24 January 2024
23 mins Read
There are countless unique experiences to be had throughout Australia this month. Here’s what’s on in September.
Whether you’re up for getting down at a live music event, looking for foodie fun, keen to admire international art or prefer something a little more low-key, there’s something for everyone.
To help you out, we have collated a guide of the best goings-on for the month of September, helping you plan your calendar accordingly. Thank us later.
NSW | VIC | QLD | TAS | WA | SA | NT | ACT
Night at the Barracks has been crafted to re-imagine the live-event experience at a stunning venue which is a true hidden gem of Sydney.
Night at The Barracks allows attendees to indulge in a diverse program of open-air live concerts against a gorgeous backdrop, with a truly inspiring line-up. Think artists like Missy Higgins and Tina Arena mixed in with stellar cover bands including Bjorn Again (ABBA) and Yesterday’s Gone (Fleetwood Mac).
Get ready for a rocking night out. (Image: Night at the Barracks)
Wanderer is a festival that invites you to journey to a whole new dimension. Tearing down barriers, it presents a music line-up that transcends genre and demographic – and an arts program that brings together theatre and comedy, circus and cultural workshops.
From local favourites Ocean Alley, Thelma Plum and The Jungle Giants to international acts like Kevin Morby, Django Django and Sampa The Great, you won’t want to miss out.
Wanderer Festival is a stone’s throw away from Pambula Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)
The Broken Heel Festival is a bucket list journey inspired by the cult movie and stage musical, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. If you love sequins, feather boas, glitter and disco balls, head out to Broken Hill and join these divas and drag queens!
At this outback festival like no other, there will be comedy and cabaret shows, live music, workshops and the unmissable Saturday Main Street Parade. Expect to see stars like Kita Mean, Rita Menu, Bebe Gunn and Foxxe Faux.
The festival is inspired by Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (Image: Destination NSW)
More than 60 events will make up Sydney Design Week this year, which will be held at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Titled Amodern, the program is curated in response to the work of late sociologist Bruno Latour. It will include six fields of enquiry: Eco Systems, Material Cultures, Communal Cities, Micro Cycles, Connected Threads and Photofields.
This year’s program is a whirlwind of talent and inspiration. Internationally acclaimed South Korean designer Kwangho Lee and Wiradjuri anti-disciplinary artist and Powerhouse design resident Joel Sherwood Spring will both be showcasing works, just to throw a few names out there.
South Korean designer Kwangho Lee will be attending. (Image: Jihoon Kang)
An unforgettable food and wine experience, the Mudgee Wine and Food Month started over 40 years ago. Now, it’s one of NSW’s longest-running food and wine festivals and features a range of events including tastings, trivia, dinners and more.
While there are many signature events of the month-long celebration, each participating winery (there are over 30) will generally offer its own unique experience in Mudgee, ranging from food and wine pairings to special tastings and platters.
Burnbrae Wines will be taking part in the festivities. (Image: Destination NSW)
High Tea is about to hit a new level of indulgence thanks to a collaboration event between coffee and cocktail connoisseurs, Sammy Junior and the newest darlings of dessert treats, Mia Dolci.
Hosted at Sammy Junior, this one-off event includes your choice of three tea-inspired cocktails from Maybe Sammy’s bartender and tsar of tea cocktails Wen Wang. There will also be three savoury canapés from Sammy Junior and three dessert canapés courtesy of Mia Dolci. Tickets are priced at $60 per person, with bookings essential.
Enjoy one of three tea-inspired cocktails at Sammy Junior.
Spring has sprung, and to celebrate, Bimbadgen in the Hunter Valley is hosting Songbirds and Semillon. The one-day event will be hosted at Bimbadgen’s sibling property, Emma’s Cottage. The vision for the day is for visitors to kick back on the lawn and enjoy performances by five of the best female artists who call the Hunter home.
Headline acts of the micro music event include award-winning country artist Max Jackson, Anna Weatherup (The Voice), Piper Butcher, Amy Vee and Chloe Gill. The complete range of Alter Wines will be available and you can pre-order a hamper for two when you book.
Keep your eye out for 2023 Golden Guitar Nominee Max Jackson.
You’re invited to step through a pop-up portal in Circular Quay that will transport you to Singapore for a one-off weekend this month. The island nation will be showcasing more than its classic cocktails at the event, curated by Klook and the Singapore Tourism Board. Singaportal, which will feature two sessions per night, includes a virtual loop around landmarks like the Giant SuperTree Grove.
Feeling hungry? Head to Satay Lane, where you can enjoy a few skewers and bevvies from Tiger Beer or try Raffles Long Bar, which will be slinging out Singapore Slings all night long.
