There’s ‘Nothing like Australia’, and in the upcoming month of November, the country invites travellers to explore the hidden gems that give Australia its unmistakeable magnetism. From discovering more about Aboriginal history to experiencing unique stays built on the foundations of heritage buildings, you’re bound to be captivated by an experience that combines the nostalgic beauty of the past with all the wonders of everything that’s coming next.
“Australia’s history runs deep everywhere you look, from the rich cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the many historic buildings that transport you back in time. What really sets us apart from other destinations is the creativity and ingenuity that is behind marrying this history with what travellers are seeking now, making these experiences all the more accessible. Anyone who steps into Australia will definitely be in for an unforgettable journey of adventures into the land’s past and present,” said Brent Anderson, Regional General Manager, South & South East Asia (SSEA), Tourism Australia.
Below is a roundup of upcoming events as well as the latest tourism experiences, and exciting new stays.
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UPCOMING FESTIVALS & EVENTS
- Handpicked Festival (Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia)
Hidden amongst the vineyards of Lake Breeze Wines, Handpicked Festival is about spending the day stretched out on a picnic blanket, sipping family wines and enjoying regional food from an array of local food trucks. Staying true to its origins as a ‘small backyard concert’, the festival tops off the experience by serenading guests with the familiar tunes of Australia’s top musicians just meters away. 12 November. - Sculpture by the Sea (Sydney/Warrane, New South Wales)
Staged on the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi is one of Sydney’s most popular events, with 500,000 visitors viewing over 100 sculptures by artists from around the world. Held since 1997, this free public exhibition captures the imagination of Sydney and its visitors for three weeks each spring, and is the largest annual sculpture exhibition in the world. From 21 October till 7 November. - Design Canberra (Canberra, Australian Capital Territory)
The Design Canberra festival celebrates Canberra as a creative capital and a global city of design. With over 200 events, exhibitions, talks, tours, activations, markets, collaborations, artist studios and open homes, the festival is set to once again transform the nation’s capital into a new platform for the cream of the crop in design. The festival, now in its 8th year, is for all interests and ages and most events are free. From 2 till 20 November. - Airlie Beach Festival of Music (Whitsundays, Queensland)
Now in its tenth year, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music has become one of Queensland’s premier live music events. With jaw-dropping sea views from the main tent at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, it’s a party like no other in a tropical paradise. Experience an electrifying atmosphere, with the town coming alive as live entertainment spread throughout the best party venues in Airlie Beach. From 4 till 6 November. - Eagle Bay Epic (Dunsborough, Western Australia)
The Eagle Bay Epic is the ultimate mix of off-road adventure racing through a pristine playground. Mountain bike, ocean swim, kayak and trail run through the beautiful Meelup Regional Park and Geographe Bay for an unforgettable adventure. Interested parties can step up to the challenge by racing solo or teaming up with their friends and doing it as a relay for a bonding experience like no other. From 5 till 6 November.
EXPLORE NEW EXPERIENCES
- Safari to River’s End Tour (Clare Valley, South Australia)
This five-day, four-night tour offers the opportunity to experience two contrasting river landscapes in absolute luxury, from the redgum and red cliff lined Murray River to the spectacular white sands and dunes of the Coorong and the Murray Mouth. Guests will discover wildlife, history, meet Aboriginal elders and experience the Aboriginal dreaming and cultures along this meandering river. - Michael Reid Art Bar (Sydney/Warrane, New South Wales)
Located at The Star Sydney, the new creative space morphs from being a gallery by day, to a bar by night. Created in collaboration with Australian gallerist Michael Reid, the Michael Reid Art Bar reframes what a gallery experience can be, allowing guests to enjoy art throughout the day, and enjoy locally-sourced cocktails and elegant light snacks by night. - Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (Darwin/Gulumerrdgen, Northern Territory)
Be immersed in the richness and diversity of contemporary artistic practice from the world’s oldest living continuous culture at the 2022 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards held at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Witness a moving display featuring leading contemporary artists that amplifies the collective voice of First Nations culture from every corner of Australia. - City to Coral Tour (Brisbane/Meeanjin, Queensland)
Experience the magic of Tangalooma Wrecks with River to Bay’s new high-speed boat tours. Located at the pristine and majestic Moreton Island, the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks is a favourite snorkelling spot featuring sunken ships and a marine wonderland with over 200 species of fish. The trip from Brisbane to Tangalooma Wrecks takes less than an hour, during which passengers can often spot wildlife such as turtles, dolphins, and dugongs. - Perth Coastal Explorer (Perth/Boorloo, Western Australia)
Soak up some sun and see the best that Perth/Boorloo’s Sunset Coast has to offer on Western Australia’s only open-top double decker bus. The tour brings guests on a journey around the region’s most iconic beachside destinations – Scarborough Beach and Hillarys Boat Harbour – where they can participate in an abundance of experiences, from taking a dip in the Indian Ocean to exploring the Aquarium of Western Australia.
EXCITING NEW STAYS
- The Wool Store (Bathurst, New South Wales)
This new boutique hotel offers visitors the choice of five New York loft style, luxury apartments including a breath-taking penthouse with 360-degree views across the city’s historic skyline. The spectacular triple bricked heritage building was built in 1875 as a bulk-delivery store for selling wool and has been cleverly reimagined, with a welcoming and luxurious stay that pays homage to the original building’s heritage. - The Porter House Hotel (Sydney/Warrane, New South Wales)
Located next to The Porter House dining precinct, the new Porter House Hotel pays tribute to its heritage beginnings, from tobacco and leather trade to the trail of wonder of spice and spirit merchants. The hotel offers a stylish sanctuary for the modern traveller with its range of classic and superior rooms. It is also the only hotel in Australia to offer Digit – a walking, talking iPad concierge service to help guests make the most out of their stay. - Lakeside Villas (Palm Beach, New South Wales)
Offering an oasis of luxury and tranquillity, the boutique Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate offer the ultimate vineyard escape. The three stylish villas are constructed entirely over the vineyard lake providing a sense of floating among the vines. Guests can enjoy a breakfast hamper filled with ingredients for a tasty cook-up, a bottle of Brut on arrival and a complimentary wine tasting for two people at the on-site Crittenden Wine Centre. - Karijini Eco Retreat (Karijini National Park, Western Australia)
Karijini Eco Retreat has recently added three new luxury eco tents to its accommodation offering. The new tents offer an exclusive experience, incorporating eco-friendly designs and practices to ensure the sustainable management of the park’s natural and cultural values. Karijini Eco Retreat is 100% owned by Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, with direct access to Joffre Gorge and other nearby waterfalls and geological wonders. - The Louise (Barossa Valley, South Australia)
Fresh from a multi-million-dollar makeover, Baillie Lodges’ new-look The Louise has opened in South Australia’s Barossa Valley. The luxury lodge features designs by esteemed South Australia-based architect Max Pritchard include sweeping curved walls which cleverly draws the eye to the peaceful tableau of rolling hills, criss-crossed with old-growth vineyards and a patchwork of small farms that characterise the Barossa landscape.
