Things to Do This Easter Long Weekend: A State-by-State Guide

Along with religious commemorations, Easter also brings with it a long weekend from the 29th March – 1st April 2024. If you’re trying to plan what to do for this long weekend, we have rounded up activities happening across the country. Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids, enjoy a Good Friday meal, get away with your special someone or try something adventurous, we have listed out our top picks of Easter experiences and egg-stravaganzas you can enjoy, no matter which part of the country you’re in. Be sure to plan and book ahead where necessary and check out event sites prior to making reservations. 

Easter Activities New South Wales

Sydney Royal Easter Show in Olympic Park

Probably the most infamous event to take place over Easter is none other than Sydney’s Royal Easter Show. A nostalgic affair with all of your favourite rides, agriculture, show bags, shows and food options, everyone’s favourite show really does have it all. Make sure you pick your day wisely, as it does get pretty busy!

Griffith Easter Festival

Fancy a trip to Griiffith this Easter? If so, then the Griffith Easter Party is the place to be. The perfect family fun day, this festival is all about wine, food and special events (think fun runs and live music.) Arriving just in time for the end of Griffith’s vintage, you can expect to spend most of your time here drinking wine – what more could you want?

Back O’ Bourke Easter Festival

Starting off with the Easter Colour Run on Good Friday, the Back O’ Bourke Easter Festival is the ultimate extravaganza taking place in Bourke this Easter. Expect river cruises, cemetery tours with a local historian and extended hours and entertainment at local restaurants, cafes and pubs, and plenty more.

Easter Egg-stravaganza Egg Hunt at Q Station, Manly

This has got to be one of the most anticipated events of the year – the Easter Egg-stravaganza in Sydney’s beautiful beachside town of Manly. Our favourite part of the day has to be the massive Easter egg hunt around the Glasshouse lawns, but the live music and activities for the kiddies including jumping castles, face painting and fancy dress are just as good. For parents, there is coffee and delicious food to keep you going. Set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, you can’t get much better than this when it comes to things to do this Easter long weekend.

3 Night Romantic Glamping Getaway at Capartee

When it comes to things to do in NSW over the easter long weekend, how does luxury glamping just 2.5 hours from Sydney sound? Make the most of that extra time off work and really recharge. Spend time amongst nature, with no mobile phone reception, TV and limited Wi-Fi. Shut the laptop and instead spend your weekend fishing, exploring nature trails, horse riding, eating and drinking. Perched just above the Turon River, enjoy a luxuriously appointed glamping tent, complete with a king-size bed, ensuite bathroom, crackling log fire and private balcony.

Easter Activities Victoria

Dinner Plains Easter Festival

The Dinner Plain Easter Festival is the ultimate way to spend the Easter Weekend amidst the Victorian mountains. Grab your beanies and get ready for an epic weekend, with free family entertainment at DP Hut on Easter Saturday and the Grand Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday (the kids will be happy to know that the Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance.) However, the event we are most looking forward to has to be the annual Omeo Rodeo on Easter Saturday and the Cobungra Polo match on Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday Water Lantern Festival at Port Albert

Head to Port Albert to experience a beautiful spectacle this Easter Sunday. Designed for the whole family, the display will be taking place in Rutter Park and there will also be live music, free kids activities and food vans. The Water Lantern launch will take place at dusk and will make for an Easter to remember, as the soft glow of low-lit lanterns float across the water.

Mystery Flight Package from Melbourne

Perhaps you’re feeling spontaneous this Easter? If so, look no further than the Mystery Flight Package from Melbourne. While most of the details remain a surprise, there are some things we know for sure – you and one other will be picked up from the airport and taken to a beautiful location for three nights of pure bliss, whatever that looks like to you – what you get up to once you arrive is entirely up to you.

Merino Easter Markets

If you’re looking for things to do in Victoria over the Easter long weekend that are all about community, visit the Merino Easter Markets. Held at Merino Public Hall, enjoy live music, a wide variety of stalls and even a historic photo exhibition. All proceeds will go toward the maintenance of the Merino Public Hall. Don’t forget to grab a sausage sizzle and some hot cross buns before you go!

