Australia's dazzling light and art festivals

Vivid Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

With Aussie destinations lighting up in rainbows of art installations and extravagant events, winter nights look a little different Down Under. Illuminate Adelaide, South Australia © Illuminate Adelaide

Parrtjima

Set in the rugged Red Centre, Parrtjima is a beautiful celebration of cultures, merging ancient practices with modern technology in a one-of-a-kind event. Parrtjima, Alice Springs, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Daniel Tran Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Pro tip : Each creation here is made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, so taking time to learn about the stories behind each piece is a great way to connect with local cultures. Parrtjima, Alice Springs, Northern Territory © NT Major Events/James Horan

Enlighten Festival

Enlighten festival is a flashy affair of hot air balloon-filled skies, national monuments adorned in lights and bustling lakeside gigs. Enlighten Festival, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © 5 Foot Photography/Davey Barber Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Pro tip: Canberra boasts excellent local vineyards and breweries, so you definitely won't want to miss the drinks, eats and vibes of the festival's pop-up bars. Bentspoke Beer Garden, Enlighten Festival, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © 5 Foot Photography/Davey Barber

Illuminate Adelaide

From fire gardens to interactive exhibitions, Illuminate Adelaide is a boundary-pushing spectacle bringing together some of the world's most innovative creatives. Illuminate Adelaide, South Australia © Tyr Liang & Xplorer Studio/Ouchhh Studio/Wisdom of AI Light" Adelaide, South Australia

Pro tip: Be sure to check out some of the festival's live music events, which combine visual and auditory art to create a feast for the senses. "Illuminate Adelaide, South Australia © Jack Fenby/Unsound Marina Herlop"

Vivid

The iconic Vivid festival sees Sydney's sparkling harbour and city streets abuzz with moving art and live performances in an unmissable display. Vivid, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW Sydney, New South Wales

Pro tip: Many popular Sydney haunts join in on the fun – book in at a restaurant with views of the harbour, or explore the many bars and pubs of The Rocks to savour themed cocktails and elaborate décor. Vivid, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Explore outdoor art in Australia