9 Jan 2018
G’DAY has found 12 events across Australia that need to be on your radar when planning your Aussie adventure. Check out these events for summer and beyond.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Byron Bay Bluesfest
WHEN: 29 March to 2 April
WHERE: Byron Bay
NEAREST PARK: Byron Bay
bluesfest.com.au
WHAT: Byron Bay Bluesfest hosts more than 200 performances spread out over 120 hectares. This year, the five-day jam session features Lionel Richie, John Butler Trio, Robert Plant, José González, Morcheeba, Tash Sultana, Seal, Youssou N’Dour, Michael Franti and Spearhead, plus many more. The festival also provides the opportunity to drink and eat at a range of stalls, and appreciate the lush vegetation of Byron and surrounds. Snaffle up one of the 100,000 tickets sold to the event each year. If you feel like a swim or a surf, the breakers are nearby.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Byron Bay
Image: John Butler Trio, Bluesfest 2014; Credit: Tao Jones
Thredbo Craft Beer Festival
WHEN: 10 February
WHERE: Thredbo
NEAREST PARK: Jindabyne
thredbo.com.au
WHAT: Craft beer is rising in popularity because of its local and grassroots appeal. The Thredbo Craft Beer Festival, held near Kosciuszko among New South Wales’ stunning Snowy Mountains, will celebrate small beer companies who are putting hands-on effort and intimate care into their beverages.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Jindabyne
Image: Thredbo Craft Beer Festival; Credit: Visit Victoria and Greg Elms
VICTORIA
Australian Open
WHEN: 15 to 28 January
WHERE: Melbourne Park
NEAREST PARK: Melbourne
ausopen.com
WHAT: The Australian Open is a dream come true for tennis fans. From tense rallies, future stars emerge and old stars show they’ve still got it. Watch the drama unfold on and off the court as the biggest names in tennis (think Federer, Nadal, Sharapova and Williams) battle each other for victory.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Melbourne
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
WHEN: 16 to 25 March
WHERE: Melbourne and Regional Victoria
NEAREST PARK: Melbourne
melbournefoodandwine.com.au
WHAT: More than 250,000 will participate in the internationally acclaimed Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. It involves more than 300 separate culinary events spread over the state, from city laneways to the scenic coast and countryside.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Melbourne
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Santos Tour Down Under
WHEN: 13 to 21 January
WHERE: Adelaide, Adelaide Hills, and the Fleurieu Peninsula
NEAREST PARK: Adelaide Beachfront
tourdownunder.com.au
WHAT: In 2018, the Santos Tour Down Under will celebrate its 20th year in action with the world’s top cyclists gathering to participate in the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest cycling race. The event provides an unmissable opportunity to indulge your passion for cycling in the sun, near the waves or the vines. You don’t need to be a pro to participate. Spin your wheels during the Bupa Challenge Tour, riding the track prior to the professionals.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Adelaide Beachfront
image: Santos Tour Down Under; Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission and Jon Veage
Mad February and March
WHEN: 16 February to 31 March
WHERE: The City of Adelaide
NEAREST PARK: Adelaide Beachfront
adelaidefringe.com.au
WHAT: During festival season, you simply have to be in Adelaide. February and March boast Adelaide Fringe (16 February to 18 March), Adelaide 500 (1 to 4 March), WOMADelaide (9 to 12 March), and the Adelaide Festival, including Writers’ Week (2 to 18 March). Relax with a drink in hand among the carnival vibe, soak up the culture and music at WOMADelaide, or feel the adrenalin of racing - there’s something for every taste.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Adelaide Beachfront
The Clare Valley Classic
WHEN: 8 April
WHERE: Clare
NEAREST PARK: Clare Valley
clareclassic.com.au
WHAT: This is South Australia’s newest Gran Fondo, cycling event.
So gather your cycling mates, and mark Sunday, 8 April 2018 in your calendar. Just a short drive from Adelaide, the historic township of Clare is a superb location offering a glorious day of riding through one of Australia’s most picturesque regions.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Clare Valley
TASMANIA
Cygnet Folk Festival
WHEN: 12 to 14 January
WHERE: Cygnet
NEAREST PARK: Hobart
cygnetfolkfestival.org
WHAT: In its 36th year, the iconic Cygnet Folk Festival will showcase both local and international music talent across an array of genres including folk, ethnic, and roots. The festival runs for three days and also flaunts Tasmanian-grown produce, art and craft.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Hobart
Honey and Knives
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Bunbury Cup Day
WHEN: 25 March
WHERE: Bunbury Turf Club
NEAREST PARK: Bunbury
bunburyturfclub.com.au
WHAT: Throughout March, the Bunbury Turf Club will host three race days, peaking with the XXXX Gold Bunbury Cup Day. Jockeys and their horses will race for a $120,000 prize pool. With so much on the line, the action is bound to be neck and neck. On top of the racing itself, the race day presents the perfect opportunity to experience fashion and entertainment.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Bunbury
Image: Bunbury Cup Festival
Perth International Arts Festival
WHEN: 9 February to 4 March
WHERE: Perth
NEAREST PARK: Perth
perthfestival.com.au
WHAT: The festival combines theatre, circus, dance, film, visual art, music and writing, providing an eye-opening dose of culture for whoever is game. Experience ideas and spectacles from around the world, with both free and ticketed options available.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Perth
QUEENSLAND
The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
WHEN: 4 to 15 April
WHERE: Gold Coast
NEAREST PARK: Byron Bay
gc2018.com
WHAT: The Games gathers the Commonwealth’s top competitors in athletics, basketball, cycling, rugby sevens, boxing, swimming and more. Watch as individual competitors fight for gold and countries battle for the highest medal tally. A perfect excuse for a road trip. Break from the fierce competition and head to Byron Bay or Hervey Bay.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Byron Bay
Image: Borobi Mascot of Commonwealth Games 2018
Julia Creek Dirt N Dust Festival
WHEN: 13 to 15 April
WHERE: Julia Creek
NEAREST PARK: Cloncurry
dirtndust.com
WHAT: Escape from metropolitan lifestyle and plunge head first into the outback way at the Dirt N Dust Festival. The three-day event includes horse racing, bull riding, live music, plus senior and junior triathlons. It gets quirky, too. The festival also hosts out of the ordinary events such as bog snorkeling and a family-friendly Australia’s Best Butt Competition.
Click here for Discovery Parks – Cloncurry
These events are published in G’DAY Magazine. Send your event details to gday@gdaymag.com.au