You may find yourself diving for eggs in Australia.

Britain has lots of Easter traditions such as the kids favourite Easter animal;  the Easter bunny and the joys of the Easter egg hunt. You may think that most other countries that celebrate Easter would have many of the same traditions and whilst that is true, some of the traditions have a rather surprising twist to them. So let’s have a look at how Australia celebrates Easter.

Easter is traditionally associated with spring and new birth. It’s the time when blossom starts to appear on our bare trees and the first daffodils are peeping out of the ground. Lambs and chicks are popular images with children as the dead, dark, dreary days of winter finally give way to the life and joys of Spring. But of course April in Australia is not in the Spring, instead Easter is celebrated in the Autumn when the countryside is bathed in glorious colours of gold, burgundy, deep purples and dazzling orange hues. So for Australians, Easter is when they bid farewell to summer and start making preparations for the coming of winter.

The Australian Easter is generally a four day weekend, starting on Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday. Every shop is closed on Good Friday and it is the only day of the year when newspapers are also unavailable – an event unheard of in the UK! The religious significance remains the same, with many Christian Australians observing mass on either Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

The Easter Bilby

Now the Easter bunny – what could be cuddlier? This friendly little chap traditionally goes around with a basket of eggs hiding them in your garden all ready for that Easter egg hunt. The tradition started in Germany and the bunny was seen as a symbol of fertility, perhaps some couples hoped the bunny would bring more than eggs to their houses. However in Australia the bunny has a rather different perception and it’s none too friendly.

Rabbits are responsible for the destruction of vital vegetable crops in Australia and because of that destructive trait they are not generally welcome sights at Easter, in fact the Foundation for a Rabbit-Free Australia discourage shops from stocking chocolate bunnies. Rather than the Easter bunny therefore, the Aussies came up with their own Easter animal – Bilby.

Chocolate Bilbies are now popular in Australia.

The bilby is a rabbit-eared Bandicoot that is currently endangered in Australia. The idea of the bilby replacing the Easter bunny is thought to have come about from the South Australia National Parks Service. The Foundation for a Rabbit-Free Australia have successfully campaigned for the Bilby to become the traditional Australian symbol of Easter. And with its long floppy ears, large dark eyes and pointed nose it’s just as cuddly and cute as its British counterpart. The famous Australian author Jeni Bright wrote a story about Burra Nimu, the Easter Bilby for children to further the cause of replacing the traditional bunny with the bilby.

Chocolate Hot Cross Buns

The Hot Cross Bun also has a different variation in Australia. Not to be seen to be missing out on life’s treats, the dried fruit is replaced with chocolate chips and the spiced mixture of the dough has another ingredient – cocoa. Making the Australian hot cross buns deliciously different.

Royal Easter Show

Each Easter Sydney plays host to the famous Royal Easter Show, a unique agricultural show where the very best of Australian produce is proudly showcased and exhibited. Everything from farm animals to fruit and veg is displayed here – but only the best of the best! The event has now become a spectacular carnival and a much celebrated date in Sydney’s calendar. Other highlights are fairground rides, fireworks, amazing robot displays, parades and of course the tasting of Australia’s finest cuisine.

Egg Knocking

In families all over Australia the Easter game of egg-knocking will be played. Everyone involved has to find a partner and then choose an egg each – these can be chocolate eggs, hard boiled or for the more adventurous, fresh eggs. One partner then taps the other’s egg with their own and so on, each taking it in turns to tap the egg. The first egg to crack loses and the winner is then free to challenge the winner of another pair. The game continues until there is only one egg left which the winner presumably has to eat. Especially if it’s a fresh egg and the winner is being all smug about winning.

Easter Egg Hunts

The huge Easter egg hunt in Bendigo.

Of course Australia observe the traditional Easter egg hunts, but this being Australia, some of the egg hunts are organised in slightly unusual places, such as the Dolphin Scuba Diving Centre in Perth where chocolate eggs are hunted by divers. One of Australia’s biggest Easter egg hunts is organised by Vision Australia, a charity that works with visually impaired people. Over 75,000 eggs are hidden in Bendigo, Victora on Good Friday and around 2,500 children participate in the egg hunts every year. Blimey, that’s 30 eggs per child!

However you choose to celebrate Easter this year, everyone here at Embrace Australia wishes you a happy and peaceful Easter. Do remember to bookmark us for all the latest news on Australian immigration, travel and culture and visit our online forum for friendly chat and debate. Don’t eat too much chocolate – save some for us!

While away those Australian summer evenings down by Sydney Harbour.

So as the temperature in Britain drops to below freezing, schools close and roads are gridlocked, wouldn’t it be nice to get away from it all? Somewhere where the sun is shining, the skies are blue and the unmistakable smell of barbeques are wafting through the calm, balmy air.  Where else would this be than Sydney, the most populated city of Australia and THE place to be this winter!

Do you really need more good reasons to visit Sydney at this time of year? Well, for those of you in any doubt, here are just a few!

Vivacity begins in earnest in Sydney. It’s a whole month packed full of outdoor festivities, entertainment, music and events to celebrate the energy and vibe of this buzzing city. It incorporates Australia Day and the Sydney Festival as well as much much more. If there was ever a good month to visit Sydney, it would be January. If you plan on visiting this month read our guide to what’s on and get caught up in the party atmosphere!

Sydney Festival

From the 9^th to the 30^th of January Sydney really comes alive with the sights, sounds and smells of festival season.  Best of all, Sydney Festival is absolutely FREE! A host of musicians will be playing including Marianne Faithfull and a plethora of other stars bringing you the very best in jazz, dance, rock, pop, blues – whatever musical genre tickles your fancy you can bet that one of your favourite stars will be headlining this event.

Theatre, visual arts, performances, dance and all manner of entertainment will also be taking to the streets of Sydney as Sydneysiders get ready to party the glorious days of January away. The atmosphere is truly electric and there is something for everyone, free kids entertainment and plenty of refreshments to keep you going all day and night.

Australia Day

One of Australia’s biggest barbeques gets underway in Hyde Park as thousands of people from all over Australia come to join in the picnic. So pack yourself a couple of deckchairs and a few tins and head on over to the park where people will be asking if you want to throw another shrimp on the barbie. Add the live music and performers and you really do have a barbeque to remember!

Hidden Networks By George!

