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City Of Sydney - Village High Street Takeovers
2025-02-15 - 2025-04-05 | Queensland
Village high streets across the City of Sydney will be transformed into lively festival hubs over the coming months as part of the hugely popular Sydney Streets program.

Closed to traffic for the day, the street festivals kick off at 11am and run until late in the evening.

The festivals feature live music performances, outdoor dining from local restaurants and food vendors, street entertainment and roving performers.

Local businesses and organisations will host pop-up shops and outdoor market stalls, offering giveaways, competitions and exclusive deals.

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said the series had grown significantly since it was first introduced during the pandemic.

“Sydney Streets provides a platform for local shops, restaurants and businesses to connect with their communities and visitors in a friendly, open-air environment,” the Lord Mayor said.

“It’s an opportunity for locals to shop, eat and explore their neighbourhood, with unique experiences and surprises at every corner.”

Surrounding street closures and special event clearways set the stage for the events, opening with a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony.

Activities to keep the kids entertained include a circus playground, origami workshops, face painting, art classes and reading areas.

Some events will feature a fun dog agility course while others include fitness sessions, craft workshops, health checks and games.

DJs and continuous live entertainment on outdoor stages are set to keep the good vibrations going throughout the day and night.

Sydney Streets dates and locations:

15 February – Macleay Street, Potts Point
22 February – Stanley Street, Darlinghurst
8 March – Harris Street, Pyrmont
15 March – Glebe Point Road, Glebe
29 March – Redfern Street, Redfern
5 April – Crown Street, Surry Hills.

A special Sydney Streets event takes place as part of the Sydney Lunar Festival in Haymarket from 5:15pm to 9:30pm on Saturday 1 February.

Three live entertainment sites on Sussex Street, Ultimo Road and Harbour Street will feature traditional and contemporary performances including lion and dragon dancers, dance groups, martial arts and singers.

To welcome the Year of the Snake, food trucks and market stalls with meals and gifts will be set up throughout Haymarket, 12 zodiac animal lanterns will line George Street and DJs will entertain visitors throughout the night.

Businesses and organisations located on or around one of the high streets in the event series can apply to be part of the Sydney Streets program.

For more information about Sydney Streets and timings for each event, go to whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade
2025-03-01 18:00 - 23:30 UTC | Oxford Street, Taylor Square, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia
We’re not free until we’re all free to be. The 47th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade is set to take over Oxford Street, Flinders Street and Anzac Parade on Saturday 1 March 2025. Set your true self free as the Mardi Gras magic makes it’s way down the heritage-listed Parade route for one of the largest LGBTQIA+ nighttime parades in the world.
Over 200 floats from every corner of our communities will strut, stroll and roll from Hyde Park to Moore Park on Sydney’s night-of-nights. As is tradition, our fearless protectors the Dykes on Bikes, LGBTQIA+SB First Nations communities and our beloved 78ers will lead over 11,000 marchers under the 2025 Festival theme: FREE TO BE.
Join hundreds of thousands of people from Hyde Park to Moore Park in free and premium ticketed viewing areas to witness the wonders of the LGBTQIA+ communities. Reminding the world the beauty, power and joy that comes from freedom.
The Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is for everyone, that’s why there will be a free Accessible Parade Viewing Area (by application) that includes a free shuttle to and from public transport, low-sensory zones, flat road level access, accessible amenities and more.

For further information pertaining to accessibility requirements and information for SGLMG Parade 2025 – Please refer to our visual story below:
Access the Parade visual story here.
Access the Parade Map here.

PARRTJIMA – A FESTIVAL IN LIGHT
2025-04-04 - 2025-04-13 | Alice Springs Desert Park, Larapinta Dr, Alice Springs, NT, 0871, Australia
The award-winning Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, returns to Alice Springs (Mparntwe) for its 10th iteration from 4-13 April 2025, offering a spectacular celebration of culture, art, and modern technology under the starry skies of Central Australia.

The only Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima showcases the world’s oldest continuous cultures through stunning light installations and performances, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges.

The free 10-night festival once again features the much-loved MacDonnell Ranges Light Show and Grounded installations, alongside new works inspired by the 2025 theme, ‘Timelessness.’

