Salon des Refusés 2026, Sydney

The beloved alternative to the Archibald, at S.H. Ervin Gallery in The Rocks

What gets left out of the Archibald? Since 1992, the Salon des Refusés has answered that question with a rich exhibition of portraiture and landscape works that didn't make the official cut — but often rival it. Held at the charming S.H. Ervin Gallery in Millers Point, it's a wonderful companion to the Archibald at the Art Gallery of NSW just up the hill, and a perfect pairing for a Sydney cultural day trip.

Alura Touring offers group transport into Sydney — we can pair this with an Archibald visit for a full day out.

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Archibald, Wynne & Sulman Prizes 2026, Sydney

Australia's most celebrated art prizes on show at the Art Gallery of NSW

The Archibald is a national institution — a beloved annual showcase of portraiture, landscape and genre painting that sparks conversation across the country. In 2026, the Art Gallery of NSW presents the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes together through to mid-August, with free guided tours running daily. Whether you have strong opinions on who should have won or just love great Australian art, this is a staple Sydney cultural experience.

Alura provides group coach transport to Sydney — ideal for a full cultural day at the Art Gallery of NSW.

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Lake Macquarie Dobell Festival, NSW

A month-long celebration of art inspired by Sir William Dobell across Lake Macquarie

The Dobell Festival is a month-long arts celebration honouring one of Australia's most distinguished painters, Sir William Dobell, who was born on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Throughout June, workshops, exhibitions, presentations and events are held at various locations around the lake, offering a rich and varied look at Dobell's life, legacy and influence on Australian art. A lovely regional arts experience with a mix of free and ticketed events.

Alura can organise group transport to Lake Macquarie for this festival — a great day trip from Sydney or Newcastle.

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World Press Photo Exhibition, State Library of NSW

The world's most powerful photojournalism, free at the State Library of NSW

One of the most respected photography exhibitions on the planet comes to Sydney each year, and 2026 is no exception. Showcasing award-winning images selected from over 59,000 entries across 141 countries, the World Press Photo Exhibition presents striking visual journalism that captures the defining moments and pressing issues of our time. Entry is free, making it an accessible and thought-provoking outing for any group.

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Canberra Region Truffle Festival

Australia's ultimate winter foodie event, celebrating the prized Black Périgord Truffle harvest

From the winter solstice through to the end of August, the Canberra Region transforms into a destination for serious food lovers. The prized Black Périgord Truffle — grown in the region's cool climate — takes centre stage on menus at restaurants, cafes and wineries across the capital. Highlights include truffle hunts with specially trained dogs, cooking workshops, farm visits, farmers markets and extraordinary dining experiences. A bucket-list winter event for anyone who loves exceptional produce and regional food culture.

Alura offers group coach travel to Canberra — ideal for a truffle hunt day trip or overnight foodie escape.

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Yarra Valley Fireside Festival 2026

Fifteen days of cellar doors, smoky feasts and cool-climate wines in Victoria's beautiful wine country

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley becomes the place to be in June as its Winter Wine Festival gets underway. For 15 days, participating wineries and producers put on a spread of cosy fireside events, long lunches, smoky feasts, cellar door tastings and all-star culinary collaborations. The Yarra Valley's cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are among the finest in the country, and winter only adds to the charm of the rolling vineyard landscape.

Alura can take your group to the Yarra Valley — let us drive so everyone can enjoy the wine.

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Lightscape at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

A magical winter trail of light, colour and music through one of Melbourne's most beautiful gardens

Now a Melbourne winter institution, Lightscape returns to the Royal Botanic Gardens with brand-new large-scale light installations by leading Australian and international artists. As night falls, visitors follow an illuminated trail through the gardens, surrounded by immersive light art, captivating music and trail-side food and drinks. It's a stunning, atmospheric evening experience that works beautifully for groups — and one of Melbourne's most talked-about winter events.

Alura offers group coach transport to Melbourne — a Lightscape evening trip is a wonderful group night out.

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Orange Region Fire Festival, NSW

Ten days of fire-inspired arts, food, wine and music in the heart of the Central West

Every August, the Orange Region comes alive with a festival that puts fire, warmth and creativity at its centre. Spanning ten days, food and wine venues become performance spaces, cultural venues open for artistic workshops, exhibitions and film screenings, and local artists, musicians and producers collaborate across the program. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Orange Region in winter, the Fire Festival is a unique, immersive experience that showcases the very best of country hospitality.

Alura offers group coach journeys to Orange — a scenic Central West trip perfect for food, wine and arts lovers.

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Byron Writers Festival, NSW

Australia's favourite regional writers festival celebrates its 30th anniversary in the heart of Byron Bay

Celebrating three decades of storytelling, the Byron Writers Festival marks its 30th anniversary in style by returning to the heart of Byron Bay — transforming the town itself into a lively literary precinct for three days. Venues across the Byron township, including the foreshore, host over 110 sessions with leading local and international authors. The 2026 lineup includes Trent Dalton, International Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree and Miles Franklin winner Siang Lu, among many others. Day passes and three-day passes are available, with free community programming on the foreshore.

Alura can arrange group transport to Byron Bay — ask us about overnight packages for the full festival experience.

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Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)

One of the world's oldest and Southern Hemisphere's biggest film festivals returns to Melbourne

Founded in 1952, the Melbourne International Film Festival is a cultural cornerstone — 18 days of world-class cinema spanning features, documentaries, short films and arthouse works from across the globe, alongside the world's largest showcase of Australian filmmaking. Screenings take place at iconic venues across the CBD including ACMI, The Forum and The Capitol. Whether you're a dedicated cinephile or just love a great film, MIFF offers something extraordinary for every taste.

Alura offers group coach travel to Melbourne for MIFF — we can help you plan a full film festival day or overnight trip.

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