Australia's best winter festivals to get around in 2019
Orange Winter Fire Festival
The cooler weather may have hit, but that's no reason to lock yourself inside.
In case you missed it, there are a whole bunch of wintertime festivals and events going down all over the country to keep you busy during the cooler months.
From next-level eats to the country's biggest bonfire, here are five of the best Australian winter events to get around in 2019.
Dark Mofo, Hobart, TAS
Dark Mofo is bringing all the spook you'll need in 2019.
This mysterious festival delves into centuries-old winter solstice rituals, exploring the links between ancient and contemporary mythology, humans and nature, religious and secular traditions, darkness and light, and birth, death and renewal through a mix of large-scale public art, food, film, music, light and noise.
Running from Thursday, June 6 until Sunday, June 23 Dark Mofo is gearing up to set Tasmania alight with a program unlike anything you've ever seen.
When? June 6-23, 2019.
Where? Hobart, Tasmania.
How much? Ticketed events vary in price. Visit Darkmofo.net.au for more information.
White Night, Melbourne, VIC
Ever since its inception back in 2013, Melbourne's White Night has illuminated the city with its all-night arts festival each February.
But this year, Melbourne is moving the festivities to winter for the first time ever, across three city precincts – Carlton Gardens, Birrarung Marr and the Treasury Gardens.
White Night runs on Thursday August 22 between 7pm–12am ; on Friday, August 23 between 7pm–12am and on Saturday, August 24 between 7pm–2am.
Artists from across the city – and across the globe – will descend on Melbourne to take visitors on a journey through the mythological, mysterious and mesmerising.
Expect world-class lights, music and food.
The 2019 program hasn't dropped yet, but stay tuned to Whitenight.com.au for updates.
When? August 22-24, 2019.
Where? Various locations across Melbourne.
How much? Free.
Good Food & Wine Show, Sydney, NSW
Enjoy a fun day out with friends, sampling the latest foods, wines and home products at the Good Food & Wine Show.
Expect celebrity chefs, inspiring masterclasses and hundreds of local and international exhibitors at each show.
Our top pick is the Smelly Cheese Project, where expert Valerie Henbest will take you on a cheese appreciation journey, providing you with a complete sensory experience in a relaxed and fun environment. Most importantly, cheese will be present.
Tickets for the Smelly Cheese Project are $40.
Or, you can learn to cook like Heston Blumenthal for just $5.
Hosted by Everdure's Executive Chef Bart Beek, you will be shown and taken through step by step of some of the most iconic meals, and you’ll leave your masterclass with the confidence and knowledge to re-create the delicious meal in your own home.
Can't make the Sydney show? The Melbourne Good Food & Wine Show has already wrapped up, but the Perth leg is on August 23-25, and the Brisbane leg will be going down on October 25-27.
When? June 21-24, 2019.
Where? International Convention Centre, Sydney.
How much? Tickets start at $27. Visit Goodfoodshow.com.au to purchase yours.
Truffle Kerfuffle, Manjimup, WA
Truffle Kerfuffle is an all-weekend celebration of one of the world's most luxurious ingredients – fresh black truffles – just minutes from where they are unearthed.
Manjimup is the heart of Australian truffle country with more truffles found here than anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
Join in on the festivities this June and be consumed by the heady aroma of truffles at their freshest. Go hunting, taste your way through the Festival Village, meet farmers and growers, discover local wine and produce and indulge in truffle laden experiences with world-class chefs.
When? June 21-23, 2019.
Where? The Shire of Manjimup, WA.
How much? Ticketed events vary in price. Visit Trufflekerfuffle.com.au for more information.
Orange Winter Fire Festival, Orange, NSW
If you're looking for an excuse to escape the city this winter, head to Orange.
Orange Winter Fire Festival draws its inspiration from the traditional Aussie bonfire tradition. You know, everyone gathering around the flames to swap stories, hang out and – most importantly – get stuck into some killer food.
Expect bonfires, char-grilled feasts, star gazing from both European and Indigenous perspectives and blazing Sunday lunches in country pubs, cafes and restaurants.
Producers and venues really turn up the heat for this festival, designing some truly unique events that showcase everything the region has to offer, all year round.
When? August 2-4, 2019.
Where? Orange, NSW.
How much? Ticketed events vary in price. Visit Orange360.com.au for more information.
Cabin Fever Festival
Cabin Fever is a 10-day winter adventure, loaded with unique events for lovers of decadent food, fine local wines and live music – from mystery dinners to cheese and wine pairing battles.
Tourists and locals descend on the vineyards, wine bars and other wondrous spots the beautiful Margaret River region is famous for, to create their own winter escapade.
There are more than 35 unique events to get around from July 19 to 28.
Our top pick is the Cheese Toastie Battle, which is exactly what it sounds like – a bunch of toastie-makers enter but only one will leave victorious.
A $25 ticket will score you a glass of wine and beer on arrival, plus five toastie samples.
When? July 19-28, 2019.
Where? Margaret River region, WA
How much? Ticket prices vary. Visit Cabinfeverfest.com.au for more information.
