03 October 2024
21 mins Read
October is shaping up to be an event-filled month no matter where you are in Australia. With spring in full bloom, the country is buzzing with vibrant festivals, culinary extravaganzas and cultural showcases that highlight the best of each region. Whether you’re looking to indulge in the arts, immerse yourself in nature or taste your way through a food and wine festival, something is happening in every state to keep your weekends booked. Let’s take a look at the must-see events across the country this October.
NSW | Vic | Qld | Tas | WA | SA | NT | ACT
Wander down to Goulburn’s Historic Waterworks on a special day this October and you’ll find the Steampunk Victoriana Fair. Combining the industrial age with futuristic imaginations, it’s a unique opportunity to get dressed up and travel in time.
Attendees can look forward to food stalls, markets, live music, art, roving entertainment and so much more. The event runs from 9am to 5pm, with all ages welcome. Tickets are on sale now!
Dress up for the Steampunk Victoriana Fair.
The Rocks in Sydney is set to transform into a spooky wonderland for the inaugral Ghost Festival. Commonly referred to as ‘Sydney’s most haunted neighbourhood’, it’s a befitting site, with many of its streets, lanes and buildings being overtaken by all that is spooky, sinister and downright spine-chilling.
Those brave enough to attend can wander eerie markets, watch scary movies in the outdoor cinema, solve a mystery (and sip cocktails) at the Murder Bar, party in a haunted house and so much more. Be sure to dress up, too – on Halloween night, there will be trick or treating and a Halloween parade. Just keep your eye out for things that go BOO!
Head down to The Rocks for Ghost Festival, if you dare.
The Orange Wine Festival is the region’s opportunity to celebrate its thriving foodie culture and quality cool-climate wines. The festival offers over 40 amazing events and experiences, including markets, masterclasses, wine tastings, tours and more.
Orange boasts some of the country’s highest-elevation vineyard sites, producing a diverse range of vibrant, cool-climate styles. The wineries in the altitudinous area surrounding Orange are undoubtedly a drawcard, but the Orange Wine Festival showcases so much more.
Philip Shaw Wines is one of many participating venues. (Image: Destination NSW)
Popular Texas-based festival South by Southwest (SXSW) is coming back to Sydney for another year, following the success of its inaugural event in 2023. Tech, games, music, film and ideas come together in a meteoric mash-up of A-list celebrities and companies.
This year, attendees can expect to see Canva Co-Founder and CEO Melanie Perkins, as well as Aussie gold medallist Noémie Fox, actress Lucy Lawless and boxer Harry Garside. Famed music artist The Kid LAROI has also been announced as the festivals Music Keynote for 2024.
Tech, games, music, film and ideas come together at SXSW. (Image: Jordan Kirk)
The Levee, Central Maitland will once again transform into a global village as over 30 cultures join the Maitland Riverlights festival to celebrate the areas diversity through food, music, dance, and interactive experiences.
Running across five days, Maitland will become a delicious melting pot of culinary delights. Several smaller activations will also run in the lead up to the main event day on 12 October, culminating at night with the festival parade and lantern flotilla on the Hunter River.
At its core, spring means flowers. And nowhere knows this better than Grafton in NSW’s Clarence Valley. Each year, the town is painted purple thanks to countless blossoming jacaranda trees, and the Jacaranda Festival is dedicated to honouring the beautiful blooms.
Experience Grafton like never before, as purple petals rain down across town. And this year, there’s plenty to see and do – from Carnival Capers and the Whiddon Jacaranda Afternoon Tea to purple ice cream and a jacaranda-themed float procession – there’s something for the whole family.
See Grafton awash in vibrant purple. (Image: Destination NSW)
The lively Sydney precinct of Barangaroo will come alive with delicious smells, flavours and tastes this October for the inaugural Festival of Food. A range of Barangaroo’s best restaurants will be participating, hosting foodie-focused events that are sure to have you drooling.
From fire-fueled food to yum cha-style feasts, you’ll have to wear your stretchiest of pants if you want to get involved. There will also be live music on Friday nights, with the likes of Ella Haber, Mi-Kaisha and ROSHANI taking to the stage.
