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Mark your calendar! These are summer’s hottest events in every capital city

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
From Tassie festivals to a floating sauna in Sydney Harbour, here’s what’s making waves this summer across our capital cities.

Perth, WA

Luxe Island Seafood Cruise with Rottnest Cruises
Luxe Island Seafood Cruise with Rottnest Cruises.

Shark Bay prawns, Abrolhos Island scallops, Cone Bay barramundi and WA crayfish are all showcased during a five-course seafood feast onboard Mandurah Cruises’ new Sunset & Seafood Cruise , which launched in October.

squeezing lemon into a seafood dish at Luxe Island Seafood Cruise with Rottnest Cruises
Feast on seafood on a luxury cruise.

The cruise departs from Stingray Point in Mandurah, which is just one hour’s drive from Perth, and the dolphin capital of the state. You can also watch the sun dip below the horizon over the Indian Ocean onboard the new-look Luxe Island Seafood Cruise with Rottnest Cruises . Head back to QT Perth for golden hour at the Sunset Caña Club .

Sydney, NSW

the Aqua Sculpt Floating Pilates and Sound Baths, Sydney
Find your zen this summer with Aqua Sculpt Floating Pilates and Sound Baths.

Wellness on the water is Sydney summer flex, with two new operators transforming the harbour into a mind and body haven. Perform the plank while waves of sonic calm wash over you with Aqua Sculpt Floating Pilates and Sound Baths . Pootle towards Berrys Bay with Wellness Afloat for a floating sauna and cold plunge experience. And balance health with hedonism in Woolloomooloo with OTTO’s Boozy Dolci, a cocktail-inspired cannoli served tableside.

Hobart, Tas

food stalls at the Hobart/Nipaluna’s Taste of Summer
The Hobart/Nipaluna’s Taste of Summer is one of the capital’s lesser-known festivals. (Image: Alastair Bett)

There is a lot of hype about Hobart Taste of Summer , which has been held over the city’s festive period for the past 40 years. But what about some of the capital’s lesser-known festivals, such as the city’s Gin-uary Hobart Gin Festival on 17–18 January.

seafood at the Hobart/Nipaluna’s Taste of Summer
Seafood at Taste of Summer. (Image: Dearna Bond)

It’s also worth the 90-minute drive to the Tasmanian Chilli and Cheese festival held in Ross on 14 December. Ditto for the quirky Koonya Garlic Festival held just outside of Hobart every February. Keep nurturing your bulbs for the annual Garlic Grower’s Competition.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Melbourne, Vic

a cup of gelato at Mondo Del Gelateria, Melbourne
Get your gelato fix at Mondo Del Gelateria.

Melbourne might soon be the best place in the world to get your gelato fix. Founder of Mondo Del Gelateria, Rio Olivetti learned the art of making gelato from the head of Bologna’s Carpigiani Gelato University before bringing his flagship gelateria to the city centre. In addition to this go-to destination for gelato, the city’s vibrant food scene features in Lonely Planet’s 2026 Top Experiences Hotlist. Understand why over a burger at Easey’s , atop a rooftop train in Collingwood, and meze at Tzaki , which has just 16 seats. Stay plugged into the zeitgeist slurping cocktails at the new rooftop pool at Vibe Hotel Docklands .

Canberra, ACT

pairing at Pankhurst Wines, Canberra
Pairing at Pankhurst Wines. (Image: Visit Canberra)

Pankhurst Wines is just one of the estates in the Canberra Wine Region producing top drops for summer, such as chardonnay and pinot noir. With more than 40 wineries within 35 minutes of the city, it’s possible to loop in some of the region’s best vineyards over the course of a lazy afternoon.

people riding bicycles while exploring Canberra's best vineyards
Cycle around Canberra’s best vineyards. (Image: Visit Canberra)

Hire a pedal-assist pushie, which requires little effort. And ask the Lycra-clad legends from Canberra Wine Region E-Bike Tours to map out an off-road route around the Murrumbateman Winery Trail. Be sure to include wineries such as the Four Winds Vineyard .

the Four Winds Vineyard, Canberra
Imbibe elevated tipples overlooking the sprawling Four Winds Vineyard. (Image: Supplied)

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Darwin, NT

a thunderstorm in Darwin
Summer lights up the sky in Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT/Paul Thomsen/Wild Foto.

Nature conducts its own light and sound shows in Darwin over summer. Visit between November and April, when cotton-candy clouds stretch tight across the sky in bands of rose and gold. High temperatures and moisture in the air also lead to dramatic electrical storms that crack open the sky. Beat the stultifying heat with a dip in the Wave Lagoon on Darwin Waterfront. Stay in a new luxe villa at Darwin Airport Resorts , the first of its kind in Australia.

