9 November

Rowlee Wines in Orange, NSW — Taste tipples from top vineyards like Rowlee Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

As part of NSW Wine Month, Sydney Cellar Door is returning to the state capital for a weekend of top tipples. Over 40 wineries from 14 different NSW regions will attend for one weekend only, including Australia’s top winery of 2026!

The pop-up event, which is Australia’s largest open-air wine tasting experience, is free to attend, but guests must purchase tasting tokens and glasses. Be sure to check out the rest of the month-long program , which features tastings, degustation dinners, food festivals, masterclasses and more across the state.

Giiyong Festival
Eden
22 November

Giiyong Festival in Eden, NSW — Witness live cultural performances at Giiyong Festival. (Image: 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.

This year’s line-up features some of Australia’s leading Aboriginal musicians, performers and thinkers, alongside talented local artists. More than just a festival, Giiyong is an opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate living culture. Tickets and program details are available now!

Spirits & Bites
Sydney
14–16 November

Spirits & Bites in Sydney, NSW — There will be 18 celebrated distillers at Spirits & Bites.

Sydney’s newest premium tasting experience is coming to Darling Harbour this month, bringing together high-end spirits and gourmet bites in an intimate setting overlooking the water. Spirits & Bites is a curated experience for those who want more from their glass, from connoisseurs to the curious.

Over six two-hour sessions, guests can discover over 70 premium spirits from 18 acclaimed distillers and distributors, including Lark Distillery, Prohibition Liquor Co, Ester Spirits and Hugo Vodka. Alongside tastings, roving canapés featuring gourmet flavours will keep hungry bellies satisfied.

The Hidden Line: Art of the Boyd Women
South Coast
From 22 November

Celia Perceval, Tending the flower farm near Dural, 1994-95, oil on board. Bundanon Collection.

The Bundanon art museum on NSW’s South Coast has revealed its landmark summer exhibition, which will be unveiled mid-month and run until February 2026. Titled The Hidden Line: Art of the Boyd Women , it includes over 300 works by the women of the Boyd family, from artists to designers and writers.

Alongside works by Boyd women of the past, the exhibition will showcase pieces from their descendants, who continue the family’s artistic legacy today. Eight new commissions by contemporary Australian women artists – including Elizabeth Dunn, Helen Johnson, Camille Laddawan and Tjunkaya Tapaya OAM – will also feature throughout.

Affordable Art Fair
Sydney
6–9 November

Affordable Art Fair in Sydney, NSW — Browse original artworks from over 60 galleries.

The globally renowned Affordable Art Fair is coming to Sydney this month after successful stints in both Brisbane and Melbourne earlier this year. It’s the final instalment for the show, which will bring over 60 galleries and thousands of original artworks to the Carriageworks precinct.

Art lovers can expect a curated collection of paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, photography and pop-art – all priced between $100 and $10,000. As well as gallery stalls, there will also be a range of food and refreshment options to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

The Lakes Festival
Central Coast
7–16 November

The Lakes Festival on the Central Coast, NSW — The Lakes Festival celebrates 10 years in 2025.

For nine days this November, the Central Coast’s waterways and coastal towns transform into a vibrant playground for The Lakes Festival ’s 10th anniversary. It’s the ultimate spring festival, with over 20 free events spanning Indigenous fine dining, seafood feasts, kayak eco-tours, art workshops and live music – all headlined by Light Up The Lake.

While still being a regional celebration, the festival also champions sustainability, inviting people to reconnect with nature and learn how to protect it. If you’re looking for inspiration, culture and coastal beauty, this is where you’ll want to be!

Vino Italiano
Milton
12 November

Cuppit's Estate in Milton, NSW — The collaborative Italian feast will be held at Cupitt’s Estate in Milton. (Image: Destination NSW)

Cupitt’s Estate is teaming up with Mudgee’s Lowe Wines and Zin House for a one-night-only Italian Wine Dinner as part of NSW Wine Month. Set against the rolling vineyards of the South Coast, the evening celebrates the beauty of Italian varietals grown in NSW through a six-course feast paired with six wines.

Expect dishes like zucchini flowers filled with whipped ricotta, Snowy Mountain trout pasta and seared Rangers Valley beef rib. A highlight will be hearing winemaker David Lowe and the Cupitt family share stories of sustainability, friendship and the future of Aussie wine.

