The Most Exciting Winter Festivals In Australia

Combat the cold with the coolest winter festivals in Australia.

Like it or not, winter has officially arrived in Australia. But that doesn’t mean you have to hibernate – the season is bursting with festivals that celebrate the magic of the cooler months, whether you’re embracing the cold or hoping to escape it altogether. From roaring fire pits under fairy light-filled trees to dazzling art installations, live music and gourmet feasts, there’s really no excuse to stay at home.

1. Winter Whale Fest, Victor Harbor, SA

When: 1–30 June 2026

South Australian Whale Centre, Victor Harbor SA — Learn about whales and other majestic marine life in Victor Harbor this June. (Credit: KOA Photography)

Celebrate the arrival of Southern Right Whales at the 2026 Winter Whale Fest, held in Victor Harbor, one of Australia’s best whale-watching destinations. While it’s a great opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close, the month-long festival also aims to educate visitors about the region’s unique marine life, natural environment and the importance of protecting it for future generations.

2. Sydney Film Festival, Sydney, NSW

When: 3–14 June 2026

State Theatre, Sydney NSW — Catch world premieres at Sydney’s State Theatre. (Credit: Getty/Ai_Yoshi)

In 2026, the 73rd Sydney Film Festival is bringing a fresh batch of global cinema to its namesake city. Movie buffs can expect over 200 films to roll out at a number of iconic venues, like the State Theatre, Hayden Orpheum and Art Gallery of NSW. Between screenings, check out the festival hub at Town Hall, with food trucks, panel talks, trivia nights, themed parties, music gigs and more.

3. Woodend Winter Arts Festival, Woodend, Vic

When: 5–8 June 2026

If you’re craving a cosy getaway with a cultural twist, the Woodend Winter Arts Festival is just the ticket. Celebrating 21 years this June, the beloved event transforms the Macedon Ranges into a hub of music, words, film and big ideas across one long weekend. Expect live performances and panel talks across a variety of genres, paired with the kind of atmosphere that truly inspires.

4. Noosa Food & Wine Festival, Noosa, Qld

When: 11–14 June 2026

Noosa Eat and Drink — Indulge in a sunset dining experience at Noosa Eat & Drink.

Sample the best of Queensland’s food bowl at the Noosa Food & Wine Festival, where the best of the region’s fresh seasonal produce is packed into four flavour-filled days. Everyone from restaurateurs and winemakers to farmers and producers is involved in the program, bringing their knowledge and expertise to one-off collabs, beachside lunches, live cooking demos and more.

5. Dark Mofo, Hobart, Tas

When: 11–22 June 2026

Dark Mofo in Hobart, Tasmania — Arguably the quirkest winter festival in the country, Dark Mofo returns to Hobart this June. (Credit: Dark Lab Media)

Dark Mofo is returning this June with another bold and boundary-pushing program, transforming Hobart with a line-up of events that range from the dazzling and divine to the downright disturbing. In 2026, 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.

6. National Wine Festival, Canberra, ACT

When: 12–13 June 2026

Four Winds Vineyard in Canberra, ACT — Sip and sample a variety of tipples from Canberra’s top wineries. (Credit: Four Winds Vineyard)

In what is sure to be music to any oenophile’s ears, Canberra will again host the ultimate celebration of Australian viticulture this June. Following a successful debut last year to mark the 50th anniversary of the National Wine Show of Australia, the National Wine Festival will take over the Hyatt Hotel Canberra across two days, with over 1000 wines to sample.

7. Alice Springs Beanie Festival, Alice Springs, NT

When: 19–22 June 2026

Alice Springs Beanie Festival, NT — It’s a bittersweet farewell for the Alice Springs Beanie Festival. (Credit: Oliver Eclipse)

The Alice Springs Beanie Festival began in 1997 as a way for Aboriginal women from remote Australian communities to come together and sell their hand-knitted winter hats. Since then, it’s become one of the NT’s most celebrated events, which makes its farewell this year all the more bittersweet. Make the pilgrimage this June to meet the community and pick up a beanie to take home with you – it may just be your last chance.

8. East Gippsland Winter Festival, East Gippsland, Vic

When: 19 June – 19 July 2026

East Gippsland Winter Festival, Vic — Will you brave the winter solstice swim?

Experience a unique spin on the cold season at the month-long East Gippsland Winter Festival. Running over both the winter solstice and Victoria’s winter school holidays, the program includes live ice sculpting, fire shows, creative workshops, warming feasts, wellness experiences and more. From Benambra to Bemm River and everywhere in between, nowhere does winter quite like this.

9. LAVA Festival, Murwillumbah, NSW

When: 26–28 June 2026

LAVA Festival, The Tweed NSW — Meet local creatives at the inaugural LAVA Festival. (Credit: Sally Singh)

One of the state’s most under-the-radar arts regions is stepping into the spotlight, bringing an impressive lineup of local artists and community events. Set in Murwillumbah and flowing into its surrounding villages, LAVA Festival will showcase a different side of The Tweed through creative exhibitions, live performances, open studios and collaborative conversations.