Easter Sunday Lunch with Italian Band in West Melbourne

Spinning a very cosmopolitan, Melbourne twist on traditional Easter festivities, the Sassy Italian Restaurant in East Melbourne will be welcoming guests for an Easter Sunday lunch to remember. Italian band Bella Ciao will be taking the stage and will play music from the Italian peninsular of the 1940s,50s, and 60s – providing a romantic backdrop to your delicious Italian meal. Make sure you book, this crowd favourite is likely to sell out.

Easter Activities Queensland

Sirromet Winery’s Cellar Door Experiences in Mount Cotton

The Ester Weekend is the perfect time to indulge, and what better way to indulge other than wine, chocolate and a country escape? Combine all three at Sirromet Winery’s Cellar Door Wine & Chocolate Tasting Experience in Mount Cotton. Choose from the “Tour, Taste & Lunch,” wine tastings and picnic hampers. All experiences will be available to book over the Easter weekend.

Cocktails and High Tea at Emporium Hotel South Bank

When it comes to things to do, the easter long weekend means plenty of your favourite restaurants are offering exclusive, Easter-inspired menus. Emporium Hotel South Bank is one of those places, serving up an indulgent Easter-themed high tea experience this Easter Sunday. Enjoy seasonally inspired delicacies, aromatic coffee and craft teas, with a side of bubbles or a signature cocktail.

2 Nights Everglades Glamping Getaway in Noosa (Red Balloon)

It’s so secret that Noosa is a hot spot for holiday-goers over Easter, but why not escape the crowds with a two-night stay at a luxurious glamping tent just north of Noosa? Immerse yourself in a lush 65-acre property and explore everything the Noosa Everglades has to offer at Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp. While you may not spot any Easter bunnies or hidden chocolate eggs here, we think the serenity is just as good, if not better.

Roma Street Parade

Experience Easter in the countryside at the Roma. This iconic festival is returning for 2024 and will be packed full of rodeo, racing and country music action. The best bit has to be the street parade – McDowall Street will be taken over with a procession of wacky and wonderful floats, quirky characters and live entertainment. So, pack your cowboy boots, a wide-brim hat and a seat and sit back and watch all the action.

Easter Egg Hunts in Brisbane

If you’ve got kids in tow and you’re looking for fun things to do in Queensland over the Easter long weekend, you can’t get much better than the classic Easter egg hunt. Luckily, Brisbane has countless hints taking place for you and the whole family to enjoy. You can get hunting at Teralba Park, Redcliffe Markets Good Friday Pop-Up Market and Scarborough Easter Twilight Market, just to name a few.

Easter Activities South Australia

Meadows Easter Fair

From 9am until 4pm each day over the Easter long weekend, the Meadows Easter Fair will be brimming with activity. Visitors can expect an endless amount of stalls with over 150 stallholders taking part in 2024, as well as musicians and plenty of other fun activities. It is the perfect, relaxing day out with family.

Spirit Tasting in Renmark

We’ve all tried a spot of wine tasting from time to time, but what about spirit tasting? For things to do in South Australia over the Easter long weekend that involve a few drinks with friends, why not mix it up with a day out tasting spirits? 23rd Street Distillery in Renmark is offering a weekend of live entertainment on the front lawn, alcoholic slushies and spirit tastings. Bring the kids on Sunday for face painting, lawn games and kid-friendly tastings. Bookings are essential for this one.

Bottomless Weekend in Adelaide

There is plenty happening in the Adelaide CBD this Easter and everyone’s favourite Italian restaurant in Adelaide, the iTL, is hosting a bottomless weekend that’s bound to be unforgettable. Running all year long, their infamous two-hour lunch with pizza and bottomless drinks will also be running over Easter. If you ask us, there are not many ways that say ‘long weekend’ more than a bottomless brunch with mates.

Romantic Queen Of The Castle Escape For 2 in Crafers

Fancy an escape to a romantic castle? This experience will be up for grabs over Easter and offers an enchanting evening at Thorngrove Manor in the charming town of Stirling. The stay will include a delicious afternoon tea served on arrival and a three-course candle-lit dinner prepared by a private chef with a continental breakfast waiting for you in the morning. We can’t think of a more romantic way to spend Easter.