Other highlights include bush food workshops, markets, talks and, for the first time ever, a special open-air performance by the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, featuring more than 50 musicians. This spectacle is a ticketed event and will feature Desert Divas Catherine Satour, Casii Williams, and Bronwyn Stuart for a memorable closing Saturday night. Australian county music icon Troy Cassar-Daley will kick off the festival’s opening weekend.

Visitor registrations are free and now open.

What: Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
When: 4-13 April 2025
Where: Alice Springs Desert Park
More info: parrtjimaaustralia.com.au

About Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind in the world. It showcases the extraordinary cultures of Australia’s Indigenous communities, bringing to life stories of the world’s oldest living culture using modern technology, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Central Australian desert.

Parrtjima (pronounced Par-Chee-ma) means ‘lighting up’ and conveys two meanings: physically illuminating an object with light and ‘lighting up’ to shed light and understanding on a subject. Parrtjima 2024 received two prestigious Australian Event Awards for Best Tourism Event and Best Regional Event. The awards, which saw Parrtjima up against Vivid Sydney 2024 and Tasmania’s Taste of Summer 2023 in the Best Tourism Award, recognise the significance of Parrtjima and the impact it has on the community.

THE International Cake Show Australia: Brisbane
2025-04-11 - 2025-04-13 | Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Merivale Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
THE International Cake Show Australia brings the stars and the sweetness to Brisbane from April 11 to 13:

BOOK TICKETS HERE https://www.acada.com.au/cake-show.html

Now at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the award-winning International Cake Show Australia is Australia’s huge cake and cookie decorating, baking and sugar art show; think edible art gallery meets Willy Wonka’s famous factory, a food festival, culinary college and shoppers paradise all in one, starring the world’s leading edible cake artists and decorators!

This year there’s over 100 free demonstrations, cookie making and decorating, celebrity chefs and sugar heroes, unbelievable huge sugar features, hands-on workshops, classes to suit every experience level, Australia’s largest cake and cookie decorating competition (and you’re invited to enter), pop up shops and more! Most activities except the paid classes, are free with the ticket entry and children 12 and under are free.

In the epic Battle of the Sugar Giants, six world class artists will go head to head, creating incredible 3m x 3m sugar installations – there’s a Legoland with a Marvel Twist, an Enchanted Forest, an Alice in Wonderland setting, an all-aboard train with characters, a Woodlands theme and a huge rubber duck in a tub. The Battle of the Sugar Giants exhibits are made using tonnes of cake, ganache, modelling chocolate and fondant.

The prestigious Wedding Cake Designer of the Year will this year be judged by Angela Morrison from Cakes by Angela Morrison in Virginia Beach, USA; Marc Suarez from Marc Suarez Luxury Cakes in Paris, France; Susanti Sunardje from LeNovelle Cake in Jakarta, Indonesia; Dominique Pickering from Polly Pickering Cakes in Yorkshire, UK; Aimee Ford from Aimee Ford, at the Isle of Man, UK; Zoe Clark from Zoe Clark Cakes on the Sunshine Coast and Nikki Ernst from Queensland Brides.

Returning to the event for her third year is MC and host, internationally famed extreme-caker and TV personality from the UK, Rose Dummer (she famously created a life-sized Paddington Bear for Queen Elizabeth II). PS on Sunday she’ll be showing audiences how she created the edible fine China cup and saucer she created for the Queen 👑👑👑

In another highlight, The Great Australian Bake Off celebrity baker Melisa Chilimanzi will host the Make & Take 1 Hour Mini Classes. Participants will learn how to level six cupcakes, roll out, cut and apply the perfect sized fondant and stencil each cupcake like a pro, and at the end, they can take home their edible artworks! Grab your ticket now!

Entrants and judges are converging from all around the world and the country – UK, USA, South Africa, Spain, France, Indonesia, Italy and Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
While many now work professionally in the industry, others share their passion with their chosen career, be it teaching, construction, retail, music, science (yes there’s a plant tissue culture technician who is taking part), plus one of Australia’s leading decorators is a Brisbane father of FIVE who works as a professional pastry chef.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

THE ICING ON THE CAKE – THE INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTARS!

