Mark your calendar! These are summer's hottest city events

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.

The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.

If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.

Where to stay

The Westin Melbourne

Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.

Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.

Where to eat and drink

1. Allegro

Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.

The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.

2. Lobby Lounge

the westin melbourne lobby lounge — Step into the Lobby Lounge.

Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .

The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.

For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.

3. Other places to dine

diners at supernormal melbourne — There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.

Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.

Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.

While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.

Things to do

1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces

a bridge across yarra river — Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.

A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.

2. Browse the boutique galleries

two women looking at an exhibition in the national gallery of victoria — See the collections of NGV. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Independent art galleries are practically synonymous with Melbourne, and many of them are conveniently situated in the city centre. You can easily hop between Flinders Lane Gallery , Arc One Gallery , Outre Gallery , Caves Gallery , Gallery Funaki and D’Lan Contemporary , allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant art scene in a single day.

If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.

3. Catch some live music

live music at the cherry bar in melbourne — Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.

Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.

4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG

three punters in big hats at the melbourne cricket ground — Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.

Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.

5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre

the inside steps of melbourne's regent theatre — Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.

Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.

Whatever draws you to Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is at the centre of it all. Start preparing for an adventure at marriott.com.

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