The Fine H’art of the Long Lunch in the Barossa

One of the best places to spend Easter has to be the gorgeous Barossa Valley. Brimming with wineries and cosy nooks, the valley is full of things to do over the long weekend, like The Fine H’art of the Long Lunch. Indulge in a hand-picked selection of rare Museum and vintage wines, perfectly paired with seasonal produce by a renowned Barossan Chef.

Easter Activities Western Australia

Easter Weekend at LS Merchants

There’s lots happening down in Margaret River over the long weekend – and with beaches, wineries and hikes galore, there is no better place to be. Most of the wineries will be hosting events over Easter, including LS Merchants. Known for crafting unique wines and fun times, Easter will be no different. Come down on Saturday for live art and DJs from 2pm spinning under an inflatable stage cave. On Sunday there will be bands from 2pm, and on Monday, why not come down and lay on the lawns with a wine in hand to recover from all the excitement? Middle Eastern cuisine and mezze plates will be served up all weekend, too.

Italo Dego Disco in Subiaco

A disco on Easter Saturday? Yes, please. Head to Italo Dego for an unforgettable evening. Enjoy a four-course menu, cocktails on arrival and DJs all day long (DJ Paul Malone spinning on the decks.) The event starts at 12pm and goes until 4pm, when everybody moves through to Bar Loiter for the after-party. This is bound to be a fun one.

Fremantle International Street Arts Festival

Perth’s cultural hub, Fremantle, will be hosting the International Street Arts Festival (FISAF) this Easter long weekend. Fremantle’s historic laneways will be transomed with world-class performers taking the stage during the day, and a brand new FISAF After Dark lineup means the celebrations will continue into the night. Expect buskers, AFUMA’s stilt walking, and an all-female performance from YUCK Circus, plus plenty more.

Easter at The Vines Resort in Swan Valley

The Vines Resort has got you sorted for things to do this Easter long weekend. On Good Friday, try your hand at the mini golf course and indulge in the seafood specials available in the Vines Café for lunch and dinner. On Sunday, enjoy a buffet breakfast in Muscats Restaurant or the Easter Sunday Buffet Lunch from 12pm. Bookings are recommended.

Touch Bass Music Festival in Perth

For all those lovers of bass, trap, dubstep and everything in between, the Touch Bass Music Festival is back once again this Easter and is set to be quite the show. Electronic acts that will be performing this year include Wilkinson, Kanine, Peekaboo, Sofa, and lots more. The festival will be taking place at Wellington Square from 3pm until 10pm and promises to be an epic way to spend Easter.

Easter Activities North Territory

Down the Rabbit Hotel Music Festival

Get dressed up in your very best ‘wonderland’ outfits and get ready to doof all Easter long weekend at Down the Rabbit Hole. Perhaps Darwin’s most anticipated festival, this year’s festivities will be returning with a bang. For three days and two nights enjoy some of the best DJs in the techno, psytrance and DnB scenes. There will also be art installations, food stalls and workshops.

Easter Weekend at Silks 

Head to one of Darwin’s best restaurants – Silks – for an endless line-up of fun things to do this Easter long weekend. Other than the fact you get a FREE hot cross bun with every coffee purchased, there will also be Easter Hamper Giveaways and plenty more.

Club Liaison Concert

Grab your mates, because Client Liaison are taking over the Mayberry this Easter. As part of their summer tour, Australia’s favourite indie-pop duo will be bringing their tunes to Darwin for an intimate ‘Club Liaison’ activation that promises to be a memorable evening. Easter Sunday, you, beats, dancing, drinks and friends – we couldn’t think of a more picture-perfect way to while away the long weekend.

Sands Studio Showcase Festival

If you don’t want the party to end, prepare for a night of jamming out to Client Liaison with yet another night of good vibes at Mayberry on Good Friday. This time, it’s Sands Studio Showcase – where over 50 local musicians will be hitting the stage from 11am until 9pm. There will also be market food stalls all day long and for just $15 a ticket, we’d say this is a steal.

Petting Zoo in Casuarina Square

If you love all things cute and cuddly, then the Petting Zoo in Casuarina Square is the place for you this Easter. In between your shopping, stop by the petting zoo and pat fluffy bunnies and other adorable farm animals. We have a feeling the kids will love this one.

