Australia has a big roster of exciting events coming up – here’s what to look out for if you’re planning to head Down Under
Forget the rumours that Australia is all city and desert. Our mates in this giant country know how to throw a great party – you can clearly see this from the impressive line-up of events coming up throughout the year.
If you’re looking to jet Down Under, here’s a selection of the most spectacular festivals catch, and to plan your itinerary around. If you haven’t started planning, well, it’s time to get those flight tickets booked!
Tjungu Festival
When: 23-26 Apr
Where: Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara
Tjungu (pronounced “tjoo-ngoo”), meaning “meeting together” in the local Anangu Pitjantjatjara language, is a celebration of the best of Australian indigenous culture. Be immersed in the world of indigenous film, art, sport, music, food and fashion, graced by well-known Indigenous celebrities such as chef Mark Olive and model Samantha Harris.
The last day will be celebrated with the heart-thumping Tjungu Final Night Concert, which will feature headlining artists like Marcus Corowa, Jacinta Price, Stewart Gaykamangu, Dewayne Everett Smith and The Voice 2014 finalists ZK.
A variety of packages are available for the Tjungu Festival including a signature event that lets you join Mark Olive in a cooking masterclass, as well as dinner under the glittering night sky.
For more information, visit www.ayersrockresort.com.au/events/detail/tjungu-festival
National Aussie Wine Month
When: 1-31 May
Where: Across Australia
Wherever you’re headed to in Australia in May, you’re in for a sweet treat! The Aussie Wine Month is a medley of some 100 events, tastings, promotions and celebrations across the country, showcasing Australia’s love for producing and enjoying some of the world’s finest wines.
Sample the best of Australia’s wineries, be it a Tasmanian Pinot Noir, Margaret River Caberne or Barossa Shiraz. This is a country with more than 60 designated wine regions; you won’t be bored with the array of wines to look out for and to try!
For more information, visit www.aussiewinemonth.com
Uluru Camel Cup
When: 29 & 30 May
Where: Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara
Previously known as the Outback Fest, the colourful Uluru Camel Cup is an authentic Aussie outback experience that you cannot miss! The festivities begin with the opportunity to bid on your favourite camel in the lively Uluru Camel Cup Calcutta, complete with live entertainment.
The anticipated Cup races start full swing on Saturday, with fringe events like the ever-popular Fashions on the Field, Outback BBQ and other fun-filled activities and more. An outback-style ball completes the weekend where the night is danced away with red dirt underfoot and a sky full of stars.
For more information, visit www.ayersrockresort.com.au/events/detail/uluru-camel-cup-2015
Dark Mofo
When: 12-22 Jun
Where: Museum of Old & New Art, Tasmania
Celebrate the beautiful dark side with this large-scale public exhibition of art, food, music, light and sounds. This event might sound a little edgy but that only spells more adventure and fun – definitely something you don’t get to experience on an ordinary visit to Australia!
Enjoy a visual and culinary feast on Tasmania’s magnificent waterfront at this winter festival as you soak in the atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the masquerade Red Death Ball, a decadent night of “a beguiling array of cocktails, wines, aperitifs and sacrificial offerings”.
Intrigued yet? I certainly am!
For more information, visit www.darkmofo.net.au
Brisbane Times Good Food Month
When: 1-31 Jul
Where: Brisbane
If you’re travelling to Brisbane in July, you can’t miss this! Brisbane Times Good Food Month opens up many doors to all of the city’s best restaurants, cafes and bars, giving you the opportunity to experience even more delights than usual.
Look out for Hats-Off Dinners, Pop-ups and Parties and the much anticipated Night Noodle Markets that will be scattered around Brisbane during this festival. This is when the world’s most highly-esteemed chefs throw out their regular menus and put out exclusive items for one night only!
For more information, visit www.brisbane.goodfoodmonth.com
Uluru Astronomy Weekend
When: 14-16 Aug
Where: Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara
Where better to admire and appreciate the vast, endless beauty of our galaxy than in the quiet ridges of the outback? Get closer to space than ever over the Uluru Astronomy Weekend, and gain exclusive insights into the world of astronomy.
The weekend is held during the new moon, for even greater visibility. Hosted by popular science personality Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, the event will include interactive sessions and evening activities such as an exclusive Astronomical Sounds of Silence dining experience.
For more information go to https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/uluru-and-kata-tjuta/natural-environment/astronomy
Are you ready to dine, dance and dream Down Under?
By Pamela Chow
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