Dive into delicious dumplings, plus more. (Image: Alana Dimou)
Your October long weekend just got a whole lot better. Enter D’Vine Festival, a celebration of the Hunter Valley region’s amazing food and wine offerings. Held in Pokolbin, over 28 events will have you feeling satiated and sanguine – from culinary experiences to live music and more.
Think gourmet food tastings, pasta-making workshops, vineyard tours, and horse-drawn carriage rides. There’s also plenty of activities for young ones, so the whole family can get involved.
The whole family can jump on a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Want to test your limits this October? Strap on those sweat bands and head to Tough Mudder, an epic and intense obstacle course specialising in physical strength, mental grit, camaraderie and a whole lot of mud.
Choose from the five-kilometre, 12 obstacle course or the 15-kilometre, 20 obstacle course. Whichever one you go for, you’re sure to test your endurance, have fun and get a little muddy along the way. And with a free shirt and drink (beer or seltzer) upon completion, must we convince you more?
Get ready to get dirty. (Image: Tough Mudder)
The iconic Sculpture by the Sea festival in Sydney’s beachside suburb of Bondi is back, promising another year of incredible artworks. It’s the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, sea and fresh air before it becomes too hot.
Get ready to be wowed by over 100 sculptures created by both national and international artists. And not only will you witness the world’s largest free-to-the-public sculpture exhibition, you’ll get to do it along the Bondi to Coogee walk, one of Sydney’s best coastal hikes.
Admire sculptures along the Bondi to Tamarama Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)
Gather your sweet squad and step into a whimsical world of colour and fanciful flavours at the sugar-laden CandyFest High Tea buffet, crafted by the dessert maestros of Shangri-La. This school holiday experience promises a vibrant feast of mouth-watering treats, confectionery creations and scrumptious savouries.
Think Giant Rainbow Swirl Lollypop Cheesecake, Fluffy Fairy Floss Fraise Gateau, Chewy Gooey Marshmallow Brownie and much more. The CandyFest High Tea buffet will be held in the Grand Ballroom on 5–6 October and 11–13 October, with two seating times: 11 am – 1 pm and 2 pm – 4 pm. Tickets on sale now!
Divulge in sweet treats at the CandyFest High Tea.
Experience the reimagined elegance of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, where rich heritage meets modern luxury. Following a stunning $60 million refurbishment, this iconic hotel features 346 meticulously designed rooms and suites, each showcasing the inviting Sofitel MyBed™ and Balmain Paris amenities for a refined stay.
Indulge in unique dining experiences at the new restaurants, crafted by House Made Hospitality, from the relaxed Australiana vibes at tilda to the vibrant flavours of Delta Rue. Ideally located near Sydney’s top attractions, enjoy a $100 dining credit, complimentary room upgrade, and buffet breakfast for two, ensuring an unforgettable escape in the heart of the city.
Experience the reimagined elegance of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
One of NSW’s best wine regions is coming to Sydney this October for the Hunter Valley Uncorked Balmoral Wine and Food Festival. Head down to Balmoral Beach to sample some of the region’s best wineries, distilleries, restaurants and gourmet produce.
The interactive wine and food festival also features live music and is a rare opportunity to discover the delights of the Hunter Valley on the beach. If you’re not huge on wine, there will also be plenty of bubbles and crafted botanical gins, as well as coffee, cheese and even pancakes.
Settle in for a Hunter Valley wine in the sun at Balmoral Beach.
Bendigo Wine Week is a celebration of the Victorian region’s vibrant wine and foodie culture across the Greater Bendigo area. As well as getting a taste of delicious regional produce, you’ll get to meet the local makers and shakers along the way.
A range of events will fall across the 10 days, from wine and cheese tasting at Hop Supply Co. to the Balgownie Spring Festival and Sparkling Shiraz Soiree. It truly is one of the best ways to experience Bendigo.
Join a tasting at Balgownie Estate. (Image: Tourism Australia)
The 46th instalment of the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival is set to be bigger than ever before in 2024. The festival program is headlined by six events, with courses journeying through some of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks.
