Australia has been one of the most visited countries by tourists lately and for all the right reasons. The country has stepped up its game and put itself on the world map of tourism because of its music and food & wine events that are held throughout the year. Here’s a list of the biggest events and festivals in every month that you can attend, and make the most of your time in Australia.

January

Tamworth Country Music Festival (Jan 20-29)

A 10-day music festival in Tamworth that will feature over 700 artists, covering 120 venues, spread out in 2800 gigs is the biggest country music festival in Australia. During the festival, the town of Tamworth completely livens up, with artists and fans coming in from all over the world. The festival also features Country Music Awards of Australia, where the outstanding achievers in the Australian country music industry are awarded with a Golden Guitar trophy.

February

Festivale (Feb 10-12)

A 3-day annual celebration in Launceston featuring the best Tasmanian food, wine, and entertainment, that lights up the historic City Park, is a unique and all-round happy festival. This is one of Australia’s major food and wine festivals, and the prime use of local produce and regional wine, showcased with top art and entertainment in an outdoor setting makes it even more welcoming. The festival attracts more than 40,000 people every year and is a great boost for tourism in Tasmania.

March

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade (March 4)

The annual LGBT pride parade and festival in Sydney started in 1979, is one of the most prominent events in Sydney and is attended by thousands of people from Australia and abroad. The parade has a big impact on the city’s tourism and generates a big income for the state. The events in the festival include the Mardi Gras Parade, the Mardi Gras Party after the parade, the Mardi Gras Festival that showcases art and literature activities, the Mardi Gras Fair Day, and the Mardi Gras Awards Ceremony.

April

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (March 31-April 9)

Each year, Victoria’s food and wine culture is showcased and celebrated in this event. The festival is held to celebrate the culinary culture in Melbourne and promote the use of local produce and is operated on a not-for-profit basis. The main events in the festival include the Langham Melbourne MasterClass, Cellar Door at Southgate and World’s Longest Lunch. The festival welcomes hundreds of thousands of participants each year and has received many awards and acclamations.

May

Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival (May 18-21)

Started in 2002, the Blues on Broadbeach Festival, in Gold Coast, Queenstown, celebrates blues music, and every year gives a chance for local and international artists to perform in a relaxed and ambient environment. This is one of Australia’s biggest music festivals and is absolutely free for anyone to attend. The music festival has won multiple awards over the years and is attended by music lovers from all over the world.

June

Melbourne International Jazz Festival (June 2-11)

The annual jazz music festival in Melbourne hosts numerous performances by local and international artists. The events take place in concert halls, jazz clubs, and even the streets of Melbourne, where the artists liven up the city with their soulful music. The festival promotes new and upcoming artists as well and provides a platform for musicians to perform, collaborate with other artists, and gives the audience an unmatched musical experience.

July

Festival of Voices (June 30-July 16)

This 12-year-old annual festival in Tasmania celebrates music and harmony like no other. The cities turn into choirs every July, and thousands of singers gather to sing and perform in concert halls, theaters and the streets throughout the state. Internationally acclaimed musicians attend the festival and hold interactive vocal workshops for people and this two-way experience makes this festival truly unique.

August

Melbourne International Film Festival (August 8-20)

One of the oldest film festivals in the world, and the biggest in Australia, the event is held over three weeks and showcases a variety of films in Melbourne. The festival takes place across multiple venues in the city that includes various theaters and cinemas. Every year, an award for the best short film is given out by the MIFF, and the competition receives numerous entries. More awards are presented to filmmakers in a ceremony and the films are judged by internationally acclaimed artists.

September

Melbourne Fringe Festival (September 14-October 1)

This is the second largest independent arts festival in Australia and includes events like comedy, music, theater, digital art, films, and circus performances. This is usually a 3-week long festival and the events are spread over various venues in the city, and the hub of the festival, where the main venues are located is in North Melbourne Town Hall. The festival gives a platform to over 4000 artists every year and welcomes more than half a million attendees.

October

Melbourne Festival (October 5-22)

This 31-year-old festival in Melbourne is known for celebrating dance, music, theater, visual arts, multimedia and outdoor events. The festival thrives to promote art and culture, and connects artists from all over the world. Over the years, the festival has been directed by a number of high profile artists, which is one of the main reasons the festival is on such a high position among others.

November

Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival (November 1-5)

One of the biggest triathlon events in Australia, the event hosts an average of 10,000 participants each year and the city is filled up with thousands of fit people coming in from around the world. The triathlon includes a 1500m swim in a canal, 40km cycling on a road course, and a 10km run to finish off the race. The triathlon is the biggest event in the festival, but as the name of the festival suggests, it has other sporting events as well that test the fitness and agility of the athletes.

December

The Taste of Tasmania (December 28-January 3)

Tasmania’s largest food and wine festival takes place in Salamanca, Hobart, and has been around for over 20 years. The festival is run by the Hobart City Council and focuses on promoting the local produce. Celebrity chefs from around the country are invited to cook up extravagant meals for the diners, along with musicians and DJs to keep up the entertainment level. The picturesque location of Hobart’s waterfront makes the dining experience even more surreal and the food lovers keep coming back for the unmatched experience.