What’s on in Victoria in November

Cherry Picking Season
Coldstream
From 7 November

CherryHill Orchard in Coldstream, Victoria — Pick your own fresh cherries to take home.

Victoria’s sweetest season has arrived, and CherryHill Orchards is bursting with ripe, ruby-red cherries ready for the picking. Whether you’re wandering through the orchard or snapping photos among the blossoms, it’s a sunshine-soaked day out that tastes as good as it looks.

If you’re craving more farm-fresh fun, cherry season marks the start of Australia’s pick-your-own produce calendar — think juicy strawberries, peaches and blueberries ready to be plucked straight from the tree. There’s no better excuse to escape the city and make a day of it, basket in hand.

Still Point
Melbourne
13–23 November

Piet Raemdonck, Vaas Op Tafel II, Oil on Canvas, 129x180cm

Since opening in 2010, Otomys in Melbourne has become one of the city’s most iconic art spaces, hosting works by more than 60 global artists. To commemorate its 15-year milestone, the art gallery will star in its own showcase at the Villa Alba Museum in Kew.

Curated by Otomys’ co-directors, Megan Dicks and Hannah Abbott, Still Point will feature paintings, sculptures and mixed media by long-time Otomys artists, as well as newer additions to the roster.

Budburst Wine Festival
Macedon Ranges
15–16 November

Hanging Rock Winery in Macedon Ranges, Victoria — Hanging Rock Winery will join the Budburst line-up this year. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Nestled among the Macedon Ranges, the Budburst Wine Festival is the perfect excuse to sip and stroll through this cool-climate wine region. More than 20 winemakers from 14 different venues will open their doors, giving you direct access to some truly divine drops.

Over two exciting days, guests can sample different varietals, dine on gourmet fare, dance to live music and meet the makers behind some of the region’s best cellar doors. You’re sure to leave with a full heart, and probably a new favourite bottle in hand.

5k Foam Fest
Melbourne
22 November

Everyone’s favourite family fun run is back for another year! The 5k Foam Fest will be taking over St Anne’s Winery on the outskirts of Melbourne, all in support of the Make A Wish foundation.

There will be 25 obstacles to take on this year, from hurdles and walls to cargo climbs and spider-web forests, with 2.5 million cubic feet of foam to enjoy along the way. The best part? It all ends with the world’s largest inflatable waterslide!

Great Vic Bike Ride
Great Ocean Road
24–28 November

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

The annual Great Vic Bike Ride is the ultimate excuse to explore south-west Victoria on two wheels. Join everyone from beginners to bike-riding pros as they pedal the Great Ocean Road, swapping city noise for coastal breeze.

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. It’s the ultimate riding holiday.

The Regional
Warrnambool
From 15 November

Warrnambool Art Gallery in Victoria — The Regional will be hosted at Warrnambool Art Gallery (Image: Visit Victoria)

This summer, the Warrnambool Art Gallery presents The Regional , a landmark exhibition celebrating the depth and diversity of regional Australian artists. Running until March 2026, it brings together five solo exhibitions by leading artists across performing arts, sound and design.

Atlanta Eke, Gus Franklin, Paul McCann, Bronwyn Razem and Peter Tyndall will showcase completely new commissions for the exhibition. Touching on themes such as family, tradition, interconnection and home, it’s a raw representation of Australia’s creative heart.

What’s on in Queensland in November

Big Pineapple Festival
Sunshine Coast
1 November

Big Pineapple Festival on the Sunshine Coast, Qld — The festival is held at one of Australia’s beloved Big Things.

Get ready to turn up the volume and soak in the sunshine. The Big Pineapple Festival is returning to the Sunshine Coast this month, and it lives for big beats and bold vibes – all set against an iconic Queensland backdrop.

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.

Hamilton Island Ocean Swim
Hamilton Island
16 November

Hamilton Island Ocean Swim in Queensland — Escape the heat with the Hamilton Island Ocean Swim. (Image: 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.

The annual open-water event includes a 750-metre and two-kilometre race, as well as a junior swim, drawing seasoned athletes and first-timers from across the country. It’s equal parts challenge and idyllic escape: a sun-soaked day of fitness and fun set against the beauty of the Whitsundays.