Choose from the Nike Melbourne Marathon, Nike Wheelchair Marathon, Nike Half Marathon, SriLankan Airlines 10-kilometre Run, Big M five-kilometre run and the Chobani Fit 2.5-kilometre walk. Participants of all ages, abilities and experience levels are encouraged to join!
Oenophiles, run don’t walk to Shedfest 2024 in Victoria’s pristine Yarra Valley. That’s right – the beloved spring wine festival is returning, inviting wine lovers to experience a weekend of fun with 14 members of the Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Association.
Expect tastings, lawn games, car displays, stunning views, live music and more. There will be over 100 wines on offer across a range of unique varietals, as well as a wide selection of gourmet food offerings. Tickets are priced at $35 per person and are on sale now.
Visit a number of boutique Yarra Valley wineries for Shedfest.
Exclusive to the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Medieval to Metal: The Art & Revolution of the Guitar opens this October. The highly anticipated exhibition features 40 iconic guitars on loan from the National Guitar Museum (USA), alongside photographs, paintings, drawings and more.
The collection of classical to contemporary works track the history of the world’s most popular instrument, from its medieval beginnings through to its role in blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a muso’s dream, running until February 2025.
Held at the Mareeba Rodeo Arena, Savannah in the Round is one of Queensland’s biggest festivals, celebrating all things country living. Mareeba is located in Tropical North Queensland, so bring your Akubra – this one’s gonna be hot, in more ways than one!
If you love classic Australian musicians, get excited. The line-up includes Tyler Hubbard, Troy Casser-Daley, The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus, Sheppard and Lee Kernaghan, among other talents. Making a trip out of it? No stress – there are festival campgrounds adjacent to the site with a free shuttle bus service.
Dance along to headline acts like Troy Casser-Daley.
Hungry? Night Feast’s free spring edition will ignite your senses this month, delivering insatiable tastes from some of Brisbane’s leading chefs. Held at the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse, the culinary event is paired with art, light and performing arts – a truly delicious combination!
An exclusive line-up is sure to get bellies grumbling, with amazing Brisbane restaurants like Southside, Central, Byblos, Allonda, Donna Chang and more all making appearances. Come for the food, stay for the epic live music and incredible art installations.
Southside is just one of many participating restaurants.
One of the country’s best outdoor concerts has been confirmed at Australia’s most-loved Big Thing. Returning after a three-year hiatus, the Big Pineapple Festival is being presented by Triple J and promises some of Australia’s most celebrated musical acts.
Guests can expect heavy-metal guns The Amity Affliction, alongside Tones and I, Bliss n Eso, Peking Duk, Vera Blue Dune Rats and more. As well as the big headlines, local Sunny Coast acts will also hit the stage.
The festival is held at one of Australia’s beloved Big Things.
Toowoomba in Queensland is known for two things: as the home of the Lamington, and as the host of the Carnival of Flowers. Held every year in spring, the event blossoms to life with more than 40 million petals on display.
Bringing together the region’s best food, wine, flora and entertainment in the city’s public parks and spaces, it showcases all that Toowoomba and its surrounds have to offer. Along with beautiful blooms, the three-day Festival of Food and Wine will see Thirsty Merc, Kate Ceberano, Pete Murray and more take to the stage.
Admire incredible gardenscapes at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
One of the most challenging endurance races in surf sports, the Coolangatta Gold is returning to the Gold Coast for another year of fun and fitness. The mighty festival celebrates 40 years in 2024, so the program is placed to be better than ever.
Participants can choose from a range of sporting events, including individual and team courses as well as paddles and youth-centric challenges. Whether you’re in it to win it or just to cross the finish line, it’s going to be a monumental day out in the sun and sea.
Enjoy a day of sun and sea at the Coolangatta Gold. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)
The Royal Hobart Show, hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania, celebrates 200 years in 2024. From country heritage and agriculture to top-level competition and the latest in entertainment, the show offers something for everyone.
For many years, both city and country folk have been attending to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of Tassie. Attendees can look forward to petting zoos, art exhibitions, rides, food trucks, live performances and interactive activities.
