Sizzling summer events in Australia

Australia shines in summer.

A raft of sensational seasonal events are dotted across the land.

Among them are vibrant food and wine festivals, seductive sporting events, and engrossing cultural celebrations.

If you’re looking for things to do in summer, mark these events on your 2024-25 calendar. 

Australian food and wine festivals

Tasmania’s Taste of Summer, Hobart, TAS

When: 28 December - January 4

Rebranded in 2022-23 – it was previously known as The Taste of Tasmania – this event should retain its standing as one of the best summer festivals in Australia. The Apple Isle reliably shines brightest at this time, and crowds flock to the vibrant waterfront location of Princes Wharf to let their tastebuds run wild. The state’s most delectable food and boutique beverages are promised via plentiful stallholders, backed by a gamut of musical entertainment.

Nearby park: BIG4 Hobart.

Geelong Beer Festival, VIC

When: 18 January

The Geelong Beer Festival returns to Johnstone Park on January 18th, and it's scored a big headliner in Victoria's very own British India! Get set for a brew-tiful time as this festival showcases the best in food, drinks, arts, and entertainment. Featuring an all-star lineup of top-notch breweries, cideries, distilleries, cocktail whizzes, vineyards, and even amazing local street food. They've also lined up an epic program of live entertainment and awesome activities. This festival knows how to pour on the good times! Make sure you don't miss out on this hop-tastic extravaganza!

Nearby parks: BIG4 Bellarine, BIG4 Ingenia Queenscliff or Tasman - Geelong.

Festivale, Launceston, TAS

When: 31 January - 2 February

The best of Tasmania is on display at this hit three-day summer gig. Centrally located City Park makes a wonderful setting and is a hive of activity as local food, wine, beer, cider, and spirits are dished up alongside an entertainment schedule that includes big-name Australian musical acts such as Amy Shark, Birds of Tokyo, Killing Heidi, Pete Murray and Jebediah.

You can also expect sensational comedy from the some of the country's best comedians including Dave Thornton, Mell Buttle and Nath Valvo. Beverage masterclasses and celebrity chef appearances from the likes of Manu Feildeladd more flavour to this lively event.

Nearby park: BIG4 Launceston.

Apollo Bay Seafood Festival, VIC

When: February '25

Summer holidays along the Great Ocean Road are irresistible and this event only heightens that appeal. An absolute feast of tasty, fresh seafood is on the menu along with regional wine, beer, and spirits. It’s coupled with myriad activities that include cooking demonstrations, sailing, and a sand-castle comp. Get there!

Nearby park: BIG4 Apollo Bay.

Australian cultural festivals

Parkes Elvis Festival, NSW

When: 8 - 12 January

Having turned 30 in 2023, this is The King of summer events, attracting over 25,000 people annually. The festival is timed to coincide with Elvis Presley’s birthday and is jam-packed with activities in Parkes and surrounds that celebrate a global icon. These including tribute acts, art exhibitions, markets, a street parade, dedicated kids’ activities, and plenty else. It’s an extravaganza you 'Can't Help Falling in Love' with.

Woodford Folk Festival, QLD

When: 27 December – 1 January

The Woodford Folk Festival is hosted every year from 27 December to 1 January at the vast Woodfordia parklands, just one hour's drive north of Brisbane. The festival program includes music, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, workshops, debates, and street theatre, as well as films, forums, and children's activities, culminating in a breathtaking fire spectacle on New Year's Day. The 2023-24 event features hundreds of acts over multiple venues, with an impressive lineup of performers like Baker Boy, Ngaiire and Paul Grabowsky, Husky, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Grigoryan brothers, Lenka and many more.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Caloundra or NRMA Lake Somerset.

