Incredible outback events worth travelling for

Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
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Not only will these incredible events connect you to Country; they’ll become experiences you’ll never forget.

From celebrations of First Nations cultures to dazzling light displays and outdoor opera performances to drag and diva festivals, here are the best outback events held on red dirt and under vast desert skies.

Festival of Outback Opera
14–20 May
Winton and Longreach, Qld

What could be more mesmerising than an operatic voice under an outback sky studded with stars? Hosted by Opera Queensland, the Festival of Outback Opera is a week-long program of outdoor concerts in the towns of Winton and Longreach.

To give an idea of the quality of performance that can be expected, the headline act for 2024 was singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke. Tenor Rosario La Spina, soprano Rachelle Durkin and more joined her. The festival isn’t just about singing though, join a long lunch event, a spectacular gala ball and hear experts in the industry and the local community speak on what it means to bring the performing arts to parts of Australia that don’t usually have access to them.

Kate Miller Heidke performing at the Outback Opera Festival in Winton, 2024
No stage lighting could compare to the tapestry of colours painted by an outback sunset. (Image: Glenn Hunt Photo)

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
12–21 April
Alice Springs Desert Park, NT

The 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges and surrounding desert is a natural canvas for large-scale light installations during this 10-night celebration of Aboriginal art and culture.

A combination of innovative technology and traditional storytelling, the 2024 theme centres around ‘Interconnectedness’. Visitors can also expect live music, workshops, demonstrations and an open-air food market.

Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
The 2024 theme centres around ‘Interconnectedness’. (Image: NT Major Events/James Horan)

Garma Festival
2–5 August
Gulkula, Arnhem Land, NT

Garma is the country’s largest Indigenous gathering, attracting thousands of political and business leaders from across the globe. It’s organised by the Yothu Yindi Foundation to share traditional Yolu knowledge systems and improve social equity for Aboriginal people.

Held in remote Northeast Arnhem Land, Garma showcases art, song, dance, film and storytelling from the Gulkula ceremonial site on the Gove Peninsula.

Indigenous man at Garma Festival
Garma is the country’s largest Indigenous gathering. (Image: Nina Franova)

Alice Springs Beanie Festival
21–24 June
Araluen Arts Centre, Mparntwe/Alice Springs, NT

Crafting beanies has become a distinctive art form in the Red Centre, where a festival dedicated to the humble headpiece has been held for almost three decades.

The Alice Springs Beanie Festival exhibits a dazzling array of beanies made by craftspeople from Mparntwe/Alice Springs and other remote areas, as well as workshops run by Indigenous women who share their methods of needlework, spinning and basketry.

fabALICE Festival
7–10 March
Mparntwe/Alice Springs, NT

The rugged landscape of Mparntwe/Alice Springs will be sprinkled with fabulousness for this festival that celebrates inclusivity and diversity. The event pays homage to the 1994 cult Aussie film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Think burlesque shows, Drag Queen Story Time and a street parade. There will also be a screening of the film and tours around the Central Desert town in a Budget Barbie Camper.

Two drag queens at fabALICE festival
Mparntwe/Alice Springs will be sprinkled with fabulousness for fabALICE. (Image: Tourism NT)

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Barunga Festival
7–10 June
Barunga, NT

At the 1988 Barunga Festival, then Prime Minister Bob Hawke was presented with the Barunga Statement, which called for Indigenous rights and inspired the Yothu Yindi hit Treaty.

The festival, held in the small community of Barunga, 80 kilometres south-east of Katherine, continues to foster reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. The program aims to preserve ancient Aboriginal rites, customs and skills through dance, sporting events, art, bush medicine, storytelling and more.

Dancers at Barunga Festival
Barunga Festival continues to foster reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Big Red Bash and Mundi Mundi Bash
2–4 July, Birdsville, Qld
15–17 August, Broken Hill, NSW

The tiny outback Queensland town of Birdsville has become an unexpected icon for its historic pub and annual Birdsville Races. But even bigger is the Big Red Bash, an all-ages music festival held on the edge of the Simpson Desert. Camping under the Milky Way is an unforgettable experience; add to that a line-up of Aussie music legends such as Tina Arena and Richard Clapton.

Meanwhile, James Reyne, Daryl Braithwaite and The Living End will take to the stage near the frontier mining town of Broken Hill in outback NSW for the Mundi Mundi Bash.

