Autumn events
Don’t mourn the hottest days being in the rearview mirror, celebrate the slightly cooler days and an action-packed social schedule. The changing of the seasons ushers in spectacular colours, falling leaves, and more events than you can poke a stick at.
If you’re thinking the scorching days being over means that events are winding down, think again! Grab your calendar, clear some room, and march into autumn with these must-attend events.
Bright Autumn Festival (VIC)
The High Country town of Bright rivals Macedon for its seasonal colour show. And for 9 days, this litany of eye candy is celebrated at the annual Bright Autumn Festival. The event is highlighted by the Al Findlay Memorial Gala Day on the final day, featuring the likes of a parade and a massive market to really send the festival off with a bang! Outside of the gala, open garden days are among other popular festival activities.
When: 26 April - 4 May
Stay at: BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks - Bright, BIG4 Porepunkah Holiday Park or NRMA Bright Holiday Park.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival (VIC)
Dating back to 1987, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival these days is one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world, alongside the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal's Just for Laughs Festival.
Boasting Australia’s best comedians with a host of incredible international stand-ups from all over the world descending on Melbourne for one month, creating a comedy lover’s heaven. There are shows for all price ranges from cheap and affordable all the way up to the big names that command a slightly higher entrance fee.
Take a punt on someone you’ve never heard of and support an up-and-comer who could just be the next big thing. Venues are scattered all across inner Melbourne so you can see multiple shows in one evening if that’s your thing.
When: 27 March – 21 April
Stay at: BIG4 Melbourne
Taste Great Southern (WA)
It’s a feast for the senses at Taste Great Southern. The 11-day extravaganza is headlined by dozens of tantalising culinary experiences that celebrate the immense appeal of this revered food and wine region. Markets, music events, degustations, and long lunches are all on the table, with events held in scenic locations that include Albany, Denmark, Mt Barker, and Katanning. Go on, indulge. Your taste buds will be sure to thank you!
When: 2 - 12 May
Stay at: BIG4 Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park, or BIG4 Emu Beach Holiday Park and BIG4 Middleton Beach Holiday Park in Albany
Ord Valley Muster (WA)
The Ord Valley Muster, nestled in the breathtaking East Kimberley landscape, is one heck of a must-do experience. Packed with a diverse calendar of top-notch events and activities like rodeo, stargazing dinners, music, yoga, boats, and comedy, this Muster is no ordinary shindig. It's a captivating, enchanting, and downright magical.
From small beginnings in 2001, this event has skyrocketed to become a renowned festival, earning prestigious accolades and gaining a rightful place on the national festival calendar. So, don't miss out on the legendary Ord Valley Muster, it's the Kimberley fest you won't want to miss!
When: 17 – 25 May
Stay at: Lily Lagoon Resort in Kununurra.
Tasting Australia (SA)
This long-running food and wine event showcases the best of the state’s produce via a huge range of variable experiences. Better yet, the events are held both in Adelaide and regionally, incorporating the likes of the Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula, and Riverland regions. Time to taste the best produce South Australia has to offer!
When: 3 - 12 May
Stay at: BIG4 parks in SA
Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week (SA)
Another event based around food and wine in South Australia, we’re as shocked as you are! Clare Valley comes alive from mid to late May for the Clare Valey SCA Gourmet Week.
It all kicks off with the festival weekend (17 – 19 May) packed with distinctly different winery experiences before ‘Breathe It In’ (20 – 24 May) for those who want to full immerse themselves in the Clare Valley experience.
Before wrapping up with Land of the Long Lunch on the final weekend (25 – 25 May) featuring long lunch events at some of the best restaurants and other unique places throughout the region.
When: 17 – 26 May
Stay at: BIG4 parks in SA
Bass in the Grass (NT)
The north’s favourite one-day music festival returns in May for another go-round with a stellar line-up of Aussie talent including Jet, The Jungle Giants, Middle Kids, Bliss N Eso as well as plenty more. Plus, they’ll be joined by international superstar Macklemore.
So, grab your gumboots, head to the ‘thrift store’ and get ready for a day of fun with your mates soundtracked by amazing music.
When: 18 May
Stay at: BIG4 Hidden Valley or BIG4 Howard Springs.
Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival (NT)
With its fantastic foreshore setting, the Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival in Darwin is a must-attend in late autumn. The annual event combines music, art, and delicious food with stunning sunsets, backed by a buzzing atmosphere.
When: 10-12 May
Stay at: BIG4 Howard Springs or BIG4 Hidden Valley.
Feast of the Senses Festival (QLD)
The art deco town of Innisfail is the place to be for the Feast of the Senses Festival. This four-day gig celebrates the region’s famous fruits alongside a bounty of other palate-pleasing produce. Plus there's markets, cooking demonstrations, music, and much more feature across various venues.
When: 22 March
Stay at: BIG4 Innisfail Mango Tree Tourist Park.
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival (QLD)
Get ready for the ultimate feast for your taste buds, because the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is sure to give them a thrill! With over 75 events jam-packed into four amazing days, this festival is a must-do. Bigger and better than ever in 2024 with a revamped Festival Village, two brand new long lunch destinations, and epic beach events like you've never seen before. And that's without even mentioning all the restaurant events happening all over the region.
When: 30 May – 2 June
Stay at: BIG4 Noosa North Shore, Ingenia Noosa or Ingenia Noosa North.
Byron Bay Bluesfest (NSW)
Celebrating its 35th year, the iconic music festival offers punters the opportunity to attend just one day or all five. There are big names all up and down the line up including Tom Jones, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, Elvis Costello, Newton Faulkner just to name a few of the international acts as well as a slew of homegrown Aussie artists.
Set in the spectacular 300-acre Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, just north of Byron Bay, the festival now attracts over 100,000 people over the course of the event.
When: 28 March – 1 April
Stay at: Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay.
Armidale Autumn Festival (NSW)
The New England city of Armidale is spectacularly vibrant from March to May. This explosion of colour is celebrated each year at the Armidale Autumn Festival, which showcases a raft of musical and other entertainment alongside a classic car display, ample food options, and plenty more.
When: 6 April
ECHO Festival (TAS)
ECHO stands for the East Coast Harvest Odyssey, and it's a sensory extravaganza celebrating Tasmania's East Coast lifestyle. Nestled in Swansea's wine country, ECHO blends tradition with innovation for a full-sensory adventure. Discover the rich Tasmanian Aboriginal culture, and join a vibrant mix of foodies, winemakers, artists, musicians, and more. Created in 2019 by Tassie musician Ange Boxall, this unique event aims to truly connects people and place in a memorable way.
When: 22 - 24 March
Stay at: BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet.
Fall for these autumn events, then book a spot at a nearby park here on BIG4.com.au and get ready to make the most of autumn before winter sets in!