The 8 best festivals and events in Western Australia

A larger-than-life adventure is waiting for you in WA’s largest regional city, Mandurah, located less than an hour south of Perth. The city has transformed into the ultimate outdoor playground for internationally renowned Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo’s magical Giants of Mandurah exhibition, featuring five enormous wooden sculptures. Bring the whole family along to play, as you collect clues to discover the final secret giant hiding in the wetlands. The free, interactive outdoor exhibition launched in November 2022, but the Giants are here to stay for at least three more years.

When: On now

Whether you’re swimming, spectating or soaking up all the good vibes with a bevy in hand, the Rottnest Channel Swim is hands down one of WA’s most popular events. Conquering the 19.7-kilometre open water swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rotto is no easy feat, so you’ll want to be there as the bathers, budgie smugglers and support crews cross the finish line and celebrate at Thomson Bay. The best viewing points include South Thomson Bay, the grassed area in front of the Salt Store building and the mezzanine area above the Visitor Centre.

When: February 24, 2024

Lace up your walking shoes and start snapping. This is set to be another momentous year for the world’s largest annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition. Following the grand celebration of its 25th anniversary in Sydney last year, Sculptures by the Sea will return to the sandy shores of Perth for its 20th year. The immensely popular event attracts more than 250,000 visitors from near and far, so you know it’s worth the hype. In 2024, you can explore more than 70 weird and wonderful sculptures by renowned local and international artists from 15 countries, all dotted along the postcard-perfect Cottesloe Beach.

When: March 1 to 18, 2024

It feels a little lazy to say that eating and drinking yourself silly is one of the best things to do in Perth, but it would be disingenuous to suggest otherwise. City Feast (formerly City Wine) brings together the top chefs and producers across the state for a celebration of our thriving culinary scene. Popping up in the newly refurbished Wellington Square, you can eat your way through more than 50 diverse stalls showcasing our state’s most talented chefs and boutique wine, spirit, beer and cider producers, including Old Young’s, Republic of Fremantle, Wise Wine, and Swan River Distillery.

When: March 23-24, 2024

The ancient red rock gorges of Karijini’s 2.5-billion-year-old national park will come alive for this spectacular arts and cultural festival with a focus on celebrating local Aboriginal culture. For more than a decade, the Karijini Experience has brought together thousands of visitors and hundreds of artists under the starry night sky, offering a diverse line-up of food, culture, art, music and storytelling events. From morning yoga and boomerang sand art crafts to weekend markets and a bush tucker high tea, the celebration welcomes both locals and blow-ins alike.

When: April 4 to 7, 2024

If you’re a foodie with a passion for the deep blue, then add Shore Leave to your 2024 bucket list. Taking place in Geraldton, this ultimate seafood festival celebrates all things ocean and adventure, with more than 30 events hosted across five jam-packed days. From the iconic Abrolhos Island long table lunch and Mid-West paddock to plate culinary experience, to tours, markets and music, there’s almost too much to see, eat and do.

When: April 24 to 28, 2024

Peppered over WA’s Great Southern region, this premier regional foodie festival fuses incredible flavours, fine wines and otherworldly landscapes. Dive into more than 40 culinary experiences spread across 11 glorious days, with everything from lavish long lunches and gourmet degustations to premium pairing events and bustling community markets.

When: May 2 to 12, 2024

Located on the banks of the Ord River, Kununurra is the launch pad of a cultural experience distinct to WA’s precious Kimberley region. The annual Ord Valley Muster is the biggest festival in the region and celebrates the North West’s vast and dramatic landscapes with culinary, creative and cultural events. Rally the squad and adventure on down for comedy in the park, dinner under the stars, the top-end mustering rodeo, a yoga boat ride and more. 

When: May 17 to 25, 2024