Key Australian events to plan your campervan adventure around

What are the biggest events and holidays in Australia?

Australia isn’t just about sunburnt landscapes and vibrant coral reefs; it has a calendar packed with significant events and holidays to keep your campervan travel itinerary interesting all year long! We will dive into some of the must-visit Australia festivals below, but first, it is worth noting our top Aussie holidays. Given the surge in festivities and the influx of visitors during these times, it's prudent to book your campervan and campground spot in advance. Planning ahead ensures you're not stranded amidst the celebration rush without a place to stay (or worse, paying a premium).

Here are a few of the top Aussie holidays and events to consider when planning your campervan hire holiday:

• New Year’s Day – 1st of January

• Australia Day – 26th of January

• Easter – Varies each year

• ANZAC Day – 25th of April 

• Labour Day – 1st of May (Date varies between states)

• Queen’s Birthday – 21st of April (Date varies between states)

• Christmas Eve – 24th of December

• Christmas Day – 25th of December

• Boxing Day – 26th of December

• New Year’s Eve – 31st of December

 

Best Australia Festivals in Queensland

Venturing to explore Queensland in a campervan? Your Australia road trip will be incomplete without indulging in its vibrant calendar of festivals. From Brisbane's bustling city events to quaint countryside celebrations, here's a quick snapshot of some top Australia festivals you shouldn't miss in Queensland.

 

Brisbane Ekka Royal Queensland Show

Every August, Brisbane transforms into a bustling hub of activity with the Ekka Royal Queensland Show. Spanning over nine days, this event showcases over 13,000 competition classes, celebrating Queensland's diverse agricultural heritage. From cattle shows to fireworks, it's a slice of Australian culture you wouldn’t want to miss.

And if you’re steering your camper from the Brisbane Britz branch, the Brisbane Showgrounds venue is effortlessly accessible within a ten-minute drive.  

 

Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Festival

Held biennially for ten days in late February, the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Festival is a celebration of the bountiful produce of the Granite Belt Region. What many claim is Australia's premier harvest festival,  it offers a delightful mix of buskers, live entertainment, and, of course, the freshest of fruits! Easily one of the best food and wine festivals to add to your Queensland road trip. The journey from the Brisbane Britz branch to Stanthorpe is a leisurely and scenic 2.5-hour drive in your campervan hire.

For a comprehensive list of what Queensland has in store for festival enthusiasts, check out the full list of events in Queensland.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

 

Best Australia Festivals in South Australia

South Australia, where rugged coastlines meet exquisite vineyards, has more than just its landscapes to boast about. It is also, very fittingly, dubbed Australia’s festival state. As such, embarking on a campervan adventure in this region would be amis without dipping a toe into its best festivals, especially if you're a lover of the arts.

Here are some of South Australia’s iconic festivals and things to do in Adelaide that promise to elevate your campervan holiday in South Australia.

 

Adelaide Fringe

When the calendar pages flip to February and March, Adelaide bursts into a vibrant array of colours, sounds, and performances – all thanks to the Adelaide Fringe. Celebrating art in its myriad forms for over six decades, this arts festival stands proudly as Australia’s largest drawcard, drawing audiences and performers from all corners of the globe. Spanning roughly a month, visitors can expect to be enthralled by diverse performances. From edgy stand-up comedy to spicy dance acts, avant-garde theatre to gripping cabaret, there's something to satiate every artistic palate.

Beyond its sheer magnitude and eclectic mix of performances, the festival has an unmistakable heart and soul. It's decentralised, meaning multiple locations across Adelaide come alive with events, allowing visitors to explore the city's nooks and crannies. Moreover, its democratic nature – where anyone can register and perform – infuses a unique blend of raw, uncurated talent with seasoned professionals. Looking for a place to stay while you explore this iconic Australia festival and other top things to do in Adelaide? Consider resting your campervan wheels at the Adelaide beachfront caravan and holiday park – a perfect spot to base yourself during the festival.

And if you’re still searching for other great South Australian events to add to your road trip travel itinerary, explore the full list of events in South Australia.

 

Best Australia Festivals in New South Wales

New South Wales, with its iconic coastline and vibrant city life, beckons travellers with a kaleidoscope of Australian festivals and events. Let's dive into two unmissable events and things to do in Sydney that promise to be a highlight of your New South Wales campervan road trip adventure.

