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

Top 5 Spooky Spots in Australia

Port Arthur, Tasmania  

Take a lantern-lit Historic Ghost Tour of the World Heritage listed site of Port Arthur by night and be guided on a mysteriously intriguing historical journey.

Learn of bizarre occurrences among the darkened ruins and heritage buildings where convicts, settlers and soldiers once walked. There is almost two centuries of documented sightings and reports of paranormal activity.

Port Arthur, Tasmania credit Peter Luxton

Old Melbourne Gaol

Once home to dangerous criminals, petty offenders, the homeless and the mentally ill, the Old Melbourne Goal is now a popular tourist attraction where you can step back in time and walk the road to the gallows of the 19^th century prison.

Between 1842 and its closure in 1929 the gaol was the scene of 133 hangings including that of Australia’s most infamous citizen, Ned Kelly.

Take a Ghost Tour by night and you could become of the many who have witnessed paranormal occurrences, or take the Hangman’s Night Tour and learn the stories of the ‘rope master’.

St Helena Island, Brisbane

St Helena Island National Park historic area once functioned as a high-security colonial prison from 1867, and was home to hundreds of society’s outcasts.

It was a tough life on St Helena, where severe punishments such as lashings, dark underground cells, gagging, and energy-sapping shot drill did not go astray.

Ghost tours of St Helena are taken by night, but be prepared for the unexpected at the island’s cemetery.

Brisbane, Queensland

The Rocks, Sydney

Take a tour of The Rocks in Sydney to hear true stories of murder, suicide, hangings, hauntings and ghosts as you journey along the cobblestone lanes.

From the earliest history of the settlement, the area had a reputation as a slum, often frequented by visiting sailors and prostitutes. During the late nineteenth century, the area was dominated by gangs and maintained a rough reputation until the 1870’s.

Many of the sites on The Rocks Ghost Tour have had recent reports of sightings and strange phenomena, where you may encounter shades of the dead lingering amongst the living.

The Rocks, Sydney

Fremantle Arts Centre, Western Australia

Built in 1867, the Fremantle Arts Centre is said to be the most haunted place in the Southern Hemisphere, mainly because of the amount of sightings people have had there.

Originally a mental asylum, it was condemned in 1900 after two deaths and a Government inquiry, though its patients weren’t relocated until 1909.

Ghost tours taken by night will prove paranormal activity is abundant in the old gothic-style building, which is said to be haunted by at least 10 restless spirits.   

Australia's best suburbs for shopping

Richmond, Melbourne

If you are after a hit of cosmopolitan culture, then you best make your way to Bridge Road, Melbourne. Only a short distance from the city, Bridge Road is regarded as Melbourne’s best shopping strip. It is renowned for its abundance of clothing factory outlets, and also many stores of up-and-coming local fashion designers. The road is always buzzing with bargain hungry shoppers who are after the best deals on shoes, clothing, accessories and gifts. You can find some of Melbourne’s most successful retail stores warehouses on Bridge Road, selling the latest fashion items at clearance prices.

Must visit:

Anthea Crawford – Outlet

Country Road – Outlet

Green with Envy

Metalicus – Outlet

Bridge Road, Richmond

South Yarra, Melbourne

Chapel Street in South Yarra is well known as Melbourne’s most vibrant fashion and food strip. Here designer labels go hand in hand with fancy bistros. Luckily, there are just as many eateries to sit and regenerate in between bursts of shopping. The stores range from exclusive Australian designers, high street chains to second-hand shops. The Jam Factory is one of the main focal points. An actual jam factory at one time, it is now a modern shopping complex.

Must visit:

Metta Scents

Bleecker Street

Alannah Hill

Shappere
Zara
Topshop

Chapel Street, South Yarra

Paddington, Sydney 

Known as Sydney’s ‘Style Mile’, Oxford Street in Paddington is packed with hip fashion boutiques and home ware stores. You can enjoy two kilometres of funky boutiques and high-end street fashion. If you are on Oxford Street on a Saturday you can visit the famous Paddington Markets, which has over 250 stalls selling a range of goods from handmade jewellery and fashion items to gifts and home wares. Don't forget to wonder down the small streets off Oxford Street, where you will find designer boutiques inside former Terrace homes.

