September called – festivals, fun and spring vibes await!

September has arrived, bringing with it the first blush of spring. And while I’ll always have a soft spot for winter, there’s something about this season that really sparks joy. The cloudless, sunny days, yet still cosy enough nights. Fields bursting with flowers call for long walks in the fresh air. It’s all so dreamy.

All over Australia, streets and fields are beginning to bloom with colour, festivals are spilling into parks, and long days in the sunshine are top of the list. It’s truly the perfect month to get outdoors and soak up the season before the heat really kicks in. So grab your sunnies and your favourite floppy hat – these are the events blossoming across the country this month.

Taylah’s top picks of the month:

• Best foodie event: Coastal Forage, Jervis Bay, NSW (13–14 September)
• Best music event: Groove Tram, Bendigo, Vic (6–27 September)
• Best cultural event: Tallo Billa: Deep Listening at Dusk, Sunshine Coast, Qld (21 & 28 September)
• Best outdoor event: Kakadu Bird Week, Kakadu National Park, NT (24–28 September)
• Best arts event: Margaret River Open Studios, Margaret River, WA (13–28 September)

Upcoming events to keep on your radar:

• Wynyard Tulip Festival, Wynyard, Tas (11 October)
• Savour The Tweed, Tweed Heads, NSW (22–26 October)
• Harvest Rock, Adelaide, SA (25–26 October)
• Art of Banksy, Brisbane, Qld (from 5 November)
• Affordable Art Fair, Sydney, NSW (6–9 November)

What’s on in NSW in September

Kokoda Challenge
Sydney
20 September

Can you tackle the Sutherland Shire’s Kokoda Challenge?

Australia’s toughest team endurance event is coming to Sydney for the first time ever this month, inviting you and your most muscular mates to take it on! Held in the Sutherland Shire, the Kokoda Challenge is an epic athletic event that raises money for the Kokoda Youth Foundation’s transformative programs.

There are three tracks of varying difficulties to choose from. Beginners are encouraged to start with the 18-kilometre hike, but are free to join seasoned athletes on the 48-kilometre journey if they dare. Only the strongest will take on the third and final option, a monumental 96-kilometre trek that will push you to your limits.

Night at the Barracks
Sydney
12 September – 5 October

Head to Manly to experience an epic line-up. (Image: Night at the Barracks)

Perched on the cliffs above Sydney Harbour, North Head precinct in Manly is one of the seaside suburb’s coolest places to visit. Especially come September, when Night at the Barracks takes over for a month-long line-up of outdoor concerts.

Indulge in a diverse program of live open-air gigs under the stars, as well as food and drinks from local vendors. This year, guests can look forward to catching Aussie music icons such as Kate Ceberano, Lime Cordiale, Amy Shark, Ian Moss and more as they take to the stage.

Tulip Time
Bowral
12 September – 4 October

Bowral bursts to life with the colourful Tulip Time festival. (Image: Destination NSW)

Step into a floral wonderland at Bowral’s Corbett Gardens for the Tulip Time Flower Festival this September. Hand-planted tulips and vibrant annuals bursting in every shade create one of NSW’s most celebrated spring displays – perfect for flower lovers and photographers.

Beyond the blooms, the festival buzzes with live music, boutique markets and food trucks. Stroll the gardens, wander locally run stalls or simply soak up the sun with friends. It’s a joyful celebration of colour, community and all things Southern Highlands.

Sydney Contemporary
Sydney
11–14 September

Sydney Contemporary is one of the country’s best arts events. (Image: Wes Nel)

Presented at Carriageworks in the Sydney suburb of Eveleigh, Sydney Contemporary returns for its ninth edition, bringing 114 exhibitors and more than 500 artists with it. Its wide range of curated programs dives into everything from installation and performance to talks and even a calendar dedicated to kids.

This year will also see the premiere of a new section committed solely to photography – a first for the ever-popular arts event. Aptly titled Photo Sydney, it will provide a focused and commercial platform to the photographic medium, featuring inaugural exhibitors from across the country. 

Coastal Forage
Jervis Bay
13–14 September

Groups of up to 25 taste their way along the trail at intervals.

The annual Coastal Forage festival in Jervis Bay pairs the NSW South Coast‘s natural beauty with its freshest produce. Unfolding across one weekend, the program invites both locals and tourists alike to get a true taste of the region at one of its biggest drawcards – the beach!