Discover the hidden inter-connected laneways dotted about Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) with this exciting and innovative project by urban designer Dr Steffan Lehman. Temporary artworks have transformed the area and challenge the viewer to think about their future and concept of space itself. The artworks have been designed and created by architects, urban designers, musicians, landscape artists, poets and even a scientist and a lawyer! Challenge your own ideas and way of thinking with these very special and unique artworks. Print off a walking map from thelanewaysbygeorge website.

Try tasting summer in a glass!

Summery Cocktails

After all that walking and dancing you might want a sip of something cool and refreshing and what better than to sample one of Sydney’s cocktails made especially for the festival. Head on over to Alira on Jones Bay Wharf and order one of their Sundowner cocktails. It’s a special blend of vanilla vodka, Aperol, pink grapefruit and Campari ice cubes. Perfect for chilling out!

If you’ve spent the day shopping on Crown Street and need to put your feet up, you might want to check out Low 302 nearby and order a Piccadilly’s Real Citrus. A deliciously tangy mix of cucumber vodka, Pimms, Rosso Antico, lime and ginger. A real fruity drink with a pleasing Carribbean twist.

And staying with the Carribbean theme, Springtime in Tokyo has been described as “summer in a glass” and is a unique mix created by Julian Terna from Sake Restaurant and Bar in The Rocks. Julian uses his expertise to whisk together a cool martini-style drink made with sake fat-washed with roasted coconut, Appleton Reserve and topped with fresh pineapple juice. Even though it’s snowing outside right now, I can already taste the summer!

Bollywood

Forget Hollywood, Bollywood is heading to Sydney this season, well to Parramatta to be exact. This suburb on the outer-western fringe of Sydney could be described as Sydney’s multicultural heart with its strong links to an indigenous past and a thriving and eclectic local community. As with all multicultural areas, it has a bold creative and cultural feel that is reflected in its architecture as well as its food.

A R Rahman is the man behind the Bollywood flavour to Sydney’s Festival and if you liked the dance scene from Slumdog Millionaire then you’ll need to get to Parramatta Park on the 16^th January as hundreds of dancers and singers converge on the park to give a free rendition of the famous soundtrack and dance scene.

Medibank International

If tennis is your thing then this should be right up your street. All the big names of tennis gather together in what promises to be the best tennis event of 2010 – Wimbledon eat your heart out! Sydney has the likes of Serena Williams, Elena Dementieva and Lleyton Hewitt competing in this nationally renowned event. Plus in an exclusive comeback Justine Henin will be returning to tennis especially to play at the Medibank International.

With off-court entertainment from the likes of Ian Moss, Wes Carr and Cassie Davies this really is your ticket to the world! See Medibank International for more details and to get your limited tickets.

Merchant in Venice performed on the banks of the famous Sydney Harbour.

Shakespearean Sydney

If you like a bit of classical literature then you simply have to head down to Sydney’s Harbour for a rendition of Shakespeare by moonlight. Twelfth Night and the Merchant of Venice will both be performed on the harbour foreshore by the Sydney Shakespeare Festival organisers every Thursday to Sunday starting at 8pm from the 7^th of January through until Valentine’s Day on the 14^th of February – a must then for all lovers heading for a romantic break in the city.

There are many more events organised in the city, such as Live Music in the Library and Romancing the Bones. If you want a complete list of events happening in Sydney this winter (if you’re in the UK, or summer if in Australia) then check out the city of Sydney events calendar, or the NSW tourism guide to Sydney.

There has never been a better place to spend the start of a new decade. With so much going on throughout the day and night, you’ll never want to leave this magical city! Good job we’ve provided a migration guide then for all those wanting a piece of Sydney for good. In fact Sydney is one of the top cities for Brits emigrating to Australia, and with all this free entertainment under blue skies and a golden sun, I might just be tempted to join them!

We usher in the New Year by looking back at 2009. Image courtesy of Tourism Australia.

So as 2010 looms just around the corner, let’s have a look back at what 2009 brought with it by taking a wee stroll down memory lane and remembering some of the news headlines from Embrace Australia over the past year.

January was the month that Queensland put out their ad for the “best job in the world” never imagining its huge success and popularity. The job was simple enough, to be caretaker of Hamilton Island for 6 months and write a blog about your experiences.

Over 34,000 video applications were received for the coveted position, including a rather dubious one by Mr Osama bin Laden! In the end the job went to Brit Ben Southall. However Mr Southall faced criticism by some for his infrequent blogs and he was also labelled a “whinging Pom” when his list of complaints included missing the British summer.

February saw the launch of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) to protect visa applicants from unscrupulous and incompetent migration agents. It also relieved some of the pressure from the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) and made dealing with complaints and regulation easier and more efficient.

The bushfires devastated the state of Victoria.

February also saw Australia’s worst disaster in the form of devastating bushfires that engulfed Victoria and killed nearly 200 people, leaving many thousands homeless. Arsonists were said to be responsible for many of the fires that raged through the dry, arid landscape with such ferocity that many people simply didn’t stand a chance. Some of the arsonists caught were later tried for murder.

In March the first of many changes to the skilled migration program and Critical Skills List (CSL) was made by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Chris Evans announced a 14% cut to the skilled migration intake and the CSL saw many skilled trades removed.

Australian free-diver Walter Steyn broke the world free diving record in April by diving 92m underwater without the aid of oxygen. The 36 year old managed to smash his previous record of 77m. In typical Aussie style one of the first things he said after setting his new world record was: “I’m absolutely stoked.”

In May came the bizarre news that the Australian government had paid cash bonuses of up to $900 to 16,000 dead people! The payments were part of the stimulus package designed to kick-start the economy and head off any potential recession. The government gave the payments to all eligible Australians who had lodged a tax return in the last financial year, unfortunately that included 16,000 who had since died. It is not known if any of the “grateful dead” returned their payments.

Spiderman came to Sydney in June in the form of French daredevil Alain Robert who climbed the 718ft Royal Bank of Scotland Tower without a safety rope or harness. The Frenchman is famous for scaling tall buildings, doing so he says, to raise awareness about climate change. Hundreds of people cheered him as he worked his way up the building, but the police were on hand to arrest him as soon as he came back down.

The baby whale takes its very first breath.

A baby whale’s first breath was captured on camera in July off the coast of Australia. The baby humpback whale was witnessed by marine scientists, being gently lifted to the surface by its mother, to take its first breath of air.

Also in July was the dramatic tale of Jamie Neale, the British backpacker who went missing for more than a week in the wilderness of the Blue Mountains. His remarkable survival and healthy appearance led many to believe that it had been a hoax, something Jamie and his family strenuously denied. Jamie was later criticised for giving a tiny proportion of what he had made from media deals, to the rescue services who spent $100,000 searching for him.

