Travel

A Travel Guide to What’s New in Australia: Exciting New Experiences & Attractions In Down Under

Explore more of Australia's natural wonders
By: Ria Mirano / September 16, 2022

There is nothing quite like Australia, a country known to be rich in culture, delightful cuisine, and natural wonders. It’s a vast, beautiful country with a lot to offer to its visitors. Whether you want to embark on new adventures on the Tasman Peninsula to get a well-deserved relaxation in a luxury floating villa in Palm Beach, there’s always something majestic waiting to be discovered and explored in Down Under. 

“Australia’s nature offerings are truly unmatched, especially when it comes to its diversity. You can be snorkeling with rare marine life one day, and stargazing in an off-grid cabin the next. A trip to Australia is also an opportunity to share the values that the locals hold close to their hearts: a love for nature and wildlife, a sense of adventure, and living life outdoors. We are excited to introduce just some of the ways that travelers can reconnect with nature here in Australia,” shared Brent Anderson, the Regional General Manager, South & South East Asia (SSEA), of Tourism Australia. 

See below the round-up of upcoming events in Australia starting in October, including the latest tourist attractions, restaurant openings, and exciting new stays that you absolutely can’t miss. 

Attend and Immerse In Local Festivals

Enjoy wine by the Margaret River | Photo Credit: Fine Vines Festival

Fine Vines Festival (Margaret River, Western Australia)

The Fine Vines Festival has brought together a curated selection of more than 30 unique events to showcase the quality and depth of the Margaret River region’s premium wine offering. The festival invites aficionados to occasional drinkers alike to explore the region through their exclusive museum tastings, tours, dining experiences, masterclasses, garden parties, and more.

Date: From 14 – 23 October

Kakadu Bird Week (Kakadu, Northern Territory)

A paradise fit for bird lovers, Kakadu Bird Week offers tours, workshops, and cruises to its visitors to discover and learn about Kakadu National Park’s local birds. More than third of Australian bird species can be found here, along with a full array of exotic animals (crocodiles, buffalo, brumbies, and wallabies) to witness.

Date: From 30 September – 7 October

Canberra Art Biennial (Canberra, Australian Capital Territory)

The biennial public art festival in Canberra offers visitors the opportunity to engage and get to know the history of Canberra through art. Artists will respond to the designed city of Canberra that represents Australia’s political, cultural, and physical history.
Date: From 1 – 29 October

SpringOUT Pride Festival (Canberra, Australian Capital Territory)

What started out in 1999 with two volunteers and a pride rally has now grown into a bigger and better festival – The Annual Canberra SpringOUT Festival. It now has over 40 events that celebrate diversity and freedom to love for all, including a headline opening event, the ERIDIAN / SpringOUT Fair day ‘freshout’. Other activities include theatre, music, sporting, drag show films, and sporting events.
Date: From 29 October – 30 November

Explore New Attractions and Escapes in Nature

Experience unforgettable days by the Tasman Peninsula | Photo Credit: Tasmanian Walking Co

Tasman Long Weekend (Hobart/Nipaluna, Tasmania

A newly launched immersive 3-day experiential walk where guests will go on a guided adventure deep in nature until the far out seaside capes along the iconic Three Capes Track. Guests will need to first sail to the Tasman Peninsula on a private vessel to take part. During the evenings, relax in the new secluded eco beach camp while enjoying chef-designed meals made with local produce and waking up to views of the Tasman Island.

Ayeye Atyenhe Art (Alice Springs, Northern Territory)

Learn more about the history and culture through art immersions with Ayeye  Atyenhe Art offered by esteemed Aboriginal artists Marie Ryder and Kevin Bird. The 90-minute workshop will let you learn about the connection to Country in Central Australia with demonstrations as well as create your own art as a memento that’s unique to Arrernte land.

3 Island Snorkel, Wildlife and Seafood Cruise (Perth/Boorloo, Western Australia)

Take a deep dive into the marine life with the new 3 Island Snorkel, Wildlife, and Seafood Cruise by Perth Wildlife Encounters. Guests are equipped with snorkelling equipment and provided lessons as they are taken to the top snorkelling spots in the spectacular Shoalwater Islands Marine Park. Keep your eyes peeled for possible appearances by bottlenose dolphins, rare Australian sea lions, pelican rookeries, or amazing birds of prey.