Enjoy fun and interactive activities. (Image: Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy)
The small town of Wynyard goes big in October for the annual Tulip Festival, which falls in line with the blossoming of the region’s coveted flower. Guests will be treated to a variety of floral-themed events, including rides, music, live entertainment and foodie markets. Hannah Moloney, a Gardening Australia guru, will also be there to chat everything eco.
Held at Gutteridge Gardens on the Inglis River, the event promises a big display of beauty, so be sure to bring your camera! If you have a bit of extra time, be sure to pop in at Table Cape Tulip Farm, a quick 10-minute drive away, to wander the rows of immaculate blooms.
Wynyard is known for its annual tulip blooms. (Image: Luke Tscharke)
Spring wouldn’t exist without one adorable little insect – and that insect is celebrated at the aptly named Nubeena Bee Festival in Tasmania. The buzzy program, held over just two days in October, is a wonderful glimpse into the intricate world of bees.
Guests can wander market stalls, dance the night away at the Bee Ball, interact with exhibits and gain knowledge about sustainable beekeeping from expert beekeepers. It’s a wonderful way to learn how we can protect our pretty little pollinators for generations to come.
Celebrate the hard work of bees in Nubeena.
After rising to fame on The Bachelor Australia, Abbie Chatfield has become a much-loved TV presenter, podcaster, radio host and social media personality. And now, following a successful metro tour in 2023, Chatfield will take her Trauma Dump show regional.
The tour will hit Hobart come 11 October and guests can expect hot goss, relatable stories and lots of belly laughs. Abbi Chatfield will also be visiting a bunch of other regional cities across Australia, including Thirroul, Bendigo, Geelong, Port Macquarie and Darwin.
Grab your best Akubra and make haste, the Mandurah Country Music Festival is back in town this October. The line-up is sure to please, with artists like Adam Brand, the Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes and Portia Clark all taking to the stage.
Food trucks and a public bar offering beer, wine, spirits and cider will also be onsite to keep festivalgoers sated at the Rushton Park event. BYO camp chair or picnic rug to set up for the day with family and friends. Tickets on sale now.
Enjoy amazing live country music into the night.
The Bull & Barrel Festival is a free event created by the Dardanup community to celebrate the diverse offerings of this unique Western Australian region. The small town, which sits on the Ferguson River, is just a 40-minute drive from Busselton and two hours from Perth.
It’s the perfect day out for the whole family, with over 150 market and food stalls, live music, demonstrations, kids’ crafts, buskers and lots of animals. Don’t miss the lighting of the Wespine Fire Sculpture come evening – it’s known to be a festival highlight.
Held during Kambarang, the Noongar season of birth and renewal, EverNow is a truly wonderful way to welcome the warmer weather. Grounded in Noongar knowledge, the event is all about reconnecting with Country and rediscovering nature.
The festival is made up of three main events: From the Light Flow: Bena Koorliny; Song Circle; and Boorna Waanginy: The Trees Speak. Each one celebrates one of the longest living cultures on Earth through storytelling, dance, music and performance.
EverNow is held during the Noongar season of Kambarang.
Never Never Distilling Co. will again host the epic Ginache Bash, a one-day-only event in celebration of its award-winning Ginache gin. The lawns of Never Never in McLaren Vale will convert into a spring spritz party, featuring some of Australia’s best bartenders.
Sit on an outdoor bean bag under the shade of an umbrella and sip on a delightfully refreshing cocktail with friends. Or kick your shoes off and partake in a range of fun lawn games. There will also be live music and food provided by Cucina Di Strada. Sounds like the perfect day out!
Cheers to good times with a delicious Grenache Gin. (Image: Meaghan Coles)
Nature Festival, a festival dedicated to showcasing the wonderful and diverse nature of South Australia, will return for its fifth year this month. With an estimated 400+ events happening across the state, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
This year’s festival program is jam-packed with exciting and interactive things to do. Think guided walks in the Flinders Ranges, wine tastings in Mount Barker, painting classes in Belair National Park, cooking demonstrations in the Adelaide Hills and so much more.
