If you’re an art lover, travel isn’t just about sightseeing – it’s an adventure of discovery among hidden-away local galleries, mind-blowing street art, captivating sculpture trails and diverse cultural experiences. And it’s when you immerse yourself in these creative, cultural, and artistic hubs that you truly capture the spirit of a place and its people. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, these tangible and distinct connections are becoming harder to find – which is why we’re seeing a rise in art tourism, and not just among art lovers. It gives you the opportunity to participate in immersive experiences and discover deeper, unique cultural connections with your destination.
Across Australia, our cities and regions are home to thriving creative scenes that offer a diverse range of experiences, from Australian art walks to hands-on workshops. These artistic hubs play a crucial role in promoting originality, preserving traditional art forms, and supporting vibrant communities of artists and creatives, making them the perfect destinations for your next arty escape. Here are some of the best places to play art tourist in your own backyard.
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Hit the road for a blend of travel and creativity
From the outback to our ‘cultural capital,’ plan a scenic Australian art drive to take in some of the best larger-than-life outdoor galleries. The visual spectacle of the Silo Art Trail is an absolute must see which you can incorporate into a cross-country road trip, or explore Sheffield, the self-proclaimed town of murals, nestled in the foothills of Tasmania’s Mount Roland. Plot your route a couple of hours north of Melbourne, and you’ll find the unique Moooving Art Cows of Shepparton and Goulburn Valley – life-sized, ever-changing cow canvases. If you’re heading towards the capital, be sure to visit both the awe-inspiring Canberra Sculpture Garden and the Forest Sculpture Gallery.
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Check out art events around town
Seeking an artsy event to inspire your getaway? Head along to Australia’s leading independent online arts resource, Art Hub Australia, for more events than you can shake a paintbrush at, or Tourism Australia’s Epic Events hub for the rundown on some of the biggest art-related events – from visual arts to design, film, and architecture – happening across Australia this year. Get browsing and get planning!
Which city is Australia’s most artistic and creative?
It’s a hotly debated topic, with Australia’s artistic landscape as diverse as its territory. Each state and territory offer something worthwhile and unique – making it tricky to pick just one!
Brisbane is thriving with fresh cultural energy, Sydney boasts world-renowned architecture and iconic landmarks, and the Northern Territory is rich in Aboriginal art heritage. Tasmania’s MONA pushes artistic boundaries like no other, while South Australia’s annual SALA Festival showcases a thriving contemporary visual arts scene. In Western Australia, the Perth Festival highlights a diverse arts community, and the ACT’s National Gallery of Australia houses an impressive collection of masterpieces. Finally, we’ve got Darwin’s Indigenous and contemporary art scene, which is a bit of a hidden gem.
But if one city is to claim the title of Australia’s artistic capital, Melbourne stands unrivalled. With a thriving street art scene and renowned galleries, creativity runs through the city’s veins. Regional towns like Ballarat and Bendigo add to Victoria’s artistic appeal, with Ballarat ranked as Australia’s top artistic tourist destination, followed by Bendigo in third place.
Here’s a closer look at where you can get your art fix across Australia:
- The artistic hub of Australia in Melbourne, VIC
As the undeniable artistic hub of Australia, wander the famous laneways and streets of Fitzroy and take in the ever-changing murals and graffiti by local artists. For a high-brow experience, head to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) for world-class exhibitions. To immerse yourself among local makers and creators, visit the Rose Street Artists’ Market, where you’ll discover unique handmade jewellery prints and homewares. The city’s arts scene also thrives with major events, like the Melbourne Art Fair and the Fringe Festival. With such a burgeoning independent arts community, there’s always something new to explore, making it a top destination for art tourists.
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Art trails, indigenous art and streets of colour in NT
Road-tripping the Northern Territory Art Trails is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lose yourself amongst the oldest living culture on earth. The vibrant, vast natural backdrop of your 1,500 km road trip from Alice Springs to Darwin sets the scene, with Aboriginal art centres and galleries dotted along the route, giving you a glimpse into the stories past and present of this unique region. While you’re in the neighbourhood, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Darwin’s street art scene – download the Darwin Street Art App and take a self-guided walk.
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The Sydney side of creativity in NSW
Sydney combines an iconic harbour setting with a rich artistic scene, offering visitors a unique blend of big-city vibes and creativity. Within strolling distance from the architectural masterpiece that is the Sydney Opera House, you’ll find The Rocks Markets – a bustling weekend market brimming with artisanal products set in a historic location. For something unique, visit White Rabbit Gallery in Chippendale to view one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary Chinese art, go for a guided street art walk in Marrickville, or immerse yourself in the inner-west bohemian suburb of Newtown with an art workshop. And when it comes to major events, add the award-winning VIVID Sydney to your itinerary for a unique fusion of Australian art, innovation, and technology across 23 days and nights from 23 May – 14 June.
