Sizzling Summer Events
If your Summer diary is filling up as fast as mine, then it's a good idea to take a look at these sizzling events right now. The festive season is such a fantastic time for outdoor happenings - openair concerts, sport events and lots of food and wine of course.
| NSW | QLD |
| Canberra | NT |
| WA | TAS |
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NSW
ClubsNSW Parkes Elvis Festival
9 - 13 January: Parkes, Central NSW
On the 2nd weekend in January every year, the town of Parkes in Central New South Wales comes alive to the sounds of hip-swivelling Elvis impersonators.
Held over 5 days, the Festival Program features more than 100 events! Highlight events include the Elvis Street Parade, Elvis in the Park Festivities, Keno Feature Concerts, Elvis Gospel Church Service and the Transtank Miss Priscilla dinner. Entertainment across the town is almost non-stop! Check it out..
Twilight at Taronga
February, March 08
I can't think of many better ways to spend a summers evening than relaxing in the magnificent grounds of Taronga Zoo watching a concert. The Sun-Herald Twilight at Taronga series returns with an exciting program of concerts staged every weekend throughout February and March.
Take your from the ABBA tribute Bjorn Again, a tribute to the Great Ladies of Jazz, James Morrison Does Motown and much more. Tickets are unreserved picnic style, ranging from $42.30 for children to $62.30 for adults. More information
Bridgeclimb
OK, so it's not really an event as such, but if you haven't experienced Sydney's harbour Bridgeclimb, then this summer is the time to get this activity into your schedule.
By Dawn, Day, Twilight or at Night, BridgeClimb provides magical views against an expansive backdrop of glistening waters, colourful skies, and sparkling city lights.
Did you know: Over 2 million people from all over the world have experienced the 'Climb of their life' alongside celebrities such as Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Justin Timberlake, Nicole Kidman, Pierce Brosnan and Cameron Diaz!
So don't get left out.More Information
QUEENSLAND
New Year Fireworks, Surfers Paradise
Monday 31 December
Surfers Paradise is the place to be this New Year’s Eve with the largest and longest fireworks display on the Gold Coast to usher in 2007, sponsored by Gold Coast City Council.
The number of fireworks displays have increased this year with four planned at 9pm, 10pm, 11pm and 12 midnight to offer families and party-goers the opportunity to enjoy four substantial shows, right on Surfers Paradise beach.
In addition to the fireworks displays there will be entertainment on the beach from 5pm with a DJ playing Top 40 hits with music video clips playing on a large LED screen. More info...
The Ginger Flower Festival, Sunshine Coast
24 to 27 January
Bursting into bloom at the Sunshine Coast's iconic Ginger Factory, thousands are set to pay homage to the spectacular array of ginger flowers showcased at the four-day event.
Touted as one of Australia's premier events for subtropical gardening, the festival features a full program of guest speakers, entertainment, gardening and cooking advice. Visit the Ginger Factory
Haunted House, Surfers Paradise
Open 7 days a week - 10am to 10pm
3177 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise.
Taking its fearless victims on a mind-bending journey through five storeys of pure Haunted House ‘thrillertainment', one can expect labyrinths of spooky passages, a museum of weird collectibles, dare doors, leaping monsters and state-of-the-art special FX.
The Haunted House offers an amazing interactive journey through creepy comedy satire with attractions featuring deadly Australian creatures and following a tongue-in-cheek local theme. Challenging all to face their phobias, guests of the Haunted House are greeted by the Mayor of the Gold Coast Underworld, before encountering Zombie Meter Maids, the shark savaged Surf Lifesaver, a massive Funnel Web Spider through to experiencing the terror of a White Pointer Shark attack.
Other levels feature The Carnival of Freaks Museum, where guests can wander at their own pace and experience a weird and, at times, hysterical collection of horror memorabilia, oddities and optical illusions. Also on show, the Vampyre Lair, Mirror Maze and Phobia Level.
Time to face your fears!... Do you dare?
CANBERRA
Summernats
3–6 January
In 2008, Summernats celebrates its 21st birthday with bigger and better festivities than ever before. The shiny cars will roar into the capital and turn Exhibition Park into a car lover's paradise.
New in 2008, spectators can meet their favourite motorsport celebrities for autographs at Celebrity Sunday; Saturday night's entertainment program will be bigger than ever before to celebrate 21 years with a huge fireworks display; and it's the last Summernats for 'Lawrence the Legend' as he performs his final death defying stunt for the crowds. This year the Army will continue its strong presence at Summernats with special displays of equipment demonstrating some amazing capabilities.
Catch all the old favourites including the Horsepower Heroes competition, Burnout Championship, Show ‘n' Shine, the airbrush art competition and entertainment including the Australian Kingswood Factory and The Vee Bees. There's also plenty of fun for the kids at the Streets Kids Zone. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketek.
