If you love the sunshine (who doesn’t?), there’s no better time to head down under then when the days are long, the sun is shining and there’s plenty going on. Just look at some of the events in Australia you’ll be able to enjoy outdoors in some of our favourite cities. So pack your flip flops, slather on some sunblock and get excited.
#1 Sydney
Australia’s famous harbour city is a darling year round, especially so in warmer months when the beach beckons and beautiful beach goers come out in full force. Speed demons would be crazy to miss the Red Bull Billy Cart Race — a fun and fearless event where amateur drivers build and race homemade non-motorised carts in a downhill race. If you’re looking for a more mellow escape, the Sculpture in the Vineyards exhibition fuses wine making with art, this year with more than 100 sculptural works displayed at some of the finest wineries across the Hunter Valley region. In support of RSPCA NSW, one of Sydney’s best coffee spots (that also serves great nosh, by the way) Cuckoo Callay goes barking mad with a weekend dedicated to canines with pooch pamper stations, delicious treats (for humans too) and even dress up competitions.
#2 Melbourne
This might not be the best month to go on diet, especially in Melbourne as the city upholds its reputation a one of the best destinations for worldly foodies. Throughout November, The Age‘s Good Food Month food festival will have hundreds of chefs including those from some of best restaurants in the country and beyond, hold classes, tastings and other yummy events. Slurp away at the Night Noodle Markets on the banks of the Yarra at Birrarung Marr and indulge your sweet tooth at Sweetfest — a two-day celebration of all things baked, fried, iced and creamed. There’s also the four-day Taste of Melbourne festival in Albert Park that will have chefs from the city’s best restaurants create tasting menus and dishes displaying their food philosophy, plus artisanal produce and culinary classes. Hope you’re hungry.
#3 Perth
A cultural melting pot, Perth is loved for its laid-back vibe, and come summer the city hosts a variety of outdoor events so there’s something for all types of nomads. The community-driven, culture-focused Beaufort Street Festival that saw over 160,000 attendees last year is back with more exciting eats from around Australia and beyond, markets, live music and entertainment. Thirsty? The Fremantle Beer Festival brings together Western Australia’s best breweries all in one place so you’ll have over 250 craft beers and ciders to taste and choose from. There’s also a comedy tent so you can grab a pint or two and have a laugh. Fans of classical music shouldn’t miss The City of Perth Symphony in the City in Langley Park performed by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. This free (yes free!) display of talent will feature classical and movie favourites before ending with a bang — an awe-inspiring firework display, that is.
#4 Brisbane
Queensland’s capital sees a cacophony of festivals and happenings this summer — there’s the Ben & Jerry’s Openair Cinemas showcasing live bands by day and feature films by night that’s guaranteed to be fun for the whole family (or ahem, date nights) to the country’s top birding event O’Reilly’s 38th Annual Bird Week. There’s also the Bulimba Festival that includes a series of events from movie nights to pet parades, and food and wine-focused Lunch on the Lawn. If you want to pick up the pace (literally), Brisbane’s iconic 500km Team Endurance Relay marathon will challenge your physical and mental stamina and it’s all for a good cause — to raise funds for the those with disabilities.
Now let’s go have some fun in the sun!