Rosie Dummer (Superstar Stage MC and Judge international extreme Cake Off Challenge – Friday and Saturday). Manchester UK based. Multi award-winning cake artist, AKA Rosie Cake Diva, is currently starring in Channel 4’s Extreme Cake Masters. Before she ventured into the cake world, she was a Helicopter Pilot. She flew Lynx Anti-Tank Helicopters with the UK Army Air Corps in Germany, Britain and Canada.
Dorothy Klerck (Leading Team International, reigning world champion, world’s best extreme cake artists competing for world title against Australia’s very best in the 2-day extreme Cake Off Challenge). South Africa based international multi award winning cake artist commissioned worldwide to build huge cake installations, including life-sized elephant with Nelson Mandela.
Chef Benny Rivera (Team International, representing the world in 2-day extreme Cake Off Challenge and workshop teacher). Owned internationally renowned high-end bakery in Manhattan, New York called City Cakes for 20 years. Featured on The Food Network (Discovery Channel), The Food Network Challenge, Sugar Dome, Halloween Wars and Macy’s Cake Spectacular and has been commissioned to make cakes for Jennifer Lopez, Bethany Frankel, Fergie, James Franco, Kevin Bacon, Maria Carey and Madonna!
Marta Hidalgo (Team International, representing the world in 2-day extreme Cake Off Challenge and workshop teacher). Multi award winning cake artist from Spain. Renowned for her hyper realistic cake sculptures fit for an art gallery or museum.
Filomena Tavano (International royal iced cookie artist and workshop teacher). Italy based. Classically trained in fine arts. Widely recognized as one of the most talented cookie artists in the world
Chef Ken Tian (Workshop teacher) Internationally acclaimed pastry chef and cake artist, recognized as one of the most trendsetting cake designers in the world. Chinese born; Auckland NZ based Ken owns one of NZ most popular bakeries “K-Cake”.
Mary Presicci (Workshop teacher and demonstrator). Tuscany, Italy based internationally acclaimed sugar modelling artist is world-famous for her ability to create sugar paste masterpieces using just her hands. Mary is International Cake Show Australia’s Italian Ambassador

Tina Arena “Don't Ask Again” 30th Anniversary Australian Tour
2025-04-27 - 2025-05-30 | Queensland
Australia’s very own music icon will light up stages in an unforgettable celebration of her illustrious career including her chart-topping anthems to fan favorite’s spanning her decades of extraordinary success. Tina promises an intimate yet electrifying live experience marking the 30th Anniversary of her iconic album Don’t Ask. Released in 1994, the groundbreaking record cemented Tina as a global star, boasting timeless hits like “Chains”, “Wasn’t It Good”, and “Sorrento Moon (I Remember)”. “Don’t Ask” became one of Australia’s highest-selling albums of all time and remains a defining moment in Australian music history.

The celebratory “Don’t Ask Again” Tour therefore will be not only a concert; it’s a love letter to Tina’s loyal fans who have embraced her as a national treasure. Backed by her world-class band and signature powerhouse vocals, Tina will bring her timeless hits to life on a tour designed to captivate audiences young and old.
This exclusive run of shows with support act Dylan Wright will take Tina to cities and regional hubs and is a chance to witness a true Australian icon live on stage. Don’t wait as tickets will sell fast! Secure yours and be part of this enchanting journey.

TOUR DATES:
Riverside Theatre, Perth WA – Sunday, 27 April 2025
State Theatre, Sydney NSW – Tuesday, 29 April 2025
State Theatre, Sydney NSW – Wednesday, 30 April 2025
Evan Theatre, Penrith NSW – Sunday, 4 May 2025
Civic Theatre, Newcastle NSW – Tuesday, 6 May 2025
Palais Theatre, St Kilda VIC – Thursday, 8 May 2025
Palais Theatre, St Kilda VIC – Friday, 9 May 2025
Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns QLD – Saturday, 17 May 2025
QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane QLD – Tuesday, 20 May 2025
QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane QLD – Wednesday, 21 May 2025
The Star, Gold Coast QLD – Friday, 23 May 2025
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide SA – Friday, 30 May 2025
Tickets available from www.tinaarena.com