Museum of Play and Art (Melbourne/Narrm, Victoria)

Opening its second Victorian location, Museum of Play and Art brings the world-class attraction to Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs. MoPA is hosting a huge range of immersive exhibits and experiences for kids to enjoy all day every week.

Whisky Distillery Tour Perth (Perth/Boorloo, Western Australia)

Take a whole day to tour Perth’s burgeoning whisky distillery scene with a unique experience for whisky enthusiasts and novices alike. Guests will be fed delicious food, expand their whisky palate, and discover how whisky is created from experts over the course of seven hours in four local craft whisky distilleries.

Delight The Taste Buds At These New Dining Places

Craft your own premium Tasmanian whisky | Photo Credit: Callington  Mill Distillery

Callington Mill Distillery (Oatlands, Tasmania)

Located in the historic sandstone village of Oatlands in Tasmania’s picturesque heartlands, Callington Mill Distillery went from grinding flour to making then-illegal whiskey in 1827. Today, it has been restored as a historic site for an interactive tourist experience. People can learn more about its history and learn how to blend their own whisky.

Mews (Brisbane/Meeanjin, Queensland)

Mews is the latest restaurant to heat up Brisbane’s restaurant scene that offers a playful culinary experience for its guests as they dine along the living street art gallery, filled with artworks from Brisbane creatives such as Mr.Sor2, JORDACHE and James Ellis. An experiential dining experience located in 5-star Crystalbrook Vincent hotel that features local, sustainable produce with a unique, laneway-inspired menu that changes seasonally and according to availability.

Casa Freschi Cellar Door (Adelaide Hills, South Australia)

Casa Freschi was born out of David Freschi’s life-long love for wine. David works closely with nature to capture each site intrinsic energy and character while producing pure and interesting wine. Enjoy your wine with stunning views and a fire burning nearby!

Cielo (Adelaide/Tarndanya, South Australia)

Inspired by fond childhood memories over sharing delightful cups of tea with her grandmother, Cielo is owned by 23-year-old Chaveli Goya, a trained pastry chef with a passion for the finer things in life with a humble twist. Indulge in cakes and pastries inside the place with the interior reminiscent of old-world charm and elegance, due to its crisp white walls and gold gilded Victorian Era frames.

Stringers Sorrento (Sorrento, Victoria)

Known locally as ‘Stringers Corner’, Stringers holds a special place in the history of Sorrento, Victoria. Built in 1896, this merchants store has fed locals and international visitors ever since its refurbishment. It was done to celebrate a new chapter in its rich history. They incorporate an Italian-inspired providore and grocer, wood-fired Neopolitan pizza, gelateria, rear courtyard, and a cocktail bar.

Must-Book At New Stays and Accommodations

A secluded stay at Lilypad Palm Beach | Photo Credit: Lilypad Palm Beach

Lilypad Palm Beach (Palm Beach, New South Wales)

Book a stay at Sydney’s luxurious and inclusive floating villa, Lilypad. It reopened after being destroyed in a fire almost two years ago. Located in the tranquil waters of Palm Beach, expect new lavish features such as an onboard sauna, cosy fireplace, and dreamy Mediterranean-inspired terracotta accents. Guests can indulge in onboard wine cellars and meals prepped by off-site chef and explore Pittwater in a private boat.

Sandy Hill Forest Tiny House (Yankalila, South Australia)

Get lost under the stars while in bed, relax in a private outdoor area, walk around in the forest, and admire the wildlife at at Sandy Hill Forest Tiny House located on the Fleurieu Peninsula in Yankalilla, approximately 70 kilometres from  Adelaide/Tarndanya. Available all year round, with each stay comes with delicious breakfast and access to South Australia’s most beautiful beaches just 10 minutes away.

Upland Farm (Denmark, Western Australia)

Escape to Upland Farm, a stunning eco-friendly farm stay near the town in Denmark, Western Australia. In the rolling hills, houses a 107-acre working cattle farm, with three environmentally conscious indulgent cabins with panoramic farmland unique views on its property. The property is run by rainwater and will eventually have fresh food grown and available on-site for its guests.

InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula (Sorrento, Victoria)

The luxurious InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula has finally opened, welcoming a glamorous new era for Victorian seaside town. Renowned for generations as a pleasure-seeking playground, ‘The Continental’ landmark has been transformed with dazzling array of dining, celebration, and accommodation options for its guests. Later this year, Aurora Spa & Bathhouse will open on-site to offer an expansive bathhouse and wellness centre.

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