Art of Banksy: Chapter 2
Brisbane
From 5 November

After incredible years, 35 cities and 2.8 million visitors worldwide, the Art of Banksy: Chapter 2 is arriving in Australia, launching exclusively in Brisbane this month. It’s big news in the Aussie art world, with over 300 artworks set to be on display.

The landmark exhibition features more than 100 original Banksy pieces, alongside interactive installations, holograms, sculptures and never-before-seen works. It’s all brought to life by Muse Entertainment and Fever, the entertainment platform behind Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Australian exhibition.

Qld Music Trail
Scenic Rim
Until 9 November

Qld Music Trails in Queensland — It all starts with the Long Sunset music festival in Boonah.

The Scenic Rim’s rolling hills and vibrant communities once again set the stage for Qld Music Trails , which officially wraps up this month. Back for its third year, the Scenic Rim trail features three iconic events that span live music, workshops, art exhibitions, First Nations storytelling, wine tasting and food stalls.

It all starts with the Long Sunset festival in Boonah, running from 31 October to 2 November – the same day that Sprout & About takes over Kooralbyn Permaculture Garden. Between the Vines marks the third and final event on 9 November, a laid-back Sunday session at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards.

What’s on in Tasmania in November

Mural Fest
Sheffield
2–8 November

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

The town of Sheffield transforms into a living canvas once a year for Mural Fest , where painters get the chance to convert public spaces into vibrant masterpieces. Held in Tassie’s so-called ‘town of murals’, it’s both an art competition and a celebration of local art.

As well as witnessing the town come to life, visitors will have the chance to vote for their favourite mural, admire photography exhibits and explore the charming regional town. After the final brushstroke, the mural stays on display all year round, turning Sheffield into an ongoing outdoor art gallery.

Spring in the Vines
South Tasmania
Until 2 November

Bangor Vineyard Shed in South Tasmania — Visit the region’s best cellar doors, like Bangor Vineyard Shed. (Image: Tourism Australia)

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.

Highlands Bushfest
Bothwell
22–23 November

Bothwell in Tasmania — The rural town of Bothwell will host Highlands Bushfest this year. (Image: Lusy Productions)

Outdoor enthusiasts will converge on the gateway to the Central Highlands region this month for the Highlands Bushfest . Hosted in the rural town of Bothwell, the weekend-long event is all about wild education and adventure.

Attendees will hear from wilderness experts on topics like camping, harvesting, hunting, fishing and foraging, with a range of workshops and live demonstrations on offer, too. It doesn’t matter what you’re into, as long as you love the great outdoors, you’ll love this!

Tasmanian Craft Fair
Deloraine
31 October – 2 November

The quaint, historic town of Deloraine in Tassie’s central north will again host the Tasmanian Craft Fair this month, as it has done since 1981. The art fair is known as the largest working craft fair in Australia, making it a must for all artsy folk.

Running over four venues and three galleries, exhibitors will tout everything from hand-crafted ceramics and textiles to glasswork and woodcraft. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, art displays, workshops and masterclasses.

What’s on in Western Australia in November

Pair’d
Margaret River
20–23 November

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

Paola Pivi – I don’t like it, I love it
Perth
From 8 November

Exhibition view, ‘It’s not my job, it’s your job, 2023, musée d’art contemporain de Marseille, Courtesy the Artist and Perrotin © Paola Pivi (Image: Hugo Glendinning) — Exhibition view, ‘It’s not my job, it’s your job, 2023, musée d’art contemporain de Marseille, Courtesy the Artist and Perrotin, © Paola Pivi (Image: Hugo Glendinning)

Opening this November, Paola Pivi – I don’t like it, I love it will be held at Perth’s Art Gallery of Western Australia. And in an exciting moment of reverence for the city, it’ll be one of the artist’s largest projects to date.

The landmark exhibition will showcase a variety of whimsical and disarming surrealist works spanning Pivi’s nearly 30-year career. It will also feature new commissions that have been designed specifically for AGWA’s art spaces, including three of Pivi’s iconic feathered polar bears.