Beginning at Moona Moona Creek Reserve, groups of 20–25 guests make their way along six picturesque kilometres of coastline, where 10 different degustation stations await in intervals. Part gourmet trail, part beachside bushwalk, Coastal Forage is about slowing down and savouring the connection between place, produce and people.

Sydney Fringe
Sydney
1–30 September

Check out interactive art installations as part of Fringe Fest.

This year’s edition of the beloved Sydney Fringe Festival will feature an exciting program of over 400 events from thousands of artists across all art forms. As Sydney’s largest independent arts festival and a stalwart of the city’s annual events calendar, you won’t want to miss it.

Find some of Australia’s best independent theatre-makers at Made in Sydney. Foodies will love Fringeville, which celebrates the local flavours of south-west Sydney. Over at the Touring Hub, you’ll find a diverse line-up of shows from the international Fringe circuit. Plus art, dance, comedy, music and more!

Après Club
Thredbo
Until 20 September

Party into the night as snowflakes fall around you.

Australia’s biggest free winter music series is wrapping up its four-month tenure at Thredbo Ski Resort this September. It’s your last chance to get amongst the sounds and snow, with just three more shows scheduled to complete the 10-act line-up.

Beginning back in June, Après Club has seen some of the country’s best high-energy acts take to the stage, including Peking Duck, Yolanda Be Cool and Sneaky Sound System. Now, it’s up to Mad.Day, Morning Maxwell and Fin Sullivan to round out the season with a bang.

Artmaking at the Homestead
Bundanon
21 September

Unleash your inner creative with Bundanon’s Artmaking series.

Head to Bundanon for Artmaking at the Homestead – a series of workshops run by the rural art and cultural precinct and hosted by a different artist in residence each month. For September, Blue Mountains creative Amber Hearn will lead guests on a gentle landscape walk before guiding them through an art session.

If you can’t make it this month, simply book in for another exciting upcoming artist! Afterwards, why not extend your visit with a stay in Bundanon’s stunning eco-designed accommodation, The Bridge? Just a 20-minute drive away on the Shoalhaven River, it’s the perfect place to wile away a weekend.

CronullaFest
Sydney
5–7 September

CronullaFest brings the beachside suburb to life come spring. (Image: Destination NSW)

Cronulla bursts into bloom this spring with CronullaFest! The Sutherland Shire suburb will light up with amusement rides and food trucks on Friday night, then transform Cronulla Street into a lively hub of 100+ market stalls from Saturday morning through to Sunday afternoon.

This year, the main stage in Cronulla Park will host local acts like The Scots College Brighton, Coogee Bay Road Band, WAM Dancers and more. It’s the perfect way to experience everything the stunning Sutherland Shire has on offer.

What’s on in Victoria in September

Bloom & Graze
Coldstream
13–14 September

Picnic among the blooms at CherryHill Orchard this spring.

In Victoria’s bucolic Yarra Valley, family-run CherryHill Orchards will officially open its gates ahead of harvest season with the inaugural Bloom & Graze festival. Running for the first two weekends of spring, the colourful celebration is all about waving off winter and welcoming the warmth.

A range of market stalls run by local businesses will take over the orchard as it begins to bloom, touting everything from wine and whiskey to cheese and crafts. Each vendor will run its own insightful workshop or demonstration, too. There will also be live music, kids’ entertainment, food trucks and a cherry-inspired farmgate store.

Tidal Seafood Festival
San Remo
19–21 September

The seaside town of San Remo is known for its top-notch seafood.

Lovers of salty, oceanic flavours should make haste to the seaside town of San Remo for the Tidal Seafood Festival. Come along to join the local community as they celebrate the culture, history and top-quality seafood this little pocket of Gippsland is known for.

As well as sampling tasty bites, visitors can also meet local producers and enjoy the sun as it starts to shine again come spring. Attend one of the many demonstrations and activities held throughout the festival to learn more about this cosy town’s rich fishing heritage.

International Foto Biennale
Ballarat
Throughout September

Catch awe-inspiring works from around the world.

Presented by Intrepid Travel, the International Foto Biennale in Ballarat is a hallmark event on the city’s arts calendar. Bringing the world’s leading photographers, digital creators and innovators together in one space, it’s a celebration of the creative energy that both artist and audience share.

This year, a never-before-seen blend of curated exhibitions, exciting pop‑ups, hands-on workshops, panel talks and more is taking over the city for eight weeks, all under the festival’s central theme – Lifeforce. There’s also a vibrant outdoor program for guests to enjoy, just in time for spring.

