If you’ve ever read Alison Lester’s picture book Are We There Yet? to your kids, you’ll know the magic of Grace’s epic road trip around Australia. Now, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra is bringing that adventure to life on stage, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most memorable family outings of the year.
This special concert series invites children and families to experience the beloved Australian story in a completely new way. With live orchestral music, stunning illustrations projected on the big screen, and all the wonder of Grace’s journey from Melbourne to the red desert and back again, it’s storytelling at its finest.
A road trip like no other
In the book, Grace and her family spend three months travelling around Australia in a caravan, discovering incredible landscapes and unforgettable experiences along the way. The ASO’s concert captures all of that adventure, with a live orchestra providing the soundtrack to Grace’s journey.
As the music plays, Alison Lester’s beautiful illustrations are displayed on screen, bringing the story to life in a way that will captivate both little ones experiencing it for the first time and parents who grew up with the book themselves. It’s the kind of shared experience that makes family outings really special.
Two ways to experience the magic
The ASO is offering two different concert experiences, so you can choose what works best for your family.
Standard concerts
Running on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 January 2026 at the Adelaide Town Hall, these performances are perfect for families ready to settle in and enjoy the full orchestral experience. With multiple session times available across the weekend, you can pick the slot that suits your crew best.
Relaxed concert
On Sunday 18 January 2026, there’s also a relaxed performance designed specifically for children and adults with sensory sensitivities, autism spectrum conditions, learning disabilities, or anyone who would benefit from a more flexible concert environment.
Relaxed concerts feature adjustments like softer lighting, lower sound levels, and a welcoming atmosphere where movement and noise are expected and accepted. Doors stay open so families can take breaks when needed, and the whole experience is designed to be inclusive and comfortable for everyone. It’s a wonderful way to introduce live orchestral music to children who might find traditional concert settings overwhelming.
Why live music matters for kids
There’s something truly special about watching a full orchestra perform. For children, it’s often their first glimpse into the world of live music, where they can see instruments up close and feel the vibrations of the sound in their chest. Pairing that experience with a story they know and love makes it even more accessible and engaging.
The ASO has a knack for creating concerts that respect young audiences. Their family programming understands that kids can absolutely appreciate orchestral music when it’s presented in a way that meets them where they are.
What you need to know
What: Are We There Yet? presented by Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
When: August 1st
Where: Grainger Studios
Suitable for: Families with children of all ages
Tickets: Available through the ASO website
Whether your kids are devoted Alison Lester fans or have never heard of Grace and her big Australian adventure, this concert is a beautiful introduction to both the story and the magic of live orchestral music. And unlike an actual road trip around Australia, there’s no need to pack the car or answer that eternal question from the back seat.
For more information and to book tickets, visit aso.com.au.
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