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10. Winter Wonderlights, Ballarat, Vic

When: 26 June – 19 July 2026

Rug up this month for Winter Wonderlights, which sees Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill transformed into a dazzling display of light, sound and festive cheer. Come for the spectacular light show and stay for everything else, from outdoor fire pits and mulled wine to carol singers and cosy market chalets. Add in falling faux snow, and you’ve got all the makings of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

11. Bicheno Beams, Bicheno, Tas

When: 27 June – 25 July 2026

Bicheno Beams in Bicheno, Tasmania — Head to Australia’s newly crowned top town to catch the laser show. (Credit: Adam Reibel)

Recently crowned the best town in Australia, Bicheno is giving travellers yet another reason to visit this month. Across 22 immersive nights, Bicheno Beams will light up the skies above Tassie’s east coast with magnificent crisscrossing lasers and colourful lights, all set to a specially synchronised soundtrack. Clearly, Bicheno isn’t letting its new title go to waste.

12. Christmas in July, Canberra, ACT

When: 1–5 July 2026

Ever wondered what it might be like to experience the festive season cocooned in your coat rather than cozzies? Head to Canberra this winter and you can have it, thanks to Christmas in July. Over four days in the country’s capital, visitors can revel in a white Christmas, exploring artisan markets, live music and festive displays while sipping mulled wine and boozy hot chocolate.

13. Illuminate Adelaide, Adelaide, SA

When: 1–19 July 2026

Illuminate Adelaide, SA — Wander Adelaide’s streets at night to find illuminated installations. (Credit: Tyr Liang Xplorer/Studio Artist City Lights)

Illuminate Adelaide brings together some of the best in art, music and tech from around the world and sets it loose across the city. Considered one of Adelaide’s best festivals, the captivating event is an invitation for you to shake off the winter blues and rekindle a sense of wonder, with everything from immersive light installations to wine tastings, dance parties, dining experiences and more.

14. Folk N Shanty Festival, Albany, WA

When: 10–12 July 2026

There’s something oddly cosy about sea shanties in the middle of winter, and Albany’s International Folk ’n’ Shanty Festival leans right into it. Across pubs, historic venues and waterfront spaces, the much-loved festival will fill this port city with folk music, maritime storytelling, lively singalongs and fireside-worthy fun, all set against WA’s rugged southern coastline.

15. Kiama Winter Street Festival, Kiama, NSW

When: 11 July 2026

Kiama Winter Street Festival, NSW — The quirky local event adds a splash of colour to winter in Kiama.

Channel Mariah Carey in an Aspen-inspired wardrobe at the Kiama’s Winter Street Festival. Think crackling fire pits, gourmet food trucks, light installations and buskers that could hold their own on a festival main stage. The South Coast town turns into a pop-up playground of live beats, roving performers and cosy vibes designed to celebrate the winter season.

16. Jumpers and Jazz in July, Warwick, Qld

When: 16–26 July 2026

Yarn bombing trees — Yarn bombing is the art of decorating public objects with handmade knitted coverings. (Credit: Getty/emilysophie2)

Jumpers and Jazz in July is a quirky and colourful festival that takes place over 11 winter days in the Queensland town of Warwick. It’s a sensory feast of groovy jazz music, local art and the quirky act of yarn bombing, where every tree in town is dressed up for the occasion. Wander the streets to discover tree trunks outfitted in cosy jumpers, crocheted decorations hanging from each limb.

17. Darwin Festival, Darwin, NT

When: 5–23 July 2026

Darwin Festival, NT — Darwin Festival unleashes art and ideas into the NT capital. (Credit: Rachel Rachel)

Winter has never looked hotter thanks to the Darwin Festival, which takes over the NT capital every year with its eclectic program of arts and ideas. Attendees can expect an epic line-up in 2026, with everything from cabaret and comedy to music and magic unfolding across the city. At the heart of it all is Festival Park, where food trucks and bars meet free games and entertainment.

18. Cabin Fever, Margaret River, WA

When: 17–26 July 2026

Cabin Fever in Margaret River, WA — Cabin Fever brings heat and hedonism to WA’s Margaret River. (Credit: Lauren Trickett)

Does winter bring to mind quality brews, comfort food, rockin’ music, self-contained chalets and acres of breathtaking forest? Then look no further than WA’s Cabin Fever. With over 30 events spanning food, beer, wine, learning, playing and live music, guests will be spoilt for choice. Experience the region across 10 wintry days that will leave you warm, wondrous and wanting more.

19. Winter Reds, Adelaide Hills, SA

When: 24–26 July 2026

If your favourite way to hold heat in winter is indulging in a warming vino, then Winter Reds is for you. Held across South Australia’s Adelaide Hills, which is renowned for its award-winning wineries, guests can enjoy cosy long lunches, fireside feasts, live music, art and more. Whether you prefer a peppery shiraz or an aromatic pinot noir, there’s something for all oenophiles.