Canberra Wool Expo
2025-05-17 09:30 - 2025-05-18 14:30 | Old Bus Depot Markets, Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, ACT, 2604, Australia
Canberra’s Sunday best, the Old Bus Depot Markets, will spend two huge days showcasing all things wool at the upcoming two-day Canberra Wool Expo, taking place Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May 2025.
“This is the chance for all visitors to Market to see the complete process from raw fibre, to yarn and then to the many fabulous finished wool products at this two-day wool extravaganza,” said Old Bus Depot Markets’ Manager, Richard Vagi.
“Locals and visitors to Canberra can come along to Market and enjoy demonstrations including hand-spinning, weaving, crochet and cross-stitch, have a chat with the region’s most talented craftspeople and designers, and get up close to alpacas, llamas and sheep,” Richard continued.
Canberra Wool Expo has a long history at the Markets, with this being the event’s 12th year. Having moved from a single day event to a two-day expo back in 2017, the event pulls crowds from near and far who come for the pure love of wool and its many uses. In 2025, the expo will have more wool stallholders than ever before – and from all around Australia too. Just a few of the wool producers attending include Black Wattle Yarn from Murrumbateman in New South Wales, Fibre Naturally Woollen Mill from Macclesfield in Victoria, and Kaalund Yarns from Banyo in Queensland.
“Whether you like the comfort of rugging up all cozy and warm in woollen garments in the cooler weather, find it relaxing to knit, crochet or craft with wool, or want to see some more traditional wool practices in action, the Canberra Wool Expo will be a great weekend out,” said Richard.
“Many craftspeople from Canberra, the surrounding region and interstate come to create, demonstrate with, and sell wool at the Canberra Wool Expo. And families love it because the kids can get up close to llamas, Hephner the alpaca and Andy and Armani, two Black Nose Valais sheep,” Richard continued
At the Canberra Wool Expo visitors can try their hand at giant crochet with the Knitters Guild NSW (Capital Region Group). Visitors can also browse and buy hand felted garments and accessories, designer and farm label knitwear, and woollen yarns including hand spun and hand dyed.
Canberra Wool Expo will be held at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston, Canberra, on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May 2025. The Expo will be open from 9.30am – 2.30pm each day. For more information, visit www.obdm.com.au

Wool stallholders attending Canberra Wool Expo 2025 (current at time of media release)

Black Wattle Yarn, Murrumbateman NSW
Bellevue Park Wool, Nimmo NSW
The Purl Box, Strathdale VIC
Handmade by Catkin, Banks ACT
Fibre Art in Australia, Hunters Hill NSW
Adagio Mills, Orange NSW
Medowie Smocking, Medowie NSW
Kaalund Yarns, Banyo QLD
Sheep street, Banks ACT
Craft By Bella Store, Bridgewater SA
Fibre Arts Shed, Jilliby NSW
Dyed By Hand Yarns, Buchan South VIC
EleventyOne Windmills, Adamstown Heights NSW
The Shepherd’s Choice, Portland NSW
Three Mums’ Yarn, Holder ACT
The Australian Wool Store, Sydney NSW
Hodgepodge Skeins, Springwood NSW
Fibre Naturally Woollen Mill, Macclesfield VIC

Vivid Sydney, Dream
2025-05-23 - 2025-06-14 | Queensland
Introducing five connecting zones across the city encompassing Light, Music, Ideas and Food
Over 75% of program and 100% of Vivid Light Walk free to enjoy
Nigella Lawson to curate three Vivid Sydney Dinner events in Muru Giligu, Martin Place
Creative Director of TIME Magazine, Stranger Things: The Experience confirmed for Vivid Ideas
Martin Place returning to the festival for the first time since 2018
Vivid Music expands with new venues City Recital Hall and Metro Theatre
Eight buildings and landmarks illuminated for the first time

Australia’s largest event will once again transform the Harbour City in 2025, from Friday, 23 May to Saturday, 14 June – with the theme ofVivid Sydney, Dream as it dares to answer the question: What’s in a dream?

For its 15th year, the festival footprint has been redesigned to present five zones: Circular Quay and The Rocks; Barangaroo; Martin Place and CBD (for the first time since 2018); Darling Harbour; and The Goods Line and Inner City. Each connected zone will feature events from each of the festival pillars; Light, Music, Ideas and Food.

Showcasing Sydney’s creative pulse during winter, Vivid Sydney will feature exclusive collaborations for a series of events with Sydney Writers’ Festival and Sydney Film Festival, as well as cultural institutions, venues and arts companies Art Gallery of NSW, Australian Museum, Bangarra Dance Theatre, City Recital Hall, State Library of NSW, and Sydney Theatre Company.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham said:

“Vivid Sydney continues to find exciting new ways and places to bring colour, creativity and fun to our city.

“From surprising outdoor dining experiences, to artistic light projections on our most famous landmarks and big free live shows in Tumbalong Park – Vivid Sydney has something for everyone whether you’re a visitor or a local.