Groove Tram
Bendigo
6–27 September

Get ready for a good time onboard the Groove Tram.

Bendigo, are you ready to get your groove on? This month, the iconic Groove Tram is gearing up to take guests on a ride like no other. On select nights, tram punters can book one of two, adults-only, Groove Tram rides through the city and enjoy drinks and nibbles along the way.

Each journey will have its very own vibe, too, thanks to a rotating headline of the city’s top musicians. Locals like David Turpie, Slide, Ally G and Caitie & Co. are warming their vocal chords as we speak, so grab your tickets now!

What’s on in Queensland in September

Brisbane Festival
Brisbane
5–27 September

Wander along the festival’s Craig & Karl public art trail. (Image: JD Lin)

The river city’s most anticipated event of the year is back and better than ever. The curated multi-arts Brisbane Festival presents a bold program sure to captivate audiences through mesmerising performances and installations from local, national and international arts innovators.

This year, guests can expect everything from comedy and cabaret to fashion and film, music and movement to theatre and talks. In fact, there’s an event for almost every arts lover – tours, workshops, live gigs – you name it. So what are you waiting for? Tickets are on sale now!

Carnival of Flowers
Toowoomba
12 September – 6 October

Admire incredible gardenscapes at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.

Toowoomba in Queensland is known for two things: as the home of the Lamington, and the host of the Carnival of Flowers. Held every year at the beginning of spring, this vibrant event brings colour back to Toowoomba in spades, with more than 40 million flowers on display.

Bringing together the region’s best food, wine, flora and entertainment across the city’s public parks and spaces, it showcases all that Toowoomba and its surrounds have to offer. Along with beautiful blooms, guests can enjoy tasting tours, festive feasts, themed parades (there’s even one dedicated to dogs), lawn parties and more.

Swell Sculpture Festival
Gold Coast
12–21 September

Marvel at manmade sculptures along the shores of Currumbin Beach.

September sees the return of the much-loved SWELL Sculpture Festival, Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition. Attracting beach lovers and art enthusiasts alike, visitors can admire over 80 looming, contemporary sculptures along the picturesque shores of Currumbin.

There will also be an exciting array of pop-up exhibitions across some of the Gold Coast’s most gorgeous beaches. As well as meeting both local and international artists, guests can take part in guided walks, attend workshops, enjoy live music, join artist talks and more.

Tallo Billa: Deep Listening at Dusk
Sunshine Coast
21 & 28 September

Your chances of spotting a whale during Tallo Billa are high. (Image: Sunreef)

For just two days this month, dive and marine tours operator Sunreef is operating its intimate Tallo Billa: Deep Listening at Dusk cruises from the Sunshine Coast suburb of Mooloolaba. Head out onto the water as the sun sets for a deep-listening experience.

Immerse yourself in the soundtrack of whale song through hydrophones, mixed live by Dr Leah Barclay with storytelling and didgeridoo by Lyndon Davis. Held during the height of migration season, it’s also the perfect place to spot whales as they make their way north along the coast.

Prison Island
Brisbane
From 4 September

Will you be able to escape Prison Island?

From the creators of Bubble Planet and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibition, both currently running in Sydney, Prison Island is the Queensland capital’s latest fun night out. Packed with adrenaline, teamwork and challenges, the escape room-like experience delivers a thrilling adventure, brought to life by immersive entertainment specialists Make It Now.

Prison Island features more than 30 unique cells, each offering a different combination of action games, sports and skills-based tests. Teams of two to five players have 90 minutes to conquer as many challenges as possible, using logical thinking, dexterity and physical ability. Will you be able to break free?

What’s on in Tasmania in September

Junction Arts Festival
Launceston
12–21 September

Junction Arts Festival returns for its 15th year in Launceston.

Junction Arts Festival is an annual gathering of extraordinary art experiences in unusual spaces throughout the city of Launceston. Junction was first presented as a one-off event annexed to the 2010 Regional Arts Australia Conference.

Since then, it has filled a creative niche and prompted Events Tasmania and the City of Launceston to support it annually, much to the delight of Northern Tasmanian artists and audiences. This year, expect a lush springtime celebration with plenty of free and ticketed events.

