Planning a holiday in Australia this year but not sure when to go? Well to help you out we’ve compiled a month-by-month guide to Australia including average temperatures and events happening around the country. I know I know, we really are too kind! But it would be a crime to travel all that way and miss out on some of the many festivals and events that happen throughout Australia during the year. So get your calendar out and start marking down a few of these dates in your diary:
January
Average temperatures – Sydney 22oC; Melbourne 20oC
Australians celebrate their national day.
January is of course the month of Australia Day and the Aussies really do celebrate in style! Head on down to Sydney for Australia’s biggest public BBQ in Hyde Park. Share your grub with others and watch the live entertainment in the glorious sunshine. Afterwards you can wander the streets and join in many of the events that are happening as part of the Sydney Festival running for three weeks this month. There are massive live music concerts, memorable open-air productions and street entertainers. It attracts over one million people from all over the world, making it a truly spectacular event that it would be a crime to miss, especially as most of it is absolutely free!
And just how can we let January pass by without mentioning the Australian Open? The first of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments is held in Melbourne and attracts top names of the profession such as Serena Williams and Roger Federer all competing to be winner of one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world.
February
Average temperatures – Sydney 22oC; Melbourne 20oC
Back to Sydney for this one and the world famous Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The parade is worth making the effort to see in itself – this year the theme is History of the World so expect some outrageous costumes and floats! This year there’ll be a beach party, a pool party, drag races, Pride Beach BBQ and of course the huge Mardi Gras party which has some massive acts lined up and boy, do these people know how to party! The carnival runs from the 19th February to the 6th of March when the mother of all parties is thrown to celebrate the end of the spectacular Mardi Gras.
March
Average temperatures – Sydney 20oC; Melbourne 18oC
Melbourne is host to the Australian Grand Prix which takes over Albert Park for four heartstopping days in March. Watch the Australian V8 supercars battle it out against each other; go green with envy and admiration for luxury models such as Ferrari, Lotus and Porsche as they are put through their paces on the track. And just to add a little atmosphere to the proceedings, there’ll also be the world’s first twilight races – what can be better than to watch speeding supercars racing around the track, driven by some of the world’s most experienced drivers, with the rising sun glinting off the curved, speeding metal.
And if that isn’t enough there’ll also be off-track entertainment such as the odd music festival and post-race concert. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Formula One battle on the last day which promises to finish the races with a bang - though not literally we hope!
If gleaming, curved, super-charged pieces of racing perfection are not your thing, then why not leave your other half at the race track whilst you head on into town to catch the Fashion Week that’s happening in both Melbourne and Sydney. A week long carnival of cutting-edge fashion, previewing this year’s latest fashion must-haves. Full of style and culture the carnival is THE place to be for fashionistas this month.
Join in the world's longest lunch!
If all that shopping and racing around has given you an appetite, why not take advantage of the Wine and Food Festival that’s happening all over the city of Melbourne this month? The festival opens up with the World’s Longest Lunch held in Chinatown for over a thousand people! It will stretch half a kilometre along Little Bourke Street and offers diners a three course meal. If that doesn’t grab your fancy there are loads more sumptuous events made to make your mouth water! Some of Melbourne’s greatest chefs will be showing off their culinary skills with tasting workshops, wine-buffs can also sample some of Melbourne’s finest wines. Little food stalls and farmers markets will be scattered all over the city, a food-lover’s heaven! Yes Melbourne is THE place to be this month!
April
Average temperatures – Sydney 18oC; Melbourne 15oC
The aptly named Orange region will be holding their popular F.O.O.D Week in April. Well, it’s 10 days actually but that didn’t sound as good. Orange is known as Australia’s colour city for the vibrancy of its seasons and the vividness of its colours. As Australia will be heading into Autumn, now is the time to really make the most of the golden colours of the beautiful surroundings. Meander though the orchards with a glass of chilled cider and head off for the harvest picnic to sample pickles, chutneys, cheeses, wine and seasonal fruits such as peaches and strawberries. Just about every dining theme is represented in one form or another and if you don’t fancy dining out, you can cook your own in one of the many cooking classes on offer. So savour the Orange experience and save April for F.O.O.D.
May
Average temperatures – Sydney 15oC; Melbourne 13oC
Ok let’s relax and unwind now to the melodic notes of rhythm and blues. There’s no better setting to listen to some good old blues than on the beach and if you head down to Broadbeach in Queensland that’s just what you’ll get. Four days of relaxing blues music provided by local musicians in the small town of Broadbeach has proved such a hit that over 300,000 people now turn up each year. International acts also want a piece of the action, so make sure you get your piece whilst the entertainment is still free!
June
Average temperatures – Sydney 12oC; Melbourne 10oC
Discover the secrets of the Indigenous people.
Make your way to Central Arnhem Highway in the Northern Territory for a truly cultural and fascinating experience. The Barunga Festival is held here every year in this remote Aboriginal community. It is the longest-running indigenous community festivals in the Northern Territory. Listen with wonder at the stories and culture of the Indigenous people and learn about their ancient beliefs and background. Entertainment is also provided by local aboriginal musicians who compete in a battle-of-the-bands even on the Saturday night culminating in a top performance on the Sunday.
You’ll also get the chance to educate your palate with bush-tucker tasting events; learn how to jive in traditional dance and watch the experts show off their spear-throwing skills. Visitors to the event can also camp in the community to gain a fuller experience and understanding of the indigenous culture.