Fremantle Beerfest
Fremantle
14–16 November

Little Creatures in Fremantle, WA — Sample beers from local brewers, including Little Creatures. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Fremantle Beerfest is one of WA’s best beer festivals, and it’s back and better than ever in 2025. Enjoy a full weekend jam-packed with over 500 world-class beers, ciders, artisan spirits, feature cocktails and premium wines, all complemented by gourmet street eats.

There will also be loads of live entertainment, from roving performers and acrobats to tribute bands and stand-up comedy shows. Guests can also participate in workshops, masterclasses, tastings and pairings run by local brewers. Cheers to that!

The Ashes
Perth
21–25 November

Optus Stadium in Perth, WA — The Ashes will be held at Perth’s Optus Stadium. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Calling all cricket lovers! Get ready to catch history in the making at Optus Stadium this month, as the legendary rivalry between Australia and England kicks off the 2025-26 Ashes series . It marks the first test of the season, and you’ll be right in the action.

This isn’t just any test match, though. It’s the first time the Ashes opener has been hosted in Perth in over four decades, meaning the energy is going to be next-level. Expect epic vibes, world-class cricket and a meat pie or two as the game cracks on.

What’s on in South Australia in November

OzAsia Festival
Adelaide
Until 9 November

OzAsia Festival in Adelaide, SA — Don’t miss OzAsia’s huge dumpling market. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Adelaide’s epic OzAsia Festival is Australia’s leading contemporary arts festival, engaging with our neighbouring continent. The immersive arts and culture event is all about showcasing the best in both Asian and Australian theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, film and food.

This year, the program is brimming with unmissable shows and events across South Australia’s vibrant capital. From workshops and masterclasses to live music, family-friendly performances and a huge dumpling market, this is one the whole family can enjoy.

Handpicked
Langhorne Creek
8 November

Handpicked Festival in South Australia — Lake Breeze Wines offers the perfect backdrop for Handpicked. (Image: Amy Rowsell)

Sway in time with the ancient gum trees to the sound of Aussie musicians at Handpicked Festival . The dreamy day is held on the picturesque grounds of Lake Breeze Wines, arguably one of the best cellar doors in the region.

Beginning as a small backyard concert, the family-run event has become a stalwart of SA. Sprawl out a picnic blanket, sip the vineyard’s wine, sample local produce, and listen to a stellar line-up, which includes Hilltop Hoods, Lotte Gallagher, Xavier Rudd, Marlon and more.

Italian Festival
Adelaide
7–16 November

iTL Italian Kitchen in Adelaide, SA — Adelaide restaurant iTL Italian Kitchen will join this 2025 line-up. (Image: Meaghan Coles)

Pizza, pasta, polenta, oh my! The sixth instalment of the Adelaide Italian Festival invites you to immerse yourself in authentic Italian culture this month. Experience world-class Italian food and wine, art, fashion, culture, music and traditions right in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD.

The 2025 program features a range of mouth-watering events, from cooking classes and degustation dinners to culinary tours and creative workshops, plus so much more. You’ll be shouting bellissimo before you know it!

Sunset on Seppeltsfield Road
Barossa Valley
21 November

Pindarie winery in Barossa, South Australia — Sample Pindarie 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 . Wander down the avenue of Canary Island date palms, tucking into local gourmet fare, sipping the region’s stand-out wines and soaking up that golden-hour magic.

With more than 20 wineries, distilleries and food stalls set to line the iconic SA road, you’ll taste your way through local flavours while live tunes soundtrack the scene. It’s the perfect spring weekend getaway – just bring curiosity and an appetite!

What’s on in the Northern Territory in November

Electric Storm Festival
Darwin
1 November

Electric Storm Festival in Darwin, NT — Wear your spookiest outfit for Electric Storm in Darwin.

If you’re sad Halloween is over, don’t cry just yet. Instead, head to Darwin Showgrounds for the Electric Storm Halloween Music Festival . Festival-goers are encouraged to go all out by getting dressed to the nines in their spookiest of costumes and dancing the night away.

The line-up this year is not one to miss, with the likes of Lee Foss, Sunset Bros, Jemma Hayward, Pink Panda and Teddy Cream all taking to the stage. There will also be plenty of food trucks onsite to keep you fuelled throughout the day. Get ready to get spooky!

