24 January 2024
18 mins Read
It’s the beginning of a new year, so start it off the right way with some fun and exciting events.
Welcome 2024 with this comprehensive list of things to do in your state this January. From music festivals and art exhibitions to garden parties and sporting events, there’s something for everyone this month.
NSW | Vic | Qld | Tas | WA | SA | NT | ACT
Beginning as a small festival at Balmain High School in 1991, Flickerfest has grown into a popular Australian film festival. With an Academy® accredited and BAFTA-recognised competitive Australian and International Short Film Festival, over 100 entries are received from across the globe each year.
Held in Bondi, there’s no better way to enjoy the creativity of film’s rising talents than in the summer on one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Check the 2024 program to decide which category is up your alley. From comedy crack-ups to documentaries and horror films, there’s a category for everyone.
Settle in for a flick at Flickerfest 2024.
Celebrate Elvis Presley’s birthday the right way this year at the 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival. If you sport a leather jacket and slick your hair back, you’ll fit right in. The festival invites attendees to dress up accordingly and pay homage to the life and music of the king of rock ‘n’ roll.
This year, the festival’s program is jam-packed with live music performances, line dancing lessons, dragon boating, sky-diving (yes, you read that right!) and more. Tickets are on sale now.
Watch “Elvis” rock the stage in Parkes. (Image: Parkes Elvis Festival)
Known as one of Australia’s biggest music festivals, the Tamworth Country Music Festival is home to over 2500 free and ticketed gigs across 120 venues. The festival doesn’t have gates, allowing country music lovers free access to live performances, country markets and the annual Golden Guitar Awards.
Buskers, stalls, kids’ activities and street performers are set to bring the streets of Tamworth to life. Pre-purchase tickets are now available for paid events.
Attendees can enjoy 2,500 free and ticketed gigs. (Image: Tamworth Country Music Festival)
Jump onboard luxury yacht The Jackson for a day out on Sydney Harbour with Veuve Clicquot in the Sun. The event invites you to grab your best mates and spend the day cruising the harbour, sipping Veuve and dancing to some of Sydney’s hottest DJs, including Jarred Baker, Aroha, Troy Beman and Sam Jake.
Tickets are priced at $155 per person and include four hours onboard The Jackson, two flutes of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label NV, canapes, an oyster bar and gelato on the decks to finish.
The Jackson will cruise Sydney Harbour for four hours.
Multi-arts precinct Carriageworks has unveiled the first major solo exhibition by Sydney-based Australian-Fijian artist Salote Tawale, titled I remember you. The artworks fall between two spaces at Carriageworks and consider how identity is formed through memory.
The exhibit is formed by a variety of mediums, including installation, painting, sculpture and karaoke. I remember you is now open to the public and will be on display until Sunday, 28 January 2024.
Salote Tawale, I remember you (detail), Carriageworks, 2023. (Image: Zan Wimberley)
Why not head down to the NSW South Coast this January for a bit of fun with the family? The Huskisson Carnival is the place to be this summer. With over 20 rides for all ages and abilities, games, show bags, market stalls, carnival food and entertainment, the whole family can enjoy.
What’s more, this epic pop-up amusement park will be held right by the beautiful blue waters of Jervis Bay, offering the perfect place to cool off after all that fun in the sun.
Head for a swim at Jervis Bay after the Huskisson Carnival. (Image: Dee Kramer)
Nothing says summer more than frolicking through lavender fields in the sun. And this January, you can do just that at the Hunter Lavender Farm’s Lavender Field Walk event in the Hunter Valley. Whether you’re looking for the perfect Instagram shot or a romantic date for that special someone, come and enjoy the lovely Hunter Valley countryside in a sea of purple.
Wander through rows of lavender this summer. (Image: Mieke Campbell)
Chiswick in Sydney’s leafy suburb of Woollahra is hosting a lovely Margarita Garden Party this January and you’re invited for a tipple or two. In partnership with Patrón Tequila, the chic restaurant is curating a Patrón margarita-focused menu, including fresh elements from the kitchen garden.
There will also be live music on the lawn for you to enjoy. The margarita menu will be exclusively available on consecutive Thursdays and Sundays this month: 18 and 25 January (from 5pm to 8pm) and 21 and 28 January (from 3pm to 6pm).
Enjoy Patrón on Chiswick’s lawn at the Margarita Garden Party.
