Australia is home to some of the world’s most exciting festivals and events, celebrating everything from music and arts to food and sports. Whether you’re a local looking for a road trip adventure or a visitor eager to experience Australian culture, driving to these events offers flexibility, scenic routes, and the chance to explore hidden gems along the way. Here’s a list of must-visit festivals in Australia and how to get there by car.
1. Sydney Festival (New South Wales)
📅 When: January
📍 Where: Sydney, NSW
Sydney Festival transforms the city into a massive cultural playground with live music, theater, dance performances, and visual arts. Events are spread across the city, from Hyde Park to Barangaroo and beyond.
🚗 How to Get There:
- If you’re driving from Brisbane, take the Pacific Highway (A1) for a scenic 10-hour drive down the coast.
- From Melbourne, the Hume Highway (M31) offers a direct route, taking about 9 hours.
- Parking in Sydney CBD can be tricky, so consider using park-and-ride facilities or staying in a suburb like Parramatta and commuting into the city.
2. Australian Open (Victoria)
📅 When: January
📍 Where: Melbourne, VIC
One of the biggest Grand Slam tennis tournaments in the world, the Australian Open attracts top players and fans from all over. The matches are held at Melbourne Park, near the Yarra River.
🚗 How to Get There:
- If driving from Sydney, take the Hume Highway (M31) for an 8–9 hour drive.
- From Adelaide, the Western Highway (A8) will take you to Melbourne in about 8 hours.
- Once in Melbourne, parking near Melbourne Park can be expensive, so book a spot early or use public transport from your accommodation.
3. Adelaide Fringe Festival (South Australia)
📅 When: February – March
📍 Where: Adelaide, SA
The Adelaide Fringe is the second-largest arts festival in the world, featuring comedy, cabaret, theater, and visual arts. The entire city comes alive with performances in parks, theaters, and even on the streets.
🚗 How to Get There:
- From Melbourne, take the Western Highway (A8) for a 7–8 hour drive through the scenic Grampians region.
- From Sydney, it’s a longer drive (about 14 hours), so consider stopping overnight in Mildura or Wagga Wagga.
4. Vivid Sydney (New South Wales)
📅 When: May – June
📍 Where: Sydney, NSW
Vivid Sydney turns the city into a spectacular light show, with Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and other landmarks illuminated with breathtaking digital art.
🚗 How to Get There:
- From Canberra, take the Federal Highway (M23) for a quick 3-hour drive.
- From Melbourne, plan for a 9-hour road trip along the Hume Highway.
Parking can be challenging, so book accommodation nearby or use public transport after parking on the outskirts.
5. Splendour in the Grass (New South Wales)
📅 When: July
📍 Where: Byron Bay, NSW
This iconic music festival features international and Aussie artists, drawing thousands of music lovers to Byron Bay.
🚗 How to Get There:
- From Brisbane, it’s an easy 2-hour drive along the Pacific Motorway (M1).
- From Sydney, expect an 8-hour drive up the coast via the Pacific Highway (A1).
- Parking is limited, so consider booking a campsite or accommodation nearby.
6. Melbourne Cup Carnival (Victoria)
📅 When: November
📍 Where: Melbourne, VIC
Dubbed “The Race That Stops a Nation,” the Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most famous horse race. The week-long carnival features fashion, food, and entertainment.
🚗 How to Get There:
- From Sydney, drive down the Hume Highway (M31) for around 9 hours.
- From Adelaide, it’s an 8-hour drive via the Western Highway (A8).
Since Flemington Racecourse gets crowded, consider staying outside the city and taking the train or tram into the venue.
7. Woodford Folk Festival (Queensland)
📅 When: December – January
📍 Where: Woodford, QLD
One of Australia’s largest folk festivals, Woodford Folk Festival celebrates music, storytelling, arts, and culture over six days in a stunning rural setting.
🚗 How to Get There:
- From Brisbane, take the Bruce Highway (M1) north for 1.5 hours.
- From Sydney, it’s a 10-hour drive, so consider breaking the trip with a stop in Coffs Harbour.
Parking and camping spots fill up fast, so book well in advance!
Final Thoughts
Australia’s festivals and events are best experienced at your own pace, and having a car gives you the freedom to explore beyond the event itself. Whether it’s a music festival in Byron Bay, a sports spectacle in Melbourne, or a light show in Sydney, a road trip lets you enjoy scenic detours and local attractions along the way.
Need a car for your next adventure? Alpha Car Hire has affordable, reliable vehicles to make your festival road trip stress-free. 🚗✨