Must visit:

Camilla Boutique

Pink Zebra

Morgan Barret Fashion

Kate Sylvester

William Street, off Oxford Street, Paddington

Paddington, Brisbane 

Just a couple kilometres from  Brisbane's city centre, you can find quaint Queenslander cottages turned into beautiful stores along La Trobe Terrace in the trendy suburb of Paddington. This area is a treasure trove for vintage fashion and wares, quirky keepsakes, fashion boutiques, antiques, eco friendly products and retro goodies.

Must visit:
Retro Metro
Thousand Island Dressing
La La Latrobe
Petrol

Brisbane River

James Street, Fortitude Valley

This unique and trendy street close to the city is a hub for the best brands and boutiques Brisbane has to offer. The street does not have tonnes of stores, but will definitely fulfil your shopping urges with its great assortment of high fashion stores. James Street is a must visit for serious fashionistas and foodies with cash to burn.

Must visit:

Zomp

Sass & Bide

Mimco

Ksubi

Jules & Roc

James Street, Fortitude Valley

Tangalooma Island Resort - Moreton Bay

Australia has many outstanding and treasured islands, but non as well-kept and interesting as Moreton Island. 
What makes Moreton Island so special is that it has one of the least polluted and least disturbed coastal environments along the Queensland-New South Wales coastline, and is the third largest sand island in the world with a list of very unique and protected wildlife. 

Aerial View of Tangalooma Island Resort

If you are looking for the perfect stay to experience this natural dime, then Tangalooma Island Resort is where to take yourself. Tangalooma Island Resort is located on Moreton Island, approximately 40 kilometres off the coast from Brisbane, Queensland. 

The resort nestles on Moreton Bay Marine Park, which was established in 1993 to protect the ecologically significant habitats of Moreton Bay. Moreton Bay Marine Park is the only place in the world where significant populations of dugongs and turtles can still be found close to a major metropolitan centre. 

Tangalooma Island Resort has over 80 tours and activities, the most popular being its whale watching cruises, where you are 100% guaranteed to see a whale or you get your money back! Encounter the majestic humpback whales and their playful calves as they breach and play in the winter waters of the bay between June and October. 

Whale watching

Tangalooma also has Dolphin viewing and feeding tours, where you can get up close and personal and feed the wild bottlenose dolphin’s that come ashore to Tangalooma each evening at sunset.

If Tangalooma’s abundant wildlife can’t keep you busy enough, then the resort has many other activities on offer such as beach volleyball, ATV quad bike touring, catamaran hire, kayak hire, guided snorkelling tours of the Tangalooma wrecks, parasailing, desert safari tour, sand boarding on the desert, helicopter joy flights, archery, banana boating, beach cricket, putt putt golf, segways and plenty more.  

Sand tobogganing

Bound by perfect waters and untouched national parks, Tangalooma Island Resort is the perfect destination for your next escape.

Right now you can experience Tangalooma Island Resort for the hot price of $399 per person twin share. The package includes 2 nights in a Hotel Room, buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, return launch transfers and dolphin feeding on one night of the stay. Valid for sale and travel until 21 September 2012. To book click here or call 13 88 33.

Australia’s Top Casinos

Jupiters Casino Gold Coast - exciting expansions
Jupiters Hotel and Casino has been located on the Gold Coast's Broadbeach for 25 years. There is so much fun to be had with non-stop action of a 24 hour casino area, 7 exceptional restaurants, and 8 bars. Jupiters Theatre has just been given a $20 million dollar refurbishment and expansion, allowing them to host the world's hottest live shows. As well as great entertainment Jupitors Hotel and Casino has the luxuries of an international resort with 594 guest rooms, pool, sauna, gymnasium and spa.

Jupiters Hotel and Casino

Burswood Entertainment Complex

Burswood Entertainment Complex located in Perth is home to the only casino in Western Australia. As well as their lively casino, the complex is home to many restaurant, cafes, bars and live shows. The complex boasts several hotels, from the luxurious Intercontinental and ever reliable Holiday Inn, allowing you to be close to the action. 

