With just under a month until December 25, the most famous day of the year amongst young and old it’s time to start taking part in the summer festive season in Australia. Whether it is drinks with friends and family or Christmas carols at your local beach or park there is something to do for all ages throughout Australia.
To kick off the holiday season we have put together events and attractions throughout Australia which you can stop by and visit why exploring Australia this summer.
Queensland
The Lighting of Brisbane City’s Christmas Tree
Location: King George Square, Brisbane CBD – 21 Nov – 26 Dec
If you’re traveling through Brisbane make sure to stop and view the Brisbane City Christmas Tree. Over 21 meters high and containing close to 16,000 solar powered lights this tree is not to be missed. Stop by and have a photo with a loved one or family.
Woodford Folk Festival
Location: Woodford – 27 Dec – 1 Jan
Located approximately 1 hour north of Brisbane, Woodford Folk is a gathering of unique arts held over the Christmas and New Year’s Eve period. Providing workshops, market stalls, street theatre and dance events this is an all age event. They also provide a children’s festival to keep little ones entertained. If you’re in the sunshine coast, Surfers paradise or even Brisbane this is a great day trip.
Turtle Hatching
Location: Mon Repos Conservation Park
Held between November – April annually, why not take an organized tour and discover the wonderful sight of endangered baby turtles hatching and making their way towards the ocean. The tours are generally held at night as this is the best time to see their activity.
New South Wales
Carols in the Cave
Location: Jenolan Caves 10 Dec
Famous for its rock creations the Jenolan caves now also provide visitors with the option to partake in its annual Christmas Carols. Bring the family, the blankets and warm clothing and enjoy the perfect surroundings. This is great event if you’re planning to take a trip to the Blue Mountains.
Starting of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
Location: Sydney Harbour – 26 Dec
Attracting up to 60 entrants this annual event starts off in Sydney where entrants race to Hobart. Free to watch and great day out, make your way to Sydney Harbour.
Sydney Festival
Location: Sydney Festival 7 – 29 Jan
Held in January annually, Sydney Festival lights up the city and brings out the culture and excitement which lives within. With events such as park concerts and parties, theatre and open-air cinemas this is one festival not to be missed. This is also great for visitors trying to stick to a budget as some events are free.
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra Festival of Cricket
Location: Manuka Oval 3 – 21 Dec
Pack up the family grab a picnic and take off to Manuka Oval for a day of cricket. Held over 3 weeks the oval hosts both national and international games. Parking around the venue is available.
Summernats Car Festival
Location: Canberra Exhibition Park 5 – 8 Jan
Held annually at the start of January, the Summernats car festival provides motorheads with the chance to check out show cars, watch burnout gurus and buy all kinds of car merchandise.
Victoria
Summadayze
Location: Sidney Myer Music Bowl – 1 Jan
Kicking of the New Year this festival is fantastic if you’re into dance music, running from 9am – 11pm the event delivers one jam packed day of entertainment. Offering small market stores and food stands this festival is really celebrating the Summer Holiday season.
The Australian Open
Location: Olympic Parks Melbourne 16 – 29 Jan
One of the biggest tennis tournaments held annually the Australian Open attracts thousands of fans. If you’re a fan of tennis make sure to drop on by to Melbourne’s Olympic Park.
Tasmania
The Falls Festival
Location: Falls Festival Farm – 29 Dec 2011 – 1 Jan
With workshops, massages, healing fields and market and food stalls this ever growing festival are surrounded by native forests and pristine beaches.
Hobart’s Waterfront Festival
Location: Sullivans Cove – 28 Dec – 3 Jan
Situated on Sullivans Cove in Hobart, this waterfront area turns into a giant celebration. With local food and drink, cultural displays and multi arts this unique and wonderful gathering is set to celebrate all of our different cultures.
South Australia
Lights of Lobethal
Location: Lobethal 11- 31 Dec
With local businesses and homes converting their properties into glowing wonderlands this is a sight not to miss. Drive through the light trails and experience this fantastic annual tradition. Make sure to also stop and check out the festive market stores.
Tour Down Under
Location: South Australia – Jan
Attracting thousands of visitors annually this world-renowned event stretches over 800km of the gruelling road. Bringing recognized cyclists to Australia, this is one event for all sporting enthusiast to attend.
Western Australia
The Perth Cup
Location: Ascot Racecourse 31 Dec
A horse race held on New Year’s Eve, this race is said to be one of the hardest races set. Consisting the same distance as the Melbourne cup it is a great way of spending your New Years, have a cocktail and take in the fantastic atmosphere.
