Here’s how to make the most of the mid-year.
For me, it always happens the same way. The temperatures drop and the realisation hits: somehow, against all logic and reason, we’re officially halfway through the year. I don’t know about you, but this revelation is usually followed by a brief but dramatic emotional spiral.
Thankfully, June’s packed calendar of feel-good events is here to provide the perfect distraction. Because sometimes all it takes is a cosy winter festival, XXX or XXX to make everything feel alright again.
Taylah’s top picks of the month:
- Best foodie event: Eat Local Month, Scenic Rim, Qld (until 29 June)
- Best music event: Cabaret Festival, Adelaide, SA (5–21 June)
- Best cultural event: Ningaloo Sky Festival, Exmouth, WA (2–29 June)
- Best outdoor event: Finke Desert Race, Alice Springs, NT (6–9 June)
- Best arts event: Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala, Sydney, NSW (from 21 June)
Upcoming events to keep on your radar:
- Christmas in July in Canberra, ACT (3–6 July)
- Winter Wonderlights in Ballarat, Vic (4–27 July)
- National Indigenous Art Fair in Sydney, NSW (5–6 July)
- The Curated Plate on the Sunshine Coast, Qld (25 July – 3 August)
- Beaker Street Festival in Hobart, Tas (12–19 August)
What’s on in NSW in June
LAVA Festival
The Tweed
26–28 June
One of the state’s most under-the-radar arts regions is stepping into the spotlight, bringing with it an impressive program of local artists and community events. Set in Murwillumbah and flowing into its surrounding villages, LAVA Festival showcases a different side of The Tweed through creative exhibitions, live performances, open studios and collaborative conversations.
Sydney Film Festival
Sydney
3–14 June
In 2026, the 73rd Sydney Film Festival is bringing a fresh batch of global cinema to its namesake city. Movie buffs can expect over 200 films to roll out at a number of iconic venues, including the State Theatre, Hayden Orpheum and Art Gallery of New South Wales. Between screenings, be sure to check out the festival hub at Town Hall, where food trucks, panel talks, trivia nights, themed parties, music gigs and more await.
Harvest Festival
Central Coast
6–7 June
The Harvest Festival will bloom again this June to celebrate the Central Coast’s seasonal bounty. Meandering your way through vibrant hinterland villages, you’ll venture beyond the farm gate to learn about local produce and the communities that grow it. Food aside, the two-day program features a variety of immersive experiences, including markets, workshops, tours and plenty of farmyard cuddles.
Makers & Shakers Market
Sydney
13–14 June
The ever-creative Makers & Shakers Market returns to Sydney this month, with over 180 independent crafters and designers setting up shop in Rozelle’s White Bay Cruise Terminal. Browse stalls touting 100 per cent Australian-made products, from fashion and food to homewares and artwork. There will also be crafty workshops to participate in, vinyl DJ-sets to listen to and taste local food to try.
Old Days, New Days
Bowral
Until 14 June
Tucked into one of Australia’s cosiest country towns, Ngununggula Regional Gallery has unveiled Old Days, New Days | Arlta-imankinya, Arlta-errama – an intimate female-only exhibition on view until mid-June. Through mediums like painting, sculpture, video and textiles, Tangentyere and Yarrenyty Arltere artists explore the vital role women play within family and community life across generations.
Glow
Sydney
Until 14 June
GLOW is making a luminous return to Sydney Zoo this winter. Lighting up Bungarribee from May to mid-June, the immersive after-dark experience winds through the zoo grounds, with striking light installations and immersive soundscapes guiding the way. Beyond the trail, guests can fill up at a variety of food trucks before exploring the carnival-esque entertainment precinct.
Zin Feasting
Mudgee
6 June
As one of Mudgee’s top dining destinations, Zin House hardly needs an excuse for a visit – but Zin Feasting is a pretty compelling one. Celebrating the diverse cultures behind the restaurant’s culinary team, the new series pairs locally grown produce with innovative grazing menus inspired by a different destination each month. In June, guests are being transported to Italy, no passport required.