Intercontinental Perth Burswood

 The Star Entertainment Complex

The Star is Sydney’s new one-of-a-kind leisure and entertainment venue is located in Darling Harbour. The Star is home to restaurants, accommodation, nightclubs and a Sydney's only casino. Choose from a wide range of hotel rooms, suites and serviced apartments to suites with magnificent views over the harbour.

The Darling, pool area

Treasury Casino and Hotel

The Treasury Casino and Hotel is located within the heart of the river city, Brisbane and is rich in history and hospitality. Housed in one of Australia’s grandest heritage buildings, it opened its doors in 1995 and continues to be a big part of Brisbane's entertainment. It is home to an array of exclusive restaurants and bars, a luxurious casino, majestic accommodation. Treasury Heritage Hotel is world class and offers 130 rooms situated in the grand buildings. 

Treasury Casino and Hotel

Crown Entertainment Complex

Crown Entertainment Complex is located on the southern bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne. It is home to cinemas, nightclubs, bars, shopping, and an indoor entertainment centre. Crown Casino is world renowned for never ending exciting, being own 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Crown Towers offers 481 luxuriously appointed oversized guest rooms full with the latest technology. Here you have the chance to experience Melbourne’s finest cosmopolitan dining from world class restaurants and Chef Neil Perry's high tea.

Crown Entertainemnt Complex

The Reef Hotel Casino

The Reef Hotel Casino is located in the beautiful Tropical North Queensland town of Cairns. The casino boats an array of restaurants, bars and prestigious accommodation. Pullman Hotel has 128 beautifully appointed rooms including in-room spas and private balconies. There are four restaurants that are located in the complex, making this the place to stay, play and dine in Cairns. 

The Reef Hotel Casino

Country Club Tasmania

Located 10 minutes from the heart of Launceston is the prestigious Country Club Tasmania. Surrounded by natural bush, parklands, lakes and a golf course the club offers accommodation, dining, live entertainment and a vibrant boutique Casino. Choose to stay in the hotel's manor suites, deluxe rooms or nearby self contained villas. There are five restaurants and four bars offering live entertainment and tasty treats. 

Country Club Tasmania

Wrest Point Tasmania

Wrest Point Tasmania boasts an absolute waterfront location, positioned on the River Derwent in Hobart. It's home to Australia’s first casino.. opening in 1973. The casino is one of Hobart's premier dining locations with 5 restaurants and 6 bars. Wrest Point also offers a range of accommodation in its renowned 41/2 star Tower, said to possess some of the best views in Tasmania. 

Wrest Point Tasmania

Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts

Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts is located at Tweed Heads, on the border of New South Wales and Queensland. New South Wales was the first state to legalise gaming machines, so Twin Towns was built on the border to allow Queenslanders could join in on all the gaming fun. Today Twin Towns is the largest Services Club in Australia and has something for everyone with entertainment, gambling areas, accommodation and dining. There are 5 bars and 9 restaurants to enjoy cuisine from around the world. Stay at Outrigger Twin Towns Resort and enjoy resort facilities and views of the pristine beaches of the Southern Gold Coast and Tweed River.

Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts

4 Winter Family Activities

Ice skating

Australia’s favourite Winter Festival celebrating all things winter is back in 2012. Ice skate on Australia's largest outdoor ice skating rink, experience a multitude of Alpine inspired food, have a warming drink and some comfort food at the cozy alpine hut complete with warming fires. Bring the whole family along to watch the festivities including ice hockey and figure skating demonstrations. Locations of the festivals include Brisbane, Bondi Beach, Melbourne and Fremantle. Tickets can be purchased through the Winter Festival website.

Hiking

Why not take the family on a hike to warm up the body from those winter temperatures! Sydney siders only have to travel 50 minutes in order to reach the heavenly Blue Mountains. If you are in the Brisbane area why not take the family for a hike around the Mount Tamborine National Park. It’s only an hour’s drive and most tracks are short and relatively easy. If you’re in Melbourne and have a bit more time for driving, then why not venture to the Great Ocean Road. It’s a three hour drive but totally worth it! You can take the Great Ocean Walk where you will see the Twelve Apostles, then why not weave your way through beautiful National Parks.