Virgin Blue teamed up with Delta Airlines in August to re-created the “Ten Pound Pom” offer of the 1950s. 150 hopefuls queued for days and nights outside the Travel Agencies offering the deal hoping to grab the deal of the year!

August also brought tragic news in the death of Sam the Bushfire Koala who symbolised hope for many people after the tragedy of the bushfires in Victoria. A picture of Sam drinking from the water bottle of a firefighter amidst a burnt out forest was transmitted across the world. Australians took Sam to their hearts and were devastated by his death in August from Chlamydia.

One of the apocalyptic scenes from Sydney.

In September Sydneysiders awoke to find the city had turned red overnight! A huge dust cloud covered the city and produced spectacular images of Sydney’s most famous landmarks covered in an eerie orange hue. Meanwhile residents of Melbourne were woken by two tremors that shook the city to its core and in Adelaide flood warnings were put in place as the city was lashed by heavy rains.

September saw the most controversial change to skilled migration visas yet when the DIAC slid in changes that affected all applicants, old and new, that were going through state sponsorship. Forums up and down the country were inundated with tales from heartbroken visa applicants who had sold their houses and taken their children out of school in the presumption that they were only weeks away from getting their visas finalised. Many now face waits of up to three years. And to further rub their noses in it, the government refused to give existing applicants a refund if they withdrew their applications.

A new Citizenship test was launched in October that asked would-be Australian citizens questions on Australian politics, law and the responsibilities of citizenship. We reproduced ten questions from the new test to see how well you would do. Many critics argued that the new test discriminated against those whose first language was not English.

A monster shark was feared lurking in the waters around Brisbane.

Meanwhile in Brisbane fears grew about a monster shark in the area that was estimated to be at least 5 or 6 metres long. This was after a 3 metre shark found snared on a baited drumline was discovered to have massive bites on its side. The Australian government said the discovery was enough to justify using such shark nets and drumlines amid criticism about other marine life being caught up in them.

November brought back the reality show we all love to hate – ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’. This year it was even more gripping as Peter Andre refused to present an insiders series for the This Morning programme after it was revealed that his ex-wife Katie Price would be taking part. Katie herself was criticised for leaving two sick children with her parents whilst she flew off to Australia. She later left the show after being nominated for four bushtucker trials.

Australia’s forgotten children also got an apology from Australian Prime Minster Kevin Rudd this month. Between 1947 and 1967 an estimated 11,000 British children were sent to Australia as part of an immigration plan by Australia. Many of the children suffered abuse and cruelty at the hands of their carers and many more were wrongly told that their parents had died. Mr Rudd made his formal apology at a Canberra ceremony where many survivors openly wept. Britain has said it will apologise for its role in the new year.

A proposed strike by BA cabin crew in December left many holidaymakers to Australia wondering if they would get to spend their Christmas on Bondi Beach or Brighton Beach. Family reunions were thrown into jeopardy and worried travellers inundated the BA helpline. The strike however was stopped by a court injunction, much to the relief of passengers up and down the country. However there could still be a strike in the new year.

The giant iceberg that was heading for Australia.

Not only that but a giant iceberg that had broken off the Ross Ice Shelf in Antartica was heading for the western Australian coast – still in one piece! The huge iceberg was double the size of Sydney Harbour when it was spotted drifting 1000km towards the Australian coast, but luckily it broke up into smaller pieces once it reached warmer waters.

So that’s it, our round-up of the news and events from the past year. Who knows what 2010 will bring, more rampaging kangaroos perhaps? But we sincerely hope that it brings good news to many visa applicants. Don’t forget to bookmark us as we keep you up to date on all the happenings in immigration, travel and culture. If you love Australia, then why not Embrace Australia?

Deck the halls with boughs of holly - but do the Aussies?

As the festive season surrounds us, we thought we’d bring you our Christmas guide to Australia and the UK, including traditions, facts and tales from the two countries. I’ve got my santa hat on so let’s begin!

Christmas in Australia occurs at the height of summer where the temperature can reach a sweltering 30°C whilst here in the UK, us Brits are wrapping up warm to beat off an average temperature of just 1°C with only 1 to 2 hours of sunshine, whilst down in Oz the sun shines all day long!

Carol singing is a huge favourite in Australia as well as in the UK and every year thousands of people turn out in Melbourne for the annual Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight, a tradition that evolved in 1937. Many other Australian cities now follow suit with their own carol singing events in the weeks before Christmas.

The traditional Christmas meal in Australia is much the same as in the UK, with a turkey dinner topping the list and a flaming plum pudding for dessert. The only difference is that they will probably have their turkey outside on the verandah whilst we huddle around an open fire (or gas or electric – whatever!). In fact Bondi Beach becomes crowded with thousands of Christmas Day picnickers.

Christmas Day on Bondi Beach is popular with backpackers.

In the UK it was tradition to put a silver coin in our Christmas pud which was said to bring good luck to whoever found it – if they didn’t choke on it first! In Australia the tradition was a small gold nugget although now they would bake the pudding with a small favour inside, much as the French do at Easter.

After the Christmas meal, the Brits favourite activity, apart from watching the TV, is playing games. Charades and board games being the most popular. Whilst in Australia, because of the warm weather, Aussies prefer to burn off that Christmas pud with a spot of cricket or swimming.

Australians also have their own version of a White Christmas. It’s a type of confectionery made of rice krispies, fruit and coconut oil and traditionally eaten around Christmastime.

Australians prefer this colourful Christmas bush to our prickly holly.

Our traditional Christmas decorations are holly, ivy and mistletoe – dating back to Pagan times. The Australians however like to decorate their homes with Christmas Bush, a native plant that has small, red flowered leaves.

Santa Claus arrives in Australia – by surfboard! Santa surfing is now popular down under as hundreds of people take to the warm oceans and ride the waves dressed as Santa. Many surfing clubs now hold Christmas charity events where participants done the famous red costume for charity.

Talking of Santa, in the hot Australian outback what better animal to pull Santa’s sleigh along than six white boomers? A boomer is a special kangaroo that Santa uses to pull his sleigh along the rough terrain of the outback. The boomers were made famous in the song by Rolf Harris and John Brown back in 1960. The boomers’ names are Jackaroo, Bluey, Two-up, Desert-head, Curly and Snow.

And can anyone name Santa’s reindeer? Go on, give it a go! Answers are at the bottom of the page – no peeking! We’ll give you a clue, there are 9 of them.