The Sydney Festival has been celebrating culture, creativity and the questioning mind since 1977. From the streets to the beach, in theatres and basements across the city, experience free and ticketed theatre, music, dance, visual art and live performances.
Watch interesting and impactful shows at the Rosyln Packer Theatre. Join a fabulous circus workshop at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Immerse yourself in amazing outdoor art exhibits like Te Wheke-a-Muturangi in Barangaroo. Or take the kids to Riverside Theatres to see Dinosaur World Live. Whatever you do, you’re in for a treat at this year’s Sydney Festival.
Immerse yourself in amazing outdoor art exhibits like Te Wheke-a-Muturangi in Barangaroo.
This garden party festival in Melbourne (also hosted in Sydney) celebrates all things French, from the tastiest food and best music to, of course, wine. French favourites La Femme, Laure Briard and Cécile Lacharme will all be performing live, alongside other artists hailing from France.
BYO lunch or indulge in incredible onsite food stalls, selling everything from croque monsieur and crepes to raclette and ratatouille. If the occasion calls for something a little more special, deluxe food hampers are also available.
Enjoy drinks and sunshine at So Frenchy So Chic.
Whether you’re backing the champs or rooting for the underdog, the 2024 Australian Open will have you on the edge of your seat the whole game. With singles, doubles, mixed-double, junior, wheelchair and legend matches set to take the court, this Grand Slam is certain to get crowds going.
This year, the Finals Festival will run alongside the tennis tournament on 25, 27 and 28 of January. It’ll be you taking to the court at John Cain Arena to see artists such as DMA’s, The Jungle Giants, Rudimental and Tash Sultana rock the stage. Tickets are on sale now.
The 2024 Australian Open will be at multiple stadiums, including Rod Laver Arena.
Pick your own summer fruits this January at Payne’s Orchards, a small, family-run orchard that prides itself on doing things the natural way.
Spend the day rummaging through a variety of fruit groves, from cherries and berries to peaches and apricots, then enjoy the fresh pickings of your hard work. Entry is $5 per person and $2 for children.
Pick ripe peaches fresh off the tree. (Image: Christiann Koepke)
Witness daring cowboys and cowgirls test their mettle as they ride, rope and wrestle the fiercest bucking broncos and bulls at the Ballarat Rodeo at the iconic Kryal Castle.
Along with the heart-pounding action, the event will offer a day and night full of entertainment for the whole family including live music, delicious food and beverages, plus an array of family-friendly activities. Don’t miss out!
Head to the iconic Kryal Castle for the Ballarat Rodeo.
This one is for all the David Attenborough fans (so all of us obviously). This January at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, witness the BBC Earth Experience, narrated by the legendary biologist himself. Be transported across all seven continents and come face-to-face with some of nature’s most beautiful creatures and creations.
The immersive event brings together state-of-the-art audio/visual technology and real footage from the BBC Studios Seven Worlds, One Planet on an unmatched scale. Tickets are priced between $24.90 and $54.90 and are on sale now.
Attenborough fans will love the immersive BBC Earth Experience.
First held in 2018, the Loch Hart Music Festival has since become a favourite among locals for its cool atmosphere, epic location and stellar line-up of artists. And January will be no different. The 2024 setlist rivals all that have come before it, including Agung Mango, Billy Barker, Immy Owusu, Lotte Gallagher and Teymori.
The music, arts and comedy festival is held annually on the Great Ocean Road in Princetown on Kirrae Whurrong Country. Tickets are on sale now.
Loch Hart is known for good vibes and great views. (Image: Eddie Ablett)
The Gold Coast is set to transform from its casual beachy vibes to glitz and glamour galore with The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival. Dress up for the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping, fill your belly at the Carbine Club Luncheon or snag a hole-in-one at the Widden Stud Golf Day, among other exciting events.
There are plenty of exciting events on throughout the day.
Spaced Out Festival is all about celebrating both emerging and established artists across Australia and New Zealand, delivering epic artists and bands to your ears. Held at the iconic Felons Barrel Hall in Brisbane, this 18+ event is one of the best ways to ring in the New Year.
Presented by Interstellar Music, the 2024 line-up features Royel Otis, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Dice, Sun Room and The Moving Stills, among other talented artists. Final release tickets are on sale now for $89.50, so be quick!