Be transported to the streets of Singapore this September.
This year’s Sydney Fringe Festival will feature an exciting program of over 400 events and 12 festival hubs taking over the city! As Sydney’s largest independent arts festival, you won’t want to miss this collection of immersive, creative and show-stopping events. From the free opening party in The Rocks to theatre shows, comedy sets, live music performances and dance hubs, everyone will have something to look forward to. Tickets are on sale now.
Join the winemakers and vignerons at Orange Wine Festival Night Market as they showcase their award-winning cool-climate wines from across the region. Come hungry, as all wines will be paired with the finest cuisine prepared by local chefs and cooks using local produce.
There will also be live music and a lovely community atmosphere, all held at Robertson Park in Orange (weather permitting, if not, the Naylor Pavilion at the Orange Showground).
Orange Wine Festival begins with the Night Market.
As part of this year’s Sydney Fringe Festival, Young Henrys presents another incred instalment of Best Served Loud in collaboration with One Day Entertainment and the City of Parramatta. In exciting news, the Newtown-based brewery will host the event in Parramatta for the first time to showcase local Western Sydney talent.
Leading charge for the minifest is Kamilaroi-Samoan singer-songwriter, Becca Hatch, followed by other epic artists like Vv Pete, Isaac Puerile and Sollyy. Head to the Albion Hotel for a 5 pm kick off. Entry is free!
Becca Hatch will lead the charge for the Parramatta minifest.
Spring is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate the warmer months arriving than with a festival of blooms? CherryHill Orchards in the Yarra Valley is well known for its delicious cherries, but its CherryHill Blossom Festival is steadily on the rise.
The ever-popular annual event allows visitors to enjoy the magical sight of millions of cherry blossoms in bloom. But there are also workshops, food trucks and a special high tea hosted in collaboration with Mary Eats Cake. So grab your favourite sundress or straw hat and head out to enjoy this bloomin’ great festival!
Wander amongst the fragrant cherry blossoms with family.
Calling all art lovers – the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne is currently hosting the spectacular Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Madhavi exhibition. Wander through the iridescent paintings of Bonnard within immersive scenography by Paris-based designer India Mahdavi. The exhibition is set to wrap up at the beginning of October, so grab some tickets and head to the NVG before it’s too late.
Installation view of Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi on display from 9 June – 8 October 2023 at NGV International, Melbourne. (Image: Lillie Thompson)
The San Remo Fishing Festival has rebranded and is back in 2023 as the Tidal Seafood Festival. Lovers of salty, oceanic flavours will adore this event, which is all about celebrating the community, history and quality seafood of San Remo in the Gippsland region.
Come down to try local bites, meet new friends and enjoy seaside vibes. Or, attend one of the many demonstrations and activities held throughout the festival. Tickets are on sale now, with profits being donated to the local SES and CFA (Country Fire Authority).
San Remo is known for its top-notch seafood.
Look out – dinosaurs are heading to Melbourne this September! DinoFest is an exciting, outdoor event with a particular proclivity for Tyrannosaurs, which lived from the late Jurassic Period to the late Cretaceous Period. There will be an epic dinosaur trail, baby dinosaur petting, art activities and dinosaur encounters. Don’t miss the Feel a Fossil workshop, where you can touch real dino bones, teeth, footprints and even poop!
Get up close and personal with the prehistoric creatures.
Aussie Rules fans, get ready! The 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final is just around the corner and it could be your favourite team battling it out at the MCG this September. Known to be one of the biggest sporting events on the Aussie calendar, the AFL Grand Final is a nail-biting conclusion to a hard-fought season. So don your favourite team’s jersey, grab a meat pie and get in on the action.
The 2023 Toyota AFL Grand Final will be held at the MCG.
With spring about to be sprung, the Tesselaar Tulip Festival has timed its festivities perfectly. Head to the town of Silvan in the Yarra Ranges this month to witness over 900,000 tulips paint the landscape in an array of colours.
As well as everyday entertainment, food, farm displays and market stalls, the festival is jam-packed with themed events. There’s Turkish Weekend, Irish Weekend, Dutch Weekend, Food, Wine & Jazz Weekend, Rock the Fields Weekend, Children’s Week and Spring Fever Week. What more could you want?
Get lost amongst fields of gorgeous tulip blooms.
This year, the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery will host a faction of the prestigious Archibald Prize 2023 Regional Tour exhibition. An extraordinary display of 57 portraits, featuring public figures and cultural identities from all walks of life, will be on display for all to see. The Mornington Peninsula Gallery is the first stop on the Archibald Prize 2023 Regional Tour and the only Victorian venue, so be sure to check it out.
the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is the first stop on the tour.
