Anyone who says that you need to spend a fortune on winter activities in Australia hasn’t been looking very hard.
Right across the country, the cooler months bring some of our most exciting festivals, with many offering free entertainment, live music, lighting and art installations and an abundance of cosy winter vibes.
Whether you’re looking for something weird and wacky in the local art scene, or just somewhere to warm up and grab some great food, these festivals prove that some of the best experiences don’t cost a cent.
New South Wales: Bondi Festival (3-19 July)
Spending the winter months by the beach might not be the norm for you back home, but on Australia’s east coast it’s still very much encouraged.
Bondi Festival is an all-ages arts festival and features an impressive program ranging from comedy shows to food markets. There are tonnes of free events throughout the festival, including Music in the Park (every Saturday and Sunday during the event), live painting of new artworks on the iconic Bondi Beach Sea Wall and even a dog parade!
Victoria: Ballarat Winter Festival (27 June-19 July)
Ballarat embraces the cold with a month-long celebration that features plenty of free activities, alongside some ticketed attractions.
While experiences like ice skating and Winter Wonderlights require tickets, much of the festival can be enjoyed without opening your wallet.
Some of our favourite free attractions include the famous ‘Hot Chocolate Showdown’ (okay this is technically not free, but you only have to pay for the cost of your drink, plus you get to vote on the best hot chocolate and go into the chance to win a $1,500 prize pack!?), the Harry Potty Treasure Hunt (starting at Collins Booksellers Ballarat) and the abundance of live entertainment.
Queensland: Hervey Bay Whale Festival (10 july - 2 august)
Hervey Bay is the whale watching capital of Australia, and this festival celebrates the annual humpback whale migration in serious style. Whale watching cruises, community events, live music and a whole lot of joy about one of nature's most spectacular phenomena.
South Australia: Illuminate Adelaide (3-19 July)
Few festivals celebrate winter quite like Illuminate Adelaide. Although some of the more premium experiences require tickets, the hugely popular City Lights trail is entirely free. For more than two weeks, Adelaide’s streets and parklands are transformed into a winter wonderland, where iconic landmarks are transformed by dynamic light projections and interactive artworks. It’s well worth the wander.
Tasmania: Festival of Voices (3-12 July)
Dark Mofo may steal the headlines when it comes to wintertime entertainment in Tassie, but I’m here to tell you that the chilly island state still has plenty to offer.
Festival of Voices fills Hobart with choirs, concerts and community performances every July. While headline concerts are ticketed, the festival also features a variety of free events, including lunchtime performances, evening choirs and The Big Sing, a singalong event which invites everyone to join in. There’s also a sea shanty singalong… Well? What are you waiting for? Get those vocal cords warming up!
Western Australia: Winter in Mandurah
The City of Mandurah comes alive in winter! For international students, we recommend checking out Skating in Mandurah with a pop-up ice rink on the Eastern Foreshore, winter markets on Friday nights in July, plus the ever-popular Secret Sounds of the City live music events showcasing some of Mandurah’s best spots to eat, drink and unwind.
Northern Territory: Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (6-9 August)
Held later in winter, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair offers free entry and showcases extraordinary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture and storytelling, including performances, talks and crafting workshops. Some of the workshops are ticketed, but most of the cultural performances and panel discussions are entirely free to attend!
Australian Capital Territory: Christmas in July Festival (1-5 July)
If you’re visiting from the opposite side of the world, you might be feeling really strange about the idea of Christmas being in summer. Well, the good news is that Canberra has an entire long weekend dedicated to bringing Christmas magic to our winter months!
Some events require booking fees (like the fire pits), but the Snow Lane is entirely free. Featuring a real Christmas tree alley, falling ‘snow’ and twinkly festive lights, it’s sure to lift your spirits.
If you do have a bit of cash spare in your budget, the Firepit Cinema isn’t ridiculously priced (the mid-range ticket is $45pp and includes unlimited marshmallows and a glass of mulled wine) and they have a really great selection of Christmas movies playing throughout the weekend (although many are sold out already so get in quick!).
Feature image: Illuminate Adelaide, Tyr Liang Xplorer Studio