Australia’s worst Christmas was back in 1974 when, on Christmas Eve, Cyclone Tracey ravaged Darwin and by the following evening, almost 70% of Darwin was in ruins with many people left homeless and devastated.

Kim Kimeklis has won multiple awards in Brisbane’s Christmas lights competition and has earned the nickname of ‘Christmas Nut’ by her husband. The lights and decorations take over every inch of her house and garden and approximately 300 – 400 people visit each night from the 1 December when she switches them on. It costs her $100 a month for the low-voltage lights and they have to be checked for safety by an electrician before they are turned on.

The brightest house in the UK!

In the UK, the most brightly lit house award goes to Alex Goodhind in Melksham who actually paid workmen to fit an industrial sized cable under his house to accommodate his 100,000 lights that took him 3 weeks to assemble. He’ll also pay an extra £500 for his electricity bill.

Australia has some sporting Boxing Day traditions. A cricket test match is held on Boxing Day every year in the Melbourne Cricket Ground that can attract up to 90,000 spectators. And in Sydney, Boxing Day heralds the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, a 630 nautical mile race that can last several days.

Australia has it’s own version of Jingle Bells. Instead of riding in a one-horse open sleigh, you would be riding in a ute. It’s a two seater vehicle with an open tray behind it that was widely in use in the Australian countryside.

So that’s our Christmas fun guide to Australia and all that remains is for us here at Embrace Australia to wish everyone who visits us a very peaceful and prosperous Christmas and New Year.

Did you get all the reindeer names? Here they are: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. All of the names apart from Rudolph are taken from the poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Rudolph came from a story and colouring book created by Robert L May for his employer at the Montgomery Ward department store. His brother in law later penned the well-known song that turned Rudolph into a star!

Treat yourself to the gourmet delights of Adelaide.

When you think of all the countries that offer culinary delights, France and Italy probably feature highly in your mind. Both countries produce images of gourmet feasts that befit their reputations. Yet Australia, home of the BBQ, is fighting back and launching their own gourmet tours for the most fastidious of connoisseurs.

If you love food and wine then this is just up your street. Forget the historical tours of posing next to well known buildings or shopping for tacky souvenirs to take back home. Leave Adelaide with a lingering memory of the tastes and smells of the city. Set your creative juices flowing and be inspired by the top chefs in Adelaide who may let you in on one or two of their closely guarded secrets in these specially designed tours for the foodie in us all.

Four exclusive walking tours are being launched around Adelaide, seeking to capture the very essence of the city in its cuisine. Local guides will be hosting the walks which seek to inspire and delight as well as awaken your taste buds and leave your senses tingling.

Highlights include wine tastings (of course!), a visit to Adelaide’s colourful and lively market to witness the full range of produce available, gloriously delicious chocolate from iconic Haighs and a chance to explore the very famous gastronomical street that is Rundle Street.

The company leading the tours is the renowned ‘Taste of South Australia’ which specialises in wine and food tours catering for all needs and tastes, from traditional bush tucker grub to fine wining and dining. They are true professionals in their field, so all you have to do is to relax and let your senses to the hard work for you.

The four walking tours called ‘Insiders Adelaide’ are as follows:

Market Culture

This tour centres around the spectacular and vibrant Adelaide’s Central Market. The market was established in 1869 by a group of market gardeners who mAdelaide their way to the site to sell their produce. So quick was its popularity in those early days that all the stock was sold out by 6am! Today the market has over 8 stalls selling fresh produce and multicultural cuisine. It remains South Australia’s most visited tourist attraction and has been described as “the Heart of Adelaide.”

The vibrant central market in Adelaide.

In this tour you’ll get the opportunity to not only browse through the many varied and bustling stalls, but you’ll also visit local potters and perhaps come away with pots of your own to carry your produce away with you. Local cheeseries will also be on the itinerary, giving you the chance to learn how difference cheeses are produced and to sample some of the savoury offerings. A market tour wouldn’t be complete without some samples of local wine either and the chance to meet some of the local winemakers. This tour is a must for all market lovers out there who just love their food fresh, colourful and vibrant!

Classic Adelaide

Do you consider yourself cultured? Interested in history and art? Would your perfect tour combine art, culture and history with gourmet food? Well then welcome to heaven! For this classic tour visits the historical Art Gallery, one of Adelaide’s most beautiful buildings.

The classical beauty of the Art Gallery.

Founded in 1881 this superb building is located in the heart of Adelaide’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace and is home to some exceptional works of art by Australia’s finest artists as well as exquisite works of art from all over the world. You also get VIP entry to the Artlab to watch the team at work restoring historic paintings, books and fabrics. You’ll also get the chance to visit the cultural boulevard itself and explore more of the fabulous architecture such as the imposing Government and University Buildings, before heading back to the Art Gallery to dine in its excellent restaurant. Here you’ll get to choose from the mouth watering recipe of the month, which could be verrine of crab, quinoa, tomato and basil drizzled with just the merest hint of lemon juice, or how about cumin spiced Atlantic salmon and roast pumpkin with a delicious lemon yoghurt dressing? Hungry yet?

Oh but they’ve hardly started with you yet! For this tour also includes a tasting of some of Haighs finest chocolates. Haighs is situated in RundleMall, the foodies area of delight. Housed in one of Adelaide’s landmark buildings with the famous beehive corner tower. Their award winning chocolates are enough to melt the hardest of hearts. Once you’ve tasted one of Haighs chocolates, you’ll never look at another Cadbury bar again! Their handmade  selection is delectable beyond mere words, perhaps you’ll have a Cranberry and Pistachio Cluster, or a Sparkling Shiraz Truffle or how about a Milk Wattleseed Crunch? I guarantee that nobody will be leaving that store without a box that is intended to be a present for someone back home, but that will never make the return journey!

East End Pub Culture

Indulge in mouth-watering oysters.

One for all the Londoners at heart! The East End of Adelaide is one of the more quirkier areas of Adelaide. It starts at Rundle Mill, naturally, and is dotted with cafés, restaurants, wine bars, hotels and boutiques. It is here you will find the Botanical Gardens, The Wine Centre, Rymill Park and North Terrace. Meander through the streets and experience the many stalls selling fresh fruit and produce. Sample a fresh oyster from the Oyster Bar or a very indulgent, very moorish hot chocolate from Chocolat.

Your guide will take you on a bush food trail of the east end where you can sample the traditional native bush food and find out more about hunting techniques and food gathering practices. It might not be gourmet, but the food reflects the unique and unconventional atmosphere of this part of the city and it will tantalize your tastebuds just as well!

