Explorer Country

Explorer Country is home to a number of nationally and globally recognised annual events that attract visitors from all over the world. New South Wales, Australia is a region abundant in natural beauty, vibrant cultural heritage, and diverse communities. Each year, the region hosts a range of events that showcase its unique identity and celebrate its rich history. Below are some of the most popular ones.

The Tamworth Country Music Festival: Taking place over ten days each January, the Tamworth Country Music Festival is the largest country music festival in the southern hemisphere, and the second largest one in the world. It has a long history, dating back to 1973, and today it attracts over 50,000 visitors to the region. The festival is a celebration of country music and its culture, featuring more than 700 performers and over 2,800 separate events, including concerts, shows, busking, and jam sessions.

The Byron Bay Bluesfest: Held every Easter weekend in the coastal town of Byron Bay, the Bluesfest is a five-day music festival that showcases the best of blues and roots music from around the world. Since its inception in 1990, it has become an iconic event, attracting around 100,000 visitors annually. The festival features over 200 performances across seven stages, with both established legends and emerging artists from Australia and overseas.

The Tropfest Short Film Festival: The world's largest short film festival, Tropfest is held annually in February at Parramatta Park, Sydney. Founded in 1993 by John Polson, the festival is open to filmmakers from around the world, and each year it attracts over 35,000 people to the screenings. Participants compete for a range of prizes and awards, and Tropfest has become a highly respected platform for emerging talent in the film industry.

The Mardi Gras Parade: Established in 1978, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a LGBTQ+ festival and parade held every year in late February or early March. The festival is a celebration of diversity and inclusion, and it attracts tens of thousands of people to the city. The highlight of the Mardi Gras is the parade, which features a colourful procession of floats, costumes, and performers, and is attended by over 300,000 people.

The Vivid Sydney Festival: Taking place over three weeks in May-June, the Vivid Sydney Festival is a celebration of light, music, and ideas, and it transforms the city into a stunning outdoor spectacle. The festival features large-scale light installations and projections on iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, as well as a program of music and performance events, workshops, and talks.

The Royal Easter Show: Held annually at Sydney's Olympic Park, the Royal Easter Show is a celebration of Australian agriculture, culture, and entertainment. Dating back to 1823, it is one of Australia's oldest and largest annual shows, featuring a range of attractions such as animal exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides, food stalls, and live music.

The Bathurst 1000: One of the most iconic events in Australian sports, the Bathurst 1000 is an annual 1,000-kilometre touring car race held at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst. The race has been held since 1960 and attracts a huge crowd of motor racing enthusiasts and fans from all over the country.

The Parkes Elvis Festival: Held annually in January, the Parkes Elvis Festival is a celebration of the legacy of Elvis Presley and his influence on popular culture. The festival takes over the town of Parkes, located in the Central West region of NSW, and features a range of events such as parades, concerts, tribute shows, and competitions.

Explorer Country is a region that offers a diverse range of nationally and globally recognised annual events that celebrate the best of Australian culture, music, arts, and sports. These events attract visitors from all over the world and provide a unique experience of the region's identity and character.