Easter Activities Tasmania 

Easter Makers Market in Port Arthur

Every year on Easter Sunday, Port Arthur is transformed into the maker’s market of your dreams! Come ready to explore and weave your way through the products of Tasmania’s many talented creatives, producers and growers. This is the perfect way to spend your Easter Sunday if you love all things craft, food and wine.

Easter Egg Hunt in Howrah 

Sometimes the best things to do on an Easter long weekend are simple pleasures, like a classic Easter egg hunt with the family. And the Easter egg hunt in Howarah means business. Grab your map, search for eggs and don’t forget to snap a photo with the Easter Figurine located at that spot – you must find and photograph all 4 figurines to complete the challenge. Once you successfully complete the hunt, you also get a reward! Make sure to RSVP your attendance.

Live Music at the Shambles in Hobart

This Good Friday, sit back and relax with some live music from Brett Collidge at the Shambles. Starting from 6pm, Brett will be taking over the warehouse with a mix of your favourite Cantina Band hits. Entry is free but it is recommended you book to avoid missing out, as we know plenty of people will have this on their agenda this Easter long weekend.

Bruny Island Day Tour From Hobart

With the extra time off, what better time to visit Bruny Island? Just a short ferry trip from Hobart, Bruny Island may very well be one of the most beautiful parts of Tasmania and autumn is the perfect time to visit to see it in all its glory. This tour will take you on a rainforest walk, wildlife spotting and tastings. You will visit epic locations including The Neck, Cape Bruny Lighthouse and Adventure Bay.

Tamar Valley Discovery Wine Tour

Tamar Valley has some of the best wine in Australia, and what better way to discover the secrets of the region other than a full-day wine tour? Visit four wineries for tastings, with round-trip transport and a delicious lunch all included as part of the experience. Wine, food, friends and no emails or work deadlines in sight? What more could you want?

Easter Activities ACT 

Brunch with the Bunch Alpaca Experience at Blackwattle Alpaca Farm

Picture this. Bacon and eggs, coffee, and grazing alpacas in the background. Blackwattle Alpaca Farm is offering visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with their gorgeous alpacas with this unique experience. After brunch, you can feed, pat and cuddle the alpacas and llamas. This may be the most wholesome Easter weekend activity yet.

Easter Brunch Cruise on Lake Burley Griffin 

Explore Canberra’s shining jewel, Lake Burley Griffin, in a whole new light with a brunch cruise this Easter. Pack yourself some easter eggs and some hot cross buns and sit back and enjoy the views. You can choose between a one-hour or three-hour cruise, depending on what you’re feeling.

Balloon Aloft Hot Air Balloon Rides

If you’re looking for things to do this Easter long weekend that are on the adventurous side, what could be more fitting than a hot air balloon ride? See the Australian capital from above in what is an epic, memorable way to spend Easter. While the experience isn’t the cheapest, it is definitely worth it.

Hercules + Easter Egg Hunt

One for the kids (or the adults, depending on what you’re into,) the Hercules + Easter Egg Hunt promises a fun-filled day of Disney and choccie eggs. Before the screening of the iconic film, a chocolate egg hunt will take place in the NFSA Courtyard at 1.45 pm. The festivities will take place at Arc Cinema at the NFSA.

Easter Market at the Old Bus Depot

For the ultimate Easter hunt for goodies in the ACT, head to the Old Bus Depot. As well as eggs, you will also find handcrafted jewellery, homewares, clothes and other items. You’re bound to come away with a bag full of treasures. The markets will take place on Sunday from 9.30am to 2.30 pm.

Easter Travel Deals

If you’re looking to travel over the Easter long weekend, consider the below flight deals to score some savings and travel for less

• Promotion: Shop Booking.com’s new getaway deals and save at least 15% worldwide!
  • Book Dates: 13th March -30th Sept 24
  • Stay Dates: 29th March – 30th Sept 24
• Promotion: Shop Flight Centre’s Hobart Wine, Cheese & Chocolate $420 Bonus Value
  • Book Dates: 1st Apr 24 – 10th Oct 24
  • Stay Dates: 1st May 24 – 10th September 24
• Flight Deal: Fly from Sydney to Hamilton Island from $209
  • Book Dates: Sat 6 Apr – Thu 11 Apr 2024