West End Art and Culture

Head off to the other side of the city now to experience the contemporary arts and culture of Adelaide. Modernity is the key word here as you enter the innovative and distinctive building that is the Samstag Museum of Art. The museum is home to many creative and modern works of art such as the fantastical Wonderful World exhibition, a collection of artwork by some of Australia’s most enterprising young artists. You’ll also be able to visit the Experimental Art Foundation as well as many other smaller art venues that are often hidden little treasure troves of art, searched out for you by your local guide.

Once you’ve walked the streets and taken your fill of art, you’ll be ready for dinner in Adelaide’s exclusive Apothecary Restaurant. The restaurant is housed in a heritage listed building in the heart of the West End and displays a unique set of 132 year old antique pharmacy cabinets discovered hidden in an Adelaide shop and now proudly on display.

The apothecary food is medicine for the soul.

You’ll be spoilt for choice by the menu which includes marinated octopus with a sprinkling of parsley and zesty lemon or succulent Barossa Valley kassler pork chops with beautifully roasted baby carrots on a bed of wilted cos and horseradish cream – how could you resist?

These gorgeous gastronomical delights come in a 2 hour or 4 hour package that includes an expert local guide, all entrance fees, a goodie bag and a light meal. They are promoted by tourism South Australia – A Brilliant Blend. Book yours now before all places are gobbled up, log onto Taste of South Australia.

There’s always something new going on in the Northern Territory, so we’ve teamed up with Tourism NT to provide you with this up-to-date guide of what’s happening and where.  Therefore pack your suitcases and leave the dog with the neighbours, because once you hear about these great deals, you’ll be wanting to leave straight away!

Photography Tour

Capture the spirit of the outback!

If you’ve an interest in photography then you’ll love this one!  Let’s face it, Australia has some of the most stunning scenery in the world, it’s a photographers dream!  However if you’re anything like me, that stunning shot you just took of Uluru (Ayres Rock) seems to contain a previously undiscovered, giant portion of thumb. Well now is your chance to embark on a photographic journey with a true professional.

Grenville Turner has more than 30 years of experience as a professional photographer and he’ll be heading a six day tour, including workshops with one-to-one instruction – what could be better? Well the locations, they are among the most picturesque on the planet! The tours depart from either Alice Spring or Ayres Rock. This tour will see you transformed from amateur photographer to true professional! And here’s a tip, those photographs you’ll be taking will make excellent Christmas presents, so you’ll be saving money in the process! 

This unique tour costs just £677 per person. Wayoutback.com

When you come back from the tour with your professional, high quality snaps, why not show them off to the public? A new site has been launched that showcases photographs taken of the Northern Territory by amateur enthusiasts. The site will also feature tops tips and hints from professionals as well as ideas and inspiration. Show the world your talent by visiting www.australiasoutback.com/photography

Aboriginal Art

Do you admire aboriginal artwork? Wished that you could produce a piece of work that had the same stunning impact? Well now you can! A new 4 day safari has been introduced that includes community led dot painting workshops and an interpretative rock art tour. 

Create your own artwork.

The Ultimate Red Centre Dreamtime Safari enables visitors to learn about Aboriginal art at Wallace Rockhole and enjoy a star gazing talk whilst tucking into a BBQ dinner at Kings Creek Station.  You’ll come away from this experience with a deeper understanding of the mysteries of Aboriginal art and how their natural environment not only influenced their art, but their very identities too. 

The tour costs from just £512 per person based on two sharing a twin room. www.connections.travel

Sightseeing from Above

Ever fancied seeing the outback from the air? It is often only from the skies that you can truly appreciate the breathtaking wonder of the landscape below, so stunning it’s as though you’re hovering above a grand work of art painted by one of the Masters!

See the stunning landscape from the skies!

A new tourism venture between Alice Springs Helicopters and Ampwerre (Black Tank) Community has been developed to allow visitors this unique cultural experience. Not only will you be able to gasp in wonder at the views from your exciting helicopter ride, but you can also have a private dot painting workshop at Ampwerre! There are a selection of tours to choose from so you get to say what you want to do. The helicopters can only seat four people, which means that you benefit from an intimacy with your hosts that allows a one-to-one insight into Aboriginal culture and way of life.

www.alicespringshelicopters.com.au

Hiking Adventures

Don’t follow the tourist trail! Experience the true originality of the outback with this guided walk through Kakadu National Park. Taking visitors from Koolpin George to Twin Falls this 5 day tour takes the less travelled paths to enable visitors to witness some of the park’s striking beauty and native wildlife that isn’t accessible by the usual tourist routes. Indeed there are no paths or markers and it’s highly unlikely you’ll come across other people on your hike. Your expert guide knows the route by heart, leaving you to appreciate and take in the unique environment and surroundings.

Explore the beauty of Kakadu on foot.

You will be provided with tasty, cooked meals and a comfy bed and tent. Participants should be fit and active and used to carrying a backpack. This will be one camping trip you won’t forget! www.ntimmersions.com.au

Indulge in a Little Luxury

If you want to experience the thrills of an outback adventure but you’re not into hiking for miles, then this tour is for you! A luxury air-conditioned 4×4 will transport up to 6 people for this 10 hour trip into the heart of the bushland.

Your guide is herself an indigenous Australian and a former Wildlife Territory Park Guide, so you’ll be in good hands. You can watch the native wildlife, view breathtaking scenery, sample gourmet bush-tucker and learn about bush medicine. It’s an amazing day out and all for only £120 per person!

www.ntindigenoustours.com

Recycled B&B

Looking for somewhere different to stay? Well you can’t get much different than a B&B made from recycled railway sleepers! Alice Station B&B has been built using Ghan railway sleepers, which gives it an unique feel as well as ticking all the right eco-friendly boxes. You can also watch the kangaroos from the back garden!  Facilities include WiFi and a saltwater pool.  Rooms start from £88 including breakfast. www.alicestation.com

If you want to find out more about what the Northern Territory has to offer, then visit www.australiasoutback.com which is full of useful information on where to stay, how to get there, when to go etc.

Australians love their wine. Though we have a reputation as a nation of beer lovers, wine has become an integral part of our relaxed social lifestyle.

We have a huge diversity of wine regions and wine types/styles - everything from beachside wineries to cool climate wines, and our glasses overflow with everything from the hearty Shiraz wines of the Barossa and Clare Valleys to the elegant dry whites of south west Western Australia, regarded as some of the best in the world. And, we’re winning awards and medals in droves at international wine competitions. Our winemakers produce everything from the ever popular Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, to the newer varieties such as Pinot Noir, Viognier, Merlot And Marsanne. You’ll find a huge selection on the wine list of most Australian restaurants.