 

Vivid Sydney

As the southern hemisphere chills with the onset of winter, Sydney warms up with its dazzling display of lights, music, and ideas – all part of the spectacular Vivid Sydney. Held typically in May and June and spanning 23 days, the city transforms into a canvas for mesmerising light installations. Wander through the Sydney harbour as its iconic landmarks, from the Sydney Opera House to the Harbour Bridge, transform with ever-changing coloured hues. Dive deep into 'Vivid Ideas', where thinkers and changemakers converge for insightful talks. Lose yourself in the rhythm of the Vivid Festival in Sydney with ‘Vivid Music', with genres spanning the spectrum, ensuring every musical taste is catered for. This is easily one of the best things to do in Sydney on a campervan road trip!

Looking for a place to park up your camper for the Vivid festival in Sydney? Consider setting up base at the NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park, a convenient and picturesque spot during your Australia festival experience.

Image: Destination NSW

 

New Year's Eve Fireworks Sydney

If there’s one place where the world turns its gaze to usher in the New Year, it's Sydney. Rivaling the infamous ‘Times Square Ball Drop’, Sydney’s New Year's Eve Fireworks are renowned globally, painting the night sky with a vibrant palette of pyrotechnics. Held, as the name suggests, on the eve of the New Year, this event sees the city’s harbour bursting with colour and excitement. The breathtaking fireworks display against the backdrop of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge is truly a bucket list experience for things to do in Sydney. Beyond the visuals, there’s an infectious energy, with parties, music, and gatherings resonating with the spirit of celebration.

Hungry for more? Discover the full list of events and festivals in New South Wales to integrate into your upcoming travel itinerary – ensuring you experience the very best things to do in Sydney and beyond. 

 

Best Australia Festivals in Northern Territory

Setting off on a campervan journey through the Northern Territory, with its vast landscapes and rich Indigenous history, becomes even more enchanting when timed with the region's iconic events. Here's a snapshot of two must-visit Australia festivals that promise to make your road trip through the Northern Territory a road trip to remember.

 

Darwin Festival

August in Darwin isn’t just about embracing the balmy weather of the Top End’s tropical winter (which is, of course, a very big drawcard!) It's a time when the city comes alive with the colours, sounds, and energy of the Darwin Festival. Spanning 18 days, this event showcases the cultural heartbeat of the city, with Festival Park and several other city locations transforming into hubs of activity. From foot-tapping music performances to live comedy acts or getting hands-on with workshops, there are endless ways to soak in this Australia festival atmosphere.  Best of all, if you’re cruising in your motorhome, reaching this festival from the Darwin Britz branch is a breeze. For your stay, the Darwin caravan and holiday park is an excellent base camp, placing you and your camper right in the middle of the action. This is hands-down one of the best things to do in Darwin in the dry season ‘winter’ months.

Plus, with so many incredible destinations (like Kakadu and Litchfield National Park) at your doorstep, it is the perfect way to kick off a road trip to explore the top destinations in Australia for adventure seekers!

 

Parrtjima, NT

When the extreme heat of summer starts to settle down to a beautiful 29 degrees, and the vast landscapes of Alice Springs become bathed in springtime light, you know it's time for Parrtjima. This 10-night Australia festival in April transforms Desert Park into a canvas of light installations, complemented by captivating performances and immersive music. Indigenous culture takes centre stage, narrating tales of the land and its people through art and light. Engage in workshops, experience film screenings under the vast Outback sky, or simply let the vibes of the festival seep into your soul.

Whether you are starting your campervan adventure from the Alice Springs Britz branch or making a road trip of it to explore some of Australia’s best-kept secrets and driving down from the Darwin Britz branch, the drive to this Outback festival is part of the experience – open roads, vast horizons, and the promise of a cultural extravaganza at the end. And to ensure you have a comfortable base, the Alice Springs Tourist Park makes for an ideal spot to park your camper.

Intrigued? The Northern Territory's cultural canvas is vast and inviting. Discover the full list of events in the Northern Territory to ensure your campervan adventure is packed with memories to last a lifetime.

 

Best Australia Festivals in Victoria

Victoria, the southeastern jewel of Australia, is not just known for its scenic coastlines and historic towns (although it has many!) It is also the accommodating host of a myriad of food, wine and cultural events that are a perfect travel itinerary addition for a hungry camper. Here's a glimpse into two of Victoria's most iconic events that promise to elevate your Victoria campervan travel itinerary. 

