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.   

Strange Australian Towns

St Helena Island

St Helena Island is Queensland’s most historic island. This National Park is located four kilometres from the mouth of the Brisbane River in Moreton Bay. St Helena Island was once a quarantine station which then became home to colonial Queensland’s foremost maximum security prison for men, where severe punishment - the lash, the dreaded dark underground cells, the gag, and energy-sapping shot drill once took place. The toughest years on St Helena were undoubtedly the early ones, and the ruins on the island testify to the hard work that the prisoners had to do. While on St Helena Island, why not take a ghost tour by night?

Moreton Bay, Brisbane                                                                                                   

White Cliffs

Situated in the north-west area of New South Wales, White Cliffs, like Coober Pedy, is an underground town, due to the searing temperatures reaching around 47 degrees in summer. During an opal mining boom, White Cliffs had a population of 4,500, which has now depleted to a mere 150. Upon your visit to this underground town you can fossick on the old mine dumps by day, or visit the town’s main focal point, the Dugout Underground Motel.

Nimbin

Nimbin is a village in New South Wales, near Lismore. This small town is known as the ‘Rainbow Region’, and has been described by many as ‘the alternative capital of Australia’ and a ‘social experiment’. Nimbin has a high tolerance for alternative lifestyle. Here you will find an abundance of hippies, living alternate lifestyles, particularly in communes. Nimbin celebrates their unique culture annually with the Mardi Grass Festival.  

Northern NSW scenery

Tully

The town of Tully, situated midway between Townsville and Cairns in Queensland, is known as the wettest town in Australia, but also holds the title of Australia’s most popular UFO hotspot. This small town is ranked number 1 in Australia and Asia as a UFO hotspot, with a number of ‘close encounters’. Many Tully residents have confessed to seeing extraterrestrial activity for sometime, dating back to the early 1960’s. The world’s original crop circle, the so-called ‘Tully Saucer Nest’ was discovered here in 1966.

Zeehan

Zeehan is a small town on the west coast of Tasmania, near Queenstown. Once known as the thriving ‘Silver City’ at the turn of the century, the once silver rich mining town had a population of 10,000 (with 27 pubs) but has since declined to 800 due to a depletion of silver. Left remaining is an array of historic buildings still used regularly by townsfolk.

Zeehan, Tasmania

Tantanoola

Tantanoola is a small town situated near Mount Gambier in South Australia. Many areas of Australia have their stories about panthers and tigers roaming in the bush but this one is a bit different in that there is some basis in fact. In the 1890’s a man named Tom Donovan shot the mysterious predator, which turned out to be a Eurasian wolf - equally out of place in the Australian environment. The creature now resides in a glass case in the Tantanoola Hotel.

Principality of Hutt River

The Principality of Hutt River is located north of Perth, near Geraldton. In 1970, after ongoing disputes with the Australian Government over wheat quotas, Leonard George Casley, one of the residents of this town succeeded from Australia and created a separate country, declaring himself ‘King Leonard’. Thousands flock to this historically strange place each year, but there are only 30 permanent residents. This ‘micronation’ is not officially recognised by Australia or any other country. 

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

Perth - 5 Hot Bars

1. 1907 Restaurant and Cocktail Bar

Set in a trendy former factory in the heart of the city, you can enjoy great food while embracing the old-world charm of this 100 year old building. 

2. Andaluz Bar and Tapas

Tucked in the basement of the 104 year old Parker & Parker building on Howard Street is a cosy tapas bar full of Chesterfield couches and mood lighting. When the weather is great enjoy al fresco dining in the bar's elegent courtyard. 

3. Belgian Beer Cafe

Replicating the 1930s beer lounges, this cafe offers a range of Belgian beers and menu of hearty treats. 

4. The Cheeky Sparrow

Found on Murray Street this cafe offers a warm and friendly to share a coffee with friends or catch up with a loved one over shared plates. 

5. The Conservatory

If you want to enjoy panoramic views of the city then head to The Conservatory at 256 Murray Street. Here you will find Perth's original roof-top bar with cutting edge design and a retractable roof.

Click here to discover Perth hottest hotels.

Top 10 Extraordinary Experiences in Western Australia

1. See the world's only staircase to the moon in Broome.

2. Catch a ferry to a local favourite holiday spot - Rottnest Island. Here you can bicycle around the coastline, snorkel in azure waters or just relax upon the many white sandy beaches.

3. See the largest collection of wildflowers on Earth during the southern hemisphere spring (September to November) at Stirling Range National Park.

4. Get a taste for the real outback in Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields and learn about the area's wild past as a gold rush town in its heritage buildings and museums. Try your luck and pan for gold!

5. Swim with the majestic Whale Sharks from Exmouth on a full day cruise. Between April and June the world's biggest fish visit Ningaloo Reef.

6. Feed the local wild dolphins at Monkey Mia on the Coral Coast. These playful creatures love to interact with humans and are comfortable eating out of your hand!

7. See the amazing tidal movements that create Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef. The areas is only accessible by boat and allows you to discover waterways like Prince Regent and Hunter River that only fortunate few have seen.

8. Take a scenic flight over the magical beehive domes of the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park.

9. See the world's largest man-made lake - Lake Argyle. Best viewed from the air, you will also fly over the world's largest pink Argyle diamond mine.

10. Explore Margaret River's 100 wineries and gourmet food experiences from cheese to chocolate produced in-store. The area is also home to the state's best surf beaches.  

For assistance booking your Australian holiday contact Sunlover Holidays on 13 88 33 (from Australia) or +61 7 3535 4550 (International).

Top 5 things to do in Perth

1. Cruise along the scenic Swan River - where you can enjoy Perth's famous sunny days while taking in the city skyline.

2. Visit the historic Bell Tower where the 12 bells of St Martin-in-the-Fields are housed. Finish off with a trip to The Perth Mint and witness molten gold being poured to form a gleaming 6kg gold bar.

3. Shop at the up-market Claremont Quarter and enjoy a coffee from the local cafes. Then head to Murray and Hay Street Malls to grab a bargain.

4. Discover Perth's Sunset Coast and relax, swim or surf on one of th 19 white sand beaches.

5. Take in Perth Zoo, just 5 minutes from the heart of Perth. Here you can view the Penguin Plunge, crocodiles and an African Safari.