Coastal hinterland walks, whale festivals, moon-lit phenomena and alpine climbs are just some of the things happening Down Under this October. Which will you choose to get back in touch with Australia’s natural landscape?
1. Great Noosa Trail Walk, Noosa, QLD
Got nothing planned for early October? Get your hiking shoes on and take part in the Great Noosa Trail Walk! This incredible journey through the Noosa Hinterland will be more relaxing than you think. It can be done at your own pace, and you’re welcome to stop for a bite or explore the shops and attractions along the way. Most meals and camping facilities are provided, but ensure you book to take part.
2. Eden Whale Festival, Eden, NSW
If you ever want to be reminded of how brilliant living on the Australian coast can be, head to the Eden Whale Festival on the NSW south coast. Twofold Bay is the place to be and you can either watch the humpback whale migration from the shore or from a boat on the water. Parades, markets, live entertainment and local food all top off the experience.
3. Floriade Flower Festival, Canberra, ACT
The blooms will blow you away at Floriade, Australia’s largest spring and flower event. This festival will have you gawking at marvellous flowerbeds filled with tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and more. In between, you can participate in flower-themed workshops and activities (available for both kids and adults) and engage in other celebrations like NightFest or the Spritzer Garden Party.
4. Northern Wilderness Tour, Launceston and Northern Tassie, TAS
This northern Tasmania tour lets you escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and explore one of the country’s most dramatic wilderness regions. From white sand beaches to mountainscapes and dense rainforests, you’ll spend four days (three nights) hiking, kayaking, eating and exploring. Don’t worry – most of the tour involves getting around by tour bus, meaning it’s perfect for people of all fitness levels.
5. Staircase to the Moon, Broome, WA
This incredible natural phenomenon takes place each year from March to October, on every night that the moon is full. As the moon rises at night, its light streams across the local mudflats at low tide and creates the illusion of a staircase leading up to the moon. You’ll need to check the viewing times depending on your travel dates. Don’t forget to stop in at the Town Markets nearby as well.
6. Bright 4 Peaks Alpine Climb, Bright, VIC
Hiking up Mystic Hill, Mount Feathertop, Mount Hotham and Mount Buffalo over the span of four days is no small feat, but people have been doing it since 1979. The Four Peaks Climb will see you immersed into some of Victoria’s most magnificent natural scenery, with stunning views and challenging tracks to enjoy. You can also choose to do whichever mountain you like or you can go for all four!
7. Knuckey’s Build-Up Boot ‘n’ Bike, Knuckey Lagoon, NT
How well do you think you could navigate through the bushland of the Northern Territory? Knuckey’s is a true orienteering event that you can choose to either do on foot or bike and that involves everything from hiking to navigation and route planning. You can enter as a team or ask the organiser to pair you with an existing team, and a BBQ dinner is provided upon completion.
8. Australian Geographic ANZANG Nature Photographer of the Year, Adelaide, SA
This one might not have you out and about in nature itself, but it’s still worth the effort! At the South Australian Museum you can see the finalist photographs from this year’s Nature Photographer of the Year competition, all of which showcase the pristine natural world of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea. The exhibition is open from 10am to 5pm daily. If you’re in Sydney, you can also catch the exhibition until October 9 at the Australian Museum.