Art, Wine, Music & More: How to Spend the Upcoming Long Weekend

Spring is here and so are the October long weekends. New South Wales and South Australia mark Labour Day on Monday 6 October, while Queensland celebrates the King’s Birthday long weekend at the same time. Victoria doesn’t have an October public holiday, but Melburnians make the most of AFL Grand Final Friday in September and Melbourne Cup in November for their own mini breaks.

It’s the perfect time to slip away with friends or your partner — whether you’re chasing wine regions, art, live music or a relaxing coastal escape. 

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How to Enjoy the Long Weekend in Queensland 

Brisbane is buzzing this long weekend, with the Wonderstruck Exhibition at QAGOMA, the City Sounds Music Events bringing live performances across the city, and theatre productions like Dirty Dancing at the Brisbane Convention Centre. Foodies can also head to Fortitude Valley for the Moon Festival, which fills the precinct with lanterns, street food and cultural performances. 

For somewhere to stay, Brisbane Holiday Village keeps you close to the action but still offers peaceful surrounds, while Borumba Deer Park delivers rustic charm in the countryside. Esk Caravan Park is another great option, complete with a dedicated child-free pool area for travellers wanting a quieter escape.

In the north, art lovers can catch The Invisible Line and Energy exhibitions in Cairns, while those seeking tropical relaxation can unwind at Bali Hali in Mission Beach or Tasman Holiday Parks Cairns Cool Waters — both offering tranquil bases with easy access to beaches, markets and laid-back coastal vibes. 

How to Enjoy the Long Weekend in New South Wales 

In NSW, mix culture and coast—Sydney’s MCA Cerith Wyn Evans Exhibition offers thought-provoking contemporary art, while south along the coast, the Wanderer Festival in Pambula brings together indie music, theatre, comedy and circus in a boutique seaside setting. Elsewhere across the state, the legendary Deni Ute Muster in Deniliquin offers outback entertainment, while the NRL Grand Final on Sunday 5 October will see celebrations spill beyond the stadium with viewing events, fan zones and street parties happening in towns and cities across NSW.

When it comes to where to stay, Reflections Bonny Hills and Hawks Nest both offer a mix of affordable cabins and powered sites, with easy beach access for a laid-back escape. For something a little different, Tathra Beach Eco Camp and Holiday Haven Lake Conjola  stand out with safari tents, eco-friendly stays and waterfront sites perfect for paddling or kayaking. 

How to Enjoy the Long Weekend in South Australia 

South Australia’s long weekend is perfect for wine and food lovers. The Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations and end of Grenache & Gourmet events showcase some of the state’s best vineyards, while coastal travellers can indulge at the Ceduna Oyster Fest. Adelaide itself comes alive with the Deepavali Festival, filling the city with colour, music and flavours. 

Base yourself at Discovery Parks Barossa for a vineyard escape with a side of safari tent glamping, while BIG4 Port Willunga Tourist Park gives you beach access near McLaren Vale. Belair National Park Holiday Park sits in the Adelaide Hills with eco-tents and trails at your doorstep, and BIG4 Loxton Riverfront Holiday Park delivers riverfront cabins and glamping tents right on the Murray. 

How to Enjoy the Long Weekend in Victoria 

Victoria might not have an October public holiday, but Victorians still have plenty of excuses to get away. With AFL Grand Final Friday in late September and Melbourne Cup Day in early November, there’s no shortage of reasons to celebrate. Melbourne comes alive with the AFL Footy Festival & Parade, the family-friendly fun of the Melbourne Royal Show, and cultural highlights like 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art at the Potter Museum — an expansive exhibition of Indigenous and Australian works spanning 400 pieces across 11 galleries.  

As spring rolls on, the Ladbrokes Peninsula Cup offers a stylish day out on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Out of the city, Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park in the Grampians combines wood-fire-heated pools with mountain views and easy access to hiking trails and wildlife. Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park puts you right on the Surf Coast, ideal for beach walks, surfing or exploring the start of the Great Ocean Road. In the heart of wine country, Park Lane Yarra Valley offers cabins and sites surrounded by rolling vineyards, making it a perfect base for tastings and long lunches. And for something historic with charm, BIG4 Castlemaine Gardens Holiday Park sits beside the beautiful Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, with heritage goldfields towns and galleries just a short stroll away. 

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Long weekends are the perfect time to reconnect with friends or enjoy a couple’s escape. Whether it’s soaking up art in Brisbane before retreating to Brisbane Holiday Village, unwinding on the quiet beaches near Reflections Bonny Hills, sipping wine after a day at the Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations, or relaxing in the wood-fire-heated pools and mountain surrounds at Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park, spring has something special for every style of traveller.  

Pack your bags and make the most of the long weekends. 

Did you know that if you take a camping holiday between October 1st and February 28th, you could win a shot at one million dollars? Find out more!