Adelaide, SA

Verdi‘s Aida at Arena di Verona
Franco Zeffirelli’s production of Verdi‘s Aida at Arena di Verona. (Image: Heads Production)

A balmy summer night spent beneath a ceiling of sky at Adelaide Oval is one well spent. Franco Zeffirelli’s Arena di Verona production of AIDA is the largest opera production ever presented in Australia. Enhance your appreciation of the show with a private pre-performance talk presented by music specialist Phillip Sametz as part of the AIDA in Adelaide itinerary curated by Renaissance Tours from 4–6 February. Prefer sport to soprano? The Ashes returns to Adelaide over Christmas.

Brisbane, Qld

a street art painting on a building wall in Brisbane
Admire street art in Brisbane.

See the Queensland capital in a new light over summer with Brisbane Unexpected’s International Street Art Walking Tour . The immersive tour explores Brisbane’s backstreets, which are brimming with works from artists such as Drapl, Claire Foxton and Fintan Magee. The guided tour was curated by Lincoln Savage, director of Brisbane Street Art Festival. It starts in the South Bank precinct before crossing the river to Gardens Point and Howard Smith Wharves. Brisbane Unexpected has also launched an all-new guided walking tour: Brisbane the River City.

an artist artwork featured at Brisbane Unexpected’s International Street Art Walking Tour
The street art walking tour features works from artists.
Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Heathcote has evolved into the ultimate eco-escape for foodies

    Margaret Barca Margaret Barca
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    From cabins to canvas, craft distillers to destination dining, Heathcote locals reveal their eco-savvy passions in ways that resonate with those seeking to travel lightly. 

    Heathcote , on traditional Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, is synonymous with its garnet-hued shiraz, but wine isn’t the only string to its bow. The town itself is sprinkled with heritage buildings from the gold rush era, and beyond that a growing collection of sustainable gastronomy and eco-friendly escapes. Nearby Bendigo, one of only 65 cities in the world recognised as a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, plates up an astonishing calibre of produce, wine and food for its size. Increasingly the entire region is taking up the challenge, though Heathcote in particular shines with its focus on sustainability. 

    Pink Cliffs GeologicalReserve
    The dramatic landscape of Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Goodfrey)

    The eco-stays bringing sustainability to Heathcote 

    Yellow BoxWood’s safari-style tents
    Yellow Box Wood’s safari-style tents are nestled on 40 hectares of bushland. (Image: Emily Goodfrey)

    Andee and Lisa Davidson spent years working in southern Africa before settling in Heathcote. “We had a vision of how this could be,” explains Andee. “We wanted a retreat, but one that was off-grid and environmentally sustainable.” Now, at Yellow Box Wood , two luxury safari-style tents are at the heart of 40 hectares of rolling hills and native bush, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, goanna and birdlife aplenty. It’s all solar-powered, wood for the fire is mainly fallen timber, and water is collected on the carport roof.  No lack of creature comforts though – en suite with rain shower, espresso coffee maker, comfy seating, wood-burning fire all set to go. There’s also a solar-heated, mineral salt pool in a bush setting, walking tracks, and even a mini bush golf course.  On my visit, I put the vision to the test. Cocooned in the plush four-poster bed I can glimpse the stars, while the heater casts a golden glow on the canvas. In the morning, I wake to a blush-pink sunrise, kangaroos feeding and a soundtrack of magpies.

    Mt Ida Eco Cabin
    Mt Ida Eco Cabin is rustic and simple but oozes comfort. (Image: Graham Hosking)

    If a tent is not your style, Stephen and Cally Trompp’s carbon-neutral Mt Ida Eco Cabin might entice with its generous deck and farmland views.   Inside the cabin, corrugated iron walls as rusty as a shearing shed, gleaming (recycled) floorboards, timber truss ceiling (crafted by Stephen), wood-fired heater and an old-school turntable with a pile of vinyls to spin. It’s fun, and a little boho. “Everything is recycled. The cabin takes maximum advantage of the sun in winter. It’s all solar-powered. Don’t panic, though,” says Stephen, “you can still charge your phone and get 4G reception!” Settle into an Adirondack chair on the deck or pedal off on a mountain bike to suss out the wineries.  

    A taste of Spain in Central Victoria 

    Three Dams Estate
    Three Dams Estate make Spanish-style wine.