Street-style Mexican restaurant, Hecho En Mexico in Melbourne are teaming up with global sauce sensation TRUFF for a Limited Edition Menu for less than one week only. Menu staples like tacos, chicken wings, burritos and even margaritas are being spiced up – literally – with TRUFF across 16 Hecho en Mexico locations. And if you’re not convinced yet, listen to Oprah herself: “Put it on everything!”
Even Oprah loves TRUFF.
Toowoomba is known for two things: as the home of the Lamington, and as the home of the Carnival of Flowers, held every year in spring.
Bringing together the very best of the region’s food, wine, gardens, events and entertainment, the event showcases all that Toowoomba and its surrounding regions have to offer. Along with the beautiful blooms, the three-day Festival of Food and Wine will be held from 8–10 September.
Admire stunning flower beds that have been expertly designed.
Under The Trees continues to be a feast of the senses. This September, sight, sound, taste and touch come alive with amazing art and lighting. The rhythmic sounds of reggae, pop rock, folk, blues and soul will hypnotise you among the laid-back, friendly crowds. Laze under blooming jacaranda trees, sip on a cold drink and enjoy the sounds of local bands with friends and family at this community event.
Under The Trees continues to be a feast of the senses.
September brings the return of the much-loved SWELL Sculpture Festival, Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition. The event will attract beach lovers and art enthusiasts alike to admire over 75 large-scale contemporary sculptures along the Gold Coast, with the main exhibition on Currumbin Beach.
Come face to face with awe-inspiring sculptures by local, national and international artists at the 21st edition of SWELL. You will also be able to take part in unique experiences such as guided walks, workshops, live music, comedy, masterclasses and artist talks.
SWELL is Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition.
The ever-popular Brisbane Festival is back for another year to take over the Queensland capital. Celebrate everything that makes Brisbane the exciting city it is, from the river to iconic city landmarks and precincts. This year, the curated multi-arts program includes dance, theatre, art, comedy, music, circus and cabaret.
Look out for Cirque Bon Bon’s incredulous circus performance, Salamander’s new large-scale, site-specific dance theatre commission and Nieergoo: Spirit of the Whale‘s 400-drone spectacular. Tickets for these unmissable events, plus so much more, are on sale now.
Don’t miss an epic show by Cirque Bon Bon.
Staged in the spectacular Simpson Desert of Outback Queensland, the Birdsville Races have a rich and long history spanning 141 years. Locals and visitors alike are invited to dress up country-style and spend the day in the sun with friends and family.
Over the weekend, there will also be gourmet dining featuring local, organic produce and live entertainment between races. Guests can purchase a 4.5-hour beer and wine package and will also receive a complimentary race book. General admission tickets are on sale now, priced at $44.40 per person.
Welcome the arrival of spring with the fittingly named Sunshine Sounds Festival at Eumundi in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The boutique two-day festival sees a phenomenal home-grown line-up including Frente, Elixir with Michael Leunig, Deline Briscoe, Clea, Cigány Weaver, Jungaji and the little rockers from Eumundi School of Music, plus more. The festival is super family-friendly, so gather the kids and enjoy a day of sunshine together!
Don’t miss Cigány Weaver take the stage by storm. (Image: Josh Tate)
Central Queensland’s premier food festival is back to showcase the best of food, wine and delicious treats from the region. The Capricorn Food & Wine Festival invites guests to be inspired by top chefs, enjoy signature dining experiences and take food and wine masterclasses, all set in the stunning Rockhampton region. Enjoy live music and tastings from food vendors, winemakers, craft brewers, cocktail extraordinaires and more. Tickets are on sale now.
Get ready to ignite your inner foodie. (Image: Capricorn Food & Wine Festival)
In collaboration with Loose Collective, Living Room Bar at W Brisbane has unveiled Sensory Sips, an immersive experience using lighting effects and cutting-edge motion graphics to create a magical escape.
Guests can be immersed in a captivating journey of sensory experiences as they make their way through the cocktail menu, brought to life by expert mixologists. One menu highlight includes The Magician, which is made with whisky, menthe, frangelico, cocoa nib and bloody mary drops. Sensory Sips runs across a six-month period.
Gather with friends for sumptuous cocktails at the Living Room bar.
Stretching along 220 kilometres of Tasmanian coastline this month, Great Eastern Wine Week is a 10-day festival celebrating the island state’s best east-coast tipples. The event includes a collective of 60 events at some of the region’s best boutique wineries, along with other local businesses.
Meet winemakers, growers, producers and people who call this beautiful place home. Taste some of the region’s best locally sourced produce. And of course, have a glass (or many) of Tasmania’s award-winning, cool-climate wines.