50th Katherine Prize
Katherine
7 November – 12 December

Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre in Katherine, NT — The 50th Katherine Prize will be hosted at Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre.

Celebrate five decades of artistic brilliance at the 50th Katherine Prize , where the creative colours of the Northern Territory take centre stage. From budding young artists to seasoned creators, the exhibition welcomes all mediums, all backgrounds and all ages in a vibrant showcase of culture and talent.

The winners will be announced at the opening night gala, with a prize pool of over $10,000 up for grabs. The diverse collection will then be on display until mid-December at the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre.

Arulean Arthouse Cinema
Alice Springs
17 November

After screening a new movie every Monday night since March, the Arulean Arthouse Cinema wraps up this November. There has been an incredible selection of local and international feature films, documentaries and mainstream titles – and now, it’s time for the final act.

The Araluen Arts Centre is ending the cinematic season on a high note with Bugonia, a psychological thriller starring Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone. The film dives into the chaos that unfolds when two conspiracy-obsessed young men find themselves well beyond their depth.

What’s on in the ACT in November

Spirits at the Foreshore
Canberra
28–29 November

Spirits on the Foreshore in Canberra, ACT — Cheers to over 200 boutique spirits in Canberra this November.

Held at the Old Transport Depot in Kingston, Spirits on the Foreshore will host over 40 Australian and international distillers, alongside over 200 boutique spirits for you to sip and sample.

Three tasting sessions will fall across two days, each running for three hours. You’ll sample a curated selection of pours before having the chance to purchase your favourite. Want to go a little deeper? Book a 45-minute masterclass to learn insider tips from the experts as you sip.

Stromlo Running Festival
Canberra
15–16 November

Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra, ACT — The running festival winds its way through Stromlo Forest Park. (Image: VisitCanberra)

With marathon holidays on the rise, the Stromlo Running Festival offers the perfect excuse to lace up and explore Canberra’s scenic trails. Created back in 2009 by Aussie marathon great, Robert De Castella, 28 Sporting Innovations and the YMCA of Canberra Runners Club, it’s known as one of Australia’s best.

With five race options for adults – spanning five, 10, 15 and 30 kilometres, as well as the 42.2-kilometre marathon – the event welcomes athletes of all abilities. There’s also a 2.5-kilometre course for kids to tackle, making it a full family affair.

SpringOut
Canberra
1–30 November

SpringOUT is a month-long celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community that calls the country’s capital home. The only festival of its kind in Canberra, SpringOUT rivals any pride event across the country, with thousands of people turning up to celebrate.

And there’s so much to look forward to in 2025, from art exhibitions and panel talks to workshops and community roundtables. Other program highlights include the Varsity Spring Roller Disco, Queer PowerPoint and iconic Fair Day.

Abandoned mills and forgotten paper plants are finding second lives – and helping redefine a city long underestimated.

Just 15 years ago, Federal Mills was a very different place. Once among the most significant industrial sites in Victoria, the historic woollen mill was one of a dozen that operated in Geelong at the industry’s peak in the mid-20th century, helping the city earn its title as ‘wool centre of the world’. But by the 1960s global competition and the rise of synthetic fabrics led to the slow decline of the industry, and Federal Mills finally shuttered its doors in 2001. Within a few years, the abandoned North Geelong grounds had become makeshift pastoral land, with cows and goats grazing among the overgrown grass between the empty red-brick warehouses. It was a forgotten pocket of the city, all but two klicks from the bustle of the CBD.

Geelong cellar door wine bar — Geelong has shed its industrial identity to become an innovative urban hub with reimagined heritage spaces. (Image: Ash Hughes)

Federal Mills: from forgotten factory to creative precinct

Today, the century-old complex stands reborn. The distinctive sawtooth-roof buildings have been sensitively restored. An old silo is splashed with a bright floral mural, landscapers have transformed the grounds, and the precinct is once again alive with activity. More than 1000 people work across 50-plus businesses here. It’s so busy, in fact, that on a sunny Thursday morning in the thick of winter, it’s hard to find a car park. The high ceilings, open-plan design, and large multi-paned windows – revolutionary features for factories of their time – have again become a drawcard.