    Another person with a vision is Evan Pritchard at his Three Dams Estate where the wines reflect his deep love of Spain and of Spanish-style grapes, such as tempranillo. Afternoons in the ‘wine shed’ or cantina are matched with music (flamenco is a favourite), Spanish bites from tapas to paella (with Evan on the pans!) and views to Mount Alexander. Sustainability is also a passion. “You don’t need to buy anything. We decided to be off-grid from the start, but it is a lifestyle change,” he says. “You need to think about it and be careful.” Everything here is recycled, reassembled, refurbished. Evan has an electric car (with solar-powered charger), solar-power for the winery, and even a jaunty little electric tractor/forklift. “I love the idea of all the things you can do using the sun.” Sipping a crisp rosado (a Spanish rosé) with Evan in the sunshine, I couldn’t agree more. 

    The vineyard redefining sustainable winemaking 

    Silver Spoon winery
    The Silverspoon Estate winery is completely off-grid. (Image: Graham Hosking)

    On the other side of Heathcote, Silver Spoon Estate demonstrates sustainability on a more extensive scale. Tracie and Peter Young’s winery, cellar door, award-winning restaurant and their own house are all solar-powered and off the grid. Sustainability is intrinsic to everything they do.  The property sprawls across 100 hectares, with 20 hectares under vine – shiraz, viognier, grenache, tempranillo. As the climate has changed, so too has the approach. These are dry-grown vineyards. “We prune for drought. That means lower yields but more intense flavours,” says Peter.  The fine-dining restaurant offers sweeping views, a wood-burning fire and a deck for languid lunches. Head chef Ben Hong sources regional, sustainable ingredients and weaves estate wines into the menu – think crispy wild mushroom arancini, viognier-infused chicken breast.   

    Silver Spoon’s award-winning restaurant
    Silver Spoon’s award-winning restaurant.

    Heathcote’s other hidden gems 

    Heathcote Wine Hub
    Heathcote Wine Hub is housed in a 1855-built timber church.

    Not all local wineries have a cellar door, but I find local treasures at the Heathcote Wine Hub , a petite 1855 timber church in the main street, lovingly returned to life by Karen Robertson and Carey Moncrieff.  “Carey is a scrounger,” says Karen. “He doesn’t throw a single thing away.” He does, however, craft things into something quite special. Heritage floors, light-filtering lancet windows and shelves of regional wines create the perfect ambience for wine tasting. Or order a glass and linger over a cheese platter.  

    Heathcote is not all wine, of course. Nathan Wheat and partner Vanessa Curtis run Envy Distilling with a committed sustainable ethic – and a serious love of gin. Their small-batch distillery produces grape-based gin, and soon brandy. Distilled water is reused in an ingenious cooling system. All waste is treated on site. They buy excess wine from winemakers to distil and buy recycled barrels. “Distilling with the sun,” as Nathan says. Each Envy gin has its own story. Spicy, award-winning The Dry, is designed to capture the region’s dry, rugged nature. Pull up a stool at the bar (reclaimed timbers and tiles, of course), order a Gin Flight, or kick back with a cocktail and let Nathan share his eco journey.   

    Envy gins
    Sample gins at small-batch distillery Envy.

    A traveller’s checklist 

    Getting there

    It’s less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne. The scenic route we take goes past Sunbury, then along a splendid country road through Romsey and the magic, boulder-strewn landscape of Lancefield. Watch for kangaroos on the road! 

    Staying there

    Go off-grid in style at Yellow Box Wood for glamping or try Mt Ida Eco Cabin for a couple’s weekend hideaway. 

    Eating there

    French dishes at Chauncy
    Award-winning French restaurant Chauncy.

    At award-winning Chauncy , French chef Louis Naepels and sommelier wife Tess Murray have created a tiny, elegant pocket of rural France. Meticulously restored 1850s sandstone building, sun-drenched dining room, impeccable service, a menu suffused with local flavours and thoughtful wine pairings.  

    Fodder is both cafe and social hub. Chef Mo Pun and sister Lalita serve classic Aussie breakfast-to-lunch fare, though their Nepalese heritage sneaks through. 

    Playing there

    Sanguine Estate
    Sip on wines among the vines at Sanguine Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

    Sanguine Estate ’s cellar door and terrace overlook bucolic vineyards. Its award-winning, dry-grown wines include the distinctive D’Orsa Blanc dessert wine, reflecting the family’s Swiss-Italian heritage. Order a charcuterie board and stay a while. Keep it carbon neutral by cycling some (or all) of the 50-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail to Bendigo.  

    At Bridgeward Grove , learn about the property’s Old Mission Grove heritage olive trees, do a sommelier olive oil tasting, and stock up on sustainably grown olives and oil. Explore the unique landscape, wildflowers and wildlife of pink cliffs geological reserve.