Avatar: The Art of Vishnu
Sydney
From 20 June
Over 200 works spanning 15 centuries opens at the Art Gallery of NSW this June, the cultural institution’s largest display of Southeast Asian art in more than 20 years. Avatar: The Art of Vishnu is the first Australian exhibition devoted to Vishnu, the Hindu deity of universal order, peace and justice, described by gallery director Maud Page as unprecedented, expansive and unmissable.
What’s on in Victoria in June
Rising
Melbourne
Until 8 June
As the temperature drops across Melbourne, Rising turns up the heat. Taking over theatres and laneways across the city, this exciting winter festival unites music, performance and immersive art by local and international artists. A variety of free and ticketed events include everything from late-night DJ sets and dance floors to large-scale installations and experimental live shows.
Woodend Winter Arts Festival
Macedon Ranges
5–8 June
If you’re craving a cosy getaway with a cultural twist, the Woodend Winter Arts Festival is just the ticket. Celebrating 21 years this June, the beloved event transforms the Macedon Ranges into a hub of music, words, film and big ideas across one long weekend. Expect live performances and panel talks across a variety of genres, paired with the kind of atmosphere that truly inspires.
Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy
Melbourne
From 26 June
Melbourne’s NGV will host Ragnar Kjartansson: Mercy this June, marking the Icelandic artist’s solo debut Down Under and the world premiere of multiple new works. Drawn from a range of cinematic, literary and musical references, the exhibition highlights Kjartansson’s unique ability to balance comedic irony with sincerity, grounded in universal themes like love and melancholy.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
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East Gippsland Winter Festival
Gippsland
19 June – 19 July
Experience a unique spin on the cold season at the month-long East Gippsland Winter Festival. Running over both the winter solstice and Victoria’s winter school holidays, the program includes live ice sculpting, fire shows, creative workshops, warming feasts, wellness experiences and more. From Benambra to Bemm River and everywhere in between, nowhere does winter quite like this.
Fondue Chalet
Melbourne
Until 28 June
If Europe isn’t on the cards, Fondue Chalet might be the next best thing. Returning for another season, the cosy pop-up turns Melbourne’s Federation Square into a French alpine village complete with private wooden chalets, fire pits and plenty of melted cheese. Choose between classic fondue or raclette, pair it with mulled wine, and you’ve got yourself the perfect winter date night.
Winter Wonderlights
Ballarat
26 June – 19 July
Rug up this month for Winter Wonderlights, which sees Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill transformed into a dazzling display of light, sound and festive cheer. Come for the spectacular light show and stay for everything else, from outdoor fire pits and mulled wine to carol singers and cosy market chalets. Add in falling faux snow and you’ve got all the makings of a Hallmark Christmas movie.
What’s on in Queensland in June
Eat Local Month
Scenic Rim
1–30 June
Eat Local Month is a gastronome’s dream. The festival of farming and food unfolds across Queensland’s Scenic Rim region, just one hour’s drive from Brisbane, with a packed program of flavour-filled events. Why not try a spirit blending workshop? Or a winemaking masterclass? Maybe you’d rather a farm tour? Or a long lunch in the sun. No matter your pick, you won’t be going home hungry.
Cooly Rocks On
Gold Coast
3–7 June
Celebrate the music, fashion and lifestyle of yesteryear at Cooly Rocks On, where the Gold Coast leaps across the NSW/Queensland border. This year, there’s a lot for you to get excited about, with live rock music, vintage car displays, swing dancing, pin-up pageants and market stalls. Don’t miss the annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition for serious sequins and sideburns.
Ecofiesta
Cairns
21 June
Known as a premier sustainability event, the Cairns Ecofiesta is a platform for sharing net-zero news and sustainable living solutions. With expert panels, local markets and hands-on workshops, there’s plenty to discover – and all for free. Aptly held on the doorstep of our precious Great Barrier Reef, it’s an eco-conscious day for both learning and leisure.
Noosa Food & Wine Festival
Noosa
11–14 June
Sample the best of Queensland’s food bowl at the Noosa Food & Wine Festival, where the best of the region’s fresh seasonal produce is packed into four flavour-filled days. Everyone from restauranteurs and winemakers to farmers and producers are involved in the program, bringing their knowledge and expertise to one-off collabs, beachside lunches, live cooking demos and more.