CHArts Festival
Stanley
31 August – 5 October

The festival is held in the tiny fishing village of Stanley. (Image: Jess Bonde)

Held in the village of Stanley in Tassie’s rugged north-west, the annual CHArts Festival is a month-long celebration of the region’s culture, heritage and arts scene. It’s all about showcasing local creatives while offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy exhibitions, mostly displayed by local businesses.

A highlight of the program each year is the Spring Swim – because what better way to farewell winter than a plunge in the Bass Strait? Join the community as they gather to do just that at Godfrey’s Beach, whether you dare to take a dip or just want to watch from the shore.

Hadley’s Art Prize
Hobart
Until 21 September

Admire interpretations of the Aussie landscape at Hadley’s Orient Hotel in Hobart. (Image: Jessica King)

Founded in 2017 by the majority owners of the Hadley’s Orient Hotel in Hobart, the Hadley’s Art Prize celebrates the work of our country’s best landscape artists. While this year’s winner has already been announced – Thunder Shifts the Shivering Sands by Sophie Cape – the exhibition runs until late September.

Selected for the best portrayal of Australia’s landscape, this year’s 29 finalists represent both emerging and established artists from across the nation. Admire a wide array of mediums on display at the hotel, including painting, drawing, printmaking, digital collage, photography and ceramics.

What’s on in Western Australia in September

Perth Royal Show
Perth
27 September – 4 October

The Perth Royal Show is Western Australia’s largest annual community event, welcoming countless visitors from across the state and beyond since 1834. This year, the show will continue to honour its traditional values of connecting the city and country.

Expect a unique mix of traditional agricultural fair events, entertainment, rides and attractions, great WA food, educational exhibits and more. With both new precincts and old favourites, it’s the perfect day out in Perth for the whole family.

Margaret River Open Studios
Margaret River
13–28 September

Visit artists like Chloe Wilder as they open their studios to the public. (Image: Luke Latty)

The annual Margaret River Open Studios will see over 150 artists specialising in a rich array of mediums open their private studios across this stunning wine region throughout September. The 16-day event provides the perfect opportunity for creatives to meet, chat and network, as well as art enthusiasts from across the country.

Whether you’re keen to meet your favourite local artist or discover someone completely new, there’s plenty to be inspired by from Busselton to Augusta. As well as studio openings, there will also be a colourful array of workshops, classes, and events to get involved with.

Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show
Ravensthorpe
8–20 September

Catch gorgeous floral displays at the local Town Hall. (Image: Peter Albion)

Each spring, this tiny WA town transforms into a rainbow of more than 700 wildflower species, many found nowhere else in the world. The Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show is held at the local Town Hall and also includes stunning art displays and craft stalls.

Beyond the hall, the program spills outdoors with guided walks, 4WD tours, geology talks and ranger-led adventures through Fitzgerald River National Park. Foodies should book Fervour Food – a delightful Indigenous degustation. It’s the perfect way to see WA’s wild side in full bloom.

South West Japan Festival
South West WA
8–21 September

From Busselton to Bunbury and everywhere in between, the two-week South West Japan Festival is taking over WA’s south west region for its eighth year. Program highlights include the Floating Lantern Festival, Busselton Jetty Sushi Train and Bunbury Matsuri Day.

 There will also be koi kite workshops, pub quizzes, dinner degustations, history tours and more! It’s culture, cuisine, creativity, and community rolled into one colourful celebration.

WanderFest
Perth Hills
26–29 September

Explore the Perth Hills with WanderFest. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Outdoor enthusiasts should be lacing up their hiking boots and making tracks for the Perth Hills WanderFest this month. Designed to help attendees reconnect with nature, the four-day event features a range of guided hikes in five stunning destinations across the region.

The Perth Hills is actually among some of the state’s dreamiest hiking regions, spanning Armadale, Kalamunda, Mundaring, Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Gidgegannup. From waterfalls to wildflowers, it’s the perfect excuse to get outside, get your steps up and make new friends along the way.

What’s on in South Australia in September

Royal Adelaide Show
Adelaide
5–13 September

There are plenty of rides to enjoy. (Image: The Royal Agricultural & Horticultural Society of SA)

For one week in September, the Royal Adelaide Show takes over the South Australian capital to deliver fun for the whole family. Established in 1839, the show has fostered and encouraged the rural industries of South Australia for 181 years.

This year’s program is absolutely jam-packed. Think petting zoos, horticultural and handicraft displays, tours, foodie experiences, rides and live entertainment. Kids will love the Farmyard Nursery, while mum and dad can join the Cellar Door Experience.