“This year’s festival is helping people face the cost-of-living crisis by increasing the number of free events, which is great news if you want a good night out without blowing the budget.”
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said the festival’s Dream theme is something that we all experience, and it can be interpreted in a myriad of ways.

“Dreaming is as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams can be prophetic, life changing and inspirational, as well as trivial, hilarious or terrifying. These interactions are evident in every aspect of Vivid Sydney’s program this year.

“Captivating light installations and 3D projections for everyone, thought-provoking and enlightening experiences, awe inspiring performances from the world’s best musicians, along with cutting edge culinary collaborations and dinners in unexpected places, it can all be found at Vivid Sydney.

“In 2025, the festival celebrates creativity, innovation and connection in the best city in the world,” said Ms Minervini.

Vivid Light will come to life like never before with exclusively commissioned pieces featuring world- leading animation and projection technologies. The late Australian visionary, David McDiarmid’s bold and unapologetic work will be showcased on the Sydney Opera House for Lighting of the Sails, entitled Kiss of Light (2025). Vincent Namatjira will present King Dingo on the facade of the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia while the team behind Sydney fashion label, Romance Was Born will debut House of Romance on Customs House.

This year festivalgoers can interact with installations and 3D projections across the Vivid Light Walk, including voice-activated animation,suspended swings, whimsical seesaws, a tennis match with light, and self-portraits turned into 3D projections by world renowned entertainment studio, Moment Factory. Attendees also have a chance to design their own projection, with 150 entries selected each week to feature on the ASN Co. Building’s Clock Tower in The Rocks.

This year the entire Vivid Light Walk is free for everyone to enjoy. New buildings and landmarks that feature as part of the festival this year include Museum of Sydney, The Bond in Barangaroo and Challis House in Martin Place. Also making a welcome return is the Argyle Cut in The Rocks and the CTA Building in Martin Place.

Vivid Ideas continues to offer an array of engaging experiences, D.W. Pine, Creative Director of TIME Magazine, will deliver the keynote ‘Where Do Ideas Come From?’ and internationally renowned scientist Professor Matthew Walker will present ‘Why We Sleep’ to delve into one of the most important but least understood aspects of our lives.

Free Vivid Ideas events include the weekly Firetalk series at Barangaroo Reserve, bringing together First Nations storytellers, and Endling, a major new physical theatre work performed nightly by Sydney’s Legs On The Wall.

Stranger Things: The Experience will debut at Luna Park Sydney. This immersive, interactive adventure for all ages transports you to 1986 Hawkins, and blends supernatural mystery, nostalgia and iconic locations from the Netflix global phenomenon designed exclusively by the show’s creators.

Vivid Food has never been more enticing. In a festival exclusive, internationally renowned food writer and TV cook, Nigella Lawson will curate three Vivid Sydney Dinners in the recently opened pedestrian tunnel Muru Giligu in Martin Place. Over three nights, the space will be completely transformed with a light and sound experience, celebrated with NSW produce and wine for an unforgettable experience.

Nigella Lawson said of her collaboration: “Visitors cram themselves into Sydney in summer, but for me the magical time is in winter, during Vivid Sydney! And having loved it for years, it is the hugest thrill to be part of the Vivid Food program this year. I’ll be curating an exclusive menu for the three Vivid Sydney Dinners, and it is simply a dream come true. I mean, you know me: there can never be too many fairy lights! See you there!”

Festival favourites Vivid Fire Kitchen will return to The Goods Line honouring fire and spice and Vivid Chef Series will once again see the world’s most innovative chefs collaborate with Sydney’s revered dining intuitions.

Adjacent to the Fire Kitchen, Maryanne Street will transform into the Spice Lounge for Vivid Sydney – a place to spend time around the fire and take it all in. Vivid Food will also activate in Surry Hills’ Hollywood Quarter, including exclusive gig and food trails from institutions such as Golden Age Cinema, Hollywood Hotel, and The Soda Factory as well as unmissable street parties.
Both Spice Lounge and Hollywood Quarter events are thanks to Transport for NSW Open Streets Program.

Vivid Music celebrates our collective dreams through sound and song, with a specially curated program of artists from around the globe, alongside special events, interactive experiences and exclusive performances.