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20. The Curated Plate, Sunshine Coast, Qld

When: 24 July – 2 August 2026

Escape to sunny Queensland this winter with The Curated Plate, a foodie series designed to guide you through the Sunshine Coast’s paddock-to-plate philosophy. Over 10 days, you’ll meet makers at local markets, tour farms growing the state’s top produce, and get hands-on at cooking classes. Exclusive dining experiences will also transform the region’s bounty into dishes worth writing home about.

21. Garma Festival, East Arnhem Land, NT

When: 31 July – 3 August 2026

Garma Festival, NT — Immersive cultural performances make up Garma’s 2026 program. (Credit: Peter Eve)

Another incredible Top End celebration, Garma Festival returns to the Gove Peninsula this winter. The Yothu Yindi Foundation brings East Arnhem Land to life with an edifying program that expresses and shares Yolŋu life and culture, inviting people from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the power of storytelling, miny’tji (art), manikay (song) and bunggul (dance).

22. Orange Region Fire Festival, Orange, NSW

When: 7–16 August 2026

Orange Region Fire Festival, NSW — The Orange event provides the perfect excuse to gather with friends around the fire this winter.

This August, the Orange Region Fire Festival will prove yet again why NSW’s Central West is a destination on the rise. Over 10 days, dive into a program that showcases the region’s unique offerings, from music and art to food and wine. Maybe you’ll join a creative workshop before cosying up for a film screening. Or winery-hop your way through Orange’s top vineyards? Whatever you choose, you’ll leave feeling sated yet hungry for more.

23. Beaker Street Festival, Hobart, Tas

When: 6–17 August 2026

Beaker Street Festival in Hobart, Tasmania — Sign up for an unforgettable Beaker Street stargazing session. (Credit: Oi Studios)

Much to the delight of Tasmanians, Beaker Street Festival is returning to the streets of Hobart to celebrate its 10th birthday in 2026. A meeting place for curious minds, the festival offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of everyday life through over 70 events, from deep discussions and art exhibitions to guided walks and full-blown field trips, all backdropped by Tassie’s wild, rugged landscape.

24. Dark Side of Wine, Rutherglen, Vic

When: 7–16 August 2026

Dark Side of Wine in Rutherglen, Vic — A range of venues across Rutherglen host events during the Dark Side of Wine.

Known as the muscat capital of the world, Rutherglen in regional Victoria is again inviting oenophiles to experience the Dark Side of Wine. For 10 days only, a series of immersive experiences will walk wine lovers through the well-known region with a line-up of guided tastings, winery tours, degustation dinners, live music and even stargazing sessions – all hosted by the region’s best.

25. Battle on the Bluff, Thredbo, NSW

When: 12 August 2026

Battle of the Bluff in Thredbo, NSW — Australia’s top skiers and snowboarders perform their best tricks for the crowd.

Recent snowfall isn’t the only reason Thredbo should be on your August itinerary. The alpine town is attracting snow pros from around the world this month for Battle on the Bluff. Get ready to watch as Australia’s top freeride skiers and snowboarders battle it out on some of the country’s most technical terrain, carving slopes, twisting tricks and pushing themselves to the limit for up to $20k worth of prizes.

26. Hamilton Island Race Week, Hamilton Island, Qld

When: 6–17 August 2026

Hamilton Island Race Week, Qld — Escape the winter chill at Hamilton Island Race Week. (Credit: Salty Dingo)

Hamilton Island Race Week is a premier yachting fixture on the international sailing calendar. Despite taking place in the middle of winter, competitors come from around the world to enjoy Hamilton Island’s year-round sunny weather. While most of the action happens out on the water, those back onshore can look forward to beachfront parties, gourmet grazing, live music, starlit dinners, wine tastings and more.

27. Now or Never, Melbourne, Vic

When: 19–30 August 2026

Melbourne’s boldest festival, Now or Never, will transform the city into a spectacle of colour and energy with over 100 events in 2026. From electrifying live music to immersive art installations, the 11-day celebration pushes boundaries across art, sound, ideas and technology. With more than 200 local and international creatives on the program, festivalgoers are in for a wintry treat.

28. 10 Nights in Port, Fremantle, WA

When: 20–30 August 2026

10 Nights in Port in Fremantle, WA — The coastal city of Fremantle shines a little brighter during 10 Nights in Port. (Credit: Ezra Alcantra)

Fremantle’s warming winter festival, 10 Nights in Port, returns this year in a burst of sensory splendour and art. At the heart of it all is a deep consideration of ways to lighten your life, curated by local creators and cultural leaders. The 2026 program will feature both old favourites and new experiences across an array of genres, like music, comedy, dance, art, theatre and wellness.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland, and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit, which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk, even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk, usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park, along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail, a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park, known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.