What’s New In Australia: A Local Guide To Explore The Wonders Of The Land Down Under

Touted as the Land Down Under, Australia is famously known for its culture and natural icons that are unlike any other. There is always something majestic waiting to be discovered in Australia, whether it’s embarking on an adventure trip to the Tasman Peninsula or relaxing on a floating villa in Palm Beach. 

According to Brent Anderson, Regional General Manager, South & South East Asia (SSEA), Tourism Australia, “Australia’s nature offerings are truly unmatched, especially when it comes to its diversity. You can be snorkelling with rare marine life one day, and stargazing in an off-grid cabin the next. A trip to Australia is also an opportunity to share the values that the locals hold close to their hearts: a love for nature and wildlife, a sense of adventure and living life outdoors. We are excited to introduce just some of the ways that travellers can reconnect with nature here in Australia.”

Below, we have listed the upcoming events, including exciting tourist attractions, restaurant openings, and new stays offered across Australia this October. 

Festivals And Events

Fine Vines Festival (Margaret River, Western Australia): 

The Fine Vines Festival offers a curated selection of over 30 unique events that showcase the uniqueness of the Margaret River region’s premium wines. This festival invites visitors to explore all facets of the Margaret River Wine Region through museum tastings, tours, dining experiences, masterclasses, garden parties, and more. 

Date: 14th October – 23 October 

Kakadu Bird Week (Kakadu, Northern Territory): 

Kakadu Bird Week includes tours, workshops, and cruises allowing visitors to discover and learn all about the feathered residents of Kakadu National Park, which is home to more than a third of Australian bird species. Visitors can also learn about its unusual species such as crocodiles, buffalo, brumbies, and wallabies. 

Date: 30th September – 7th October 

Canberra Art Biennial (Canberra, Australian Capital Territory): 

It is a biennial public art festival which offers visitors a one-of-a-kind opportunity to understand the layers of Canberra’s history. The artists will be responding to the designed city of Canberra which portrays Australia’s political, cultural, and physical history.

Date: 1st October –  29th October

SpringOUT Pride Festival (Canberra, Australian Capital Territory): 

The annual Canberra SpringOUT Pride Festival, which began in 1999 started with just two volunteers and a pride rally. It managed to grow over 40 events celebrating diversity and freedom to love. Aside from its headline opening event, the ERIDIAN / SpringOUT Fair day ‘freshout,’ visitors can also look forward to theatre, music, sporting, drag shows, films, and sporting events.

Date: 29th October – 30th November

Explore New Places 

Tasman Long Weekend (Hobart/Nipaluna, Tasmania): 

During this three-day experiential walk, guests travel to the spectacular Tasman Peninsula on a private yacht. Then they will get to spend three days on a guided expedition deep in nature to seashore capes along the renowned Three Capes Track. Guests can unwind at the new secluded eco beach camp, dine on chef-designed meals made with local produce, and enjoy panoramic views spanning all the way to Tasman Island.

Ayeye Atyenhe Art (Alice Springs, Northern Territory): 

Marie Ryder and Kevin Bird, renowned Aboriginal artists offer visitors the opportunity to learn about their history and culture through art immersions with Ayeye Atyenhe Art. During the 90-minute workshop, visitors will learn about their connection to the Country in Central Australia and create their own art as a souvenir. 

3 Island Snorkel, Wildlife and Seafood Cruise (Perth/Boorloo, Western Australia): 

3 Island Snorkel, Wildlife, and Seafood Cruise’ by Perth Wildlife Encounters showcases the local marine life. The experience includes snorkelling lessons which take guests to the best snorkelling places in the ruggedly beautiful Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. If you’re lucky, you will get to see bottlenose dolphins, Australian sea lions, pelican rookeries, or birds of prey.

Museum of Play and Art (Melbourne/Narrm, Victoria): 

The Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) launches its second Victorian location in Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs, delivering a world-class attraction to the city. It hosts a wide variety of immersive exhibitions and experiences that will keep the kids engaged every week.

Whisky Distillery Tour Perth (Perth/Boorloo, Western Australia): 

Take a tour of Perth’s blossoming whiskey distillery sector with this one-of-a-kind experience. Over the course of a seven hours tour of four local distilleries, guests will get to tantalise their taste buds with wonderful meals and whisky as well as learn how whisky is manufactured by specialists. 

Tickle Your Taste Buds At These New Places

Callington Mill Distillery (Oatlands, Tasmania): 

Nestled in the historic sandstone village of Oatlands in Tasmania’s heartlands, Callington Mill Distillery was originally founded to grind flour and make whisky illegally in 1837. The mill and the precinct have since been restored and transformed into tourist attractions. Today, visitors can discover the unique history of Callington Mill and learn how to blend their own whisky.

Mews (Brisbane/Meeanjin, Queensland): 

Mews offers a unique gastronomic experience as guests dine amongst a living street art gallery packed with custom pieces from Brisbane creatives like Mr.Sor2, JORDACHE, and James Ellis. Housed within the 5-star Crystalbrook Vincent hotel, it celebrates hyper-local, sustainable produce with a one-of-a-kind, laneway-inspired cuisine that changes depending on the seasons.

Casa Freschi Cellar Door (Adelaide Hills, South Australia): 

Casa Freschi’s new cellar door is the result of David Freschi’s true passion for wine. With the goal of producing the most intriguing wine,  David works closely with nature to capture its unique energy and character. Marvel at the great views while you sip on the extraordinary wine.

Cielo (Adelaide/Tarndanya, South Australia): 

Cielo is the brainchild of Chaveli Goya, a skilled pastry chef with a passion for the finer things in life with a humble twist. It was inspired by the wonderful memories that she had with her grandmother. Inside, the interior décor features white walls with gold plated Victorian Era frames, exuding a classical charm.

Stringers Sorrento (Sorrento, Victoria): 

Stringers or known as ‘Stringers Corner’, has a significant place in the history of Sorrento on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Founded in 1896, this merchant shop is the go-to spot for locals and travellers alike.  Stringers Sorrento boasts an Italian-inspired market with authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, gelateria, a back courtyard, and a cocktail bar.

Must-Visit New Stays 

Lilypad Palm Beach (Palm Beach, New South Wales): 

Lilypad, Sydney’s luxurious floating home, has reopened after nearly two years after it was destroyed in a fire.  Nestled at the tranquil waters of Palm Beach, it boasts new luxury facilities including an onboard sauna, fireplace, and Mediterranean-inspired terracotta accents.  At Lilypad, visitors can explore the Pittwater in a private boat after indulging in the onboard wine cellar and meals prepared by their highly skilled chef.

Sandy Hill Forest Tiny House (Yankalila, South Australia): 

Sandy Hill Forest Tiny House is located on the Fleurieu Peninsula in Yankalilla, which is about 70 kilometres from Adelaide/Tarndanya.  It is only 10 minutes away from some of South Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Visitors can escape the hustle of city life and enjoy the natural surroundings. 

Upland Farm (Denmark, Western Australia): 

Plan your getaway to Upland Farm, an eco-friendly farm located in the town of Denmark, Western Australia’s Great Southern region. The place is sequestered in the rolling hills of a 107-acre working cow farm. Plus, it also includes three environmentally conscious cottages with panoramic countryside views.  The property is powered by rainwater and it provides visitors with fresh food grown on-site.

InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula (Sorrento, Victoria): 

The InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula has been transformed with a spectacular selection of dining, celebrating, and housing options.  The  Aurora Spa & Bathhouse, a thermal bathhouse and wellness centre, will also open on-site later this year.

For more details and information, click here.

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