Tumbalong Nights will return to Darling Harbour with a focus on music in diaspora communities and First Nations artists singing in their own languages. Featuring local pop darlings Winston Surfshirt and Ayesha Madon, the free concert series will also include V-Pop sensations Mỹ Anh and Chi Xê, Grammy-winning African artist Dobet Gnahoré, Stella Jang from Korea, India’s Zaeden and former bass player for Prince, MonoNeon.

Oxford Art Factory will host UK rapping sensations Pete & Bas and Newcastle’s Steel City Dance Discs, Metro Theatre will see local labelsBad Apples and NLV Records celebrate their 10th anniversaries in separate events, and City Recital Hall will host German electronic music pioneers Tangerine Dream as well as Soccer Mommy. Vivid Supper Club will also return to Mary’s Underground, with a new line-up reflecting contemporary cabaret.

Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House boasts over 50 cutting-edge and legendary international and Australian artists, including British singer and spellbinding performer Anohni and The Johnsons, Beth Gibbons from Portishead, Sigur Rós with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, indie pop darlings Japanese Breakfast, soulful indie-folk crooner Marlon Williams, neo-soul artist Ravyn Lenae, plus homegrown trailblazers Miss Kaninna, SAHXL and more, all to perform at the iconic venue.

Festivalgoers at Carriageworks can move to a different beat, with performances by lo-fi house and techno producer Mall Grab, Sydney based-Papua New Guinean artist Ngaiire set to deliver her most visceral and transcendent work yet, and Byron Bay duo Skegss bring their raw mix of surf and garage rock. Carriageworks’ legendary Night Market is also back for 2025, with young guns from Sydney’s top bars and restaurants stepping into the spotlight.

Tickets for Vivid Sydney are on sale now. For more information and for a full list of events, go to vividsydney.com

Birdsville Camel Carnival and Outback Camel Races
2025-07-08 - 2025-07-26 | Queensland
The heart of Outback Queensland is set to come alive with the launch of the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail, a unique cultural tourism experience celebrating the rich cameleer history and the vibrant arts of the region.

This month-long trail from July 5 to July 26 is set to become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism in Outback Queensland, drawing visitors to multiple iconic towns.

The trail includes the newly created Birdsville Camel Carnival supported by the Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland. From July 8–10, 2025, this inaugural event in Birdsville is a central part of a larger Outback Camel Trail, uniting communities across the region in a celebration of heritage, sport, and culture. The Birdsville Camel Carnival, offers visitors an immersive cultural experience, including:

• Evening concerts featuring headline acts at the Birdsville Hotel.
• Camel rides and cameleer history celebrating the region’s unique heritage.
• Entertainment by the Crack-Up Sisters, pig races, and acoustic performances.
• Queensland artisan markets, showcasing the creativity of local makers, including the Birdsville Bakery’s Camel Pies.

Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the new Birdsville Camel Carnival will be a truly unique arts experience that will leave locals and visitors thirsty for more. “Birdsville’s newest cultural event is presented alongside the John Williamson Big Red Sunset Concert, offering outback audiences a wealth of arts activity across several days,” Minister Langbroek said. “The Crisafulli Government is proud to support Diamantina Shire Council to present the authentic Carnival experience, set to drive cultural tourism, employment opportunities for artists and arts workers, and economic outcomes for the Birdsville community.”

The Desert Champions Way Highlights The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail will form the centrepiece of an exciting sequence of events featuring world-class camel racing and vibrant cultural festivities:

• Jundah Camel Races – July 5, 2025: Launching the trail in the picturesque township of Jundah, the event offers thrilling races alongside community markets, family entertainment, and a taste of the quintessential Outback spirit.
• Betoota Outback Muster – July 4-7, 2025: A new multi day event celebrating music at the Betoota hotel, fantastic way to kick off the events in the Diamantina Shire.
• NEW Birdsville Camel Carnival – July 8–10, 2025: This new event combines camel inspired attractions, storytelling, local markets, and live music to honour Birdsville’s rich history and cameleer heritage.
• Bedourie Camel Races – July 12, 2025: Known as the “Town of Sand and Sun,” Bedourie hosts a day of exhilarating camel racing paired with family-friendly activities and local food stalls, showcasing the hospitality of the Diamantina Shire.
• Boulia Camel Races – July 18–20, 2025: As the “Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing,” the Boulia Camel Races are the pinnacle of the trail. This three-day event draws thousands for high-stakes racing, entertainment, and a true festival atmosphere.
• Winton Camel Races – July 26, 2025: Concluding the trail in the legendary town of Winton, visitors can enjoy camel racing alongside the town’s vibrant arts and music scene, including nods to its strong ties to Outback storytelling and history.