What’s on in Tasmania in June
Bicheno Beams
Bicheno
27 June – 25 July
Recently crowned the best town in Australia, Bicheno is giving travellers yet another reason to visit this month. Across 22 immersive nights, Bicheno Beams will light up the skies above Tassie’s east coast with magnificent crisscrossing lasers and colourful lights, all set to a specially synchronised soundtrack. Clearly, Bicheno isn’t letting its new title go to waste.
Dark Mofo
Hobart
11–22 June
Dark Mofo is returning this June with another bold and boundary-pushing program, transforming Hobart with a line-up of events that range from the dazzling and divine to the downright disturbing. In 2026, cult-favourite rituals like the Ogoh-Ogoh, Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim are all on the cards, as well as live music, public exhibitions, performance art and more.
Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival
St Helens
5–14 June
The Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival showcases the diversity of art found in St Helens on Tasmania’s picturesque north-east coast. Spanning a range of mediums, the program includes everything from open studios to art. Select prize winners will also be announced over the 10-day event, including the Bay of Fires Art Prize, Youth Art Prize and epic $20,000 Art Prize.
Light Up The West
West Coast
18–21 June
What’s on in Western Australia in June
NINGALOO SKY FESTIVAL
EXMOUTH
27–29 JUNE
Delight in the raw beauty of WA’s Coral Coast at the 2025 Ningaloo Sky Festival, a celebration of the region’s natural wonders. Held in the sleepy town of Exmouth, guests are invited to experience a melting pot of cultures, where traditional flavours meet local live music and astronomy talks share the stage with drone shows – all under the blanket of Ningaloo’s breathtaking starscape. It’s the perfect place to escape the winter chill this season.
ALBANY CLASSIC
ALBANY
1 JUNE
Experience the spectacle of vintage and classic cars competing on a contemporary street circuit at the Albany Classic ‘Around the Houses’ this June. This leading historic motorsport event presents a wide variety of cars from vintage wire wheels, post-vintage and classics, as well as open-wheel racers and big cube muscle cars.
Alongside the action in Albany, this family-friendly festival also hosts a variety of kids’ activities, markets, car displays, food stalls and exhibitions, alongside an epic display of vintage cars and street machines. Tickets are on sale now!
ROTTNEST RUNNING FESTIVAL
ROTTNEST ISLAND
15 JUNE
The Rottnest Running Festival is a community-minded event presented by the West Australian Marathon Club, with all proceeds donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Now in its 31st year, the race takes place on the stunning Rottnest Island and showcases some of its most spectacular views.
From the full and half marathon to a 10-kilometre race and a five-kilometre fun run, there’s something suited to all abilities. The 300-metre Simmos Quokka Dash is also back for its fifth year. Available for children eight and below (or young ones who cannot compete in the five-kilometre race), it’s an adorable dash to the finish line.
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What’s on in South Australia in June
CABARET FESTIVAL
ADELAIDE
5–21 JUNE
Now in its 25th year, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival is the biggest cabaret festival globally and a major event in the Australian arts calendar. It’s garnered a reputation for highlighting national and international artists through an eclectic program of classic and contemporary performances. This year is no different, with artists like Reuben Kaye, Rizo, Bobby Fox, Mitch Tambo and more taking to the stage to showcase their talents.
WINTER WHALE FEST
VICTOR HARBOR
1–30 JUNE
Celebrate the arrival of Southern Right Whales at the 2025 Winter Whale Fest. This magnificent creature can grow anywhere between 14 and 18 metres and has a lifespan of up to 100 years, so witnessing them in the wild is a rare and beautiful sight you won’t want to miss.
The month-long festival isn’t just about welcoming the whales, though. It has been crafted to engage and educate visitors about whale conservation and the marine environment as well. This year, there will be more than 25 events across the Fleurieu Peninsula – one of the best whale watching spots in Australia.