Paddock Bakery andPatisserie — Paddock Bakery and Patisserie is housed within the historic wool factory. (Image: Gallant Lee)

At Paddock , one of the precinct’s newer tenants, weaving looms and dye vats have been replaced by a wood-fired brick oven and heavy-duty mixers. Open since April 2024, the bakery looks right at home here; the building’s industrial shell is softened by ivy climbing its steel frames, and sunlight streams through the tall windows. Outside, among the white cedar trees, families at picnic benches linger over dippy eggs and bagels, while white-collar workers pass in and out, single-origin coffee and crème brûlée doughnuts in hand.

Geelong: Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design

Paddock Bakery can be found at Federal Mills. (Image: Gallant Lee)

“A lot of people are now seeing the merit of investing in Geelong,” says Paul Traynor, the head of Hamilton Hospitality Group, which redeveloped Federal Mills. A city once shunned as Sleepy Hollow, and spurned for its industrial, working-class roots and ‘rust belt’ image, Geelong has long since reclaimed its ‘Pivot City’ title, having reinvented itself as an affordable, lifestyle-driven satellite city, and a post-COVID migration hotspot.

And the numbers stand testament to the change. In March 2025, and for the first time in its history, Greater Geelong became Australia’s most popular regional town for internal migration, overtaking Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Current forecasts suggest Geelong will continue to outpace many other Australian cities and towns, with jobs growing at double the rate of the population.

Tourism is booming, too. The 2023-24 financial year was Geelong and The Bellarine region’s busiest on record, with 6.4 million visitors making it one of the fastest-growing destinations in the country. It’s not hard to see why: beyond the city’s prime positioning at the doorstep of the Great Ocean Road, Geelong’s tenacity and cultural ambition stands out.

As Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design, Geelong is swiftly shaking off its industrial past to become a model for urban renewal, innovation, sustainability and creative communities. The signs are everywhere, from the revitalisation of the city’s waterfront, and the landmark design of the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre and Geelong Arts Centre, to the growing network of local designers, architects and artists, and the burgeoning roster of festivals and events. That’s not even mentioning the adaptive reuse of storied old industrial buildings – from Federal Mills, to Little Creatures’ brewery ‘village’ housed within a 1920s textile mill – or the city’s flourishing food and wine scene.

The rise of a food and wine destination

Restaurant 1915 is housed within a restored former boiler house. (Image: Harry Pope/Two Palms)

Traynor credits now-closed local restaurant Igni, which opened in 2016, as the turning point for Geelong’s hospo industry. “[Aaron Turner, Igni’s chef-patron] was probably the first guy, with all due respect, to raise the bar food-wise for Geelong,” he says. “People now treat it really seriously, and there’s clearly a market for it.” While Igni is gone, Turner now helms a string of other notable Geelong venues, including The Hot Chicken Project and Tacos y Liquor, all within the buzzy, street art-speckled laneways of the CBD’s Little Malop Street Precinct. Many others have also popped up in Igni’s wake, including Federal Mills’ own restaurant, 1915 . Housed within the cavernous boiler house, 1915’s interior is dramatic: soaring, vaulted ceilings with timber beams, exposed brick, a huge arched window. The share plates echo the space’s bold character, playing with contrast and texture, with dishes such as a compressed watermelon tataki, the sweet, juicy squares tempered by salty strands of fried leeks, and charred, smoky snow peas dusted with saganaki on a nutty bed of romesco.

The Woolstore , one of The Hamilton Group’s most recent hospo projects, opened in February. It occupies a century-old riverside warehouse and exudes a more sultry, fine dining ambience. Much like Federal Mills, the blueprint was to preserve the original brickwork, tallowwood flooring and nods to the building’s former life. That same careful consideration extends to the well-versed, affable waitstaff as well as the kitchen. Head chef Eli Grubb is turning out an eclectic mix of ambitious and indulgent mod Oz dishes that deliver: strikingly tender skewers of chicken tsukune, infused with hints of smoke from the parrilla grill, and glazed with a moreish, sweet gochujang ‘jam’; nduja arancini fragrant with hints of aniseed and the earthy lick of sunny saffron aioli; and golden squares of potato pavé, adorned with tiny turrets of crème fraîche, crisp-fried saltbush leaves, and Avruga caviar, to name but a few stand-out dishes.

Woolstore menu — Woolstore’s menu is designed for sharing.

