Events, festivals and activities happening around Australia

SCOTT Podmore keeps you up-to-date with the latest activities happening around the country

Elvis Costello will be at the Deni Blues and Roots Festival.

SCOTT Podmore keeps you up-to-date with the latest activities happening around the country

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Staircase to the Moon

March to October

Australia has many one-of-a-kind attractions, but can any bedazzle visitors to our great land as much as the unique Staircase to the Moon phenomenon in our northwest? From now until October travellers get the opportunity to witness this mesmerising event that is caused by the rising of the full moon reflecting off the exposed mudflats at low tide. In turn it creates an incredible optical illusion of stairs heading up to the moon. Staircase to the Moon can be experienced along the coastline at Onslow, Dampier, Cossack, Point Samson Peninsula, Hearson Cove, Port Hedland and Broome. The Staircase to the Moon in Broome often coincides with the local markets at Town Beach where you can enjoy a great atmosphere while sampling all sorts of food goodies, arts and crafts and some entertainment by local performers.

More: australiasnorthwest.com /events/staircase-to-the-moon

VICTORIA

Tastes of Rutherglen Festival

March 15-16

What does a food and wine festival do when it’s a big hit? It runs another the following weekend, of course, so those missing this weekend’s action in Rutherglen had better book in for next weekend’s Festival Part II. While it’s considered the “sticky” capital of the world for the region’s incredibly delish muscats and tokays, there’s much more to celebrate including many of the wineries’ bold reds and dessert wines. The ultimate gourmet’s weekend also features leading regional chefs and local winemakers partnering for the ultimate progressive lunch in northeastern Victoria. Each winery offers a signature dish by a regional chef, perfectly matched to the best wines of Rutherglen, while also getting the chance to meet and chat with the winemakers. There’s also music, food, wine and authentic, rustic fun in a country atmosphere best served in autumn.

More: Call 1300 787 929 or visit winemakers.com.au

Elvis Costello will be at the Deni Blues and Roots Festival.

QUEENSLAND

Conscious Life Festival Peregian Beach

March 29-30

Learning about health and wellbeing at the Conscious Life Festival is a solid enough reason to travel to the Sunshine Coast – when you’re not splashing out with some fun in the sun and surf on the beaches before returning to your hotel room or holiday caravan park. The festival, held in a beautiful natural setting at Peregian Beach, serves up all things health and wellbeing, lifestyle and environment conscious, as well as awareness and education. It’s for anyone interested in conscious, healthy and sustainable living and includes more than 100 exhibitors from the southeast Queensland region and beyond, including practitioners, educators, specialists and businesses showcasing health, wellbeing, holistic and eco-friendly products and services for children and adults. There are free workshops, demonstrations, seminars, local and national speakers, musical performances and interactive and experiential learning.

More: consciouslifefestival.com.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

2014 Nippy’s Silver Sands Multisport Festival, Fleurieu Peninsula

April 5-6

Sporty types will be flocking south for the inaugural Nippy’s Silver Sands Multisport Festival early next month for water swimming, beach and natural scrub running and cycling. All the action will take place at Silver Sands on the Fleurieu Peninsula, one of the most beautiful esplanades on the planet. Aldinga is also the perfect place for a quick escape to explore the Peninsula region that includes McLaren Vale with its laid-back beach lifestyle, top fishing spots and surf breaks and some of the best vineyards and cellar doors in Australia.

More: silversandstriathlon.com.au

NSW

Deni Blues and Roots Festival, Deniliquin

April 19-20

Fast becoming the Easter event that can’t be missed, the Deni Blues and Roots Festival this year has a world-class line-up of international and local artists including John Mayer, Elvis Costello, and Michael Franti and Spearhead. The ultimate way to experience this two-day festival in southwest NSW is to camp onsite and enjoy the country air while soaking up the sounds alternating from two stages; which means you’ll never encounter acts that clash and you can enjoy every performance.

More: denibluesfestival.com

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