GIN FESTIVAL
ADELAIDE
20–22 JUNE
Join 55 boutique distillers as they showcase over 200 uniquely crafted gins for you to sample and purchase at the Adelaide Gin Festival. Grab your tote bag at the door of the Adelaide Convention Centre and make your way around to some of the best distillers across the country.
Classic, mature-aged and flavoured gins will all be on tap. If you’re looking to get experimental, there will also be plenty of new and contemporary flavours. Find a new favourite? Purchase it and pop it into that handy tote of yours. There will also be food trucks onsite to feed grumbling bellies. Tickets are on sale now and selling out fast!
What’s on in the Northern Territory in June
FINKE DESERT RACE
ALICE SPRINGS
6–9 JUNE
Once a year, across an unforgiving expanse of the Northern Territory, over 500 cars, motorbikes, buggies and ATVs take on 460 kilometres of rugged off-road terrain. To cross the finish line in the remote community of Aputula two days later is to officially conquer the Finke Desert Race. And while it may take weeks to rid your pores of the red dirt, you’ll have experienced the Australian outback like never before.
NT WRITERS FESTIVAL
ALICE SPRINGS
29 MAY– 1 JUNE
For four days across Alice Springs/Mparntwe, the NT Writers Festival will bring panel talks, readings and immersive events celebrating story, language, ideas and culture to audiences. This year, join a brilliant line-up of writers and thinkers as they explore the theme of reverberations.
The 2025 program is sure to get readers and writers excited. There will be a number of unforgettable events delivered by incredible talents, including Winnie Dunn, Veronica Gorrie, Sam Elkin, Linda Wells and more.
BETR DARWIN TRIPLE CROWN
DARWIN
20–22 JUNE
There’s something for the whole family at the Betr Darwin Triple Crown this year. The 2025 program promises to be bigger and better than ever too, with supercars, muscle cars, V8 superutes, combined sedans and more taking to the track.
Get amongst the action with an epic pit-lane walk, driver signing session, night transporter convoy and more. Paired with the Northern Territory’s incredible weather and tourism experiences, the Betr Darwin Triple Crown is a must on the Top End’s events calendar.
ALICE SPRINGS BEANIE FESTIVAL
ALICE SPRINGS
20–23 JUNE
Come the colder months, beanies are a closet essential. But in Central Australia, the handmade hats are so much more; they’re celebrated as a distinctive regional art form at the Alice Springs Beanie Festival. As well as browsing hundreds of unique beanies, visitors can join a textile workshop or Indigenous beanie-making lesson, too. It’s also a great opportunity to explore this spectacular region and all it has to offer.
What’s on in the ACT in June
AFTER-DARK TRUFFLE FEST
CANBERRA
20 JUNE
If you’re after a winter evening that feels straight out of a storybook, the After Dark Truffle Fest at Beltana Farm is calling your name. For one night only, Canberra’s premier truffle experience will light up the night with glowing fairylights, a moonlit barbecue, truffle trees and a cosy fireside feast.
Guests can wander the farm with a glass of wine in hand, learn about the magic of truffle season from onsite farmer Alice and indulge in a cheeky shared menu laced with the gourmet fungi of the night. It’s the ultimate way to welcome (and celebrate) truffle season.
NATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL OF AUSTRALIA
CANBERRA
12–15 JUNE
Wine lovers, mark your calendars. Canberra is set to host the ultimate celebration of Australian winemaking with the launch of the National Wine Festival. To honour the 50th anniversary of the National Wine Show of Australia, the festival kicks off with a trophy presentation dinner at Parliament House. There will be over 1000 wines to sample across four days, as well as exclusive events and a showcase of the latest in Aussie viticulture. Cheers to that!
GIANTS VS PORT ADELAIDE
CANBERRA
7 JUNE
If you’re craving some live footy, mark your calendar. The GWS Giants are set to face Port Adelaide at Manuka Oval for Round 13 of the AFL Premiership season. Expect a day filled with powerful performances, cultural acknowledgments, and the electric atmosphere that only AFL can deliver before watching the teams go head to head on the field. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the game, this is a match not to be missed!
