A calendar of Aussie events, from January to July, perfect for spring break and summer vacations.

January

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Melbourne, from January 18
The magical world of Harry Potter comes to Melbourne exclusively at the city’s Princess Theatre.
harrypottertheplay.com/au

February

Perth Festival

Perth, February 8-March 3
Western Australia’s premier arts festival features theater, dance, music and much more.
perthfestival.com.au

ISPS Handa World Super 6

Perth, February 14-17
This golf tournament combines 54 holes of traditional stroke play with a nail-biting, six-hole knockout match in the final round.
worldsuper6perth.com

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Sydney, February 15-March 3
This festival culminates in the world-famous parade through the streets of Sydney.
mardigras.org.au

March

Enlighten Festival

Canberra, March 1-17
Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle is transformed into a vibrant arts precinct with free installations, live music and performances.
enlightencanberra.com

Adelaide Festival

Adelaide, March 1-17
Considered one of the world’s great arts festivals.
adelaidefestival.com.au

WOMADelaide

Adelaide, March 8-11
An annual world music festival held in the Botanic Park in Adelaide over seven stages.
womadelaide.com.au

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival

Melbourne, March 8-24
This 17-day festival shines a spotlight on Victoria’s superb gourmet scene with special culinary events at restaurants, bars and pop-up venues across the state.
melbournefoodandwine.com.au

Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix

Melbourne, March 14-17
The international racing elite descend upon Albert Park in Melbourne as the peaceful inner-city park is transformed into a high-octane Formula 1 racetrack.
australia-grand-prix.com

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

Sydney, March 22-April 21
Opera Australia perform on a floating stage on Sydney Harbour, with a view of the Opera House sails in the background.
opera.org.au

April

Quiksilver and Roxy Pro

Gold Coast, April 3-13
One of the world’s most iconic surf competitions and the first stop on the WSL Championship Tour.
quiksilver.com.au/progoldcoast

Parrtjima – A Festival of Light

Alice Springs, April 5-14
A stunning light festival with installations by Indigenous artists set against the backdrop of the mighty MacDonnell Ranges.
parrtjimaaustralia.com.au

Tasting Australia

South Australia, April 5-14
One of Australia’s most celebrated food festivals with chefs, feasts, tastings and more.
tastingaustralia.com.au

Byron Bay Bluesfest

Byron Bay, April 18-22
Australia’s ultimate blues festival turns 30 in 2019.
bluesfest.com.au

May

Vivid Sydney

Sydney, May-June (dates TBC)
Sydney becomes a giant canvas for brilliant light installations and projections.
vividsydney.com

Noosa Food & Wine Festival

Noosa, May 16-20
Sample Australia on a plate on Queensland’s picturesque Sunshine Coast.
noosafoodandwine.com.au

Ord Valley Muster

Kununurra, May 17-26
A uniquely Australian festival of rodeo, dining under the stars, music, comedy and more set against the backdrop of the stunning East Kimberley landscape.
ordvalleymuster.com.au

June

Cairns Adventure Festival

Cairns, June
An annual Ironman event with running, swimming, cycling, and even an Ironkids competition.
ap.ironman.com

Festival of Voices

Hobart, June 28-July 14
Australia’s premier celebration of song, the event has massed choirs, cabaret, contemporary performances, family and pop-up events.
festivalofvoices.com

July

Alice Springs Camel Cup

Alice Springs, July 13
A crazy day of racing and festivities focusing on the ‘ships of the desert’.
camelcup.com.au

Darwin Beer Can Regatta

Darwin, July 14
The highlight is the Battle of Mindil race in boats made from, yes, beer cans.
beercanregatta.org.au