Taste some of Tasmania’s best wine and produce this month.
Junction Arts Festival is an annual gathering of extraordinary art experiences in unusual spaces throughout Launceston. Junction was first presented as a one-off event annexed to the 2010 Regional Arts Australia Conference. Since then, it has filled a creative niche and prompted Events Tasmania and the City of Launceston to support it annually, to the delight of Northern artists and audiences. This year, expect a lush springtime celebration with plenty of free and ticketed events.
Grab your pals and get down to Junction Arts Festival. (Image: Jacob Collings)
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart will be opening Jean-Luc Moulène and Teams, an exhibition by internationally acclaimed artist Jean-Luc Moulène. The installation will examine the relationships between material, form and the creative process; between art and industry; between artwork and observer. Displayed alongside a selection of earlier works, the exhibition will demonstrate Moulène’s range across diverse mediums. Jean-Luc Moulène and Teams will open on 30 September, with a party at MONA in Hobart to celebrate, and run until 1 April 2024.
Stroll alongside some of Moulène’s best works. (Image: Mona/Jesse Hunniford)
Tassie fashion lovers unite – the Tasmanian Fashion Festival will be showcasing Tassie-owned, designed and produced fashion this September. The show is a brilliant opportunity for both well-established and emerging businesses and designers to showcase their collections. This year, there will be three runway categories: Up & Coming Designers, Day Wear and After Five, with the Up & Coming Designer Award winner being announced.
Celebrate Tasmanian fashion businesses and designers.
The Perth Royal Show is WA’s largest annual community event, welcoming countless visitors from across the state and beyond since 1834. This year, the show will continue to honour its traditional values of connecting the city and country. Expect a unique mix of traditional agricultural fair events, entertainment, rides and attractions, great Western Australian food and beverages and educational exhibits. It’s the perfect family day out in Perth.
The Perth Royal Show is Western Australia’s largest annual community event.
Get Lost & Found in South West WA this spring. The bustling port city of Bunbury and its wine-loving neighbours come alive with special events made for lovers of great food, incredible wine, craft beer and live music. Wander the Village Artisan Fair, enjoy a Funkee Boozy Bottomless Brunch, master the grill at a CheatMeats Workshop and take part in the Battle of the Chardonnays. Plus so much more, all jam-packed into four days of fun. Tickets are on sale now.
During Margaret River Open Studios, 166 artists across a rich array of mediums throw open the doors of their private studios for two weeks and invite you in to meet, chat, be inspired and maybe even purchase a piece for your collection. Create your own artistic adventure from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, following a trail of your favourite artists and styles, or discover new talent.
Meet local artists such as jeweller, metalsmith and glass artist, Steve Pease; ceramicist and potter, Neese Clements; woodworker and photographer, Ewan Cameron; painter, designer, illustrator and workshop facilitator, Fi Wilkie. And that’s just four of 166. Come to the Margaret River region to celebrate these talented artists and their works.
Visit Fi Wilkie, whose work celebrates the Aussie bush. (Image: Jasmine Ann Gardiner)
Grab your umbrella! The world’s most supercalifragilistic nanny, Miss Mary Poppins, is coming to the Crown Theatre Perth this September. With dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs, the story of Mary Poppins’ arrival on Cherry Tree Lane is even more magical on stage. The all-Australian cast is led by Stefanie Jones (as Mary Poppins) and Jack Chambers (as Bert). Tickets for Perth shows are on sale now for $99.90 per person.
Be transported to Cherry Tree Lane this month. (Image: Daniel Boud)
To honour 30 years of exceptional vintages of Stonewell Shiraz, Peter Lehmann Wines is inviting food and wine lovers to visit its Barossa Valley cellar door to celebrate. This September, guests can indulge in a four-course dinner, curated by Barossan chef Owen Andrews, at the Story of Stonewell Dinner.
The meal will also be perfectly paired with a selection of Peter Lehmann’s most coveted museum wines and new releases. Those in attendance can also enjoy live entertainment and a rare showcase of the history of this iconic brand. Tickets for this one-time-only event are on sale now.
Indulge in a selection of Peter Lehmann’s most coveted wines.
For one week in September, the Royal Adelaide Show will take over the South Australian capital to deliver fun for the whole family. Established in 1839, the show has fostered and encouraged the rural industries of South Australia for 181 years. Run annually by the Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA, it is, therefore, the longest-running event on SA’s calendar.
This year’s program is absolutely jam-packed, making it irresistible for family and friend groups in Adelaide. Think petting zoos, horticultural and handicraft displays, tours, foodie experiences, rides and live entertainment. Kids will love The Farmyard Nursery, while mum and dad can join the Cellar Door Experience or Rooftop Solar and Beehive Tour. Tickets are priced at $20 per person.
Come for the rides, stay for the vibes. (Image: The Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA)
This Bavarian-style festival has become one of Australia’s most beloved festivals. Of course, we’re talking about Oktoberfest. From lederhosen and clogs to beer and sauerkraut, it’s all happening this month at Pinky Flat near Adelaide Oval. Get ready for a huge range of authentic German beers, wines and cider, accompanied by all your favourite German snacks.
There will be plenty of entertainment too. On the main stage, local bands and party DJs will get you grooving. You can also check out the silent disco, roving performers, rides, games, beer hall and German stage. Final release and VIP tickets are on sale now, priced at $69.90 and $149.90 respectively.
Get keen for German beers and snacks, just don’t forget your lederhosen.
Get ready to swing those hips – the Rock N Roll Festival invites you to pull on your best dance shoes and get dancing in Victor Harbor on South Australia’s beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Inspired by the 1950s and ’60s, the event is all about letting loose and having fun. Along with a good boogie, attendees can enjoy live music, memorabilia, market stalls, coastal views and an impressive historic vehicle display.
Kakadu National Park is truly a bird lover’s paradise; it is home to more than a third of Australia’s bird species. It’s the perfect place to discover and learn all about the unique species of birds living in this magical part of the world, which is dual World Heritage-listed for both its natural and cultural values. At Kakadu Bird Week, you can enjoy a host of exciting activities including birdwatching, wetlands cruises, Aboriginal cultural experiences and more.
See a Sacred Kingfisher at Kakadu Bird Week. (Image: Parks Australia)
This year’s Desert Mob exhibition in Mpartnwe (Alice Springs), curated by Desart, will excitingly feature a record number of contemporary works. The 2023 program includes a marketplace, workshops, demonstrations, performances, satellite events and the Symposium, all for visitors to enjoy. The Desert Mob Symposium is an unmissable opportunity for audiences to hear firsthand from Aboriginal artists about their work, projects, family and Country.
The 35 community Art Centres represented in Desert Mob 2023 are from a geographic area that spans 1.221 million kilometres and sixteen language groups. Visitors to Mparntwe for Desert Mob will share the richness and diversity of desert art and experience myriad contemporary expressions of an enduring culture.
Rhonda Sharpe of Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Courtesy of Araluen Arts Centre. (Image: Emma Murray)
Get excited Darwin, because the seventh instalment of the Darwin Street Art Festival (DSAF) is almost here! This year’s program will see more than 20 new murals emerge across Darwin and over 30 artists participating in events, screenings, exhibitions and workshops. And in exciting news, the festival will paint its 100th mural this year! Considered the Northern Territory’s largest public gallery, DSAF is vibrant, thought-provoking and most importantly, offers art that is accessible to all.
The epic Stay Grounded mural, painted by Kitt Bennett.
One of the best spring destinations Australia has on offer is back in 2023. Spread throughout Canberra‘s Commonwealth Park, Floriade blooms with over one million flowers that come alive with beauty, colour and vibrancy as spring arrives in the city.
This year, there will be an array of fine dining restaurants, wineries and wine bars, luxe day spas and endless outdoor activities for family and friends to enjoy. Other program highlights include NightFest, Dogs’ Day Out and the Great Big Bulb Dig. Floriade is free and non-ticketed, so what are you waiting for?
See Floriade like never before.
The Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) will make a triumphant return in 2023, showcasing an impressive line-up of 13 highly acclaimed and captivating Korean films. KOFFIA will offer a dazzling array of cinema across a variety of genres including comedy, romance and thriller. What’s more, KOFFIA will also feature insightful filmmaker Q&As and special guests. Look out for the founder and ex-chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, Kim Dong Ho, and Ahn Tae-jin, another much-loved Korean director.
Don’t miss the Korean drama film, Life is Beautiful, directed by Choi Kook-hee.
Mosey on down to the Australian National Botanic Gardens this September and you’ll find Botanica Spirits & Food Festival. The focus of the festivities is in the name; Botanica is all about tasting, smelling and learning about the botanicals that are expertly crafted into award-winning gins and spirits.
Over 20 Australian distillers and crafters will be present this year, giving you a variety of businesses (and flavours) to choose from. Whether you opt to chill by the Live Stage with a cocktail from the Archie Rose Garden Bar, join a masterclass or indulge in delicious food from one of the many onsite food trucks, you’ll leave Botanica feeling sated.
Aussie favourite Manly Spirits Co will be at Botanica this year.
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