The Australian Shepherd Club of QLD is hosting one pawsome night of movies, market stalls, activities and more for you and your pooch at Cinebark. Held at the grounds of non-profit Dogs Queensland, the event is all about having fun with your furry friend.
If you think your pup’s got it going on, enter them into one of the evening’s fun competitions — best-dressed dog and owner, best-dressed dog and cutest trick. Then settle in for a viewing of A Dog’s Purpose on the big screen.
Spend the evening with your furry friends. (Image: James Barker)
The Cairns Choral Society will present Les Misérables this January at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre. Fans of both the novel and the movie will be moved by the musical, which will be paired with an exceptional orchestra led by Assistant Musical Director, Emma Baker.
Guests can expect classics songs I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own and Bring Him Home. Tickets for the Cairns show are on sale now.
Don’t miss the Cairns Choral Society’s Les Misérables. (Image: Frankie Lu)
Serving as one of Australia’s most iconic folk music festivals, the Cygnet Folk Festival is highly regarded by musicians and festival-goers alike. It showcases eclectic music genres from both local and international talent, along with dancing, poetry and masterclasses.
Browse and indulge in local food, wine, art and crafts, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Tasmania’s Huon Valley. Make a weekend of it by camping out at an additional cost.
Cygnet Folk Festival has a stunning Tassie backdrop. (Image: Tourism Tasmania & Steven Pearce Photography)
Calling all gin lovers — Tasmania’s rising excellence in gin production will be celebrated in January 2024 at the Gin-uary Festival. There will truly be something for everyone, with tastings offered by a variety of Tasmanian distillers.
There will be a variety of food trucks alongside the Gin-uary Bar, which will be serving up unique G&Ts, gin cocktails and other drinks for those with different tastebuds. Tickets are on sale now!
A variety of unique Tassie distillers will be at the festival.
Gather and relax on the grass this summer to the sound of great local Tassie artists with Music in the Park. This free event is perfect for families and friends to get together and enjoy good weather, good company and great music.
Head to the City Park Rotunda in Launceston to enjoy artists like St Joes Big Band, The Tassie Tenor and BeatStreet Trio. Kids will also love the free City Park Train rides.
Holm Oak cellar door in Tassie’s Tamar Valley is now hosting a summery Sensory Garden for wine lovers. The experience is a Tasmanian first, offering guests a sensorial stroll through the aromas and flavours of the winery.
The self-guided tour is free of charge, however, you can opt for a tour with a winemaker priced at $50 per person. Plus, you can add on a wine-tasting flight for just $10. Bottoms up!
The sensory experience is perfect for wine lovers.
Watch the sky fill with colour at the 2024 annual Kite Flying Festival, or if you’re brave enough, build your own and get in on the action. Who knows, you may even win!
With a wide variety of food, kite-making workshops, jumping castles, markets and live music, this is one the whole family can enjoy.
Watch the sky fill with colourful kites.
The Festival of Busselton has become synonymous with summer in Western Australia. Now in its 60th year, the family event has been showcasing a diverse range of events, activities, arts, sports and live entertainment since 1964.
With recurring outdoor movie nights, dragon boating, live music, competitions, water fights, fireworks and so much more, this event will bring out the little kid in all of us.
First held in 1912, Swim Thru Perth is Australia’s oldest open-water swim, only pausing for the World Wars, Polio and Covid. The course takes participants along the Swan River and through the city of Perth.
There are three different races to choose from: the 800-metre Matilda Splash, 1.6-kilometre Classic Mile and 3.5-kilometre Challenge, so there’s something to suit every level of athleticism. Be sure to register now!
Head to the Perth Observatory this January and be shot into space (well, metaphorically) at the Intro to the Stars Festival. Put your astronaut boots on for historical tours, solar telescope viewings, celestial photography workshops and virtual reality videos.
What’s more, kids can get hands-on by contributing to the Space Mural, a collaborative masterpiece that celebrates the wonders of the cosmos. Tickets are on sale now for two entry times, 11.30am and 1.30pm.
Perth Observatory will be hosting Intro to the Stars.
Launched in 2017, the Bunbury Fringe has grown into one of WA’s most loved events. With the sole purpose of making people happy and causing as much laughter as possible, the Bunbury Fringe is the epitome of a good time.
The 2024 program is jam-packed. Think everything from garden gigs and dance parties to after-hours cabaret and wine yoga. There will also be plenty to eat, drink, see, do and laugh at, so purchase your ticket now.