July
Average temperatures – Sydney 12oC; Melbourne 9oC
 What better way to spend winter in Australia than sat in the warmth of the cinema watching some of the best films from around the world as well as taking in local film-making talent and meeting other film buffs at the Melbourne Film Festival. This festival, as well as showing films from over 50 countries is also a showcase for the local film industry and often champions emerging Aussie talent. It can safely boast to be one of the oldest film festivals in the world – one year older than Cannes. As well as screening all these movies there’ll also be film parties and special events where you can mingle with some of the people in the film industry and brush up your knowledge of all things cinematic. The festival runs for 17 days from the 23 July.
The International Rally of Queensland also takes place every winter at Marcoola Beach. It is the Australian round of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship and thousands of spectators from both Australia and the Asia Pacific countries are expected to turn up at this huge event. There’ll also be a chance for you to meet some of the famous names behind the races and perhaps even get an autograph or two. The FIA sanctioned rally will feature a procession of rally cars, a top 10 Shootout and two days of rally action in the Imbil forest. It promises to be a whirlwind ride of a rally that will leave you gasping for breath!
August
Average temperatures – Sydney 13oC; Melbourne 10oC
For the more unusual now, how about the Darwin Beer Can Regatta? This event is becoming increasingly popular as people gather from all over Australia and beyond to line up on Mindil Beach and cheer on the race with a difference – all the boats taking part are homemade and fabricated entirely from beer cans and cartons. Much of the fun, it has to be said, is in watching them flounder and sink in the waters. The Regatta also has an unusual history. A Darwin resident suggested the event as a way of getting rid of all the empty beer cans after Cyclone Tracy struck in 1974 and to provide a bit of fun for everyone. And it’s still providing fun today, drawing massive crowds and supporting local charities. Mark the 8th of August in your diary for this unmissable event!
September
Average temperatures – Sydney 15oC; Melbourne 13oC
Back to a bit of culture now with the OzAsia Festival in Adelaide. This festival explores and celebrates the links between Asia and Australia with a series of events including theatre, dance, film, visual arts and literature. It begins with the Moon Lantern Festival in Elder Park where people gather together to celebrate the mid-autumn harvest and eat moon cakes. Music and dance will be performed by Asian artists and then there will be a stunning display of signature lanterns at dusk.
One of the stunning night displays in the park.
See if you can also catch the spectacular Floriade NightFest – a medley of live music and great activities all set amongst the flower beds! A huge ferris wheel will give you spectacular night views of the city of Canberra and you can shop until you drop at the bustling night markets. Bars and snack outlets will enable you to sip a beer and take in the atmosphere of the park at night. The festival starts on the 22nd of September and lasts for four nights.
October
Average temperatures – Sydney 18oC; Melbourne 14oC
Calling all country music fans for this one – the 2PK Parkes Country Music Spectacular is held in locations all over New South Wales during the first weekend of October. It promises to have an exciting line-up from some of country music’s most famous names in Australia. There’ll be street busking, a talent seekers quest, gospel service, free club entertainment, concert in the park and more!
If Jazz is more your thing then head to Victoria for the Wangaratta Jazz Festival happening on the last weekend of the month. This festival is now in its 21st year and is proving as popular as ever. Top performers will be descending onto this small town to play in various locations such as The Blues Marquee and Performing Arts Centre. You are free to change from venue to venue and take the opportunity too, to sample local offerings of food, drink and various craft items.
November
Average temperatures – Sydney 20oC; Melbourne 16oC
Staying with music – and why not? The Adelaide International Guitar Festival opens its doors from the 25th of November to bring together an enviable line-up of international guitar greats. This is essentially a homage to the versatility of the guitar and therefore the acts will be wide and varied. There’ll also be workshops where you can get involved and find out a little more about this most popular and accessible of instruments.
Now how about this for a beer festival with a difference? The Bitter and Twisted International Boutique Beer Festival is held in Maitland Gaol over the first weekend in November. Once you get in, you may find it difficult to leave! Home brewers will be pitted against the professionals and some will get the chance to showcase their more unusual home brews, 2009 had a Bacon Beer – it was interesting so I’m told! There will be over 50 craft beers to choose from, excellent prison food and an entertaining line-up of renowed artists and the odd spontaneous act from members of the crowd! Sounds like a great night in! (See what I did there?)
December
Average temperatures – Sydney 21oC; Melbourne 18oC
Well where do we start? As well as the various Christmas fairs dotted all over Australia at this time of year, there are some well-known events such as Christmas Day on Bondi Beach. Nearly everyone and his dog descend onto the beach for a Christmas lunch with a difference. Spot the surfing Santas as you tuck into your bbq and top up your tan whilst sipping on a cool cocktail – now that’s what I call a Christmas lunch!
The magical atmosphere of the candlelit stadium in Melbourne.
Carols by Candlelight has grown into a huge international event now and whilst many other cities have their own dates, the place you really want to be for this is the city where it all started – Melbourne. It’s difficult to put into words the atmosphere and sense of solidarity when you have thousands of people gathered today, all holding candles to light up the night sky and all singing Christmas carols with great gusto! It really is a wonderful sense of Christmas beginning.
And in order to burn off all that Christmas pudding, the Australians like to indulge in a spot of sport on Boxing Day. Melbourne hosts the annual Boxing Day Cricket Test Match that attracts up to 90,000 spectators and in Sydney Boxing Day sees the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, a 630 nautical mile race that can last several days.
So there you have it, our month by month guide to Australia. Of course these are just the events we’ve found to bring you information about, there are many more festivals, events and rallies held all over Australia at any one time. For a full list of what’s happening and when, visit the official Australian tourist website events guide.
All there is for you to do now is to pick your month and get those flights booked! We’ve even got a guide to the many flights to Australia to help you find a bargain, see how easy we’ve made it for you! And if your hesitant about which city to visit, have a look at our Australian city guides. Go on, there really is no excuse not to visit one of the most diverse and spectacular countries in the world!
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