Wineries are cropping up everywhere – in places as unlikely as the Granite Belt and coastal hinterland of Queensland to the New England Tablelands of NSW. It’s not unusual to find a working, productive vineyard almost anywhere in Australia. Even Alice Springs, in the dry red centre of the country, boasts a boutique vineyard. You can see snow covered vineyards in Orange and vineyards in the dry arid inland, in places such as Cowra and Gundagai. And, surprisingly, we even have a number of coastal wine destinations, such as the Limestone Coast of South Australia, the Mornington Peninsula, the Margaret River and the Shoalhaven coast of NSW.

Food and wine trails are a delicious way to enjoy the best of Australian food and wine. Australia’s wine regions have a laid back atmosphere with fresh produce and fine food. Here, whole afternoons can be spent
chatting over a bottle of wine and then meandering from cellar door to restaurant, then back again.

Apart from wine tastings and cellar door sales, many of our wineries offer food - everything from platters to full-blown gourmet feasts. And, being Australian, we like to offer you more than just wine. Many wineries can satisfy your hunger, put you up at night and even entertain you with music or other cultural events ranging from monthly jazz concerts to spectacular opera and musical events.

You can learn about wine through tasting, talking with the winemakers and touring the facility. Wander through vines, sample regional delicacies in the produce store, experiment with wine and food matching in the wine bar or restaurant, or sit in the sun or beside a river or lake and take in the views and vistas. Australia is full of small boutique wineries which you can find by exploring our wine regions by car or on an organised tour. Many of the owners are also the winemakers and they’ll be only too happy to show you around and talk about their wonderful wines and how they produced them.

Fleurieu Peninsular, South Australia

Be winemaker for a day – at some wineries you can make your own blend. Try your hand at winemaking, be shown around by the winemaker or, if it’s a small family operation, by someone from the family.

Stay overnight in a vineyard retreat or Tuscan-style lodge in the Hunter Valley, NSW’s premier wine region, with eighty wineries and cellar doors and the country’s oldest winery. Learn the secrets of local winemakers at a wine school or spend a weekend perfecting your pasta at a cooking school. Be up early for a hot-air balloon flight, play a round of golf at a five-star course or relax in a stylish day spa.

Cruise the Murray River, visit the Australian outback and learn about our Italian heritage all in one spot. Discover why Mildura is one of Australia’s up and coming wine regions while you immerse yourself in Italian culture, food and wine. Hear stories from winemakers of how many generations have toiled the soil. Find out for yourself why Italian culture in an outback location on a major river is a perfect recipe for great wine.

Sample Wetlands wine on a 1750 hectare property at Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre in South Australia’s Riverland, a unique wetland and wine ecotourism experience on the Murray River. Hike the 7 km environmental walking trail and the award winning boardwalk to learn about wetlands conservation Austraian style. Drink the wines and eat the fabulous food surrounded by vineyards, floodplains, wetlands and woodlands.

Hunter Valley Vineyards, New South Wales

Enjoy Opera amongst the vineyards or international concerts in a sensational bushland setting at the magnificent Leeuwin Estate on the Margaret River in Western Australia. The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa have all performed at the estate’s outdoor concerts. Or, head to the vineyards of the Hunter Valley for Opera on the Vines.

Participate in a Wine Festival. Almost every wine growing region has an annual wine festival where local wine, food and culture can be sampled - such as the Margaret River Wine Festival and the Barossa Vintage Festival. The largest is the biennial Tasting Australia, which showcases the very best the nation has to offer in food, wine and gastronomic hospitality.

Take a long lunch (a day of leisurely food and wine tasting as you crawl from winery to winery) at the Lovedale Long Lunch in the Hunter Valley or the Capes Long Lunch in the Northern Margaret River.

Follow the Great Grape Road touring route, a scenic circuit through the Pyrenees, Grampians and Ballarat wine regions of western Victoria.

Visit a beach winery. The Mornington Peninsula has more vineyards per kilometre than anywhere else in Australia, 174 at last count - and still planting. The region serves up sea views and great food to accompany the wines while you explore the stunning landscapes and rugged coastline. If you fancy an ocean view, organic salad, great olives, local seafood, singing waiters or lunch among the vines, head to where some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines are produced near the ocean and beach. Or, On the Gold Coast, spend a leisurely day exploring coastal wineries just half an hour from the Gold Coast’s world-class beaches. You may even get to try tropical fruit wine.

Take a self-drive winery tour of the nation’s capital. Explore the country roads that lead you to over 30 cellar doors. Taste the wines, enjoy a meal, take a gumboot winery tour and buy some wine as a reminder of your holiday. See for yourself why some of the world’s best restaurants include Canberra region wines on their wine lists.

Follow a food and wine trail of Western Australia’s main wine regions. Discover the Margaret River wine region’s mouth-watering local produce, from full-bodied wine and flavoursome olive oil to premium cheeses and delicious hand-made chocolates; this is a gourmet food lovers’ paradise, along with ancient limestone caves and magnificent surf breaks. Or, cruise up the Swan River from Perth on a wine cruise and pick up a coach or horse-drawn wagon for a leisurely meander through the vineyards of the Swan Valley.

Hunter Valley Vineyards, New South Wales

Stop for lunch or dinner in a winery. Select an award-winning pinot noir to match the freshest oysters, rock lobster and venison at one of Tasmania’s great winery restaurants such as Meadowbank in the Coal River Valley, Moorilla Estate, just outside Hobart, or Strathlynn in the Tamar Valley.

Explore bushranger territory in northern NSW. New England’s rich rural landscape varies from rolling pastureland to dry outback. The area is crammed with attractions, wineries and historic pioneering towns and plenty of country hospitality.

Travel in a vintage luxury car on a Luxury Liquid History Wine Tour through the Barossa Valley. A classic Daimler takes you on a personalised and exclusive wine tasting tour of five spectacular wineries in one day. Meet with viticulturists and wine educators and taste the red wine known as the best in the world, Penfold’s Grange.

Arrange a private wine tasting in De Bortoli’s Trophy Room at their renowned winery, or attend the monthly one day wine school. At Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove on the Victorian coast try the olives grown in their own olive grove.

The shrine of remembrance memorial in Brisbane

In 1914 Australia had been a Federal Commonwealth for just 14 years and the new government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world.  In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey to open the way to the Black Sea.

