Travel Bites - Autumn 2010

By Darren Stones

Travel Bites Autumn 2010 informs as to what’s coming up, what’s going on, and what’s to see around Australia. From a high country autumn festival, to a snappy time with some crocs – there’s something for everyone.

New South Wales
Wentworth – For something completely different, head for the Perry Sandhills near Wentworth on Saturday 6 March, 2010. Music Under The Stars will feature the singing talent of Kasey Chambers amongst the sand dunes of this iconic natural landscape. Bring a table and chair, and watch films on the big screen. And, listen to the playing of the didgeridoo. Phone: (03) 5021 5100. www.artsmildura.com.au/mwaf2009/mwaf_packages.asp

Perry Sandhills, Wentworth, New South Wales
Photo: Darren Stones

Victoria
Bright – With deciduous trees displaying a brilliant palette of red, green and yellow, Bright is arguably the best place to see autumn at its finest in Australia. The 2010 Bright Autumn Festival is scheduled for Saturday 24 April –Wednesday 5 May, 2010. Festival highlights include: Autumn Art Show, gala day featuring brass and highland bands, brewery & winery tours, and evening entertainment. Phone: 1800 111 885. http://www.brightautumnfestival.org.au/

Delany Avenue, Bright, Victoria
Photo: Darren Stones

Queensland
Seventeen Seventy – Commemorating the visit of the Endeavour and landing of Lieutenant James Cook on 24 May 1770, the 18th Annual Captain Cook 1770 Festival will be held Friday 21 May – Sunday 23 May, 2010. Highlights include a re-enactment of Cook’s landing, street parade, live music and fireworks.
Mobile: 0458 49 1770. http://www.1770festival.com.au/

Western Australia
Margaret River – For wine, food, music and art, head for the Margaret River Wine Region Festival from Thursday 8 April – Monday 12 April, 2010. The festival will showcase a taste of the nation’s best wines. The Vintage Concert will feature live music from classic rockers Daryl Braithwaite and Jon Stevens at the Leeuwin Estate Amphitheatre on Sunday 11 April 11am-6pm. Also, if you enter the Win-A-Cellar competition, you’ll have a chance to win a case of premium Margaret River wines. http://www.margaretriverfestival.com/

South Australia
Adelaide – The Australian Dragon Boat National Championships will be held on the Ramsey Course at West Lakes from Thursday 22 April – Sunday 25 April, 2010. It promises to be a colourful affair, and for those in and around Adelaide, this splashing event will be a winner. See the Australian Dragon Boat Federation website for details. http://www.ausdbf.com.au/

Northern Territory
Darwin – Crocodylus Park has four guided tours each day where you can get up close and personal with the largest reptiles on Earth. See the crocs being fed at Darwin’s largest attraction and have a snappy good time. Lizards, snakes, big cats and monkeys are also on display. Open 7 days, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Phone: (08) 8922 4500 http://www.crocodyluspark.com/

Tasmania
Hobart – Mount Wellington overlooks relaxed Hobart and seemingly half the world. Okay, a slight exaggeration, but nevertheless the view from 1270 metres on a clear day may be the best of any capital city in Australia. It’s a leisurely 20 minutes’ drive from the CBD, and from here you can see Wrest Point Casino, the Derwent River, Tasman Peninsula and Tasman Bridge. If the weather closes in, head for the cosy Pinnacle Shelter. http://www.discovertasmania.com/

Pinnacle Shelter, Mount Wellington, Hobart, Tasmania
Photo: Darren Stones

Australian Capital Territory
Canberra – The Australian War Memorial honours those who have served our nation on Anzac Day, Sunday 25 April, 2010. The Dawn Service commences at 5:30am, and the National Ceremony begins at 10:15am. The war memorial gates open approximately 15 minutes after the national ceremony, so consider venturing inside to view displays and learn about the Anzacs. The spirit of Anzac lives on in the nation’s capital on this special day. Lest We Forget. http://www.awm.gov.au/

Simpson and his donkey, War Memorial, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Photo: Darren Stones