It's still summer Down Under, which means there's still plenty of fun stuff going on for you to do while you're down there on your working holiday!
The weather's hot and so are the events! Well, some of them are, at least. Here's some ideas for things to do in Australia this month to get you started:
Sydney Mardi Gras
Sydney
Sydney Mardi Gras Fair Day
9 February
Green and leafy Victoria Park comes alive as Fair Day officially kicks off Sydney Mardi Gras season. Sydney Mardi Gras' biggest and most-loved community event is a fun, friendly picnic in the sun for family, friends and everyone's very besties - their pampered pooches. Best of all, it's free!
Byron Bay International Film Festival
From 28 February to 9 March
Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) is a dynamic ten-day festival offering an amazing range of events and film options. It brings audiences and film together with its captivating, stimulating and entertaining programme. BBFF is an independent celebration of the world's best cutting-edge films that symbolise diversity, inclusion, authenticity and evolution. Entertaining, inspiring and thought provoking, BBFF showcases and supports the unique cultural melting pot that is Byron Bay and its avid film community, which is home to the greatest concentration of film makers in Australia outside metropolitan areas.
Sydney Mardi Gras Harbour Party
22 February
As the late afternoon sun makes its way behind the Opera House and the Bridge, thousands of gorgeous party goers from around the world make their way through the Botanic Gardens to the water's edge for one of the most spectacular dance parties on the international scene - Sydney Mardi Gras Harbour Party '14. Shady lawns, cocktails galore, sensational sounds and live performances set against an iconic picture postcard backdrop, Harbour Party is Sydney summer heaven on a stick. Just add you.
White Night Melbourne
Melbourne
White Night Melbourne 2014
22 February
After captivating audiences and attracting more than 300,000 people in 2013, White Night Melbourne is back! Commencing at 7pm on Saturday 22 February 2014, Melbourne's city streets, laneways, landmarks and cultural institutions will once again be transformed into a cultural playground from dusk-till-dawn. With an expanded event landscape, White Night Melbourne 2014 will offer a mix of free and ticketed entertainment for families to urbanites and everyone in-between.
Apollo Bay Music Festival
From 28 February to 2 March
The Apollo Bay Music Festival is firmly on the map as a major annual tourist and community event for Apollo Bay and a significant Festival for Victoria. Over the years it has also established itself as a highly regarded Festival throughout Australia and on the international circuit. The Festival continues to develop a growing Melbourne, interstate and international audience, attracting a multi-age group attendance of families, couples through to retirees.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
From 28 February to 16 March
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival - Australia's internationally acclaimed celebration of food and wine. Each year in March Melbourne Food and Wine Festival unveils a world-class program of more than 250 events - a true expression of Melbourne's infamous love of food and wine that captures the attention of food-lovers in their hundreds of thousands. The 2014 Festival will fully investigate the theme of water taking food and wine lovers on a journey to appreciate the most precious resource on earth. The Festival spills through restaurant doors, onto the water, along river banks, down laneways, by the ocean and deep into picturesque wine country.
Transitions Film Festival
From 15 February to 23 February
Transitions Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing powerful, inspiring and ground-breaking films from around the world that highlight the awe-inspiring global transformations that are taking place every day. Covering topics such as social entrepreneurship, energy politics, climate change, social justice and technological innovation, the festival hopes to inspire the transition to a sustainable world. To encourage low emissions transport, audience members riding bikes to Transitions Film Festival screenings will receive cyclist's concession prices.
Perth
Perth International Arts Festival
From 7 February to 1 March
As one of Western Australia's premier cultural events, the Perth International Arts Festival is a feast of joyous, cutting-edge performances and activities for all ages. Experience some of the world's best international and contemporary theatre, dance, music, film, visual arts and literature. This international festival is a wonderful display of creativity and talent providing amazing entertainment for all. Please refer back to the website regularly for the 2014 program.
Adelaide Festival
Adelaide
Adelaide Festival 2014
From 28 February to 16 March
Held annually in the warm South Australian autumn, the Adelaide Festival is Australia's largest multi-arts festival. With a focus on the contemporary, each Adelaide Festival program features the best in opera, theatre, dance, music, literature and the visual arts. A purpose-built late night club hosts nightly events, including performers and DJs from around the world. The Adelaide Festival is also known for its high profile events such as the much-loved Adelaide Writers' Week, Adelaide International (AI), Artists' Week and the Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art. Contact event staff for all prices.
Riverboats Music Festival
From 14 February to 16 February
The Riverboats Music Festival is the Murray River's premiere contemporary music event. Staged in the twin-towns of Echuca-Moama, the festival takes place under towering river red gums in a natural amphitheatre next to the mighty Murray. Historic paddle-steamers meander past all weekend, and occasionally the cockatoos get a bit raucous at sunset. There is one stage and plenty of room for dancing, brilliant artists and delicious regional food and wine. It's probably one of the prettiest, inexpensive, laid-back, family-friendly festivals in Australia - you'll love it.
Canberra
ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show
From 21 February to 23 February
Get ready to be entertained, excited and educated at the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show! The award winning ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show features more than 150 attractions, 5000 animals, 450 trade displays and 1500 competitors. Stay for the day. Play under the night lights. Get in fast to buy your favourite show bags. There's something for all the family. Check their website for full details. Tickets now available from Ticketek.
- Tom Blackett is Marketing Manager for the Australian Visa Bureau., an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people lodge applications for a Working Holiday Visa to Australia.
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Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.
