Australia's dazzling light and art festivals

Vivid Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

With Aussie destinations lighting up in rainbows of art installations and extravagant events, winter nights look a little different Down Under. Illuminate Adelaide, South Australia © Illuminate Adelaide

Parrtjima

Set in the rugged Red Centre, Parrtjima is a beautiful celebration of cultures, merging ancient practices with modern technology in a one-of-a-kind event. Parrtjima, Alice Springs, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Daniel Tran Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Pro tip : Each creation here is made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, so taking time to learn about the stories behind each piece is a great way to connect with local cultures. Parrtjima, Alice Springs, Northern Territory © NT Major Events/James Horan

Enlighten Festival

Enlighten festival is a flashy affair of hot air balloon-filled skies, national monuments adorned in lights and bustling lakeside gigs. Enlighten Festival, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © 5 Foot Photography/Davey Barber Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Pro tip: Canberra boasts excellent local vineyards and breweries, so you definitely won't want to miss the drinks, eats and vibes of the festival's pop-up bars. Bentspoke Beer Garden, Enlighten Festival, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © 5 Foot Photography/Davey Barber

Illuminate Adelaide

From fire gardens to interactive exhibitions, Illuminate Adelaide is a boundary-pushing spectacle bringing together some of the world's most innovative creatives. Illuminate Adelaide, South Australia © Tyr Liang & Xplorer Studio/Ouchhh Studio/Wisdom of AI Light " Adelaide, South Australia

Pro tip: Be sure to check out some of the festival's live music events, which combine visual and auditory art to create a feast for the senses. "Illuminate Adelaide, South Australia © Jack Fenby/Unsound Marina Herlop "

Vivid

The iconic Vivid festival sees Sydney's sparkling harbour and city streets abuzz with moving art and live performances in an unmissable display. Vivid, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW Sydney, New South Wales

Pro tip: Many popular Sydney haunts join in on the fun – book in at a restaurant with views of the harbour, or explore the many bars and pubs of The Rocks to savour themed cocktails and elaborate décor. Vivid, Sydney, New South Wales © Destination NSW

Explore outdoor art in Australia