QUEENSLAND
HAND MADE UNDER THE STARS
Nov 30
Browse and buy delicate hand-made wares from the maker, glass in hand, to live music as you wander the Cobb and Co Museum’s annual artisan market.
Toowoomba, (07) 4659 4900
4GR MAYORAL CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Dec 3
Local talent will perform to thousands at the iconic Queen’s Park for Toowoomba’s free annual Carols by Candlelight event, with food, rides, entertainment, carols and a fireworks display.
WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL
Dec 27
Enjoy six days of music, dance, cabaret, acrobatics and comedy with workshops, debate, street theatre, forums, visual arts and a children’s festival culminating in a New Year’s Day fire spectacular.
Woodford, www.woodfordfolkfestival.com
NSW/ACT
NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL
Dec 1-3
Young celebrates the height of the local cherry-picking season with events including the cherry pie eating championships and a cherry pip spitting competition.
Young, www.visithilltopsregion.com.au
TUMUT CAMPDRAFT
Dec 3-6
Throw your hat in the ring with novice events or step aside and watch the pros go head to head, whichever way the adrenalin will be pumping with dog trials after dark.
Kempsey Showground, www.kempseyshowground.com.au
CANNONBALL MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL
Dec 6-10
Watch adrenalin junkies pedal through alpine terrain for a stake in $45,000 in prize money across five events including the hair-raising Australian Open Downhill, with live music and DJs after dark.
Thredbo, www.thredbo.com.au
GULGONG FOLK FESTIVAL
Dec 29-31
Enthusiasts and established folk artists alike will bring song to Gulgong with hotel, cafe, outdoor and opera house performances amid three days of workshops, poetry and markets, with camping onsite.
Gulgong, www.gulgongfolkfestival.net.au
VICTORIA
YACKANDANDAH HIGH COUNTRY CHRISTMAS FAIR
Dec 2
The region’s finest artists have crafted a stunning range of locally hand-made gifts for stocking stuffers that will inspire.
Yackandandah, www.facebook.com/highcountryfair
MAZDA OPERA IN THE BOWL
Dec 3
Pack a picnic dinner with friends and enjoy opera chorus and arias from leading soloists, the Opera Australia Chorus, and Orchestra Victoria out in the open air at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Melbourne, www.opera.org.au/melbourne/mazda-opera-in-the-bowl
ANGLESEA ROCK2RAMP OCEAN SWIM
Dec 28
Pull up a sandy pew or join in as more than 800 swimmers dive from Point Roadknight into the sheltered bay in support of the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, with prizes up for grabs. Anglesea, www.angleseaslsc.org.au
BLUESTONE BLUES FESTIVAL
Dec 31-Jan 1
Set up camp at the Murgheboluc Pubic Reserve with live blues music to bring in the New Year.
Murgheboluc, Geelong, www.sleepyhollowbluesclub.org.au
TASMANIA
CIRCULAR HEAD SHOW
Dec 9
Held annually, the show features an animal nursery, cattle judging, show jumping, wood chopping, a dog show and judging and plenty more.
Stanley, www.circularheadshow.com.au
TASTE OF TASMANIA
Dec 28-Jan 3
Sample Tassie’s finest local cuisine at the annual ‘the taste’ with friends and family overlooking the stunning Hobart waterfront.
Hobart, www.thetasteoftasmania.com.au
ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE
Dec 26-Jan 1
Watch the world’s yachting greats pull into Kings Pier Marina following a gruelling 625 nautical mile course from Sydney Harbour, with arrivals expected around New Year’s Day.
Kings Pier Marina, www.rolexsydneyhobart.com/competitors
THE FALLS MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Dec 29-31
Enjoy a dip in Marion Bay between acts, as rock and indie artists perform live on two stages across a three-day NYE event, with native forest camping included in the ticketed price.
Marion Bay, www.fallsfestival.com
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
TWILIGHT RACES
Dec 15
Set yourself up for an evening of fun and excitement with live racing under lights, with bar and entertainment.
Morphettville, www.morphettville.com.au
MOONTA CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Dec 17
Moonta celebrates Christmas with market stalls, entertainment and a town procession followed by an annual Carols by Candlelight event.
Moonta, www.moontaprogress.org.au
ARDROSSAN CHRISTMAS PARTY
Dec 24
Get festive with a main street parade with floats as well as classic and vintage cars, followed by an evening of browsing market stalls, with rides and entertainment for the kids.
Ardrossan, www.southaustralia.com
WSTERN AUSTRALIA
OCEAN RIDE FOR MS
Nov 26
Take in coastal views, pedalling to support those living with MS. Five ride distances cater to varying abilities and include a 10km family ride through to 70 and 90km challenges.
Joondalup, www.oceanrideforms.org.au
SAINT BARBARA’S FESTIVAL
Nov 30-Dec 3
Locals honour those who lost their lives to mining and put on an impressive eye-popping parade of enormous mining equipment.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder, www.stbarbs.com.au
BAZAAR
Dec 1-3
Add kudos to your Kringle with unique local jewellery, textiles and homewares hand-crafted by some of Perth’s finest artists and fashionistas.
Fremantle, www.fac.org.au/bazaar
SWIM THRU ROTTO
Dec 2
Watch humanity push its limits, as swimmers racing 1600m between the Army Jetty and the Natural Jetty in the crystal-clear waters of the beautiful Rottnest Island.
Rottnest Island, www.swimthrurotto.com
NORTHERN TERRITORY
TOWN COUNCIL CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL
Dec 1
Enjoy roving entertainment with local musicians, circus performers and magicians while browsing art and crafts stalls stocked with jewellery, produce, global foods, bric-a-brac.
Alice Springs, www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au
HENBURY CORPORATE LUNCH
Dec 8
Raise much needed funds for the Henbury School in first-class style, with a lavish three course, live auction and entertainment.
Darwin, www.darwinconvention.com.au
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