A Celebration of Outback Queensland The Outback Camel Racing Trail, supported by the Outback Queensland Tourism Association and local councils, is designed to enhance cultural tourism across the region. It aligns with the Diamantina Shire’s tourism strategy to expand arts and cultural events that highlight the region’s distinct identity while fostering sustainable economic growth.

“This trail embodies the spirit of Outback Queensland, combining adrenaline-filled racing with rich cultural programming,” said Diamantina Shire Mayor Cr Francis Murray. “It’s a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with our history, meet our communities, and experience the magic of the Outback.”

Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA) CEO, Denise Brown advised that the trail offered an authentic Outback experience like no other.

She advised, “The trail has been designed to celebrate one of the Outback’s most iconic attractions and allow visitors to have more opportunities to be involved with camel racing.

“Visitors are encouraged to explore a number of our townships providing a unique opportunity to meet more locals and really embrace an authentic Outback experience.

“Connecting our townships through a sequence of racing events will also provide ongoing benefits to our local operators and regional economies.”

Event Details:
• Desert Champions Way – Outback Camel Trail: July 5–26, 2025
• Estimated Attendance in Birdsville: 3,000 visitors Join us for a month of unforgettable events, where the magic of camel racing and the culture of Outback Queensland come together.

Explorers – The Age of Discovery with James May
2025-07-29 - 2025-08-30 | Queensland
All New Show – Live on Stage
James May will premiere a landmark live theatre show in Australia, bringing to life the stories of the extraordinary explorers who traversed the deserts, scaled the mountains, sailed into the unknown. The live show combines theatrical techniques and James’ charismatic storytelling to create an evening of compelling intellectual entertainment.
From Ice Age migrations to space travel, the stories of famous, infamous and unknown explorers will come to life in a theatric style, presented by British television presenter and award-winning journalist James May. James May is best known as a co-presenter of the motoring programs Top Gear and The Grand Tour, and as the host of the Our Man in… TV series.
Few endeavors have captured the imagination and spirit of humanity as profoundly as exploration. Audiences will embark on an awe-inspiring journey through time and space. They will discover the stories of those who risked (and sometimes gave) everything, driven by insatiable curiosity and an unquenchable thirst for discovery, pushing back the boundaries of the unexplored regions of the world, and now, the universe.
Live on stage, James May will unravel the breathtaking tales of humankind from the earliest wanderings of ancient hunter-gatherers to the intrepid, often obsessive explorers, among them Lief Ericson, John Cabot, James Cook’s navigator Tupaia, Stanley and Livingstone, Gertrude Bell, through to the moon walkers, space exploration and the seemingly impossible challenges of interplanetary and intergalactic travel.
Please note: Explorers: The Age of Discovery has no connection to James May’s Great Explorers, a TV series broadcast on the UK’s Channel 5.
Watch the trailer
Promoter Presale: Tue 25 Mar, 10am > Fri 28 Mar 9am (local times)
GP On Sale: Fri 28 Mar, 10am (local times)

Coreto - Cirque du Soleil
2025-09-18 - 2025-09-24 | Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, 1 Melaleuca Dr, Boondall, Queensland, 4034, Australia
Within Australia, Corteo is heading exclusively to Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. This exceptional show, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal under the Big Top in April 2005 and features a double-sided stage where audiences face each other. Since its creation, Corteo has amazed over 12 million spectators, in 30 countries, on 4 continents. Corteo will be presented in Australia for 53 shows in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide before the show heads to New Zealand. Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the artist, with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity, situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth. In a Cirque du Soleil first, the stage is central in the arena and divides the venue, with each half of the audience facing the other half, giving a unique perspective not only of the show, but also a performer’s eye view of the audience. An atmosphere like never seen before in Cirque du Soleil arena shows.

BRISBANE, ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE: 18 – 28 SEPTEMBER
Thursday 18 September – 7:30 PM
Friday 19 September – 7:30 PM
Saturday 20 September – 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM
Sunday 21 September – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Thursday 25 September – 7:30 PM
Friday 26 September – 7:30 PM
Saturday 27 September – 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM
Sunday 28 September – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM
