17 April 2024
10 mins Read
Summer has well and truly had her time in the spotlight this year, and many of us who prefer the cooler months have welcomed autumn with open arms; celebrated it even!
And what better way to do so than with like-minded people? So, from food-focused festivities and wine weekends to autumnal plant fairs and arts events, here’s your guide to the best festivals around Australia during autumn.
Welcome the arrival of autumn in one of the prettiest places in Victoria. The Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival encapsulates over 50 events taking place across the Macedon Ranges, focusing on the region’s food, wine, music, art, history and community.
This year’s program includes everything from live music, workshops and art exhibitions to walking tours, farmers markets and long lunches. Don’t miss the guided series, which features the Tipples Trail, Pie and Tart Trail and Edgy Veg Trail.
Join walking tours with a guide through stunning foliage.
For just 16 days of the year, Mayfield Garden in NSW opens all 65 hectares to visitors during the Autumn Festival. The usually private Hawkins Family Garden allows guest access, allowing an intimate look into its English-inspired maze, croquet court, Hawkins’ family chapel, chook Hilton and more.
Mayfield Garden is home to many deciduous trees, making it the perfect place to watch nature change into a blazing mosaic of yellows, oranges and reds. Visitors can also hire a rowboat on the lake for the ultimate autumnal experience.
The Autumn Festival sees all 65 hectares open to the public. (Image: Destination NSW)
The only Aboriginal festival of its kind, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is one of Australia’s most beloved events. Now in its ninth year, Parrtjima is blowing its guests out of the water this year with a truly incredible program.
Across 10 nights in April, the festival paints Mparntwe/Alice Springs in a kaleidoscope of colour through mesmerising light installations. There’s also a variety of live music and talks with special guests.
Watch Alice Springs/Mparntwe come alive at Parrtjima.
Head up to the Victorian High Country to experience the turning of the seasons at the Jamieson Autumn Festival. Witness the leaves turn fiery shades of red, orange and yellow throughout the small town, which feels like something out of a fairytale.
Start the morning by wandering through the market stalls of local businesses with a hot drink. Then catch live music, sample local food, join in community games or sit under the spotty shade of a pine with family. Whatever you do, this community will make you feel welcome.
Warm up with delicious hot food from the markets. (Image: Fränziska Weiss)
Calling all plant lovers – this one is for you. The Yarra Valley Autumn Plant Fair is back for another festival of flowers and foliage, with a particular focus on autumn varietals. Embracing all things autumn, guests can expect good food, local wine and lots of Devonshire tea.
Across two days, there will be a range of gardening specialists to chat to, plus plenty of plants and gardening equipment to purchase. A fan favourite is the Rare Plant Auction, which supports the Kids With Cancer Foundation.
The third annual Art, Food and Wine Long Weekend in the NSW Snowy Valley is another fabulous way to welcome autumn. Taking place across four days, it’s the perfect time to explore the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail and enjoy the region’s delicious food and wine along the way.
This year is extra special, as the next stage of the trail is being launched: the Sculpture Forest in the Bago State Forest. There will also be picnics, artist lunches, wine tastings and guided sculpture viewings. Accommodation is limited, so be sure to book soon.
The festival includes a stop-in at Obsession Wines in Maragle. (Destination NSW)
Yes – you can even celebrate the arrival of autumn in Outback Queensland. The Outback River Lights Festival just puts its own spin on it. The annual three-day event celebrates the spirit of community and local outback life with everything from workshops to live entertainment, food stalls and a lantern parade.
While in town, be sure to appreciate the rugged beauty of the outback at the brand-new Cunnamulla Hot Springs. Meditate on your surroundings while soaking in the mineral-rich pools and relaxing in the sauna and steam room on the banks of the Warrego River.
The festival celebrates the spirit of community and local outback life.
One of the best things about autumn is seeing the change of the seasons in nature. And what better place to do it at a festival dedicated to autumn in the garden? Known as South Australia’s first gardening festival, the SA Autumn Garden Festival has evolved into a seasonal delight.
This year, meet industry experts like TV personality Costa Georgiadis; join a veggie patch workshop with author and horticulturalist Sophie Thomson; learn about soil health with geologist Adam Burford; plus so much more.
Attendees can look forward to seeing Aussie gardening icon Costa Georgiadis.
With the Falling Leaf Festival, it’s all in the name. This April event is all about autumn and the falling leaves that decorate regional Tumut. There’s so much to see in this blossoming township, but it truly comes to life during autumn.