The plan was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany.  They landed at Gallipoli on April 25th and met fierce resistance from the Turkish defenders. Instead of finding the flat beach they expected, they faced steep cliffs and constant barrages of enemy fire and shelling.  What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate and the campaign dragged on for eight months. The ANZACs and the Turkish forces literally ‘dug in’, each side creating kilometres of trenches from where they could fire upon the enemy.

Thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers died in the hours and days that followed the landing. The stalemate ended in retreat with the evacuation of the ANZACs on 20 December 1915. Both sides suffered heavy casualties with more than 8,700 Australian soldiers killed and more than 25,000 wounded .

News of the landing at Gallipoli had a profound impact on Australians at home.  April 25th quickly became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who had died in war.  Though the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the Australian and New Zealand troops’ actions during the campaign bequeathed an intangible but powerful legacy. The creation of the Anzac legend became an important part of the national identity of both nations.

History of Anzac Day

Anzac Day was first officially held on 25 April 1916 with ceremonies and remembrance services.  In 1917, the word ANZAC meant someone who fought at Gallipoli, later it came to mean any Australian or New Zealander who fought or served in the First World War. By the 1920s, Anzac Day ceremonies were held throughout Australia. All States had designated Anzac Day as a public holiday.

Commemoration of Anzac Day continued throughout the 1930s and 1940s with World War II veterans joining parades around the country. ANZAC Day evolved to became a day on which the lives of all Australians lost in war time were remembered. In the ensuing decades returned servicemen and women from the conflicts in Malaya, Indonesia, Korea and Vietnam, veterans from allied countries and peacekeepers joined the parades

Anzac Day Commemorations
Australia commemorates ANZAC Day with marches, dawn services and numerous social gatherings and traditions held in capital cities and towns nationwide.  The ANZAC Day parade from each state capital is televised live with commentary.  These events are followed generally by social gatherings of veterans, hosted either in a pub or in a Returned and Services League (RSL) Club.

Thousands of Australians now make the annual pilgrimage to ANZAC Cove in Gallipoli.  Until 1999 the Gallipoli dawn service was held at the Ari Burnu war cemetery, however, with growing numbers of people attending a new “Anzac Commemorative Site” was built on North Beach.

A piper at a service of remembrance

Although Australia’s official national day is “Australia Day”, many Australians have now come to regard ANZAC Day as the true national day of the country. The spirit of ANZAC recognises the qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice which were demonstrated at the Gallipoli landing.

ANZAC Day Events
On Anzac Day, Australians all over the world pause to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of Australia’s servicemen and women in wars, conflicts and peace operations. Anzac commemoration ceremonies are held across the country and include dawn services, marches, social gatherings and citizen services.

Dawn services are a solemn Australian and New Zealand tradition.  They are held at war memorials and public spaces and incorporate hymns, readings, the playing of the “The last post”, wreath laying, a minute of silence, “The rouse” or “The reveille”, and the National Anthem.

• The National Commemoration services take place in Canberra with the National Anzac Day Dawn Service taking place at 5:30am at the Parade Ground at the Australian War Memorial and the National Anzac Day Commemoration Ceremony taking place at 10:15am.
• All state and territory capital cities hold a dawn service and an ANZAC Day march.
• ‘Two Up’ is a traditional Australian gambling game that was an extremely popular pastime with Anzac soldiers. “Two-up” has become a regular feature of Anzac Day celebrations in pubs and in RSL clubs across Australia. The importance of this tradition is demonstrated that though most Australian states have laws forbidding gambling outside of designated licensed venues, on Anzac Day it is legal to play “two-up”.
• An Australian Rules football match is played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground between traditional Australian Football League rivals the Collingwood Magpies and Essendon Bombers on ANZAC day in celebration of the ANZAC spirit. The event has been a tradition since 1995.

Anzac Biscuits - A Sweet Tradition
Anzac biscuits were created during the early period of the First World War around 1914-15. They were made by the women on the “home front” in an endeavor to make a nutritious treat that did not readily spoil and would survive the long journey to the war front. The Anzac biscuit recipe was based on a Scottish recipe using rolled oats, sugar, plain flour, coconut, butter, golden syrup or treacle and bi-carb soda. To ensure the biscuits remained fresh, the women sent them in air-tight tins such as the Billy Tea tins.  Today Anzac biscuits are a family favourite and are often sold by veterans’ organisations in fundraising drives.

Useful Links
Department of Veterans’ Affairs – www.dva.gov.au
Australian War Memorial Website – www.awm.gov.au
Anzac Day – www.anzacday.org.au

Courtesy of Tourism Australia

Fine dining is all part of the Australian experience

Great food experiences are the measure of a great holiday for many people and the beginning of a new direction in life for those attuned to food’s transformative powers.

Just ask some of Australia’s food and wine specialists, who have settled and thrived in food-focussed destinations around Australia.

Chef Sue Pearson had stints at prestigious restaurants in London and Sydney before relocating to the wilderness of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island. She gave up the thrum of city life for an equally busy life immersed in the edible bounty of Australia’s third biggest island.

There’s not much that can’t be sourced locally in pursuit of meals for Sue’s catering company, Two Birds and a Squid. Part of the joy for self-drive visitors is this gradual reveal of Kangaroo Island’s culinary scope. There’s wineries, sheep’s cheese, olive oil, honey, lamb, chicken, beef, crayfish, marron (freshwater crayfish), abalone, oysters and fish caught fresh from the Southern Ocean.

Visitors preoccupied with sea lions, beaches, or searching the gum trees for koalas need not fret if they don’t get time to visit all these gourmet outlets in person. Sue brings them all together with a chef’s flair.

“We’re so lucky with the produce we have here,” she says. “I’d say at least 70 per cent of what I use for catering is sourced from the island. I use the sheep’s milk cheese in dressings and salads. There’s a new organic chicken producer here, and the South Rock lamb is beautiful. I never go elsewhere for seafood or marron. There’s no need to – it’s just so good.”

In 2005, Sue opened the gourmet fish and chip shop, Fish. It’s the go-to destination for people wanting an inexpensive seaside take-out or something with a touch of salt and pepper prawn or scallop about it. Once a month Sue hosts free cooking demonstrations at the shop. And when she cooks for a monthly degustation dinner at local winery Sunset Wines, she gets to fully flex her chef’s muscles.

