Australia’s Best Easter Festivals

Five Aussie Easter festivals that are not to be missed

Aussies, rejoice: the Easter long weekend is almost upon us. With clear skies forecast for nearly every capital city and COVID-19 restrictions easing across the nation, the celebration of rebirth is bound to feel particularly special this year.

We’re sure that many of you are looking forward to spending this Easter relaxing and spending time with loved ones. However, for those looking for a family day out or just an exciting way to spend an afternoon, check out some of these great Easter events on offer across Australia.  

1. Bendigo Easter Festival / Bendigo, VIC

The Bendigo Easter Festival is one of Australia's longest-running community events, dating back to 1871. In ordinary years, it features a full calendar of events, including the iconic Gala Parade. This Easter procession is topped off by the appearance of the world's longest imperial dragon, Dai Gum Loong, and is not to be missed. 

The festival looks a little different in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, but the organisers and community have still banded together to bring together a delightful event that will delight all ages. 'Eggs-plore Bendigo' plans to feature a range of small, family-friendly activities and entertainment held in venues across the city. Highlights will include carnival rides, art shows, traditional Chinese performances, and even an augmented reality Easter egg hunt.

2. Sydney Royal Easter Show / Sydney, NSW

This huge agricultural show combines rural traditions and exciting modern technology to highlight the very best of NSW living for nearly 1 million annual visitors. The show runs for nearly 2 weeks, from April 1-12, making it accessible as a school holiday activity for families who have plans over the Easter long weekend. 

At the Royal Easter Show, visitors can enjoy exhilarating rides, cuddle up with animals or marvel at world-class agricultural displays, all in the very heart of the city — Sydney Showground. Whether you're a thrillseeker who wants to ride every rollercoaster or a laid-back Sydneysider who hopes to kick back and compare showbags as you watch the fireworks, there's something for everyone at this annual show. 

3. Lightning Ridge Easter Festival / Lightning Ridge, NSW

Photo by Lightning Ridge Easter Festival on Facebook

It might be a bit of a hike to get to this Easter celebration in rural NSW, but we promise it's worth the journey. This little outback town has a lot of spirit, and is famous for going all out for the Easter holiday period.

Visitors can enjoy markets packed with local craft and produce, live music parades, horse races, and digging-based challenges for all ages that celebrate the town's opal mining origins. There's even a rodeo on Good Friday, and of course the famous local fireworks spectacular. 

4. Easter Coastal Bunny Run / Adelaide, NSW

For our more active readers, or those looking to work off all the hot cross buns they've eaten lately, Adelaide's Easter Coastal Bunny Run is a unique annual Easter tradition. Runners can choose between running 10 km, half or full marathon courses along the beautiful Semaphore coastline. 

With plenty of medals and prizes on offer and beautiful weather forecast, the 2021 run is set to be a delightful way for energizer bunnies (ha ha) to spend the Easter holiday. There's also a 'bunny' dress-up theme for runners on Sunday with prizes for the best dressed, so hop to it!

5. Roma's Easter in the Country / Roma, QLD

The outback Queensland town of Roma comes alive every Easter with a charming 5-day festival packed full of activities. The festival has been growing from strength to strength since its inception 37 years ago and now features events to suit people of every background, from exhilarating horse racing and rodeo competitions to more laid-back markets and parades. 

Easter in the Country is also famous for its country music line-up, and the 2021 festival is no exception. Visitors this year will be treated to an exciting concert from Lee Kernaghan and the Wolfe Brothers that is sure to be a highlight of the long weekend. 

Whether you celebrate with an Easter egg hunt in the backyard, a 10km run, or a visit to a parade or other festival, we here at Farmbuy.com wish you a very Happy Easter!