As the sun reaches its northernmost point on Saturday, 21 June, marking the winter solstice, communities across Australia will gather to honour this ancient astronomical event with ceremonies steeped in Celtic tradition.
In Glen Innes, NSW, the Australian Standing Stones — a national monument celebrating Celtic heritage — will host a dawn ceremony beginning at 6am. Attendees will witness the solar noon shadow crossing the central marker at 11.55am, a design feature aligning with the sun’s path. This free public event includes a talk on the stones’ solar alignment and the role of the Guardians of the Stones. The Croft Café will be open for lunch, offering a warm respite for visitors. More info at Glen Innes Severn Council’s website.
On the opposite coast, Esperance, Western Australia, offers a unique experience at its full-sized replica of Stonehenge. Built to mirror the original’s alignment, the structure allows the setting sun on 21 June to cast rays through the Heel Stones onto the altar stone at 4.45pm.
In Hobart, Tasmania, the Dark Mofo festival will run from 5 to 15 June, culminating in the renowned Nude Solstice Swim on 21 June. This bold event invites participants to embrace the cold and welcome the return of longer days. The festival also features the Winter Feast, live performances, and art installations, celebrating themes of darkness and rebirth.
In Queensland, British pub Fox & Hounds in Wongawallan is celebrating winter solstice on 21 June. They’ll be marking the shortest day of the year with a Yule log, burning of the Wicker Man and Morris dancers.
NYX is a five-day Winter Solstice celebration at Glen Gordon Station, featuring music, arts, workshops, and cultural events. It runs from 20 to 23 June at Ravenshoe, Cairns, QLD.
Celebrate the winter solstice under the stars with live music, bonfires, and entertainment at the Forbes Ski Dam, NSW. Frost and Fire festival takes place on 21 June from 4pm – 10pm.
The Mansfield Lantern Festival in Victoria on Saturday, 21 June is a family-friendly event featuring a lantern parade, live music, and community celebrations at the foot of Mt Buller. The fun kicks off at 4pm.
Northey Street City Farm in Windsor, QLD, is holding its annual Winter Solstice Festival on Saturday, 28 June from 2pm. Expect an afternoon of workshops, live music, ethical markets, and a lantern parade to celebrate the solstice.
Scenic Wandering Foods in Boonah, QLD, will be having its Winter Solstice Gathering on Saturday, 21 June. Part of Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, this gathering includes local food, music, and community activities.
A midwinter celebration featuring a wicker man bonfire, Viking fighters, circus performers, live music, and artisan markets will take place at Newbridge, NSW. The Newbridge Winter Solstice Festival is on Saturday, 21 June.
A Winter Solstice Festival will also be held at Camperdown, NSW, on 21 June. An urban farm festival with workshops, live music, food stalls, and community activities. It takes place at Pocket City Farms.
DATES & DEETS
- 20 – 23 JUN
- NYX Festival, Ravenshoe, Cairns QLD
- 20 JUN
- West End Winter Solstice Twilight Market, West End QLD
- Hills Winter Solstice Eve, Mount Barker SA
- 21 JUN – 20 JUL
- Maldon in Winter Festival (to 20 JUL), Maldon VIC
- 21 JUN
- Solstice at Australian Standing Stones, Glen Innes NSW
- Winter Solstice at Esperance Stonehenge, Esperance WA
- Nude Solstice Swim/Dark Mofo, Hobart TAS
- Winter Solstice at Fox & Hounds, Wongawallen QLD
- Mansfield Lantern Festival, Mansfield VIC
- Frost and Fire, Forbes NSW
- Winter Solstice Gathering, Boonah QLD
- Newbridge Winter Solstice Gathering, Newbridge NSW
- Winter Solstice Festival, Camperdown NSW
- Solstice in the Square, George Town TAS
- ErinEarth Winter Festival, Wagga Wagga NSW
- Winter Solstice Celebration at Baroona Farm, Milton QLD
- Fleurieu Folk Festival presents A Winter Solstice, Willunga SA
- 22 JUN
- Tribe & Dance Winter Solstice, Maleny QLD
- 28 JUN
- Winter Solstice Festival, Northey Street City Farm, Windsor QLD
Anglo&Celtic 