As winter settles in and the days grow colder and shorter, there’s no need to yearn for the Aussiesummer or spend your days planning a tropical escape. Across Australia, wintermarkets, festivals andevents come alive with twinkling lights, cosy vibes, handmade crafts and seasonal treats–making it aperfect time to explore and support local towns, regions and cultures. And as you soak up atmosphere,you’ll not only be strengthening your connection to the places you live and work, but these grassrootsinitiatives help boost local economies and foster community spirit
Ready to explore Australia’s finest? Here are our favourite winter events tocheck out near you.
1.The arts on display in Melbourne
Melbourne knows how to entertain in winter with two standout arts events. First up for yourcalendar is the RISING festival running 5-15 June, transforming the city with immersive soundexperiences, large-scale installations and performances. Best of all, there’s amix of free andticketed events for everyone to enjoy. Next on your agenda should beThe Finders Keepersmarketscheduled for 11-13 July at the Royal Exhibition Building. Here, you’ll find the cream of the cropwhen it comes to small, independent makers, with over 250 of them on site.
2.The bright lights of Sydney
Locals and visitors flock to Sydney for Australia’s largest festival of light, music and innovation–Vivid Sydney–over 23 nights from 23 May to 14 June. This year’s theme,‘Neon Dreams,’invitesv isitors to dream big and go to the outer reaches of their mind through a mix of installations, liveperformances, and interactive experiences (with many of them free to attend). Later in the season,head to theNorthern Beaches Winter Marketon 30 August, to enjoy over 120 stalls of handmadegoods, tasty treats and a festive community feel.
3.Feasts and festivals in Brisbane
Support the local epicurean scene in Brisbane this winter with the one-day-onlyScenic Rim’s Winter Harvest Festival, which celebrates the region's finest produce through 60 market stalls,cooking demos, live music and local wines, beers, and spirits. Next up, mark Saturday, 14 June inyour diary for a sparkle-filled day atMoreton Bay PrideFest. With Aussie pop icon Natalie Bassingthwaite headlining the main stage, this family-friendly event features plenty of live music,epic drag performances, delicious food vendors and of course, plenty of glitter!
4.Sunsets and winter weekenders in PerthChase the winter sun with two golden events to attend in Perth. First off is the Scarborough Sunset Markets–Winter Edition, running every Saturday evening, where you can dine on street food,soak up live music and cosy up around the iconic market fire pits. Don’t miss the Perth Winter Weekender(22-24 August) either. This fiery three-day Latin, Afro and Brazilian festival of danceperformances, workshops and authentic food trucks is sure to get your heart pumping!
5.Culture and culinary delights in Canberra
Canberra may slip into hibernation mode over winter, but a couple of unique seasonal highlightsstilldemand your attention.The Truffle Festival(running June to August) celebrates the region'sprized black truffles through truffle hunts, local gourmet tastings, and cooking classes–making it amust-visit for truffle lovers or the truffle curious. Next, take your cultured truffle aficionado self alongto the highly acclaimedBallet International Galaon2 August to see Royal Ballet Australia’s finestas they perform in what’s widely acclaimed as the ballet event of the year.
6.Indulge your senses in Adelaide
From strolling glowing laneways to supporting SA’s vibrant food, wine and arts scene, Adelaideisn’t one to shy away from winter events.Illuminate Adelaideruns throughout July, lighting up thecentral city’s streets, laneways and landmarks with art, music, and installations by world-classartists. Round off the month of July with a visit to the state's biggest winter wine event–WinterReds. Here you’ll find over 35 of the country’s best Adelaide Hills wine producers offering tastingsof cool-climate reds alongside cosy long lunches, art trails and live music.
7.Arts alive in Darwin
The winter months mark the dry season for Darwin,which means warm weather and an action-packed calendar of events. Tackle theTactile Arts Makers Marketfirst on 20 July for uniquehandmade finds, and then your next big stop, renowned as Australia’s hottest winter arts festival, is the Darwin Festival. Here, you’ll revel in balmy days and nights backed with music, dance, theatre,cabaret, and comedy over 18 days of festive fun. Set in the heart of the Northern Territory onLarrakia land from 07-24 August, the festival brings together local and international artists tocelebrate creativity and community.
8.Tassie delights!
Small but mighty Tasmania packs a winter punch with a real feast for the senses. First up is theutterly unique, part absurd, sometimes shocking event–Dark Mofo–with its reputation for art andperformance“that wouldn’t happen anywhere else”.Running from 05-15 June, Dark Mofo featuressignature events like the iconic Night Mass, which takes over whole blocks of undisclosed HobartCBD locations, and wraps up with a Nude Solstice Swim on 21 June. For something a little more family-friendly, head to Launceston for theTassie Scallop Fiesta, which celebrates the finest ofTassie's seafood industry through cooking demos, entertainment, and, of course, plenty of scallops
9.Australia’s first World Major Marathon in Sydney
While this one’s not until late August, now is the time to register and start training for Australia’s first-ever World Major Marathon event.The Sydney Marathonis set to make history on 31 August,joining other iconic races around the globe, welcoming around 35,000 runners, and celebrating its 25th year. Whether you’re lacing up to compete or cheering from the sidelines, get amongst the community spirit at this massive moment for Sydney!With stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, this marathon promises to be an unforgettable experience for bothparticipants and spectators alike.
10.Desperately seeking...more markets?
Visiting local markets never fails to delight–there’s always something new to discover, greatconversations to be had, and the opportunity to get amongst vibrant cultures and communitiesoutside our everyday lives. We’re lucky to have some of the best local markets in the world dottedacross the country, so why not get out and about this winter and discover what’s going onin yourlocal community or beyond?
Winter wonders await
From arts and epicurean delights, to bustling markets and vibrant festivals, there’s so much to see, doand experience across Australia this winter. Many of these events play a crucial role in supporting ourlocal artists, small businesses, and communities–and simply wouldn’t exist without your presence. Ifyour travels spark a desire for change, reach out to your localFirst National Real Estate. Our friendlyproperty experts will help you find the locallifestyle you’re looking for–whatever the season