Don't Miss Out On Australian Summer Celebrations

7 December, 2006

Don't Miss Out On Australian Summer Celebrations

Summer is here and the festive season is underway. Last year more than 145,000 New Zealanders crossed the Tasman during December and January, looking to enjoy summer the Australian way.

Tourism Australia's Regional Manager New Zealand, Vito Anzelmi, says that the Australian summer months offer a range of unique festivals and events full of delicious local food and wine, proving to be a major draw card for many.

"If you still haven't decided what to do over the summer holidays then why not pop across the Tasman and experience Australian summertime and festive season celebrations. It is a great way to experience Australia's different regional cuisines and wines, as well as a chance to mix with the locals," he says.

Diverse and unique festivals and events take place all over the country, where keen travellers can enjoy local Australian flavours and entertainment.

Tourism Australia suggests the following celebrations for New Zealanders to sample Australian summertime festivities.

Taste of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, 28 December 2007 to 7 January 2007
http://www.hobartsummerfestival.com.au/

This large-scale event shouldn't be missed by food and wine-loving kiwis this summer. Considered one of Australia's most popular and successful food and wine events, the Taste of Tasmania showcases the best Tasmania has to offer.

This seven-day extravaganza not only has an abundance of local food and wine but also boasts a unique food and wine theatre which is staged on the Hobart waterfront. This incorporates presentations, forums and debates on everything related to wine, as well as wine tasting sessions run by local wine experts. Why not watch the end of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and then stay on to experience Taste.

Darling Harbour's New Year's Eve celebrations, Sydney, NSW, 31 December, 2006
http://www.darlingharbour.com/
New Zealanders love to celebrate the New Year, so why not experience New Year festivities the Australian way at Darling Harbour in Sydney this year. Sydney has a great reputation for throwing parties in spectacular style and the Darling Harbour New Year's Eve celebration promises nothing less. Music and fireworks are set to dominate the harbour to bring in the New Year. Instead of eating on a grassy bank or on the beach like other festivals, why not try one of the many delicious restaurants or cafés as a place of celebration. Make sure you book early to avoid missing out.

Mount Barker Wine Producers D'vine Wine Festival, Mount Barker, Western Australia, 13 January 2007
http://www.galafreywines.com.au/site/events/events
Endulge in the regional flavours of Mount Barker this summer, at the Mount Barker Wine Festival.

Australian wine is a recurring theme running through most of the summertime celebrations, which is not surprising considering there are close to 1,800 wineries in Australia.

The Mount Barker Wine Festival is well-established in its seventh year and held in the grounds of Gondrey Wines. It is another way to enjoy fantastic local wine and boutique beer in the surrounds that it is produced in. Try wines that might not be available in New Zealand while relaxing in a unique local environment.

Cape Jaffa Seafood and Wine festival, Kingston, South Australia, 14 January 2007
http://www.safoodcentre.com/foodtalk/a8_publish/modules/calendar/event_details.asp?id=2557&cid=143&cidlist=143
If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing great seafood and wine on the beautiful Australian coastline before, you should head to the Cape Jaffa Seafood and Wine festival in early 2007.

The world-famous high temperatures in Adelaide make beach-side locations essential for events and festivals. The Cape Jaffa Seafood and Wine festival is a fantastic event showcasing local food and wine from the Kingston District right on the foreshore of Cape Jaffa. Try local wines and delicious seafood straight from the Southern Ocean.

Australia Day Breakfast, Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, 26 January 2007
http://www.about-australia.com/events/northern-territory/tennant-creek/events/exhibition-show/australia-day-breakfast-and-activities-tennant-creek/
Eat breakfast in a unique location this January with the locals at Tennant Creek.
Summer is pretty hot in the Northern Territory - often one of the best parts of the day is in the morning when it is still cool. The Australia Day Breakfast at Tennant Creek takes advantage of this, kick-starting its festival at 8am in the morning with an Outback 'Aussie Breakfast'.

Celebrating the official Australia Day, real 'Aussie tucker' is available in abundance with sausages, bacon and eggs cooked on the barbeque or fruit and homemade pancakes. This is an authentic Australian experience involving the important celebration of Australia Day.

Kangaroo Island Gourmet Gallop, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, 27 January 2007
http://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/events/
Try something a little off-beat in the New Year by visiting Kangaroo Island Gourmet Gallop on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. This not only has an array of Kangaroo Island Wines and local gourmet delights, but is also a day of country horse-racing. A unique event for the hearty tourist.

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