Spring and Summer Festival Guide

For a fun filled cultural Spring and Summer you definitely need to check out the festivals happening around the country.

Brisbane Festival

The Brisbane Festival 2012 will be filled with ample amounts of arts and cultural activities, shows and concerts running from September 8-29. It includes free outdoor events, galleries, productions scattered all over the city in parks and public places.

It is an annual event initiated to enthuse and foster people about the arts in Brisbane. Now it is one of the most highly respected and acclaimed international arts festivals.

With many genres covered such as classical music, opera, orchestras, original compositions, dance and comedy there is definitely something for everyone’s taste and perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

The Courier Mail Spiegeltent at the Brisbane Festival

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

From March 27- April 21, Melbourne will be in full festive swing hosting the 27^th annual Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Already with an internationally acclaimed title it is classed as one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world, alongside Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival. Over 500,000 people attend every year making it the biggest festival in Australia.  

Located in Australia’s comedy capital Melbourne, it has an enormous program of stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre, street performance, film, television, radio and visual arts. It attracts both international and Australian performers.

Launched in 1987 by Barry Humphries and Peter Cook it aims to discover, develop and showcase great talent to inspire and entertain the broad based audience. It holds a variety of open microphone comedy competitions including RAW Comedy, Class Clowns aimed for secondary school children and Deadly Funny which creates a whole career path for indigenous comedians.

 It runs for three and half weeks and definitely something not to be missed. 

The Festive Club at Melbournes International Comedy Festival

Sydney Festival

Every January running from 5-28, Sydney Festival transforms Sydney with a bold cultural celebration by showcasing the highest quality art and unique ideas from both national and international artists.

Festival First Night is the unique opening show for this free event which attracts over 200,000 people which is the perfect curtain raiser to this three week ticketed and free program drawing in crowds of over 650,000. The following Saturday also present free concerts held in the famous Domain Park. 

The program is quite diverse with burlesque circus performances to New York raps to Russian theatre whilst also incorporating contemporary dance, family programs and traditional Indigenous arts. There are 300 performances, around 100 events performed by 1,000 artists in at least 20 venues each year. The events are held throughout Sydney’s CBD including Hyde Park, Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park Barracks. 

Main Stage at Sydney Festival

Falls Music & Arts Festival

For the music goers who want to enter the New Year jam packed with fine tunes, fun in the sun, camping and arts then Falls Music & Arts Festival is definitely something to check out. It is held from the 29 December -1 January simultaneously in Lorne, Victoria and Marion Bay, Tasmania.

There is a smorgasbord of activities and entertainment over the few days. Boogie Nights is a night to dance your problems away along to music from all over the globe. The Village is a party and festival within a festival filled with weird and wonderful things to discover such as circus workshops, morning yoga and samba classes. Other events include the APRA Peoples’ Stage, Falls Films, Fiesta & Art Camp and UTAS which the students of the University of Tasmania put on a show discovering the ‘art of sounds’.

It originated from a small family catch-up around the campfire with friends and their guitars to an annual event which involves the whole community recognising the importance of the arts. 

Attendees have the option of onsite or offsite accommodation of either an earthy camping experience or more civil cabins. 

Fiesta & Art Camp at Falls Music & Arts Festival

 

Perth International Arts Festival

The Perth International Arts Festival is held annually during 8 February - 2 March. Entering over 50 years it offers some of the world’s best theatre, music, film, street arts, visual arts, literature and free community events. It is about giving local performers a platform and opportunity to showcase their talent and for attendees to enjoy. It raises the profile of local artists to an international portfolio and context. Informing the masses of the cultural and environmental context of Western Australia including Indigenous heritage is an important part of the festival.

Attracting more than 300,000 patrons the festival grows bigger and better every year.

Performance at Perth INternational Arts Festival

Adelaide Fringe

The Adelaide Fringe takes over Adelaide creating a buzzing atmosphere full of culture, music and art. During 15 February – 17 March Adelaide opens its doors to all artists who want that opportunity to display their talents to a massive live audience for some whom it may be the first time.

Spanning for 4 weeks it includes home-grown talent along-side artists of cabaret, comedy, circus, dance, film, theatre, puppetry, music, visual art and design. Situated in pop up venues as well as theatres, hotels, art galleries, cafes and town halls it hosts over 900 events. 

The uniqueness of the Adelaide Fringe is that it does not run venues itself rather supports, encourages and facilitates the registered artists with marketing, ticketing, programming, scheduling and designating participants a venue. 

