Many Australians travel to experience an important cultural event every year. Read this page to learn about:
Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual singing competition. It's a major European cultural event. Switzerland will be the host nation in 2025.
Drink responsibly if you plan to attend Eurovision celebrations. High levels of alcohol consumption increase the risk of theft, assault and sexual assault. You're more vulnerable when drunk. Read our advice about partying safely.
Protests are possible during Eurovision Week. Monitor local media for updates and other sources for potential unrest.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Read our advice about protests and civil unrest.
To protect yourself in periods of unrest:
- avoid crowds, protests and demonstrations
- follow the advice of local authorities
More information:
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations in East and Southeast Asian cultures. The date changes each year, depending on the lunar cycle. In 2024, the festival will be celebrated from 10 February. It typically continues for 15 days. The festival is a major event in:
Celebrations also happen in destinations that have large Asian immigrant populations.
Lunar New Year is the biggest global travel event. Billions of people travel to be with family on this important occasion. Take this into account when booking travel to destinations that celebrate the event. You may find it hard to find flights and accommodation or experience long delays in the weeks before and after the festival. Public transport is often overcrowded. Local businesses are often closed for up to a week from New Year's Eve. Each culture marks the occasion differently. Research your destination to find out what to expect.
More information:
- See our general advice about going overseas for a major event
Anzac Day
Anzac Day commemorates the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Anzac day falls on 25 April each year.
If you’re thinking of travelling to commemorate Anzac Day, subscribe to the travel advice for your destination and our news updates.
Read our full advice on travelling for Anzac Day.
More information:
- Learn more about Anzac Day traditions
- Read our Global COVID-19 Health Advisory
- See our general advice about going overseas for a major event
World Expo
World Expos are a global gathering of nations dedicated to finding solutions to current global challenges. They're a platform for innovation, idea sharing, and cooperation. World Expos are held every 5 years and run for up to 6 months. The next World Expo will be held in Japan from 13 April to 13 October 2025.
Tens of millions of visitors normally attend the World Expo.
The event involves exhibitions, technology showcases and conferences. It also provides entertainment such as street performances, parades, stage shows, live art and concerts.
More information:
- Read our travel advice for Japan
- Find information about Australia's participation in the 2025 Osaka, Kansai Expo
- See our general advice about going overseas for a major event
- Read about World Expos (Bureau International des Expositions)
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a major festival in Germany. The festivities centre around Munich in the state of Bavaria. It's a 16-18 day folk festival that starts mid-September and ends on the first Sunday of October.
Each year, over 6 million visitors attend the event.
The event involves live music, carnival rides, food, wine and most famously – beer.
With high levels of alcohol consumption, there's also an increased risk of theft, robbery, assault and sexual assault. You're more vulnerable when drunk.
If you travel to Munich to attend Oktoberfest, be aware of the risks. It's also your responsibility to act appropriately, respect the local culture and stay within the law.
Before you go, read our travel advisory for Germany. Also see our general advice on partying safely.
More information:
- Learn more about Oktoberfest (City of Munich, Germany).
Read more
- see our general advice for taking care of your health.
- see our general advice about staying safe and avoiding danger.
- Read our travel advisory for your destination.