This February, something extraordinary is set to take the stage in Brisbane - an event steeped in heritage, bursting with spectacle, and brimming with raw emotional power. The Military Tattoo returns to Australia for the first time in nearly a decade... and it’s not just coming back - it’s coming back bigger, bolder, and more unforgettable than ever.
More than just a show, the Tattoo is a global phenomenon - a breathtaking fusion of music, movement, and military precision that has captivated audiences across generations and continents. Whether you're drawn by the stirring call of the pipes, the thunder of the drums, or the sheer visual poetry of hundreds of performers moving as one, this is an event that speaks straight to the soul.
What Is the Military Tattoo?
If you’ve never experienced a Tattoo before, you might be surprised by what awaits. The name comes from the 17th-century Dutch phrase “doe den tap toe” - “turn off the taps” - a signal calling soldiers back to barracks. Over centuries, that simple signal transformed into a spectacular tradition of military performance.
Today, the Tattoo is a grand celebration of military music, pageantry, and international camaraderie. It brings together armed forces, pipe bands, cultural performers, and ceremonial units from across the globe, all performing in perfectly synchronised brilliance.
A Diamond Jubilee of Dazzle
In 2026, the Tattoo reaches a monumental milestone - its 75th anniversary. To mark the occasion, this performance has been curated not simply as a celebration of the past, but as a bold look towards the future.
Audiences will be transported on a journey through time: from the origins of the Tattoo’s traditions to the dynamic, reimagined artistry of today’s global performers. It’s a salute to legacy and innovation alike - an invitation to relive the iconic moments that shaped its story, while embracing the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Expect a vibrant mix of mass bands, precision drill, cultural storytelling, and dramatic visual effects - all carefully woven into a show that pays tribute to 75 extraordinary years of performance.
Go Beyond the Ticket: Travel with Holidays of Australia
You don’t go to the Tattoo to simply watch - you go to feel. To be swept up in something epic. To hear the world come alive in rhythm, light and power. To experience the surge of pride, of unity, of being part of something that matters.
To make your Tattoo experience even more extraordinary, Holidays of Australia offers exclusive travel packages that take care of everything - from departure to standing ovation.
Rail & Stay with the Great Southern
For the romantics and adventurers at heart, climb aboard the iconic Great Southern. Let the journey unfold in indulgent comfort as you wind your way from Adelaide to Brisbane (or vice versa), taking in stunning landscapes, gourmet dining and all the elegance of luxury rail.
Whichever way you choose to travel, we make it effortless - and exceptional.
The Countdown Has Begun
When the Military Tattoo last marched into Australia in 2016, over ten performances sold out completely. This year, with its 75th anniversary on the line, the excitement is off the charts - and so is demand.
This is your moment to be part of something legendary.
To witness a story 75 years in the making.
To feel what can only be felt in the flesh.
To stand, shoulder to shoulder with thousands, united in awe.
Be there. Travel with us. And let the Tattoo move you.
Click here to view our Military Tattoo packages, or get in touch with one of our travel experts!
1300 854 897 | holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
