Page 47 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

A USTR ALIA THROUGH THE Y EAR  45

Rose and Rodeo Festival
(last weekend), Warwick.
Australia’s oldest rodeo
attracts riders from all over
the world (see p244).
Jacaranda Festival (last week),
Grafton. Australia’s oldest flower
festival features a Grand Float
procession through the town
(see p182).
Maldon Folk Festival (late Oct/
early Nov, weekend before
Melbourne Cup). Folk music
concerts in this Victorian
country town.

Santa Claus celebrating Christmas on Bondi Beach, Sydney
December Australia Day Concert
Carols by Candlelight (24 Dec), (26 Jan), Sydney. This free
Melbourne. Top musicians outdoor concert is part of the
unite with locals to celebrate celebrations for the birth of
Christmas. the nation (see p60).
Christmas at Bondi Beach Chinese New Year (late Jan or
(25 Dec). Holiday-makers hold early Feb), Sydney and Melbourne.
parties on the famous beach Cricket Test Match, Sydney.
(see p131). Leeuwin Estate Winery Music
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Concert (Jan–Feb), Margaret
(26 Dec). Sydney Harbour teems River. Concert attracting stars
with yachts setting off for (see p318).
Hobart (see p464–5).
The Melbourne Cup, Australia’s annual Boxing Day Test Match (26 Dec),
thoroughbred horse race Melbourne.
New Year’s Eve (31 Dec), Sydney
November Harbour. Street parties and
Sculpture by the Sea (date varies, firework displays.
around last week Oct/first week Nov),
Sydney. Great outdoor sculptures January
can be seen at Bondi beach. Hanging Rock Picnic Races
The High Country Festival (1 Jan & 26 Jan). Premier country
(late Oct–early Nov), Mansfield. horse racing event (see p441).
Horse races, parades, markets, Festival of Sydney (second
arts and cultural exhibitions. week–end Jan). City throngs
Melbourne Cup (first Tue). during this cultural festival.
Australia’s most popular Australian Open (last two
horse race virtually brings weeks), Melbourne. Australia’s
the nation to a halt. popular Grand Slam tennis
tournament.
Country Music Festival (last Fireworks in Sydney for the Australia
Summer two weeks), Tamworth. Australia’s Day celebrations
The beginning of the school main country music festival,
holidays for Christmas marks culminating in the Golden February
the start of the summer in Guitar Awards (see p181). Perth International Arts
Australia and the festivities Midsumma Festival (mid-Jan– Festival (three weeks from mid-
continue until Australia Day first week Feb), Melbourne. This Feb). Australia’s oldest arts fest.
on 26 January. Summer also annual Gay and Lesbian festival Adelaide Fringe (mid-Feb–
brings a feast for sport lovers, includes street parades. mid-Mar). Second-largest fringe
with tennis, surfing events Tunarama Festival (last festival in the world.
and a host of cricket matches. weekend), Port Lincoln. Tuna Adelaide Festival (late Feb–
Arts and music lovers make tossing competitions and mid-Mar). Festival of theatre,
the most of organized festivals. fireworks (see p370). dance, music, writing and art.