Rock N Roll Festival
Victor Harbor
19–21 September

Swing into September with the Rock N Roll Festival in Victor Harbor on South Australia’s beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Dust off your best dance shoes and get ready to boogie, it’s going to be a big one!

Inspired by the 1950s and ’60s, the event is all about letting loose and having fun. Along with a good dance, attendees can enjoy live music, memorabilia, market stalls, coastal views and an impressive historic vehicle display.

AirTouch 500
Tailem Bend
12–14 September

The AirTouch 500 is the state’s hottest motorsports event. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The AirTouch 500 roars into Shell V-Power Motorsport Park this September, bringing a global-first double billing of the Repco Supercars Championship and FIA Kumho TCR World Tour. Motorsport fans can expect world-class endurance racing and international teams across three adrenaline-fuelled days.

Beyond the track, the weekend buzzes with concerts, stunt shows, dirt-track racing, camping and more. With the 500-kilometre Enduro Cup opener adding to the thrill, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest weekends on Australia’s motorsports calendar.

What’s on in the Northern Territory in September

Kakadu Bird Week
Kakadu National Park
24–28 September

Spot native birdlife like the adorable rainbow bee-eater. (Image: Tourism NT/Paul Thomsen)

After a long winter cosied away, the hundreds of bird species that call Kakadu National Park home emerge for the spring season. Instead of spotting buds and blooms, you’ll be on the lookout for azure kingfishers, rainbow bee-eaters, partridge pigeons, magpie geese and more.

BYO binoculars to witness how the season comes to life in a different way during Kakadu Bird Week, accompanied by beautiful birdsong, gushing waterfalls, wetland cruises and bush tucker cook-ups. It’s a whole new way to experience spring.

Desert Mob
Alice Springs
11 September – 26 October

Admire incredible artworks by First Nations artists at Desert Mob.

It’s not about flowers at Desert Mob, it’s about something way cooler. Head out to Alice Springs/Mparntwe this September to witness the convergence of more than 30 Art Centres from across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia.

The result is an unforgettable collection of events – an exhibition, artist talks, after-dark events and a huge artwork marketplace, all celebrating First Nations artists. Guests can participate in an incredible program that also includes workshops, studio tours, live performances and more.

MXGP
Darwin
19–21 September

The highly anticipated MXGP is returning Down Under. (Image: Getty Images/Fabian Seligmann)

September may just be the month of motorsports, with the MXGP returning to Australia after 24 years with a global-level showdown at Darwin’s Hidden Valley raceway. The purpose-built track, complete with 21 jumps and 22 corners, will not only host the MXGP, but also the MX2, WMX and junior State Challenge classes.

Australia’s motocross best will go head-to-head with world champions, including 25 professional wildcard riders across classes. With thousands of fans expected, this blockbuster weekend promises speed, spectacle and the perfect excuse for an epic Top End adventure.

What’s on in the ACT in September

Charles Bean Research Centre Opening
Canberra
18 September – 10 October

Guests will have exclusive access to the archives on a guided tour.

Celebrate the opening of the new Charles Bean Research Centre in the heart of Canberra this September. To mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, guests are invited to join knowledgeable staff on exclusive behind-the-scenes tours.

Each tour touches on a different topic, from the Australian Women’s Land Army to the War Artists of Garden Island. But regardless of which one you join, you’ll get access to the new archive, see treasures and original artefacts and hear stories from the collection. Sessions start at 2 pm.

Floriade
Canberra
13 September – 12 October

Don’t miss Dog’s Day Out at Floriade!

Arguably the biggest celebration of spring around the country, any mention of flower festivals would be incomplete without Floriade. Held for a full month in the nation’s capital, this epic event has been blooming every spring since 1988.

Floriade is the perfect day out for the whole family. Visitors can look forward to live entertainment, music, food and wine, horticultural workshops, market stalls, art displays and more. This year’s theme is ‘Science and Nature’, so get ready to put your thinking cap on!

Canberra Baking Show
Canberra
24 September

The Baking Association of Australia is cooking up a treat this month at the Canberra Institute of Technology – and you’re invited. If you have a penchant for freshly baked goods, get ready to indulge at the Canberra Baking Show.

From sweet pastries and fruit-filled cakes to just-out-of-the-oven bread and hearty meat pies, there’s plenty on offer for all taste buds. At the end of the day, the best from each category will be crowned the winner; it’s a delicious day you don’t want to miss.