Mundi Mundi Bash Nutbush 2023
Festival-goers performed The Nutbush at the 2023 Mundi Mundi Bash. (Image: Matt Williams)

Outback River Lights Festival
19–21 April
Cunnamulla, Qld

It’s all colour and creativity in Cunnamulla for the Outback River Lights Festival. The annual three-day event celebrates the spirit of community and local outback life with everything from workshops to live entertainment, face painting, food stalls and a lantern parade.

While in town, be sure to also appreciate the rugged beauty of the outback at the brand-new Cunnamulla Hot Springs. Meditate on your surrounds while soaking in the mineral-rich pools and relaxing in the sauna and steam room on the banks of the Warrego River.

Deni Ute Muster
4–5 October
Deniliquin, NSW

A large convergence of utes put the small town of Deniliquin on the map in 1999 during a devastating drought. 25 years on and the largest and flattest plains on Earth now welcome some 10,000 utes to town each year for the festivities.

The program includes country and rock performances, bull rides, woodchopping, whip cracking and the ‘Blue Singlet Count’, which currently stands at 4136.

Deni Ute Muster
A large convergence of utes put the small town of Deniliquin on the map.

Broken Heel Festival
5–9 September
Broken Hill, NSW

While the 30th anniversary of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert will be cause for celebration this year, its spiritual home honours the film annually with the Broken Heel Festival.

But 2024 is expected to be bigger and better than ever and will involve some of the cast and crew during a five-day program that is all about drag, divas and disco.

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Shinju Matsuri
17 August – 1 September
Broome, WA

Now in its 54th year, the Shinju Matsuri Festival is a showcase of Broome’s unique multicultural history, pearling industry and striking natural landscape where the red desert clashes with turquoise water.

Japanese for ‘Festival of the Pearl’, the two-week program held on the Traditional Lands of the Yawuru people includes gourmet festival, A Taste of Broome, long lunches, film screenings and a spectacular float parade through Chinatown.

Dancers at the Shinju Matsuri Festival in Broome, WA
The Shinju Matsuri Festival is a showcase of Broome’s unique multicultural history. (Image: Laura Gass)

The Karijini Experience
4–7 April
Karijini National Park, WA

Deep in the Pilbara in Karijini National Park’s ancient and spectacular landscape, the Karijini Experience welcomes some 2000 visitors annually to the Traditional Lands of the Banjima people for a cultural event organised closely with Traditional Owners.

The experiences are designed to connect people to Country and include bush medicine workshops, storytelling and language workshops, guided bushwalks, as well as concerts under the stars by local musicians.

Ord Valley Muster
17–25 May
Kununurra, WA

From its Corroboree Under the Stars with traditional bush tucker to a black-tie dinner that includes entertainment by The Screaming Jets and Sarah McLeod, the Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster is a nine-day event in East Kimberley with a diverse program.

Other events include Yoga on a Boat, the Gibb Challenge (a bike ride along the iconic outback road) and cultural storytelling by local Miriwoong people.

Corroboree Under the Stars at Ord Valley Muster
Attend the Corroboree Under the Stars. (Image: Sarah Duguid Photography)

Perfect Light Film Festival
22–24 March
Broken Hill, NSW

A celebration of all things film, this free festival kicks off with the screening of an Aussie movie at the 1950s Silver City Cinema in Broken Hill. The fest continues with an outdoor marathon of short films, alongside market and food stalls at Sturt Park and a free filmmaking workshop.

Festival of Outback Skies
3–5 May
Hughenden, Qld

The jewel of the outback is the glittering sandstorm of stars that bedazzle the desert skies each night. This year, the inaugural Festival of the Outback Skies in Hughenden celebrates the lifestyle of the rural community and all things astronomical.

Enjoy a dinner under the stars, a telescope viewing and the lantern-lit lake where you can lie back and marvel at the stars above.

Astronomist looking at outback sky
The night skies are the jewel of the outback. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Megan Arkinstall
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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The best trails and natural moments around Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

    There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.

    The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.

    From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.

    1. Warburton

    Biking around Warburton is one best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
    Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.

    The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.

    If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.

    2. Yarra Glen

    Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.

    A highlight is Alowyn Gardens, which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.

    Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

    If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.

    3. Healesville

    One of the best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is seeing a Koala upclose.
    Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.

    To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.

    Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.

    4. Olinda

    Cloudehill Gardens is a beautifully curated, year-round garden destination featuring nine terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and lush plant varieties.
    Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.

    The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.

    The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.

    Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.

    5. Emerald

    A lady eating with the view of Emerald Lake Park.
    Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges, the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.

    You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.

    The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.

    Start planning your next adventure at visityarravalley.com.au