Many think of winter as a time to stay indoors and scroll aimlessly through Netflix, but all around Australia, you’ll find a range of exciting events that make it worth leaving the comfort of your couch. Put on your toastiest coat and gloves, and prepare to be wowed by light installations, food and drink for the soul, and live music that celebrates local creativity.
Why not make a weekend or road trip out of your visit, and combine your winter event with a short getaway at a G’day Parks? You can lock in your accommodation with ease by downloading the G’day Parks app today.
Image Credit: Adam Gibson, Tourism Tasmania
After taking a sabbatical in 2024, Dark Mofo is back for 2025 (along with its chilling nude solstice swim to mark the longest night of the year) and this winter solstice festival is running full steam ahead. Rug up and brave the winter nights to be immersed in public art, live music, and performance. A highlight is Winter Feast; gather beside the fire and sample food from more than 70 stallholders with live music as the perfect soundtrack.
Month: June
Your Nearest G’day Parks:
Victoria
The East Gippsland Winter Festival
Think live music, hand-made lanterns, long lunches, winter feasts, creative workshops, and adventures. This month-long celebration is one of the largest winter event programs in Australia, so it's bound to get you in the festival spirit and beat the winter blues.
Month: June/July
Your Nearest G’day Parks:
Winter Wonderlights – Sovereign Hill
Image Credit: Anthony Evans, Visit Victoria
Since 2014, the historic gold mining town of Sovereign Hill has been lighting up its iconic streetscape with night-light projections during winter. Step back in history for a whole day and enjoy Sovereign Hill’s classic attractions like gold panning and mine tours by day, then watch as the sun goes down to see the goldfields backdrop in a whole new light.
Month: July
Your Nearest G’day Parks:
South Australia
Illuminate Adelaide
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
This popular festival returns with its centrepiece free, city-wide lights trail that is always a crowd-favourite. Ticketed events include Night Visions, where the Adelaide Botanic Garden will come to life after dark with light, lasers, projections, and sound, and Universal Kingdom: The Next Era, which promises great fun for dinosaur lovers.
Month: July
Your Nearest G’day Parks:
Western Australia
Cabin Fever
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
The Margaret River and Busselton region hosts a winter winner, Cabin Fever—featuring live music, food, beer, and world-class wine experiences aplenty. From a food truck frenzy to cheese toastie battles, this event is one not to miss if you're heading to Margaret River for its beaches, whale watching, and – of course – vineyards.
Month: July
Your Nearest G’day Parks:
Image Credit: Tourism Australia
Xmas in July Festival
If you’ve always wanted to experience the wonder of a classic, European-style Christmas, journey to Canberra this July for a free food, wine, and winter market. From mulled wine to melted cheese, with snowfall thrown in, get the taste of a ‘white Christmas’ in the Aussie capital. Following its time in Canberra, the festival will then pop up on The Rocks in Sydney's city centre.
Month: July
Your Nearest G’day Parks:
Northern Territory
Darwin Festival
Image Credit: Darwin Festival
With performances showcasing popular and upcoming Australian musicians, comedians, and artists, plus a strong celebration of Indigenous art, dance, and music, the Darwin Festival is a great addition to your Northern Territory road trip. From cabaret to comedy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as they explore the very best of Darwin. The full program launches each year around May/June before the festival kicks off in August.
Month: August
Your Nearest G’day Parks:
Queensland
Jumpers & Jazz in July
Image Credit: Jumpers & Jazz in July
A celebration for crafty and creative types, Jumpers & Jazz in July is described as "Queensland’s quirkiest yarnbombing and jazz winter festival". You’ll be amazed by the incredible yarn creations and installations displayed across trees and at the "Yarnival", paired with great exhibitions and live music.
Month: July
Your Nearest G’day Parks:
Cairns Festival
Rounding out the winter months, head up to Far North Queensland for a ten-day-long celebration of art, culture, and local creativity. Highlights include the Reef Lights at Esplanade Lagoon and the Grand Parade.
Month: August/September
Your Nearest G’day Parks:
Image Credit: Andrew Tallon, Tourism and Events Queensland
Okay, this one's in spring, but we'll add it to this list as a bonus. Storytelling magic comes alive at this Mary Poppins-themed day. Held in Maryborough, the birthplace of author P.L. Travers, this free event is perfect for the whole family with annual traditions such as chimney sweeping, nanny races, and a grand parade, as well as classic food vendors, market stalls, rides, art, and live entertainment.
Month: September
Your Nearest G’day Parks:
Image Credit: Discovery Parks - Darwin
From live music to long lunches, are you ready to shake off the winter chill at these events around Australia?
While you're on the way to attend one of these great events around the country, why not extend your trip and visit a couple more G’day Parks on your way there and back? With more than 330 destinations to choose from, you can’t go wrong this winter season—just download the G’day Parks app and find your top park today. Then, it's time to grab your friends and family and hit the road for a winter escape you'll never forget.
Image Credit: Gracetown Caravan Park
Become a G’day Rewards Member
Make that getaway taste even sweeter by joining G’day Rewards—it’s the best way to pack extra value into your travels. For just $50, you’ll get two years’ worth of exclusive accommodation, fuel, and partner discounts, including 10% off (up to $50) on every stay with G’day Parks.