 

Melbourne Cup, Victoria

Australia's most prestigious horse racing event, the Melbourne Cup, is much more than just a race; it's an age-old Australia festival and one of the most nationally celebrated Melbourne events. Typically held at the cusp of October and November, this 4-day extravaganza at Flemington Racecourse sees the nation stand still. Aside from the horse racing, the carnival and fashion go hand-in-hand – the 'Fashions on the Field' event is a sight to behold (not to mention the over $120000 in prizes to be won!) Here, participants adhere to the elegant dress codes, vying for the title of the best-dressed attendee. What’s more, you can indulge in fine dining at some of the racecourse's exclusive restaurants and enjoy a range of beverages as you place your bets! If you're arriving from the Melbourne Britz branch in your campervan, navigating to Flemington is straightforward.

For your stay during this classic Australia festival, consider the well-equipped Big4 Melbourne Holiday Park.

 

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Victoria

In November, Victoria steps up its already fantastic food scene with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Spanning 10 days, this Australia festival celebrates the culinary prowess of Victoria, drawing food enthusiasts, renowned chefs, and critics from all over. Navigate through wine tastings where the state's finest vintners showcase their produce, be entertained with live performances, or dive deep into the culinary arts with the host of workshops. It's a paradise for anyone with an appreciation for good food and wine and easily one of the best food festivals (as well as one of the most prestigious wine festivals) in Australia. Best of all, after picking up your campervan from the Melbourne Britz branch, accessing the festival’s sprawling locations is easy peasy with your own wheels. As for your stay, Discovery Parks - Melbourne offers a cozy spot to park your camper and explore the very best Melbourne, Australia, attractions.

To ensure you don't miss out on any Victorian festivity during your journey, explore the full list of events in Victoria. 

 

Best Australia Festivals in the ACT

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is more than just the political heart of the nation. This region, enriched with culture and history, brings to the fore a range of festivals that breathe life into the city, making it a vibrant destination for campervan explorers. Let's zoom into one of its most radiant events that your campervan travel itinerary simply can't miss.

 

Floriade Spring Festival

As the chills of winter wane and the warm embrace of spring emerge, Canberra blossoms with the Floriade Spring Festival, Australia's most illustrious celebration of the season. Held annually from September to October, this floral fiesta transforms Commonwealth Park into a kaleidoscope of colours, showcasing a myriad of blooms, workshops, food and beverages, and live music. 

For those looking to delve deeper into the ACT's cultural calendar, check out the full events calendar of Canberra.

 

Best Australia Festivals in Tasmania

Tasmania, Australia's island state, offers a blend of natural beauty and rich traditions. Its festivals are as diverse as its landscapes, providing campervan travellers exploring Tasmania with plenty of unique experiences to add to their travel itinerary. Let's set sail into one of its most prestigious events.

 

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Annually, the waters between Sydney and Hobart turn into a competitive arena, hosting one of Australia's most esteemed yacht races: the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The spectacle begins in Sydney on Boxing Day and culminates in Hobart, Tasmania. Being at the finish line is an exhilarating experience as yachts battle unpredictable sea conditions (and each other), making their way to the Tasmanian capital. With a host of celebrations at the finish line, whether you're a sailing aficionado or not, the energy, the excitement, and the sea's allure are an undeniable addition to a Tasmanian travel itinerary.

For those eager to uncover more Tasmanian gems, the events portal of Tasmania has a wealth of information. 

 

Best Australia Festivals in Western Australia

With vast landscapes and stunning coastlines, Western Australia is an enticing destination for campervan adventurers. Below, we’ll journey into its most iconic events, setting the stage for an unforgettable Western Australian campervan road trip.

 

Margaret River Pro Tour

Riding the waves of the Indian Ocean, the Margaret River Pro Tour is an annual surfing championship held at the iconic Margaret River. As one of the stops on the World Surf League's Championship Tour, this event attracts the world's elite surfers who compete against the powerful waves. Beyond just the competition, attendees can soak in the vibrant beachside atmosphere, indulge in local delicacies, and immerse themselves in the surf culture that this region is renowned for. Best of all, a laid-back 3-hour picturesque drive south from the Perth Britz branch will lead you to the heart of this surf-centric event in Margaret River.  

For a more expansive look into the festivals and events of Western Australia, navigate to the comprehensive events directory of Western Australia.

Image: Tourism Western Australia

 

Join These Amazing Events on Your Next Campervan Holiday

A campervan journey across Australia is the perfect excuse to enjoy a scenic drive, as well as a vibrant lineup of cultural events and top Australia festivals. From the rhythmic waves of the Margaret River Pro Tour in the west to the luminous allure of the Vivid Sydney Festival in the east, there are plenty of Australia festivals to keep your road trip interesting all year round!

Ready to chase horizons and festivities? Hire a campervan with Britz and let the Australian landscapes and cultures unfold before you. Secure your vehicle online or contact your local Britz branch for more information.