Check out all Tumut has to offer, from cultural and creative workshops, music and roving entertainment to delicious food, market stalls and live theatre. Enjoy those crisp sunny days that autumn is so well known for in a town that does it best.
Explore Tumut as it turns into autumn’s rainbow. (Image: Destination NSW)
Another highlight of Victoria’s High Country, Bright is best known for its autumnal foliage and cosy vibes come the cooler months. And each year, the town celebrates the turning of the seasons with the Bright Autumn Festival.
This year, the 10-day program is jam-packed with things to do. Think markets, music, parades, historical tours, campfires, art exhibitions and guided walks. Local businesses will also be showcasing the region’s best, including the very cool Bright Brewery.
Sample some of Bright Brewery’s delicious beers at the festival.
Celebrating 25 years in 2024, the Bickley Harvest Festival is sure to delight autumn lovers. Expanding over three days at 20 different local venues, guests are invited to enjoy the area’s finest wine, cider, spirits, produce, food, scenery and attractions.
The region, just 35 minutes from Perth, is absolutely stunning during autumn. Look out over orange-hued vineyards, wander through apple orchards at cideries, try delicious seasonal produce at a variety of restaurants, and so much more.
Hosted by Opera Queensland, the Festival of Outback Opera is a week-long event of outdoor concerts in the Outback Queensland towns of Longreach and Winton. Autumn colours won’t just be found in the changing of leaves, but in the golden light cast against this stunning landscape.
This year, singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke will headline the festival, joined by tenor Rosario La Spina, soprano Rachelle Durkin and more. Guests can also look forward to a long-table lunch and a spectacular gala ball.
Running across 10 days in May, the Ballarat Heritage Festival is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Focusing on the history of the township and its people, this festival is all about exploring hidden treasures and untold stories.
From art exhibitions, tours, talks and workshops to an antique fair, vintage car show and steam train ride, the program encompasses all types of entertainment. Set against the backdrop of Ballarat’s Victorian architecture and in the heart of its bustling CBD, it’s a great way to farewell autumn.
The festival is a great way to welcome autumn. (Image: Ballarat Heritage Festival)
From its Corroboree Under the Stars with traditional bush tucker to a black-tie dinner with special guests The Screaming Jets, the Ord Valley Muster is a bucket-list nine-day event in Western Australia.
Other program highlights include Yoga on a Boat, the Gibb Challenge (a bike ride along the iconic outback road) and cultural storytelling by local Miriwoong people. If you love food, art, culture, music and the colours of the WA outback, this is definitely one for you.
Treat yourself to Autumn Vibes – Gourmet Festival Weekend at the stunning Kilikanoon Cellar Door in the Clare Valley this May. This event is music festival meets foodie fun, dialed down to the pace of your favourite Sunday market.
Laze about on the cellar door lawn and enjoy live music with a side of wood-fired pizza and warm cinnamon doughnuts. Kilikanoon will be serving its delicious wines by the glass and bottle, as well as Sawmill Gin and beer from Watsacowie Brewery. What a way to welcome autumn!
Vivid Sydney 2024 is promising a program that is sure to delight and dazzle in what may just be its best year yet. Sydney is set to come alive over 23 nights with some of the best boundary-pushing artists, thinkers, musicians and culinary experts of our time.
Under the umbrella of light, music, ideas and food, this year’s Vivid program has some truly unmissable highlights. There will be outdoor light installations, live music and entertainment, interactive art, panel talks and gourmet dining experiences, plus so much more.
Don’t miss Reg Mombassa’s Gumscape with Road and Creatures.
Autumn sees temperatures drop, especially in places like Canberra. Whisky lovers don’t have to worry though, their drink of choice is known for its warming benefits, which are catered to at Whisky Live. The premium whisky-tasting event features top-shelf, high-quality whiskies and spirits from around the world.
Whether you’re new to whisky or a tried-and-true connoisseur, there’s something for all palettes. Apart from whisky, guests can look forward to an array of food stalls that’ll keep the autumn chill at bay.
Sample whiskies that’ll warm your soul. (Image: Barmalini/Getty Images)
Running for three days this May, Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu: Taste of Kakadu will take you on a stimulating journey of taste and sound to discover the foods, stories and customs that have sustained the world’s oldest living culture for more than 65,000 years.
This year’s program features scenic sunset flights, presentations, exhibitions, workshops and tastings. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience Indigenous culture, food, art, music and entertainment while visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park.
Sample a variety of different bush tucker ingredients. (Image: Tourism NT)
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