Summer in the city: Must-see Aussie events
2018-01-23
The big cities are a magnet for major events during the summer months.
Summer is the season when Australia comes alive, people are out in force, and everyone is enjoying all that this beautiful country has to offer - with ideal weather to match!
The big cities are a magnet for major events during the summer months, so if you are in the major east coast cities of Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane, or planning a trip to these hotspots, our list of the best Aussie events this summer is a must-read!
Vibrant Melbourne
Melbourne has won the accolade of the ‘World’s Most Liveable City’ many years in a row now - and there’s good reason for it!
This vibrant city puts on a summer show like no other, and is renowned for playing host to some of the biggest events on the world sporting calendar.
If you find yourself in Melbourne’s metropolis this January, don’t miss out on a visit to the Australia Open, the first major tennis championship of the calendar year. Spot your favourite tennis stars, relax in the grounds of Melbourne Park between matches and simply immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this exciting event.
If you find yourself wandering the streets of Melbourne’s city limits on a Wednesday night, be sure to pop over to the QVM Summer Night Market. This has become somewhat of a Melbourne institution, and every Wednesday night through to April is home to endless stalls offering summer foods, drinks, shopping and entertainment. Be sure to samples treats from Spanish Gourmet Caterers, Churros Ole’ and El Rincon - they all offer traditional Spanish food La Española fans will adore.
Celebratory Sydney
The harbourside city of Sydney, and arguably the most famous city in Australia, truly explodes during the Aussie summer.
First on your to-do list should be a visit to one of the many Sydney Festival 2018 events. The festival, running from the 6th to the 28th of January, offers a mixture of both paid and free events for all ages. Original theatre productions, entertaining cabaret shows, spectacular circuses, informative workshops and moving opera is all on the Sydney Festival schedule this year, and gives both Sydneysiders and visitors to the city a chance to explore while making their way between events.
In terms of annual summer events, Sydney is perhaps most known for the famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, a fun-filled, joyous event that runs from the 16th of February to the 4th of March. The fortnight-long timetable of events draws over 20,000 visitors from both interstate and abroad, and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Laid-back Brisbane
Even though it’s smaller in size and population than its east coast cousins Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane has grown in popularity over recent years, particularly over the summer months.
Its proximity to the stunning Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast regions, its consistently warm weather and its low-key, laid-back vibe makes Brisbane a must-visit summer city.
Brisbane is kicking off 2018 with a jam-packed schedule of sporting events, including the Ashes cricket passing through town, the Brisbane International tennis tournament, and the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens also touching down in February.
Theatre is also booming in Brisbane this summer with the much-anticipated Aladdin musical commencing a three month residency from February.
Australia is the place to be this summer, and your nearest big city is sure to be putting on a memorable smorgasbord of events!