Opening Night at Adelaide Fringe

Canberra Festival

In 2013 Canberra with be celebrating its 100^th birthday and would be the perfect time to attend the Canberra Festival. Held during the 2-18 March this 17 day event highlights the cities talent and unique qualities through exhibitions, displays, sports, music, film, dance and theatre. 

It comprises several minor events all emphasizing different art forms. Enlighten features Australia’s famous attractions which hosts performances, exhibitions, tours and exclusive dining experiences. Others include Lights! Canberra! Action! a short film competition, The Balloon Spectacular displays some amazing hot air balloons, Symphony in the Park and Telstra Ballet in the Park celebrate 50 years of Australian Ballet.

Balloons Spectacular at Canberra Festival

What you can't miss when visiting South Australia

Hahndorf

Within the Adelaide Hills is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf. There is still a strong German culture in this town, most evident in the smallgoods stores and German bakery’s that line the main street. While in Hahndorf you can make your way through the towns many cellar doors on offer, and then eat the freshest local produce in one of the trendy eateries. 


This town will have you topped up on culture with its galleries, migration museum, artist’s studios and art classes. If you’re bringing the kids along be sure to take them to the Hahndorf Farm Barn, where they can cuddle some friendly animals and check out the nature wildlife park. 

Hahndorf Inn, Hahndorf

Barossa Valley

Australia’s wine capital, Barossa, is the best place to go if you’re looking to indulge in great wine in absolute luxury. With more than 80 cellar doors and 150 wineries you will be spoilt for choice.

Not only is the wine world class, but the fresh local produce from the Adelaide Hills is something to be admired also.

Speaking of food, a visit to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop is an absolute must whilst in the Barossa Valley. Here you can check out the famous cook and writer’s product range and have tastings. And if you’re lucky you might even get to meet her!  

Wining & dining at Murdock Wines Barossa

McLaren Vale

McLaren Vale is the perfect destination for your next wine adventure, with more than 60 cellar doors, it’s a favourite South Australian wine region.

Visit Coriole Vineyard’s cellar door in an old, ironstone barn. Taste reserve wines and back vintages in the wine room and then enjoy lunch in the courtyard.

Chapel Hill offers panoramic views over the Onkaparinga Valley. Set within an old stone church, the cellar door sells a variety of wine. Penny’s Hill is inviting, with casual, farm charm. You can relax on the couches inside or play boules on the lawns, while enjoying the wine and tapas.

Coober Pedy

If you are looking for a very unique kind of holiday, then Coober Pedy is the destination for you. This opal mining town exists underground to escape high temperatures. Underground you will find hotels, restaurants, bars, and an underground church. You can take a tour of the town and check out the underground homes, opal mines, art gallery and pottery, or try your luck fossicking for opals at various spots around town. This fascinating place really is one of a kind and definitely a must do if you are considering a South Australian outback adventure. 

Coober Pedy, South Australia

 

Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre exists in the harsh South Australian outback and is the largest lake in Australia, spanning 9,500 square kilometres. As the lake rarely fills with water, and becomes a giant salt pan, which fascinates you with the white crystals that shimmer in the sunlight.

You can check out the lake from a plane, which allows you to view the endless still water or salt creeping over, or enjoy the lake by boat and listen to the sounds of the wildlife.

You can choose to camp in one of the camping grounds or if you prefer the indoors, there are hotels and caravan parks at nearby towns where you can grab a good pub feed. 

   

Limestone Coast

The Limestone Coast in a stunning region which was formed by tonnes of marine life falling to the sea floor, and is a treasure trove of natural wonders.

There are plenty of picturesque coastal towns to visit along the amazing Limestone Coast such as Robe, where you can swim at the stunning beaches, peer over rugged cliffs, and eat the best seafood. Then, head to Cape Jaffa to check out dolphins and penguins as they swim close to the shore. Coorong is a great place for swimming, fishing, or relaxing.

The Limestone Coast’s beaches are rugged and something to be seen, and offer some of the best fishing and surfing locations. 

Snorkelling off Limestone Coast

Fleurieu Peninsula

There is plenty to see and do here for all kinds of travellers. You can visit some cellar doors or bask in the beauty of the ocean, where you might see a whale or two swim by.

The Fleurieu Peninsula offers a laid back feel and beautiful scenery, created by the cliff tops, beaches, coves and the winding Murray River. You can watch little penguins come ashore at Granite Island, or get close to kangaroos in the conversation parks. This area has a real beach culture, where you often see surfers walk around with their surfboards, families playing in the sand and eating fish and chips. The sun, food and wine make this place a little piece of paradise.


To book your South Australian holiday visit www.sunloverholidays.com.au or talk to our experts on 13 88 33.