London Bridge - Great Ocean Road

QLD winter weather

If you and your family are finding the winter weather unbearable, then why not consider a Queensland escape? Queensland’s climate is not as distinctive as the cooler climates of Australia’s southern states. In winter, Queensland has one of the world’s most delightful climates. The days are invariably mild, fine and sunny. If you head to Queensland’s coastal areas such as Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or the Whitsundays you will experience warmer temperatures and rid of those winter blues!

Alexandra Headland - Sunshine Coast

Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo has great activities to entertain the family these winter school holidays. Watch Terri, Bindi and Robert feed their croc’s in the world famous Crocoseum during the 12noon Wildlife Warriors show. Don’t miss free wildlife shows, free kids rides, free face painting, free colouring competition and pony rides daily between 11am-3:30pm. Admission tickets can be purchased through the Sunlover Holiday website. Don’t miss the jaw snapping action!

Bindi Irwin - Australia Zoo

Our Staff share their favourite Australian Holiday Experience

The staff at Sunlover Holidays have travelled extensively around Australia and are full of travel ideas, making them the perfect people to share with us their 'favourite Aussie holiday experience'.

Monique from Reservations

“Tangalooma Island Resort is one of my favourite ‘best kept secrets’!  Each time I go there I’m always amazed that this piece of paradise is just off the coast of Brisbane. I always feel as though I am in the Whitsundays!  Crystal clear water and perfect white sand. A unique highlight is the nightly feeding of the wild dolphins!”



Tangalooma Island Resort, Moreton Island via Brisbane 



Daniel from Sales

“I love Byron Bay in Northern NSW. It offers an eclectic blend of beach culture, rural farming, with the modern conveniences found in a thriving town. The people are the binding element to this area, from the characters you will meet at the Byron farmers market to the international visitors that are drawn here from all over the globe. Just in case you have not been tempted enough, the sheer natural beauty of Byron’s coastline and beaches will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired and wanting a taste for more.”

Lourdes from Sales Support

“My favourite holiday experience was Tasmania; Cradle Mountain in particularly, the place was simply out of this world, totally in tune with nature, the accommodation, the animals and just the general ambiance fantastic!”

Cradle Mountain - Tasmania



Breeze from Reservations

“The Whitsundays is my favourite holiday spot. From the pristine white sand that covers Whitehaven beach to one of the 74 magical islands, they all offer a different adventure to be had or a hammock to laze away your days.”

Whitehaven Beach

Julie from Sales

“I love Sydney! It is such a beautiful place to visit with so much on offer. Whether it be festivals, markets, shopping, dining or touring activities. You can either do as much or as little as you like. Did I mention the choice of accommodation options? Where do you begin? From budget to 5 star the choice is yours.”



Sydney City



Brooke from Reservations

“My favourite holiday experience in Australia would have to be Port Douglas. Not too big, not too small, great mix of fine dining and casual eating experiences. Four Mile Beach, backed by the beautiful Daintree Rainforest, is one of the jewels in Australia’s sandy crown! The Great Barrier Reef with its amazing marine life, pristine Cape Tribulation and the farmlands of the Atherton Tablelands are easy day trips from Port Douglas, all must-sees when you are in Topical North Queensland.”

Port Douglas

Hannah from Sales

“Last weekend I travelled to Broome which was incredible; the highlight being the day tour with Kimberley Wild, up the coast of Cape Leveque – stunning colours of the beache, red earth, white sand and blue skies of course! A must do for anyone travelling to Broome. Cable Beach Resort is excellent with fantastic facilities and I must say sipping cocktails watching that famous sunset was hardly tough work on a Saturday evening!”

Kimberly Wild Tour - Cape Leveque

Roylene from Reservations

"My favourite holiday destination in Australia is Palm Cove – no particular hotel, just the whole township. As soon as I drive in, along the Esplanade, I automatically feel like I’m on holidays and feel relaxed. The sea air, the relaxed feeling of the locals, the fact that it’s Australia’s Day Spa capital :) it just feels like holidays! The fact that it is so close to Cairns to restaurants and nightlife and also easily accessible to all day tours that operates in the fantastic Tropical North Queensland makes it the ideal holiday destination for me!"