Opt for a guided walk through the Flinders Ranges. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)
Glenelg’s foreshore will become a seafood hub for the senses for one weekend only with the Sea to Shore Seafood Festival. A variety of well-known South Aussie restaurateurs will showcase their delectable and sustainably sourced seafood dishes for your tasting pleasure.
Get ready for oyster shucking, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, panel talks and more at Jimmy Melrose Park. Entry is free, so seafood lovers have no excuse to miss this one!
The mouth-watering festival will be held in Glenelg. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival sees this stunning South Australian region shine in a kaleidoscope of colour. Held over 10 days, the festival includes open gardens, markets, floral displays, a four-course gala dinner and the Waikerie Flower Show.
This year, horticultural superstar Sophie Thomson will also make an appearance. The recurring presenter of ABC’s Gardening Australia will be sharing her knowledge at both the gala dinner and market fair. Green thumbs would be silly to miss it!
Taking place on the stunning Limestone Coast, the Coonawarra Cabaret Celebrations wine festival is one of South Australia’s top regional wine festivals. With some of the region’s best cellar doors participating, you’re invited to sip your way through this stunning spring event.
Enjoy over 70 unique food and wine experiences featuring the region’s signature cabernet sauvignon, with exciting themed events each weekend. Over three weeks, plenty of free and ticketed events will keep you sated across various beautiful venues.
Partake in over 70 unque Coonawarra experiences. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Head out to Alice Springs/Mparntwe this spring to witness the magic that is Desert Mob. The incredible event is the convergence of more than 30 Art Centres from across the Northern Territory, SA and WA.
The result is an unforgettable trio of events – a symposium, exhibition and marketplace (as well as a variety of public and satellite events) – that celebrates hundreds of Indigenous artists. Guests can participate in an incredible program that includes workshops, studio tours, live performances and more.
See the colours of spring in a new perspective at Desert Mob.
If you’re in Darwin this month, you simply must put aside some time to attend the Darwin International Laksa Festival. The month-long celebration celebrates the diverse and flavourful elements of laksa and how it’s become an integral part the Northern Territory community.
You’ll be spoilt for choice, with countless laksa recipes and laksa-inspired dishes on offer. Some culinary creators go off the beaten path too, with laksa-flavoured ice cream, sausages, cocktails and burgers up for grabs too. The only condition: come hungry!
Laksa lovers will get a kick out of this Darwin festival. (Image: Tourism NT)
For 10 days in October, the Alice Springs Masters Games take over the stunning Red Centre town of Alice Springs/Mparntwe. The event features 28 different sports ranging from darts and golf to lawn bowls and cricket.
In exciting news this year, footy legend and Darwin local Nathan Buckley has joined the Games as its ambassador. All abilities and ages are encouraged to participate; however some sports (such as swimming and mountain biking) have age restrictions.
Choose from 28 sporting events, including cycling.
Every year, Australia’s biggest celebration of spring takes places in Canberra’s Commonwealth Park. Floriade, which held its first event back in 1988, colours the country’s capital in a kaleidoscope of colour.
And it’s truly the perfect day out for the whole family. Visitors can look forward to live entertainment, music, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market stalls, art displays and more. This year’s theme is ‘Art in Bloom’, so get ready for some true floral masterpieces.
Floriade is the perfect day out for the whole family.
Explore Canberra through incredible local artworks and artists with the 2024 Canberra Art Biennial. Follow the art trail from Fyshwick and Barton to Parkes and Braddon, to witness creations in galleries, outdoor spaces, libraries, restaurants and more.
The biennial spans multiple forms and mediums – think digital art from Isaac Kairouz, glassworks by Rose-Mary Faulkner and First Nations installations by Walgalu Wiradjuri man, Aidan Hartshorn. There will also be curated exhibits, workshops and symposiums.
Experience the rich tapestry of Japanese storytelling at the 28th Japanese Film Festival in Australia, the premier destination for fans of Japanese cinema of all genres.
From gripping historical dramas to innovative modern tales, there’s a cinematic gem awaiting every film enthusiast in this year’s collection. The festival is on in Canberra until 15 October, then it moves on to Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
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