Christmas in Australia may not have an ideal setting since the festival falls in summer in the country, but the festivities are in full swing nevertheless. Many people like to recreate the snowy atmosphere in the holiday season, while others prefer to celebrate at the sunny beaches or cook up a barbeque. This gorgeous country is full of life all year, especially during the holiday season. There are a lot of events and feats in Australia that lead up to Christmas and New Year. You can enjoy these events and dive in the spirit of festivity. Here are a few that take place in five big cities in Australia on Christmas.

SYDNEY

In the Castle Hill Main Street, the show consists of 2 animated light stories that are displayed on LED banners that are 40m long. Both stories are accompanied by light and sound effects. There’s also a lot of snow to make the atmosphere authentic to the festival.

This is Australia’s largest Christmas concert and one of the biggest events in the country around Christmas. The concert features Australian and international artists who come together to perform on Christmas songs and carols. The event is absolutely free for the audience and is broadcasted live on television and radio.

MELBOURNE

This has been the biggest annual Australian Christmas tradition and has been around since 78 years. The event is made up of people gathering in a park, and singing Christmas carols in candlelight, which is accompanied by performances from artists, both local and international. The event is also broadcasted live in Australia and many other countries.

A special family concert that involves musical performances from various artists, including The Jingle Belles, a trio of women who will be performing on Christmas carols with an added twist of glamor. As the midnight approaches, Carols by Candlelight is broadcasted on the big screen at the venue.

ADELAIDE

Every year, the whole town of Lobethal brightens up with Christmas lights and it has been happening since sixty years. Trails of lights are set up all across the town and it is the largest display of Christmas lights in the Southern Hemisphere. People from all over the country visit to admire the festive lights, and the lit up markets and roads. Rent a car to roam around the town and see the whole trail.

The most fun-filled family place to be in the festive month, the pop up village has amusement rides, musical and play stage performances, attractions, and activities, all based on the theme of Christmas. There are workshops for children where they can meet and greet Santa Claus and other characters and learn to make their own Christmas decorations.

BRISBANE

A magnificent light show set in front of the City Hall, this show is one of the top attractions in the city around Christmas. The show starts at 7:30 and runs every 15 minutes until midnight. Every year, a different story is depicted in the lights show that encourages the festive spirits among the thousands of locals that gather to witness the stunning display of Christmas lights.

The amphitheater in the Roma Street Parkland showcases Christmas movies from 7pm which are free for people to come and watch. The whole setting is welcoming with the Christmas spirit, and food trucks around that serve delicious food from different cuisines, and Christmas sweets and snacks. The festivity attracts many people who come together to enjoy a night out with friends and family.

PERTH

The heritage landmark GPO in Perth is lit up with animated Christmas projections that make the building even more beautiful. The illuminations are accompanied by festive soundtracks, and an image of Santa Claus is projected using fairy lights which is the highlight of the show. The city people gather here to celebrate the festivities and also enjoy delicious food at the Forrest Place where numerous food trucks are available.

The most generous activity on Christmas in the city, where Santa Claus and his helpers roam around the city, spreading festive spirits, and distributing gifts to little children. Look for Santa on your visit to Perth in the holiday season and enjoy with him the most festive day of the year. Hire a car on your visit to Perth and look for Santa on the streets!

In Australia, you not only get the chance to enjoy its spectacular and beautiful beaches, see architectural wonders, explore its stunning deserts, visit its majestic national parks, discover a variety of unique animal species and many other attractions. It also offers numerous opportunities to participate in the wonderful festivities celebrated throughout its territory.

A Christmas in Summer

Australia is located in the southern hemisphere and therefore, Christmas is celebrated in summer when it’s really hot. The sandy beaches, the pool and blue sky characterize the holiday season. Christmas in Australia is a religious and family celebration. Being a country of immigrants, Australia has not defined traditions and there is a lot of variations in the Christmas celebrations depending on the immigrant group.

Preparations for the Festival

Australians start preparations a few days earlier to Christmas and get ready to receive it with noise and joy. During the festival, Australian cities are decorated with beautiful Christmas decorations, the houses are adorned with ferns, palm leaves and native flowers. On Christmas Eve in Melbourne, performing the Carols by Candlelight is a tradition where a crowd of locals and visitors gather to sing Christmas songs by candlelight. In Sydney, people enjoy their dinner outdoors on beaches. The Bondi Beach is one of the most famous.

Dinner on the Christmas Eve

A traditional Dinner on Christmas includes turkey, ham, pork and seafood. A Christmas plum pudding is also added for dessert. At the time of gold rush in Australia, Christmas puddings often contained a gold nugget. Christmas cake and ice cream with dry fruits and chocolate chips are also served. Some Australians and most of the tourists often enjoy their Christmas dinner at local beaches. The restaurants and hotels also organize special dinners and parties to celebrate Christmas.

Picnic on a Beach

For the world, Christmas is about snow on the outside and a cozy fireplace inside but in Australia it’s about barbecue in the garden and picnic on the beach. Even it’s hot outside, but the heat doesn’t overcome the spirit of people. Families gather to visit a church and they have a lunch together. After the lunch, they play cricket and then go to a beach. On many beaches, the Santa Claus arrives on a surfing board or a boat.

Without any doubt, Christmas is one of the most popular festivals in Australia which is full of colors, peace and joy, and accompanied by wonderful Australian summer.