Save the date for the hottest family-friendly events and festivals in Australia 2021 to 2022
Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, NSW
November 5, 2021-January 26, 2022
Immerse yourself in a magical illuminated world at the largest Christmas lights display in the Southern Hemisphere. The well-manicured gardens, around two hours’ drive north of Sydney, make a magnificent backdrop for the popular annual event. There will be more than three million lights on show, with themed displays including ‘Hunter’ the giant teddy bear, Giant Castle and Around the World, as well as amusement rides, roving entertainment, food and drinks.
Little Vic Bike Ride, Victoria
March 31-April 3, 2022
After cancelling the 2021 Great Victorian Bike Ride due to COVID-19, the Bicycle Network will instead host a four-day event next year, rebranded as The Little Vic. The 235km, four-day riding and camping holiday will start in Halls Gap and include stays at Dunkeld and Halls Gap, with a finish at Seppelt Winery in Great Western.
Mango Madness Festival, Northern Territory
November 6, 2021
Packed with family-friendly fun and entertainment, the Mango Madness Festival showcases the best of Darwin’s mango-inspired food and drinks, including tasting stalls, a cocktail masterclass from the winning Mango Cup team, Dom’s Bar & Lounge, and a mango-eating competition.
A Taste of the Huon, Tasmania
March 13-14, 2022
Pack your picnic chairs and rugs for this annual celebration of food, wine, entertainment and arts and crafts from the Huon Valley and Channel region. The event is held at Ranelagh, 30 minutes’ drive south of Hobart, in a region that produces apples, cherries, berries, mushrooms, wine, salmon and truffles.
Curiocity Brisbane and World Science Festival, Queensland
March 2022
This festival of science, art and technology spreads across the city, with engaging and interactive installations and demonstrations at places such as the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and South Bank. It also incorporates the World Science Festival, which takes the beauty of science outdoors with a jam-packed program to inspire young and mature minds alike.
FRINGE WORLD, Western Australia
January 14-February 13, 2022
Polish the mermaid tank – it’s time for Perth’s annual entertainment extravaganza. From music and musicals to comedy and circus, there’s something for everyone at FRINGE WORLD, which is the third largest fringe festival on the planet. The event is presented by charity ARTRAGE Inc, which is one of the oldest arts organisations in Western Australia.
National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant, South Australia
November 13, 2021
Marking the start of the festive season in Adelaide, this event sees hundreds of thousands of happy faces lining the 3km route to watch the parade pass by. The Pageant began in 1933 and is one of the largest free community parades in the world. It boasts 174 moving theatrical sets, including 270 certified clowns and elves, 65 floats, 18 bands, four penny farthings, 33 dance groups, five choirs and a live DJ/rapper.
Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes Exhibition, ACT
December 17, 2021-May 1, 2022
See more than 170 objects on loan from the British Museum in this major exhibition at Canberra’s National Museum of Australia. These beautiful and engaging objects tell a story of the competitive spirit and intense rivalry of the Ancient Greeks, which flourished in sporting and battle arenas and inspired excellence in music and drama.
