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A 60-second guide to the best outback events for 2026

Australian Traveller Australian Traveller
From red-hot rodeos to First Nations fests, here’s what not to miss in the outback this year. 

In 2026, the Aussie outback calendar is stacked to the brim with events that celebrate big landscapes and even bigger stories. Whether it’s music, culture, art or community that draws you in, these standout outback events promise unforgettable memories made under impossibly wide skies. So say yes to the journey, lean into the adventure – and see where the red-dirt roads take you. 

Caltowie Chilled Out ‘n’ Fired Up Music Festival, SA

21 March, 2026

Caltowie music festival
Caltowie is all about good music and good vibes. (Image: Marc and Kai Fullager)

Strap in for high-energy rock, funk and folk – along with stripped-back soul – in the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town of Caltowie, located about 2.5 hours north-west of Adelaide. 

Parrtjima, NT

10–19 April, 2026

Parrtjima
Parrtjima transforms the desert into an immersive experience. (Image: Parrtjima 2025)

Parrtjima 2026 will explore the theme of Language through light, art, music and storytelling, celebrating the power of Aboriginal languages, from ancient songlines to contemporary expressions. Highlights include Electric Fields headlining on the opening night, hands-on language workshops, Blak Markets and bush food experiences. 

Festival of Outback Opera, Qld

19–25 May, 2026

Festival of Outback Opera
The Festival of Outback Opera delivers outdoor concerts in iconic locations. (Image: Helen Kidd)

Ethereal voices and superb sunsets come together in perfect harmony at this annual series of outdoor concerts. Join a singalong, partake in music trivia or frock up for a dark sky serenade. 

Barunga Festival, NT

5–8 June, 2026

Bunggul traditional dance
One of Barunga’s main features is the Bunggul traditional dance. (Image: Tourism NT/Alana Holmberg)

Celebrating the cultural diversity of the region, Barunga’s yearly community fest features traditional dance, spear throwing, cooking and walking tours guided by juniors from Barunga School. 

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Alice Springs Beanie Fest, NT

19–22 June, 2026

Beanie Festival
Anyone is welcome to make beanies for the Beanie Festival.

Grab your knitting needles and crochet hooks for one last hurrah – 2026 marks the 30th and final Beanie Fest at the Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs, where crocheting, creativity and good causes stitch together.  

Outback Writers’ Festival, Qld

23–26 June, 2026

Outback Writers festival
Join writing workshops and book conversations with experts.

Now in its 11th year, the Outback Writers’ Festival in Winton promises thought-provoking book launches, panels and workshops spotlighting rural-based authors. 

Birdsville Big Red Bash, Qld

7–9 July, 2026 

Big Red Bash
The iconic Big Red Bash kicks off under the open skies of Australia’s Simpson Desert. (Image: Matt Williams)

This legendary music festival in the Simpson Desert is lighting up the outback once again with a 2026 line-up including Missy Higgins and The Teskey Brothers, while its NSW-based sister Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash (20–22 August) will welcome the likes of Boy & Bear and Jessica Mauboy to the stage. 

Garma Festival, NT

31 July – 3 August, 2026

Garma fesrtival
Garma showcases traditional art, music and storytelling. (Image: Peter Eve)

This four-day-long ode to Yolŋu customs and knowledge is one of Australia’s largest celebrations of Indigenous culture. Expect vibrant displays of traditional miny’tji (art), manikay (song) and storytelling that stirs the soul. 

Desert Harmony Festival, NT

1–4 August, 2026

Over four days each year, Tennant Creek comes alive with music, dance and creative workshops that support Indigenous communities in the Barkly Region. 

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Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, Qld

7–9 August, 2026

rodeo action
Rodeo stars deliver heart-pounding action.

Saddle up for three heart-pounding days of bulls, broncs and rodeo stars in Queensland’s north-west outback. Don’t miss the Indigenous Rodeo Championships on the Sunday. 

Coolgardie Outback Festival, WA

14–16 August, 2026

Coolgardie Festival
Three action-packed days of competitions and entertainment. (Image: Kirk Laurie Norman)

Spanning rodeo and barrel racing, live music and markets, the Coolgardie Outback Festival (558 kilometres east of Perth) is bursting with country spirit. 

Desert Mob, NT

10 September – 25 October, 2026

Dessert Mob
Desert Mob brings together hundreds of artists to celebrate desert culture. (Image: Tourism NT)

Alice Springs is home to one of the country’s oldest Aboriginal art festivals. Stop by to discover works from more than 30 Indigenous art centres, plus enriching artist talks and a lively marketplace. 

Deni Ute Muster, NSW

2–3 October, 2026

Deni Ute Muster
The concerts showcase performances from rock and country artists.

Rally the troops for two days of turbo-charged entertainment. Established in 1999 to put the country town of Deniliquin on the map, the Deni Ute Muster is an epic blend of concerts, ute comps and camping. 

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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.