Breathing new life into historic spaces

On the city’s fringe, hidden down a winding side road with little fanfare, lies a long-dormant site that’s being gently revived. Built from locally quarried bluestone and brick, and dating back to the 1870s, the complex of original tin-roofed mill buildings is lush with greenery and backs onto the Barwon River and Buckley Falls; the audible rush of water provides a soothing soundtrack. Fyansford Paper Mill is one of few complexes of its time to survive intact. It feels steeped in history and spellbindingly rustic.

“We were looking for an old industrial place that had some charm and romance to it,” explains Sam Vogel, the owner, director and winemaker at Provenance Wines which moved here in 2018. When he first viewed the building with his former co-owner, it was in such a state of disrepair that the tradie tenant occupying the space had built a shed within it to escape the leaking roof and freezing winter temperatures. “To say it was run down would be an understatement,” he notes. “There was ivy growing through the place; the windows were all smashed. It was a classic Grand Designs project.”

Provenance Wines moved to Fyansford Paper Mill in 2018. (Image: Cameron Murray Photography)

The team has since invested more than a million dollars into their new home. Where paper processing machinery once sat, wine barrels are now stacked. Vaulted cathedral ceilings are strung with festoon lights, and hidden in plain sight lies a shadowy mural by local street artist de rigueur Rone – one of only three permanent works by the artist.

While the award-winning, cool-climate pinot noir, riesling and chardonnay naturally remain a key draw at Provenance, the winery’s restaurant is a destination in itself. Impressed already by whipsmart service, I devour one of the most cleverly curated and faultlessly executed degustations I’ve had in some time. It’s all prepared in a kitchen that is proudly zero-waste, and committed to providing seasonal, ethical and locally sourced meat and produce under head chef Nate McIver. Think free-range venison served rare with a syrupy red wine jus and a half-moon of neon-orange kosho, shokupan with a deeply savoury duck fat jus (a modern Japanese take on bread and drippings), and a golden potato cake adorned with a colourful confetti of dehydrated nasturtiums and tomato powder, and planted atop a sea urchin emulsion.

handcrafted pieces — Bell’s handcrafted functional pieces on display.

The complex is home to a coterie of independent businesses, including a gallery, a jeweller, and its latest tenant, ceramicist Elizabeth Bell, drawn here by the building’s “soul”. “There’s so much potential for these buildings to have new life breathed into them,” says Bell, whose studio is housed within the old pump room. “Even people in Geelong don’t know we’re here,” she says. “It’s definitely a destination, but I like that. It has a really calming atmosphere.”

A Melbourne transplant, Bell now feels at home in Geelong, which offers something Melbourne didn’t. “If this business was in Melbourne I don’t think it would’ve been as successful,” she notes. “It’s very collaborative in Geelong, and I don’t think you get that as much in Melbourne; you’re a bit more in it for yourself. Here it’s about community over competition.”

Your jam-packed guide to making the most of November.

Taylah’s top picks of the month:

Upcoming events to keep on your radar:

What’s on in NSW in November

Sydney Cellar Door Sydney 8–9 November

Giiyong Festival Eden 22 November

Spirits & Bites Sydney 14–16 November

The Hidden Line: Art of the Boyd Women South Coast From 22 November

Affordable Art Fair Sydney 6–9 November

The Lakes Festival Central Coast 7–16 November

Vino Italiano Milton 12 November

What’s on in Victoria in November

Cherry Picking Season Coldstream From 7 November

Still Point Melbourne 13–23 November

Budburst Wine Festival Macedon Ranges 15–16 November

5k Foam Fest Melbourne 22 November

Great Vic Bike Ride Great Ocean Road 24–28 November

The Regional Warrnambool From 15 November

What’s on in Queensland in November

Big Pineapple Festival Sunshine Coast 1 November

Hamilton Island Ocean Swim Hamilton Island 16 November

Art of Banksy: Chapter 2 Brisbane From 5 November

Qld Music Trail Scenic Rim Until 9 November

What’s on in Tasmania in November

Mural Fest Sheffield 2–8 November

Spring in the Vines South Tasmania Until 2 November

Highlands Bushfest Bothwell 22–23 November

Tasmanian Craft Fair Deloraine 31 October – 2 November