Vivid Sydney 2024, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW
Australia Recommends: Epic Events
Mark your calendars – Australia is drawing in the crowds with events in 2025. Here are the ones the locals are flocking to.
The Sydney Opera House is iconic all on its own, but when it’s lit up in a wash of colour and movement? Incredible. Vivid Sydney – held in May and June – paints the city in a rainbow of lasers, lights, cultural events and fanfare. The entire city is set abuzz, and you'll be right in the middle of the excitement. Plus, musical acts craft the soundtrack for the show. You’ve never seen Sydney so striking.
Debuting on the culinary calendar in November 2024, Pair’d brings the beautiful Margaret River region to life through the eyes of a sommelier. Though known as Australia’s premium wine producer, the Margaret River isn’t just vineyards and vino. Think sipping a chardonnay at a sandy beach club, setting sail for a canapé cruise and street parties pumping with local produce. Keep your ears open for 2025 dates.
The world’s most elite tennis players converge on Melbourne every January to kick off the year’s Grand Slam tournaments. The matches at the Australian Open are edge-of-your-seat thrilling, and equally exciting events happen off the court. Join the crowds cheering on the big screen, pop under an umbrella at a pop-up bar and wander around the outdoor courts in the sun.
The history of cricket runs deep in Australia, and as a result, the locals go crazy for it. The Mens Ashes Series – a biennial test match between England and Australia – is the pinnacle of test cricket fanfare, and it kicks off in November. Deafening crowds gather at stadiums across Australia’s capital cities, making for an unforgettable holiday on and off the pitch. As for which team to cheer for, let’s just say we’ll be donning our green and gold.