MTBA Australian Mountain Bike Championships
23–27 January
The Brindabella Challenge will take you throughout the ACT into the shadow of the beautiful Brindabella Ranges, along the extensive bike path network, past Australia's renowned national attractions and on some of Australia's finest mountain bike tracks. Events include road, multidiscipline and adventure races, mountainbiking, BMX, leisure rides, family events and recreation rides.
The excitement continues with the MTBA Australian Mountain Bike Championships. The mountain bikes will hit Stromlo Forest Park, Canberra's world-class multi-use sporting facility which features a purpose-built event pavilion and premier mountain bike tracks, in January. Witness the culmination of the mountain biking competitive season at the championships which includes cross-country, downhill, four cross, short course and trails.
Celebrate Australia Day
25 and 26 January
Two days of Australia Day celebrations in Canberra will kick off on Australia Day Eve, 25 January. Party with thousands of party-goers on the lawns of Parliament House at the Australia Day Live 08 concert. The concert will feature Australia's hottest stars in concert, as well as the announcement of the Australian of the Year Awards. Arrive early so you don't miss your chance to celebrate with the live audience of over 40,000 people.
The action continues on Australia Day, 26 January, with events and activities including the Great Aussie Breakfast, official flag raising and citizenship ceremony. There's also the Children's Festival and the Cotter Bush Picnic for families, and Canberra's best local bands rocking Glebe Park at ParkLive. The magnificent Australia Day Fireworks Spectacular over Lake Burley Griffin will cap off a fun-filled day.
National Multicultural Festival
8–17 February
The National Multicultural Festival is once again taking to the streets of Canberra. The festival features the very best in local, national and international music, dance, food and creative arts.
The 2008 festival will include favourites such as the popular Food and Dance Spectacular, which had the city centre bursting last year. This year it's even bigger than ever before with more than 190 stalls, so don't miss your chance to ‘taste the world' in the nation's capital.
The program also features several Australian premiers including the Ghana Dance Ensemble which will bring dancers from the depths of Africa for a performance in Canberra; the Nour Amal Blind Eye Orchestra from Egypt; and over five hundred singers, dancers, drummers and musicians who will converge on the shore of Lake Gininderra for the world-renowned African Sanctus – a unique masterpiece blending African beats, gospel and contemporary rock.
The Fringe Festival returns with an eclectic mix of music, dance, theatre and comedy with an on-site bar and free shows every night for a week. Check out the website for full festival program details.
NT
New Year's Eve at the wharf, Darwin
31 December
Bring the whole family and welcome in the New Year on Stokes Hill Wharf. There will be free live entertainment, a fireworks spectacular and al fresco dining under the stars.
Chinese New Year, Darwin
7-21 February
This year, 2008, is the Year of the Rat. For two weeks the Chinese New Year is celebrated around Darwin with lion dances and blessing ceremonies. The main event is the Chinese New Year Banquet at SkyCity Darwin on Saturday 16 February, which is a nine-course meal.
WA
New Years Eve Celebration, Mandurah
Monday Mon 31 December
Family entertainment, live music and side shows and not one but two fireworks displays are just part of the program planned for the best night of the year. New for 2007 will be the Youth Interactive Zone with Bucking Bronco, Surf Simulator, Sumo Suits, BMX displays and many other side shows, so go on - challenge your mates to pit their wits against machines.
Petticoat Lane, Busselton
Thursday 24 January; 6-9pm
Queen Street comes alive on Wednesday evening with stores and people galore! Come and enjoy the atmosphere, and stroll through the main street of Busselton. Local artists and craft people will be displaying their wares for you to buy.
Marron & Wine Festival
Sunday 27 January
This unique event showcases the delicious marron and the fine wines available in the Pemberton region. With something for everyone there will be over 24 local wineries, cideries, breweries & distilleries represented. You are sure to tempt your taste buds with the many local culinary delights available. With a number of activities aimed to put a smile on your face
In addition to the goodies, there will be children’s activities, entertainment, dancing , fishing and more...
Arts and crafts are also a feature of this event, with some innovative and unique creations. More info..
TASMANIA
Spirit of Tasmania
Sailing on board Spirit of Tasmania offers passengers the fun and adventure of sea travel. And each ship boasts a variety of on board accommodation and entertainment facilities enabling passengers to cater their holiday to suit their personal needs and interests.
Why don't you indulge your friends, relatives or loved ones this Christmas with a relaxing cruise on One of Australia's great journeys – providing convenient daily sailings between Melbourne and Devonport, Tasmania. Gift Vouchers are now available. More info..
Tasmanian Fruit Wine Festival, Hobart
Sunday 20 January
The Tasmanian Fruit Wine festival, organised by the Rotary Club of Sorell, invites amateurs and professionals to submit their fruit wines as they are judged by a panel of experts. This is a great opportunity to see and taste Tasmania's wonderful fruit wines. Highlighting a wide range of wines, fortified wines and ciders made from fruit in Tasmania, as well as those products made from interstate and overseas.
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