Australian winter festivals: 4 weird & wonderful

Though the mercury may drop, vibes will remain high this winter if you seek out a few of Australia’s weirdest, most wonderful festivals. From Western Australia’s beaches to Southern Tasmania’s apple orchards, there’s plenty of fun to be had over the traditional quiet season, so book a campervan, caravan or motorhome and hit the road to check out a few of our favourite winter festivals.

1. Broken Heel Festival | Broken Hill, NSW

Make tracks to Outback NSW for a weekend filled with desert, disco and divas. The Broken Heel Festival is a weekend inspired by the iconic Australian film – The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. You can expect an epic party featuring drag shows, dancing and an incredible atmosphere in the tiny town of Broken Hill. And surely the name alone is enough to convince you?

2. Mary Poppins Festival | Maryborough, Queensland

Every year, the town of Maryborough celebrates its most famous resident with the Mary Poppins Festival. The event is a fun-filled tribute to the beloved character and celebrates the art of storytelling and imagination. Visitors can take part in a chimney sweep challenge, a costume competition and the highly competitive Great Nanny Race. There’s food, music and plenty of entertainment for young and old alike, including magicians, kite decorating and multiple viewings of Mary Poppins, of course.

3. Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival | Tasmania

The Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival is a celebration of the pagan tradition of wassailing, which involves singing and dancing to ward off evil spirits in the hopes of having a good apple harvest. The festival includes a torchlit procession, bonfire and live music, as well as plenty of apple cider and hearty food. You can even take part in the traditional wassailing ceremony, where the locals sing to the orchard’s apple trees to ensure a bountiful harvest.

4. Alice Springs Beanie Festival | Alice Springs, Northern Territory

For a truly unique winter festival, head to the Alice Springs Beanie Festival in the Northern Territory. The festival celebrates the art of beanie making and started out as a simple beanie party with a group of friends. It’s now grown into a well-known event with hundreds of handmade beanies on display and for sale. You can take part in Indigenous workshops, learn how to crochet and make your own beanie to wear around town – keep it cosy, campers.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, these festivals are sure to warm your heart and lift your spirits during the cooler months. Pick a favourite and don’t forget to book a campervan, caravan or motorhome to get you there.