Embarking on the Big Lap of Australia is a dream for many Aussies and tourists alike. It’s the ultimate journey around the country. You’ll explore vast coastlines, remote outback towns, tropical rainforests, and more.
But with so many unique events happening throughout the year, it’s easy to miss out. That’s where planning makes a big difference.
This guide helps first-time lappers make the most of their Big Lap. You’ll discover iconic festivals, seasonal highlights, and hidden gems across every state.
Don’t let FOMO ruin your lap—travel smart and experience it all.
Introduction to the Big Lap of Australia
The Big Lap of Australia is the ultimate road trip adventure. It follows Highway 1 for the most part, circling the entire continent, going through the middle and popping over to Tasmania. This route connects major cities, regional towns, and remote communities. Honestly you choose where you want to go. I personally go in and out from the coast exploring and then heading back into the centre to see places like Karijini WA, Uluru NT and Cobolt Gorge QLD.
The journey covers around 15,000 kilometres. Along the way, you’ll see everything from coastal beaches and rainforests to deserts and outback ranges.
For many travellers, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Big Lap captures the true spirit of freedom, discovery, and the open road.
I’m Vicki I have completed the big Lap twice and I am currently doing my third lap. I have compiled this to support you in the planning process to avoid any FOMO along the way.
Planning Your Big Lap Journey
Planning well is key to enjoying the Big Lap. Start by mapping your route and checking your vehicle is road-ready. Check out my guide in preparation for the outback Road trip basics for Outback Australia. Remember this is your trip it’s not prescribed.
Next, think about timing. Align your trip with seasonal events and local festivals across different states.
This adds color, culture, and excitement to your journey. It also helps you avoid missing out on unforgettable experiences.
Australia offers something unique in every season and region, from wildflowers to music festivals. While on my second lap of Australia, I stumbled across the WA wildflowers. It blew my mind. The desert was ablaze with color. I know you’re saying how could you not know?? Because I just didn’t!!
Avoiding FOMO While Traveling
To avoid FOMO on your Big Lap, plan around what’s happening. Each state has events and seasonal highlights year-round.
Know what’s on and when. That way, you won’t miss out on the experiences that make each region special.
Add these moments to your itinerary. You’ll dive deeper into local culture, traditions, and natural wonders.
Below is a seasonal guide to some of Australia’s best events—famous, quirky, and unforgettable. Use the Table Of Contents below to navigate the seasonal guide.
Queensland
Autumn (March – May):
- 1770 Festival (May): Held in the town of Seventeen Seventy, this festival commemorates Captain Cook’s landing. The festival includes reenactments, markets, and live entertainment.
- Noosa Festival of Surfing (March): A week-long celebration of surf culture with competitions, beach bars, and good vibes.
- Kalbar Sunflower Festival (May): A vibrant celebration of sunflower season, complete with farm tours, photo ops, and regional produce.
- Great Wheelbarrow Race – Mareeba (May): A unique three-day relay race where competitors push wheelbarrows over 140km through the Atherton Tablelands.
- Paniyiri Greek Festival – Brisbane (May): Brisbane’s longest-running cultural festival. This one is a load of fun. Come for the food, stay for the dancing and plate smashing! I love this festival.
Winter (June – August):
- Mount Isa Mines Rodeo (August): The Southern Hemisphere’s largest rodeo event, full of thrilling action, music, and outback spirit.
- Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival (June, biennial): A powerful celebration of Indigenous culture through traditional dance, storytelling, and music. This is held in the stunning Cape York.
- The Australian Italian Festival (June): Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine. Enjoy non-stop entertainment. Immerse yourself in a family-friendly atmosphere. Celebrate the rich heritage and community spirit. Support this event as this wee town has experienced huge floods and devastation over the year.
- Outback Festival – Winton (September, but included here for planning): Known for its outback humour and quirky events. The Dunny Derby – a toilet race like no other! you have to book!
- Bedourie Camel Races (July): Experience true outback racing action, live entertainment, and camel-powered fun.
- Boulia Camel Races (July): Dubbed the “Melbourne Cup of camel racing,” this event blends novelty, competition, and country hospitality.
- Bleach Festival – Gold Coast (July -Aug in 2025): A contemporary arts and culture festival with theatre, music, installations and outdoor performances.
- Killarney Bonfire Night (July): A country-style bonfire event complete with fireworks, food stalls and entertainment for all ages.
- The Big Red Bash is usually on in July but this is taking a break in 2025 and will return in 2026.
Spring (September – November):
- OutBack by the Sea Festival (September): A casual, quirky event in the Gulf town of Karumba.
- Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (September): Gardens in full bloom, floral parades, and local food and wine make this a springtime favourite.
- Airlie Beach Festival of Music (November): A relaxed coastal music festival with over 70 acts performing across the Whitsundays. I went the year the Angels were playing. Superb!!
- Outback Festival – Winton (September): it would be wrong to miss it. Visit the dinosaurs while you are there.
Summer (December – February):
- Woodford Folk Festival (Dec–Jan): One of Australia’s biggest cultural celebrations, filled with music, dance, talks, workshops, and colour. I couldn’t find the 2025-26 site yet. But it will be up shortly.
- Bluey’s World – Brisbane From Nov 2024 – 14 Sep 2025: An immersive and playful exhibition for fans of the beloved animated series. Great for traveling families. Short-term gig but everyone loves Bluey.
- Melon Festival – Chinchilla (February, biennial last held 2025): Get messy at the quirky and fruity celebration in Australia’s melon capital. Think melon skiing, melon bungee, and melon eating contests.
- World Science Festival – (Throughout the year in different locations): A celebration of innovation, science, and discovery. Family-friendly events and engaging talks. Check the web site for up and coming events
New South Wales
Autumn (March – May):
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade (March): One of the world’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations. You’ll experience a huge parade, vibrant community events, and a dazzling atmosphere.
- Byron Bay Bluesfest (Easter Weekend): A world-renowned blues and roots music festival. Held on a lush farm near Byron Bay, attracting global acts and thousands of music lovers. Take your gumboots!
- Steamfest – Maitland (April): One of Australia’s best steam-themed events, complete with heritage train rides, parades, and vintage displays.
- Taste of Italy – Griffith (April): Celebrate Italian heritage with food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and community festivities honouring Griffith’s Italian roots.
Winter (June – August):
- Bathurst Winter Festival (July): A city-wide winter wonderland with light projections, ice skating, laneway bars, and cosy fun in the heart of the Central Tablelands.
- Sawtell Chilli Festival (July): A fiery, fun event on the Coffs Coast. This is dedicated to all things chilli — live music, food, and spice challenges.
- Vivid Sydney (June 2025): A stunning festival of light, music and ideas with immersive installations across Sydney.
- Orange Winter Fire Festival (August): Embrace winter with fire pits and mulled wine. Enjoy local food and live music across the Orange wine region.
- MudgeeQue (June – the first Saturday in winter ): It is a smoky, slow-cooked barbecue. The event includes a music festival under the stars in beautiful Mudgee.
- Fungi Feastival – South Coast – Batemans Bay to Eden (June-July): A unique event celebrating the beauty and versatility of mushrooms through foraging, art, science, and food.
- Smoke in Broke – Broke (June 2025): A BBQ lover’s dream. The Hunter Valley hosts BBQ cook-offs, tastings, and smoky local brews.
- Griffith Festa delle Salicce (July): Also known as the Festival of the Sausage (sounds fun!! ) — enjoy salami competitions, tastings, and traditional Italian banquets.
Spring (September – November): as Festa delle Salicce
- Deni Ute Muster – Deniliquin (October): A celebration of Australia’s ute culture. Enjoy rodeos, concerts, ute displays, and a massive rural gathering.
- Broken Heel Festival – Broken Hill (September): A glittering tribute to Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, featuring drag, cabaret, and outback flair.
- Griffith Spring Fest (October): A vibrant celebration of citrus sculptures, floral displays, and local food culture in the Riverina.
Summer (December – February):
- Parkes Elvis Festival (January): Don your jumpsuit and dance along with Elvis lovers from around the world in this legendary tribute festival.
- Tamworth Country Music Festival (January): Ten days of boot-scootin’’ country music across dozens of venues. It’s Australia’s biggest country music party.
- Sydney Festival (January): A major arts and culture extravaganza with theatre, dance, music, circus, and large-scale installations across the city.
- St Ives Easter Carnival (April 2025): Family-friendly rides, showbags, and fun in Sydney’s north, perfect for travellers with kids.
- European Easter Market – Ashfield (April 2025): A charming multicultural market celebrating Easter with handmade goods, sweets, and global traditions.
- AIRSHOWS DOWNUNDER SHELLHARBOUR (March 2026) (formerly Wings Over Illawarra – Albion Park): This one’s for aviation fans. A full-throttle air show with vintage aircraft, aerobatics, and ground displays.
- Lost Paradise – Glenworth Valley (December–January 2026): Music, yoga, and camping wrapped into one of NSW’s most loved summer boutique festivals.
Victoria
Autumn (March – May):
- Melbourne Fashion Festival (March): A celebration of fashion, arts, ideas, and creative endeavors. Featuring world-class runway shows, workshops, and live entertainment.
- Meredith Music Festival (March 2025): A beloved three-day festival held in the “Supernatural Amphitheatre,” offering a diverse lineup of music and arts.
- Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (March – April): Indulge in Victoria’s rich culinary scene with events showcasing local chefs, winemakers, and producers.
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival (Late March – April): One of the world’s largest comedy festivals. Melbourne brings together a diverse lineup of international and local comedians for a month of laughter.
- Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix (Late March – April): Experience the thrill of Melbourne’s iconic Albert Park Circuit.
- Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (April): Witness top surfers compete at one of the most renowned surfing competitions, held along the scenic Great Ocean Road.
- Macedon Ranges Music Festival (Late March): Enjoy live music from a variety of artists in the picturesque setting of Hanging Rock. Try to make this one as it supports local charities.
- Port Fairy Folk Festival (Labour Day weekend in March): A vibrant celebration of folk music and culture. Port Fairy transforms into a bustling hub of performances and workshops.
- The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival (April): Celebrate Australia’s pioneering spirit with bush poetry, music, art, and the renowned horseman’s challenge in Corryong.
Winter (June – August):
- RISING (June): Melbourne’s newest major cultural event, featuring a surge of art, music, and performance throughout the city.
- Queenscliff Music Festival (June): A three-day event showcasing live music, local food, and family-friendly activities in the scenic Bellarine Peninsula.
- Ballarat Winter Festival (July 2025): Embrace the chill with ice skating, winter markets, and a range of family-friendly activities in historic Ballarat.
- National Celtic Folk Festival (June): Immerse yourself in Celtic music, dance, and culture in the charming coastal town of Portarlington.
Spring (September – November):
- Melbourne International Film Festival (August): Discover a diverse range of films from around the world at one of the oldest film festivals.
- AFL Finals Series (September): Experience the excitement as Australian Rules Football teams battle for the championship in Melbourne.
- Melbourne Royal Show (September – October): A family-friendly event featuring agricultural displays, entertainment, rides, and showbags.
- Melbourne Cup Carnival (Late October – November): A premier horse racing event. The Melbourne Cup race on the first Tuesday of November, known as “the race that stops the nation.”
- Queenscliff Music Festival (Nov 2025): A three-day event showcasing live music, local food, and family-friendly activities in the scenic Bellarine Peninsula.
Summer (December – February):
- Australian Open (January): Kick off the year with Grand Slam tennis action as the world’s best players compete in Melbourne.
- Boxing Day Test (December 26): Join cricket enthusiasts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for this iconic match.
- NYE on the Hill (December 30 – January 1): Ring in the New Year with over 30 bands, DJs, and artists amidst the picturesque rolling hills of South Gippsland.
- St Kilda Festival (February): Enjoy free live music and entertainment along the St Kilda foreshore, celebrating Australian talent.
- Port Fairy Jazz Festival (February): Over 100 bands perform various jazz styles in the charming coastal town of Port Fairy.
