Page 46 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

44  INTRODUCING A USTR ALIA

AUSTRALIA
THROUGH THE YEAR

The seasons in Australia are the opposite of clearly divided into wet and dry seasons,
those in the northern hemisphere. In the the former between November and April.
southern half of the continent spring comes Australia’s vast interior has a typical desert
in September, summer is from December to climate – baking hot days and cool nights.
February, autumn runs from March to May, The weather throughout Australia is reliable
while winter begins in June. In contrast, the enough year-round to make outdoor events
tropical climate of the north coast is more popular all over the country.

of the Torres Strait Islanders
Spring are celebrated through dance,
With the warm weather, the song and art.
profusion of spring flowers brings Floriade (mid-Sep–mid-Oct),
gardens and national parks to Canberra. Magnificent flower
life. Food, art and music festivals festival in Commonwealth
abound in cities. Footballers Park (see p199).
finish their seasons, cricketers Tulip Time Festival (two
warm up for summer matches weeks from mid-Sep), Bowral.
and the horse-racing fraternity The Corbett Gardens are
gets ready to place its bets. carpeted with flowers
(see p190).
Carnival of Flowers (date Floriade, the spring flower festival
varies), Toowoomba. Popular in Canberra
floral festival including
spectacular garden and Leura Garden Festival (early
flower displays (see p244). October), Blue Mountains.
Village fair and garden shows
October (see p174).
Melbourne Fringe Festival Melbourne International
( ( (mid-Sep–early Oct, dates varymid-Sep–early Oct, dates vary)mid-Sep–early Oct, dates vary)mid-Sep–early Oct, dates vary , Arts Festival (two weeks, mid-
The arts festival showcases to late Oct), Dance, theatre,
hundreds of events, such as live music and visual arts events.
performances, films, visual arts, Melbourne Marathon (date
multi-media exhibits and varies). Fun run through the city.
comedy shows. Carlton Italian Festa (Sun, date
Australian Rugby League varies), Melbourne. Street
Grand Final (first Sun), Sydney. carnival through the city’s
Australian Football League Grand Final National event. Italian district (see p399).
in September
September
Mudgee Wine Festival (date
varies). Includes bush dances
as well as wine (see p181).
Festival of the Winds (Sun,
date varies), Bondi Beach (see
p43). Multicultural kite-flying
festival; music, dance.
Royal Melbourne Show
(last two weeks). Agricultural
exhibitions, rides and displays.
Australian Football League
Grand Final (last Sat in Sep),
Melbourne (see p401).
Torres Strait Cultural
Festival (mid-Sep, even-
numbered years), Thursday
Island. The spiritual traditions Festival of the Winds, Australia’s annual kite-flying festival