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Street murals and fringe vibes in SA
From monumental murals to independent galleries, Adelaide’s creative scene is bursting with colour, vibrancy, and innovation. Start with a self-guided tour of the city’s Art Trail and take in the explosion of street art murals and supersized portraits, and then head to the iconic JamFactory located in the heart of the West End creative precinct for an afternoon of gallery hopping, shopping or go for the hands on experience with one of their short courses. If you want to plan an Adelaide visit to coincide with a bigger event, check out the SALA Festival in August or next year’s Adelaide Fringe Festival.
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An art scene on the rise in Brisbane, QLD
Brisbane’s art scene is on the rise, with a mix of established institutions and emerging artists paving the way. Start your art intake off with a thought-provoking day (or two) at
Australia’s largest gallery of modern and contemporary art, QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art), and follow it up with a visit to West End’s Boundary Street Market – a hub for emerging artists, designers, vintage finds and reclaimed goods.
Round off your Brisbane art exploration at the South Bank Cultural Precinct, which features sculptures, installations, and artworks by some of the city’s most exciting artists.
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Markets and MONA in Hobart, TAS
A trip to Hobart isn’t complete without visiting the absolutely iconic MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), known for its provocative, unconventional and sometimes controversial artworks and displays – you can even stay on site at one of their eight luxury pavilions.
For a much more traditional experience, visit the Salamanca Market on Saturdays to browse handmade wares from local artists, explore one of the many galleries or creative studios or wander Battery Point’s sculpture trail.
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Culture meets coastline in Perth, WA.
Perth’s creative side thrives in its stunning coastal surroundings, with the Freemantle Art Centre (FAC) the jewel in Perth’s crown. Housed in a Gothic heritage building in the East End, the centre showcases a blend of contemporary Australian art and Indigenous works, holds regular workshops for kids and adults, and serves as a live music venue as well. Once you’ve had your fill at the FAC, head to the streets for a dose of Freemantle laneway artwork or to the Northbridge Art Walk to soak up murals by local and international talent.
Further afield in Western Australia, discover Kalgoorlie’s burgeoning First Nations art scene, featuring artistic installations, contemporary murals, and an outdoor gallery of street art showcasing 3D sculptures and Indigenous Dreamtime stories.
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Capital masterpieces meet street art in the ACT
As the nation’s capital, Canberra is home to some of Australia’s most significant art collections and creative spaces. The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) is home to masterpieces like Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles, alongside an extensive collection of Indigenous and contemporary works – over 155,000 in total. The ANU School of Art & Design Gallery showcases and nurtures emerging local talent, and beyond the galleries, you’ll find Canberra’s art scene extend to the streets. For a relaxed Sunday outing, visit the Old Bus Depot Market and discover a treasure trove of handmade artworks, crafts, and unique pieces.
10 tips for the perfect day trip or weekend art itinerary
- Make a plan – check for any exhibitions, events, or workshops you’d like to attend.
- Dress for success – comfort is key, and a lot of the best experiences are enjoyed on foot, so leave the stilettos at home!
- Travel light and pack snacks – make sure you’ve got space for some unique shopping, but don’t forget to pack some snacks too.
- Support local – these makers and crafters rely on your purchases to keep doing what they do, so pick up that one-of-a-kind piece without any buyer’s regret.
- Live in the moment – sure, get snap happy, but stay mindful, put the phone away and soak up the surroundings and the creative energy.
- Take a good old-fashioned notepad – resist the temptation of digital devices and jot down any notes, sketches, or thoughts as you explore.
- Get off the beaten track – lesser-known galleries and art hubs are often hidden gems where you’ll find unique, up-close-and-personal experiences with the artists.
- Keep your mind wide open – not all art speaks to you in the same way. Be open to discovering new perspectives.
- Planning an overnight excursion? Stay true to the theme of creativity and book one of these unique stays.
- Sharing is caring. Whether through social media, a Google review or telling your friends, sharing your discoveries is an invaluable way to support local artists.
Feeling art-spired? Plan your art tourism adventure now
Whether you’re an art lover or simply looking for something unique to do, the striking murals, handcrafted treasures, galleries, and arts festivals scattered throughout Australia are guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired and infused with culture and creativity. Plan a day trip or a longer weekend wander, soak it all up and show your support for the future of Australian art – the makers and creative trailblazers who are shaping our cultural landscape.
Lacking inspiration on the home-front? If you’re looking for a new home to inspire creativity in a cultured community, reach out to your local First National Real Estate team. Let us help you find a place where your next masterpiece can come to life!
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