The 2024 Howard Vineyard International Rosé & Dumpling Festival is back again, celebrating all things rosé. Enjoy live music paired with delicious food and divine wine, set against the stunning backdrop of Adelaide Hills.
Get your friends together for all-day rosé paired with the Cookie’s famous hand-rolled dumplings, along with other foodie favourites. Tickets are on sale now, priced between $15 and $30 per person.
The kitchen at Howard’s Vineyard has nailed its dumplings. (Image: Ryan Cantwell)
Nothing beats a cold ice-cream on a hot summer’s day. That’s why there’s a whole day dedicated to just that, right by one of Adelaide’s best beaches. Obviously well-known for its cold, sticky treats, the Glenelg Ice Cream Festival also has food stalls, pop-up bars, live entertainment and kids zones to keep everyone happy.
Ice-cream is best enjoyed on a hot day.
To be clean, first you have to get dirty, and that’s what the 5K Foam Fest is all about. Trudge through muddy bogs, climb the world’s largest inflatable waterslide and ultimately dive into 2.5 million cubic feet of foam, all in support of Make-A-Wish Australia.
After completing the race, take a shower onsite and enjoy the festivities. The Festival and Vendor Village will satiate your post-race appetite, while a live DJ will keep your residual adrenaline pumping.
Winding through some of South Australia’s most breathtaking scenery from Mount Lofty to the Adelaide riverbank and Port Willunga, the 2024 Santos Tour Down Under is set to be full of fun and action. There are plenty of men’s and women’s races, varying in length and agility.
For those who prefer both feet on the ground, the Santos Festival of Cycling has something for everyone. With street parties, live entertainment and the City of Adelaide Tour Village, attendees will have a full itinerary, plus all the bike racing to match.
Both the riders and those watching witness incredible views. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)
Treat yourself to a gin masterclass this new year at Charlie’s of Darwin. Taste, blend and create your own concoction from a selection of Darwin Distilling Co. unique botanicals.
For $150 per person, attendees will learn to blend gin into four tastings. Pick your favourite of the four, and work with the experts to blend a 500ml bottle of your own signature beverage to take home and enjoy.
The masterclass allows a behind-the-scenes view of how gin is made.
The Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory (MAGNT) in Darwin will host Celebrate | Contemporary Indonesian Art and Music this January. Check out MAGNT’s new collection of paintings, sculptures and prints by emerging and established artists from Indonesia.
Guests can enjoy an informative talk by Emily Collins, the MAGNT Curator of Southeast Asian Art and Material Culture, on the collection. There will also be a live DJ, as well as complimentary food and drink.
Start 2024 strong at the NT Aquathon Championships in Katherine this January. The event is hosted by the Darwin Tri Club, you can participate in two different races: the 750-metre swim and five-kilometre run or the 250-metre swim and two-kilometre run. Registrations will open on 1 January.
The annual Summernats Car Festival is Australia’s biggest horsepower party. In 2024, Exhibition Park in Canberra is the place to be among the action.
Check out lawn mower racing, burnout shows, mullet competitions and live performances by Aussie icons Night Train, The Screaming Jets, Daryl Braithwaite and Jimmy Barnes. Created by renowned revhead Chic Henry in 1988, the Summernats has become an Aussie favourite.
The Summernats have been around since 1988. (Image: VisitCanberra)
Escape into a world where sawdust and sequins join illusions and magic. Be mesmerised by mysterious magicians and world-class circus artists, including Australia’s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Sascha Williams.
Playing two shows only (a night show and a matinee), don’t miss the Circus of Illusion at the Canberra Theatre. Buy tickets now!
Witness captivating circus acts and magical illusions. (Image: Conor Samuel)
This is one the whole family can enjoy. For one night only in January, the Canberra Theatre will be showcasing Dr. Suess’s classic comedy, The Cat in the Hat live on stage. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the show, which has now been around for over 50 years! Tickets are on sale now, priced at $45 for one standard ticket or $40 each for a family of four.
Head to the Canberra Theatre to catch Cat in the Hat. (Image: VisitCanberra)
Cancon is back in 2024, known as Australia’s largest and longest-running table-top gaming convention. Held at Exhibition Park, this exciting event revolves around participation games, tournaments, trade stands, competitions, roleplay and an epic games library.
Entry to Cancon is free for spectators. However, if you’re keen to participate, all tournaments, card games and role-play have entry fees, as does the games library.
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