Sydney Festival, NSW

When: 4 - 26 January

Following Sydney’s famed New Year’s Eve celebrations, the revelry continues throughout January thanks to this humming event. Sydney Festival incorporates a mammoth selection of diverse, enthralling, and action-packed artistic shows that gifts the city a sustained party atmosphere. Free and ticketed events are on a bill that showcases world-famous musicians, performers, comedians, and other artists across various venues.

Nearby parks: NRMA Sydney Lakeside, Ingenia Nepean River, Ingenia Holidays Avina or Ingenia Holidays Sydney Hills.

CMC Rocks QLD

When: 21 – 23 March

CMC Rocks QLD is Australia's largest international country music festival, featuring 28 artists performing across three stages. The three-day event includes on-site camping and glamping options. Past headliners have included Taylor Swift, Zac Brown Band, and Tim McGraw. Two main stages, Rebel and Stampede, are positioned next to each other, ensuring continuous music throughout the festival. The lineup features Thomas Rhett, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardo and more.

Nearby parks: Parks in QLD.

Tamworth Country Music Festival, NSW

When: 17 - 26 January

While CMC Rocks QLD, Tamworth is more well-known. Tamworth is at its toe-tapping best when the famous country music festival takes centre stage. The gig is regarded as one of the premier events of its kind on the planet and there’s a distinct buzz throughout the city during this time. The amazing talents of Australian country music artists are celebrated across a flurry of free and ticketed shows. Carnival rides, markets, and dedicated family activities amplify the festival’s immense attraction.

Nearby park: BIG4 Paradise Tamworth or City Lights Holiday Park.

Perth Festival, WA

When: 7 February - March 2

Australia’s longest-running arts festival – it began in 1953 – creates a weeks-long party atmosphere throughout the WA capital. It features a first-rate lineup of creative events in and around the city with broad appeal across music, film, performance, visual arts, literature, and the like. There’s an emphasis on outdoor events, which pair perfectly with Perth’s usually agreeable weather at this time. Fontaines D.C. is a notable headliner in 2025.

Nearby park: BIG4 Perth Midland or Perth Central Caravan Park.

Sydney Lunar Festival, NSW

When: 29 January – 16 February

The Sydney Lunar Festival is a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year, particularly the Year of the Snake in 2025. It features street parties, live entertainment, delicious food, lion dances, dragon boats, and captivating art and light installations. The festival spans 19 days, beginning on January 29th, and is one of the largest Lunar New Year events outside of Asia.

Nearby parks: NRMA Sydney Lakeside, Ingenia Avina, Ingenia Nepean River or Ingenia Sydney Hills.

Adelaide Fringe, SA

When: 21 February - 23 March

One of the state’s premier annual gigs, the famous Adelaide Fringe festival kickstarts the city’s ‘Mad March’ celebrations a little early. It has enjoyed astronomical growth since its inception in 1960 and is now the world's second-largest annual arts festival behind Edinburgh (sorry Melbourne). There’s a mountain of events to enjoy across genres that include comedy, theatre, cabaret, music, visual arts, and plenty else. The event extends to regional locations.

Nearby park: BIG4 Marion Holiday Park

Mardi Gras, NSW

When: 14 February – 2 March

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees from around the world. It is one of the world's largest Pride festivals and features various events like the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, Bondi Beach Drag Races, and the Fair Day in Victoria Park, which draws 70,000 people. The festival also includes the Mardi Gras Party, Queer Thinking discussion panel, and Mardi Gras Film Festival.

Nearby parks: NRMA Sydney Lakeside, Ingenia Avina, Ingenia Nepean River or Ingenia Sydney Hills.

Australian sporting festivals & events

Tour Down Under, Adelaide and surrounds, SA

When: 17 - 26 January

First staged in 1999, this event quickly cemented its reputation as Australia’s premier cycling race and forms part of the UCI World Tour. It also shows off the majestic, varied scenery of Adelaide and its surrounding regions, including the Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula, and the Adelaide Hills. It’s fun, the atmosphere is vibrant, and there are plenty of opportunities to witness and admire the feats of a host of the world’s best cyclists – both men and women.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Marion Holiday Park or elsewhere in SA.

