Why hibernate when there's still so much going on right across the state over the winter months?
Cool takes on a new meaning when it comes to winter in WA. From June to August, the state has a line-up of exciting festivals, from toastie gastronomic experiences in the South West to concerts under boabs in the far north. Whether your next road trip is about embracing a cosy escape down south or heading north to chase the sun, there's a festival to suit all moods.
So crawl out from under the doona and make sure your next road trip adventure includes one of these festivals.
1. Truffle Kerfuffle
Dates: 28 – 30 June 2024
Location: Manjimup
Enrich your winter diet with one of the world's most luxurious ingredients at the Truffle Kerfuffle. Held in Australia's black truffle country, the Manjimup region produces more truffles than anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere.
Over the weekend, the South West’s truffle trove hosts numerous events showcasing the this delicacy. You can join a truffle hunt, spoil yourself with speciality dinners featuring the hero ingredient by renowned chefs or attend a wine masterclass to discover what drops to pair with truffles.
The festival also offers a chance to mingle with fellow truffle lovers at the Festival Village at Fonty's Pool. Enjoy live truffle dog demonstrations, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment while meeting with growers.
2. Cabin Fever
Dates: 12 – 21 July 2024
Location: The Margaret River region
A bad case of cabin fever? Not in this state. Cabin Fever, the much-loved South West festival is back and bigger than ever, hosting 40 events throughout Busselton and the Margaret River region across ten days.
Prepare for a sensory overload with various bespoke food and drink experiences suited to all budgets. See who’ll win the Cheese Toastie Battle or join a Cuban fiesta at Hayshed Hill's Rustico Rum-Ba.
Beerfarm in Metricup will be hosting an epic bonfire and for budding artists and white wine lovers, you can combine your two passions to create a ceramic work of art at Clay and Chardonnay in Busselton.
3. Shinju Matsuri
Dates: 17 August – 1 September 2024
Location: Broome
The long-running Shinju Matsuri festival showcases Broome's eclectic heritage with an exciting schedule of gourmet dining experiences and cultural events across the town.
Pull up a chair on iconic Cable Beach for a magical Sunset Long Table Dinner. Famed as one of the state's most sought-out dining experiences, the event's multi-course menu spotlights local ingredients and seasonal produce, all curated by the festival's headline chef. As well as catching a famous Cable Beach sunset, you can enjoy twilight performances by local artists.
Head back to the beach for a fiery Broome sunset at Matsos' Cable Beach Sunset Cocktail Party. Feel the sand between your toes as you sip on a cocktail, indulge in canapes made from local seasonal produce, and dance into the night with tunes from a lineup of DJs.
See the waters off Gantheaume Beach (1km east of Gantheaume Point) dotted with shimmering lights at Floating Lantern or savour the best of Broome's street eats under the stars at the Chinatown Feast along Short Street.
4. CinefestOz Film Festival
Dates: 31 August – 8 September 2024
Location: Busselton and the Margaret River region
One of the country's most anticipated film festivals, CinefestOZ presents the best of Australian cinema, merging screenings with the region’s spectacular scenery, along with guest appearances by industry veterans. Who needs a candy bar when you have all the good food and wine from the South West on offer?
Also on the table is Australia's largest film prize, with film finalists competing for $100,000.
5. Taste of the Kimberley
Dates: 30–31 August 2024
Location: Kununurra
This delicious event returns for another year, shining a light on the people and produce of the East Kimberley.
Taste of the Kimberley brings together local WA chefs to showcase the incredible diversity of fresh produce from across the region.
Don’t miss the FEASTival, where chefs will take on the challenge of creating a sausage that embodies the essence of the East Kimberley. Suit up for the long table banquet Harvest Dinner, or explore the region on the Ord Valley Farm and Food Tour.
6. A Taste of Broome Festival
Dates: 22 August – 24 August 2024
Location: Broome
Go into sensory overload at A Taste of Broome. This delectable three-day event is a must for foodies, celebrating the best of Broome's blended cuisines.
The festival also showcases the town's unique multiculturism through theatre, music, dance and film throughout the weekend. This family-friendly festival hosts three main events alongside smaller events for an all-inclusive experience.
7. Nannup Flower and Garden Festival
Dates: 9 – 17 August 2024
Location: Nannup
During August, this charming town is awash with colour during the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival with a huge number of horticultural events and displays.
At Open Gardens you can explore local gardens showcasing a variety of native plants and trees in beautifully landscaped surrounds.
Visit the town hall for a floral exhibition from a line-up of WA’s floral artists. Open studios featuring local artists from the South West will also inspire, making Nannup one kaleidoscope of colour.
8. Gascoyne Food Festival
Dates: August- September 2024
Location: Gascoyne region
Make sure to pack the stretchy pants for one of Australia’s biggest culinary events. The Gascoyne Food Festival champions local produce and talent in a series of one-of-a-kind regional events. Satisfy your appetite in incredible locations, from the shores of Exmouth to the foothills of Mount Augustus.
Reserve a spot at the table for the much-loved long table dinner event - Under Gascoyne Skies. Held near the banks of the Gascoyne River, the festoon-lit dining experience presents a three-course menu by one of the state's top chefs.
Head to Exmouth for the Whalebone Hoe-Down, an outback extravaganza set on the beautiful Ningaloo coast. It’s a rip-roaring night of fresh local produce and great brews at Exmouth’s Whalebone Brewery.
9. Fridgetown Fest
Dates: June-August 2024
Location: Bridgetown
This winter festival last’s as long winter itself so there’s plenty of time to plan a visit and join in the chilly festivities.
The rolling program of events includes karaoke nights, foodie feasts, live music art and craft workshops, exhibitions, markets and a whole lot more.
The self-appointed “winter capital of WA” does pack a punch when it comes to crisp, wintry temperatures so pack some extra woollies.
Need a place to stay while you experience WA?
RAC members get exclusive discounts at our nine holiday parks and resorts in iconic locations across WA.*
*Terms and conditions apply. RAC member discount not applicable on already discounted rates. Discounts available on direct bookings only made online or via phone. Visit our Parks & Resorts website for more information.