- Riverboats Music Festival (February): Set on the banks of the Murray River in Echuca-Moama. This festival features local and international acts in a relaxed atmosphere.
- St Jerome’s Laneway Festival (February 2025): A boutique festival showcasing emerging and established indie artists, set by the Maribyrnong River.
- Beyond the Valley (December 28 – January 1): A multi-day music festival featuring a diverse lineup of artists, camping, and immersive experiences.
South Australia
Autumn (March – May):
- Adelaide Festival (March): A major celebration of art, theatre, music, and performance held across the city.
- WOMADelaide (March): A four-day world music and cultural festival in the lush surrounds of Adelaide’s Botanic Park.
- Tasting Australia (April–May): A premier food and wine event . South Australian produce is showcased with events from the city to regional towns.
- Nullarbor Muster – Ceduna (Late April): A classic outback celebration with a rodeo, ute muster, live music, and local hospitality. Location – right near the start of your Nullarbor journey.
Winter (June – August):
- Adelaide Cabaret Festival (June): The largest cabaret festival in the world, with a diverse and creative lineup of performances.
- Coober Pedy Opal Festival (June 2025): Celebrate the unique outback town of Coober Pedy with street parades, opal mining competitions, and family fun.
- Illuminate Adelaide (July): A festival of light, music, and innovation that transforms Adelaide’s winter nights.
- Winter Reds Weekend – Adelaide Hills (July): Warm up with bold reds, open fires, and hearty food in the picturesque wine region.
Spring (September – November):
- Royal Adelaide Show (Aug – September): South Australia’s biggest agricultural event with rides, competitions, animals, showbags, and fireworks.
- OzAsia Festival (October): A cultural celebration of Asian arts, food, and performance, including the spectacular Moon Lantern Trail.
- Bay to Birdwood (October): A parade of vintage and classic vehicles from Glenelg to the Adelaide Hills. At the end is a huge picnic and car show.
- Ceduna Oysterfest (October 2025): This is held on the Labour Day long weekend. Ceduna’s outback seafood festival celebrates the region’s world-class oysters with live music, markets, and food.
- Grain Festival (dates vary July 2025): Celebrate regional food, wine, and community in small towns like Clare Valley or Barossa — keep an eye on seasonal calendars for pop-up events.
Summer (December – February):
- Adelaide Fringe (Feb–March): The Southern Hemisphere’s largest open-access arts festival, featuring everything from circus to comedy and live music.
- Santos Tour Down Under (January): Watch elite cyclists compete in this internationally acclaimed road cycling race through city and countryside.
- Crush Festival – Adelaide Hills (April 2025): A relaxed summer event with cellar door tastings, live music, and fresh regional food.
- Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) Seasonal Flooding: Not a festival, but a rare and breathtaking natural event. The normally dry salt lake transforms into an inland sea, drawing birds, photographers, and road trippers. Check local guides to time it right. 2025 is going o be a ripper. I am heading down this year. I’ll see you down there.
Northern Territory
Autumn (March – May):
- Parrtjima – A Festival in Light (April): Held in Alice Springs, Parrtjima showcases Indigenous art and culture through mesmerizing light installations against the backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges.
- BASSINTHEGRASS (May): Darwin’s premier music festival at Mindil Beach features a diverse lineup of local and international artists.
Winter (June – August):
- Alice Springs Beanie Festival (June): A quirky celebration in Alice Springs dedicated to handcrafted beanies. This quirky festival showcases creativity and warmth in the desert.
- Barunga Festival (June): An authentic Aboriginal cultural experience in the Katherine region, featuring music, sport, and cultural activities.
- Tatts Finke Desert Race (June): An iconic off-road, multi-terrain race for bikes, cars, and buggies through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community.
- Desert Festival (July): A multi-disciplinary arts festival in Alice Springs, showcasing local artists across various art forms, including installations, theatre, music, and dance.
- Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta (August): A unique event where participants race boats constructed from beer cans at Darwin’s Mindil Beach, combining creativity with community spirit.