Australian Open tennis, Melbourne, VIC

When: 6 - 26 January

As one of only four Grand Slams on the international tennis calendar, Australia is fortunate to host this world-class spectacle. Held on the doorstep of Melbourne’s CBD, the Australian Open provides easy access to the best men’s and women’s tennis players across the globe for two thrilling weeks. It’s coupled with lots of great food and drinks and fun activations for all ages to enjoy.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Melbourne, BIG4 Dandenong or Crystal Brook Tourist Park.

Festival Of Sails, Geelong, VIC

When: 25 - 27 January

Geelong’s beautiful waterfront is abuzz for a time-honoured spectacle that bursts with excitement and colour. The feature is the Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race; it’s billed as the southern hemisphere’s oldest sporting event, with a history dating to 1844. On dry land, there’s entertainment aplenty, including a multitude of musical acts and dedicated kids’ activities.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Bellarine, BIG4 Ingenia Queenscliff or Tasman - Geelong.

Gold Coast Open, Burleigh Point, QLD

When: 16 -18 February

The best men’s and women’s surfers on the planet are set to converge on this celebrated spot and do battle in the prestigious World Surf League qualifying series event. Burleigh Point provides a wonderful amphitheatre-like setting for spectators to witness the action, which is coupled with musical entertainment, cinema experiences, and more.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Gold Coast or NRMA Treasure Island.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Sydney & Hobart

When: 26 December onwards

A boxing day tradition held ever since the end of World War II, the Sydney to Hobart yacht Race is a spectacle for boat and water lovers alike. Whether you head out on your own boat or watch from the shore as the yachts of all sizes depart Sydney Harbour or anticipate the winning vessel arriving into Hobart just over a day later, it’s a fun time with a group of friends, some drinks and snacks.

Nearby parks: Parks in Sydney or BIG4 Hobart Airport.

Noosa Summer Swim, Noosa Heads, QLD

When: 22 - 23 February

This renowned ocean plunge is a must for keen swimmers, located in one of the most iconic destinations for Queensland holidays. For two days, Noosa Main Beach comes alive and is the setting for various distance races that attract variable competitors from the casual to the professional – including Olympic champions.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Noosa North Shore, Ingenia Noosa or Ingenia Holidays Noosa North.

F1 Grand Prix, Melbourne, VIC

When: 13 – 16 March

Attending a Grand Prix is an experience unlike any other. The roar of the cars and crowd, the burning rubber and excitement of the paddock. From a dedicated F1 fans through to casual observers and devout viewers of every season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive, a day out at the only Australian Grand Prix, whether you attend practice, qualifying or the actual race, is sure to be a day to remember.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Melbourne, BIG4 Dandenong or Crystal Brook Tourist Park.

Busselton Jetty Swim, WA

When: 8 - 9 February

Established in 1996, the open-water swim has grown from a fledgling event attracting dozens of competitors to an annual favourite that draws in thousands. The main event is a 3.6km swim that traces the city’s famed jetty, held on the designated Sunday morning. It’s joined by other smaller swims, a Saturday evening concert, and beach games, ensuring the buzzing atmosphere flows all weekend.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Breeze – Busselton, RAC Busselton or Mandalay Holiday Resort.

Boxing Day Test, Melbourne, VIC

When: 26 – 29 December

One of the most anticipated sporting events on the calendar in this country is undoubtedly the Boxing Day Test. Held annually at the nation’s home of cricket; the Melbourne Cricket Ground, it’s a bucket list item for cricket tragics. This year the Aussies host Pakistan in the second Test of a three-match series.

Nearby parks: BIG4 Melbourne, BIG4 Dandenong or Crystal Brook Tourist Park.

All dates are correct at time of publishing. Isn’t it time you had a festive break? Book your next BIG4 escape now.