Discover South Australia’s regions

Adelaide

World class food and wine, sophisticated architecture and a jam packed calendar of events, South Australia’s capital has it all. Find sensational fresh produce and gourmet delights at the famous Central Market, and plenty of retail therapy. A short tram ride away is beachside Glenelg. Stroll the jetty, browse the shops or relax in a seaside café. Just a 30 minute drive from Adelaide is the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Discover country markets, galleries, cellar doors, fantastic food experiences and the German heritage town of Hahndorf.

Barossa

As far as Australian wine regions go, you can’t go past the Barossa. Just an hour out of Adelaide, a world of culinary delights awaits. The region is filled with wineries and cellar doors, roadside stalls, specialty food products, galleries and museums. Chat to winemakers and artisan food producers

about the region they love. Sample a full bodied red straight from the cellar door, or fresh produce from the Barossa Farmers Market. Beyond the vineyards are national parks for getting back to nature and golf courses to test your skills.

Dining in the Barossa

Clare Valley

Loyal fans of food and wine can continue a culinary love affair in the Clare Valley. Less than a two hour drive from Adelaide, the Clare Valley is renowned for the finer things in life with delicious gourmet food, a rich heritage and world class wines. It’s a little slice of country paradise, with acres of farmland, vineyards and stone ruins dating back to the pioneers. Stroll between cellar doors, dine out at a restaurant or café or cycle along the region’s famous Riesling Trail.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is nature’s playground, where sea lions, fur seals and penguins parade the beaches and around a third of the island is national or conservation park, earning it the nickname, the ‘zoo without fences’. The island’s scenery is outstanding and unique; from the natural sculptures of

the Remarkable Rocks to the giant sand dune known as Little Sahara. It’s easy to get a taste for Kangaroo Island’s outstanding produce, try the honey, cheeses, wine, oysters and whiting.

Seals on Kangaroo Island

Fleurieu Peninsula

The Fleurieu Peninsula ticks all the boxes for the ideal holiday destination. Less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide is stunning coastal scenery, excellent beaches for surf and swimming, and the gourmet food and wine of the McLaren Vale region. Plus there’s the relaxed and friendly lifestyle, whale watching and easy access to Kangaroo Island.

Limestone Coast

With spectacular vistas from start to finish, the Limestone Coast is an ideal self drive holiday destination. The region is dotted with historic towns, lush farming country, coastal villages and beautiful national parks. Explore the World Heritage Listed Naracoorte Caves National Park or sample a glass of red in the Coonawarra wine region.

Eyre Peninsula

For a blend of wildlife, seafood, coast and outback, head to the Eyre Peninsula. Its coastline offers uncrowded beaches, mouth-watering seafood and unique wildlife experiences like swimming with sea lions. Further inland rocky ranges, vast salt lakes and desert plains provide a magical contrast to the coast. To the west, discover the legendary Nullarbor Plain – one of Australia’s great road journeys.

Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

Flinders Ranges

Dramatic mountain peaks, caves, gorges, fossil remains and geological history – discover one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth. Each region offers something different. Seek out Aboriginal rock art and ruins of early European

settlement or scenic walking and cycling trails. Explore the impressive amphitheatre at Wilpena Pound in the Central Flinders Ranges. Go winery hopping in the south. Further north spot wildlife and witness spectacular starry night skies at Arkaroola.

Outback

Lose yourself in outback South Australia with its red dirt, wide open spaces, friendly characters and awe inspiring landscapes. The frontier town of Coober Pedy is world famous for its opals and all things quirky. There’s underground homes plus dugout churches and hotels, working opal mines and historic museums – all surrounded by a lunar landscape. Be a postman for the day and deliver mail to outback stations on the ‘Outback Mail Run’.

Outback South Australia

To book your South Australian adventure contact Sunlover Holidays on 

13 88 33  or visit www.sunloverholidays.com.au 

Adelaide - 5 Hot Tips

David Reyne shares with us his hot tips when travelling to Adelaide. 

 

Shop for one-off pieces at... 

Balhannah by Design in the Adelaide Hills and in the quaint town of Angaston in the Barossa. 

A great Adelaide bar for evening drinks?

Head to Sangria on Gouger Street - try the delicious pintxos (tapas) too!

For a caffeine fix you can't go past.. 

CIBO. Look for red umbrellas on many Adelaide street corners. 

Wanting to relax in style?

Spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with a picnic hamper of delicious cheese and gourmet goods from Udder Delights in Hahndorf. 

For a delicious treat in the Adelaide Hills.. 

Try a 'wine flight' at Shaw and Smith Winery - sample four wines and a cheese plate.