- Darwin Festival (August): A vibrant celebration of music, theatre, comedy, and visual arts, reflecting the multicultural community of Darwin.
Spring (September – November):
- Red CentreNATS (September): A festival in Alice Springs that brings together car enthusiasts for drag racing, burnouts, and show ‘n’ shine events.
- Darwin International Film Festival (September): A ten-night celebration at Darwin’s iconic Deckchair Cinema, featuring an eclectic curation of international and Australian films.
- Desert Song Festival (September): Held in Alice Springs. This festival attracts musicians and performers for concerts, workshops, and vocal ensembles, celebrating Central Australian arts.
- Henley-On-Todd Regatta (September): A comedic dry riverbed boat race in Alice Springs, where participants carry bottomless boats in a flintstones-style dash through the sand.
- Darwin International Laksa Festival (October): A month-long celebration in Darwin dedicated to the beloved spicy noodle soup, featuring a Laksa Trail and culinary competitions.
- Kakadu Bird Week (September): An opportunity to discover and learn about the unique bird species within the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, timed with the mass migration of magpie geese.
Summer (December – February):
- Darwin Street Art Festival (Dates Vary- May – June 2025): An annual event transforming Darwin’s cityscape with vibrant murals and street art, showcasing local and international artists. Latest news & breaking headlines
- Deckchair Cinema Season (April – November): While primarily during the Dry Season, this iconic outdoor cinema in Darwin offers a unique movie-watching experience under the stars.
Western Australia
Autumn (March – May):
- Ord Valley Muster – Kununurra (May): A spectacular outback event in the East Kimberley featuring music, dining under the stars, rodeos, and art.
- Esperance Winter Solstice Festival (late May): Celebrate the solstice with beachside bonfires, lanterns, music, and local markets in this coastal gem.
- Quindanning Races (Easter Weekend): One of WA’s most iconic bush racing events with horses, games, camping, and all-out rural fun.
Winter (June – August):
- Marble Bar Races (July): Held in Australia’s hottest town, this dusty outback event mixes country racing with live music and uniquely WA outback charm.
- Broome Fringe Festival (May – June 2025): A celebration of Broome’s vibrant and eclectic arts community, featuring performances, exhibitions, and storytelling.
- Wildflower Season Begins (July onward): WA transforms into a living canvas of colour. Early blooms start in the Pilbara and Coral Coast before sweeping south.
- Ord River Marathon – Kununurra (June): Paddle 55km down the spectacular Ord River as part of this scenic, community-driven paddling event. This is a Dragon boating event.
Spring (September – November):
- WA Wildflower Season (peak in Sept–Oct): With more than 12,000 species, WA’s wildflower displays are among the world’s best. Top spots include Kalbarri, Mt Augustus, and the Wheatbelt. Try make it to the Wheatbelt August early September to see the stunning Canola fields in full bloom.
- Cuby Groovefest – Cuballing (September 2024): A chilled-out regional music festival bringing live tunes and community vibes to WA’s southern Wheatbelt. Every 2 years and the most fun I had on the Wheatbelt.
- Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show (September): One of the most comprehensive wildflower exhibitions, showcasing hundreds of species found in the region.
- Bloom Festival – Great Southern (Sept–Oct): A region-wide celebration of spring’s natural beauty with workshops, walks, and floral displays.
- Aruleun Botanic Park – (all year but Sept-Oct Tulips are in bloom) Nestled in the Perth Hills. Internationally acclaimed camellias and over 3,000 tea roses, all set alongside the tranquil flow of Stinton Creek.
Summer (December – February):
- Blues at Bridgetown (November – early summer): WA’s premier blues festival in the heart of the South West, with a strong local and international lineup.
- Shinju Matsuri – Broome (dates vary, usually Aug–Sept 2025): A colourful celebration of Broome’s multicultural heritage with lantern parades, pearl diving history, and food.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Autumn (March – May):
- Enlighten Festival (March): This festival transforms Canberra into a hub of light and creativity, featuring stunning architectural projections on iconic national institutions, along with live music, performances, and culinary delights.
- National Multicultural Festival (February): A vibrant three-day celebration in Canberra’s city center, showcasing the cultural diversity of over 170 nationalities through music, dance, food, and crafts.
- Canberra Balloon Spectacular (March): Witness the sky filled with colorful hot air balloons launching daily at dawn from the lawns of Old Parliament House, offering a breathtaking view over the capital.
- Lights! Canberra! Action! (March): A short film festival that highlights local filmmaking talent, with screenings held under the stars in the heart of the city.
- Symphony in the Park (March): Enjoy an evening of live orchestral music performed by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra in the picturesque Commonwealth Park. Part of the Enlighten Festival
- Canberra Day (March): Celebrate the founding of Canberra with various community events, including the Canberra Day Fun Run around Lake Burley Griffin.
- Canberra and Region Heritage Festival (April – May): Explore the rich history of the region through exhibitions, tours, and events that bring the past to life.
Winter (June – August):
- Reconciliation Day (June 2nd 2025): Engage in meaningful conversations and cultural activities that promote understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Spring (September – November):
- Floriade (September – October): Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, featuring extensive displays of blooming flowers, integrated sculptures, and a diverse program of music and entertainment in Commonwealth Park. Events Canberra
- Floriade NightFest (October): Experience the magic of Floriade after dark, with illuminated displays, live music, and night markets creating a festive atmosphere.
Summer (December – February):
New Year’s Eve (December): Ring in the new year with fireworks over Lake Burley Griffin, accompanied by live music and family-friendly activities along the foreshore.
Tasmania
Autumn (March–May)
- Fagus Turning – (April – May): Witness the stunning transformation of Tasmania’s only native deciduous tree in Mount Field National Park, creating a tapestry of rust, orange, and gold hues.
- Tasmanian Autumn Festival: Celebrate the season with local produce, arts, and community events in the Derwent Valley and Central Highlands.
- Scenic Drives: Explore the vibrant autumn foliage along the Tamar Valley, Derwent Valley, and Huon Valley, where rolling hills and vineyards are ablaze with color.Tasmania Tours
️Winter (June–August)
- Dark Mofo: Experience Hobart’s iconic winter festival featuring art, music, and the famed Nude Solstice Swim.
- Come down for Air – Winter in Tassie: Tasmania doesn’t hibernate in winter — it comes alive with roaring fires, wild festivals, and crisp, soul-stirring adventures. The ‘Come Down for Air’ campaign invites you to embrace the Off Season, where cold plunges, steamy saunas, and exclusive winter-only experiences await. Campaign Brief+2
- Aurora Australis Viewing: Chase the Southern Lights from prime locations like kunanyi / Mount Wellington and Mount Nelson, where low light pollution enhances visibility.
Spring (September–November)
- Bay of Fires Walk: Join guided walks along the pristine beaches and granite headlands of the Bay of Fires, participating in conservation efforts like seed collection for native flora.
- Wildflower Blooms: Explore Mount Field National Park to witness a diverse array of wildflowers, including the rare Cape Pillar Sheoak, set against lush greenery.
- Three Capes Track: Trek the 46km trail in Tasman National Park, offering panoramic views of sea cliffs, diverse flora, and unique geological formations. Wikipedia
Summer (December–February)
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race: Witness the thrilling finish of this renowned yacht race, a highlight of Tasmania’s summer sporting calendar.
MONA FOMA: Attend Tasmania’s summer festival of music and art, featuring eclectic performances and installations across Hobart and Launceston.
Beach Escapes: Relax on the white sands of Wineglass Bay and the East Coast’s secluded beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Final Thoughts: Plan, But Leave Room for the Unexpected
This guide offers just a glimpse into the incredible range of events, festivals, and seasonal highlights you can experience while doing the Big Lap of Australia. Dates may change and new events pop up all the time, so treat this as a flexible starting point — not a rigid itinerary.
The goal? To help you dodge that dreaded FOMO and give you a taste of what’s out there beyond the usual tourist trail. From iconic festivals to quirky local gems, there’s always something happening somewhere in Australia. Keep your eyes and ears open as you travel — some of the best moments will be the ones you stumble upon.