There is an abundance of fresh fish to sample Down Under

The variety keeps Sue inspired. She works hard for eight months of the year (October to April), spending the remainder abroad. But she always comes back to Kangaroo Island. Home is a quirky timber house on a hill overlooking a bay, with access to a private beach. On summer evenings she sits on her deck and watches the kangaroos mowing the grass. Even the wildlife eats well around here.

While Kangaroo Island is a developing food and wine region, other Australian regions have matured nicely with the passing of time. Winemaker Bob Cartwright has watched it happen in Western Australia’s Margaret River. He moved there from South Australia in 1978 when wine was a fledgling industry. It soon became one of Australia’s premium wine growing regions. Now it’s booming.

“In 1978 most people had young vines. Now they’re very mature and people are getting the best out of them,” says Bob. “Along the way people have learned a lot. Overall, the top wines are now even better.”

Bob did 28 vintages as the winemaker for Leeuwin Estate, earning the moniker “Mister Chardonnay” for his classy rendering of one of the region’s strongest varietals.

With some of the world's finest vineyards, you won't be short of choice when it comes to a tipple!

“My philosophy has always been to let the fruit speak for itself,” says the champion of fruit-driven wines balanced with oak. When you’re blessed with a climate that’s made for growing grapes, relying on natural flavour is a no-brainer.

“Whether you’re growing grapes, wheat or pineapples, there’s always an ideal temperature. That’s what we’re seeing in Margaret River. We’re getting fruit that’s got beautiful depth of flavour. People are taking advantage of that and making some very flash wines.”

Short of retiring to enjoy the spoils, Bob has found a new incarnation as a consultant wine maker to a number of wineries in the region. He’s sharing the love around – and pausing longer to enjoy the region’s burgeoning food scene. He’s a particular fan of local marron, dhufish and “stunningly tender beef”. As a flavours man, he’s grateful for the slew of excellent winery restaurants, where wine and food unite for optimum pleasure.

In the region around Swansea in eastern Tasmania, the breadth of produce and quality of dining is so great that one café specialises solely in dessert. When you’ve had your fill of oysters, crayfish, fresh fish, mussels and cheese, Kate’s Berry Farm is place to head for the final delectation. The café does exemplary berry pies, home made ice cream and conversation-stopping scones, jam and cream.

No that's a table with a view…

Before she came to Tasmania from Victoria 21 years ago, Kate Bradley hadn’t grown anything edible. But she fell hard for Tasmania’s beauty and its bounty of cool climate produce. A long time businesswoman, she set about growing berries because nobody else was doing it. Value adding was her key to success. That and some natural blessings.

“Quality, quality, quality – that’s what makes Tasmania so special,” she says. “The berries are supreme quality. We pick them at the right time so they gush with juice and flavour. Everything we make is hand made.”

That includes the wine made from both berries and grapes, and the humbleberry pies that walk out the door. But Kate doesn’t rest on her reputation. She recently turned her hand to chocolates – cast ingots of the best Belgian chocolate and other creations using local walnuts and a generous approach to portion size.

“I try and reinvent this place every year,” she says. “You’ve got to stay fresh.”

She reworks all but the views. “We look down this valley of berries over Great Oyster Bay, and straight across to Freycinet National Park. It’s a very visual experience.” For visitors here, the taste of berry compote and hand-churned ice cream will always transport them back.

Dressing up is all part of the fun!

Last weekend saw the start of the 2009 Sydney Mardi Gras. A smorgasboard of flamboyance and excess that culminates in the Mardi Gras Parade, this is a festival not to be missed.

Running from the 14th February to the 7th March this is the largest gay and lesbian festival in the world, the event is a draw-droppingly colourful celebration of homosexuality.

The festival’s live entertainment includes cabarets, comedy, music and theatre. The Mardi Gras Film Festival showcases gay and lesbian films, and there are many literature and arts events, forums and conferences to attend between the many parties and parades, most notably the Sleaze Ball.

Key Dates

Festival                  14th Feb – March 7th 2009
Fair Day                 15th February 2009
Harbour ‘09          1st March 2009
Parade & Party   7th March 2009

Countdown to Mardi Gras

1. Mardi Gras Parade

Always a memorable night and the jewel in the Sydney Mardi Gras crown: participate or watch as hundreds of thousands of people join in one of the world’s biggest street parties! Catch the hilarious and inspiring floats as we close down the city and flood the streets with our colourful “Nations United” Parade on 7th March.

Eccentricity is a must for Mardi Gras

2. Mardi Gras Party

The only place to experience the sheer thrill and extravagance of Mardi Gras after the parade. Get your ticket to the biggest gay dance party in the world as we descend on the Hordern Pavillion in Moore Park from 10pm. Watch the floats arrive, see spectacular shows and be blown away by international guests such as DJs Paul Oakenfold and The Freemasons, as well as special performances by Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Alison Jiear and many more! It doesn’t get bigger than Mardi Gras Party 09!

3. Joan Rivers sharpens her claws at the Enmore.

The undisputed Queen of the Red Carpet and infamous comedienne Joan Rivers headlines this year’s Mardi Gras Festival. Get ready to laugh harder than you have before, and catch her razor-sharp tongue at the Enmore Theatre 3rd & 6th March.

4. Queer Screen Film Festival

One of the most prestigious queer film festivals returns to Sydney Mardi Gras with a higher calibre of films than ever before. A plethora of movies can be found in four unique themes this year: including works from around the world and from our own backyard. Screening around the city, be sure to experience the engaging, poignant and riotous program QueerScreen have organised for 2009.

The highlight of Mardi Gras is the street parade

5. Tina Arena performs live at the State Theatre

Don’t miss these performances, as one of Australia’s truly remarkable voices graces the State Theatre stages for two nights only. Internationally famous for her stunning songs such as “Chains” and “Sorrento Moon”, Tina Arena has also made a name for herself with Songs of Love and Loss; a captivating tribute to the moving classics of Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Blondie and many more. Performing a range of her work, this will be an unforgettable show.

6. The Studio: Mardi Gras Sessions at the Sydney Opera House

2009 has Mardi Gras Festival showcasing exciting and notorious international talent at the Sydney Opera House. See Tony Award winning film and cabaret star Alan Cumming in his show I Bought A New Car Today, catch Brechtian punk superstar Amanda Palmer with the Danger Ensemble for a twisted art and cabaret celebration, as well as Justin Bond’s exhilirating Carpenters’ tribute show and the sexy and hilarious musical “The Wet Spots: A Midsummer’s Wet Dream” from Canada.

7. Fair Day & Launch

Last year saw some 75,000 people turn up for a fun day in the sunshine, and as Fair Day marks it’s 30th birthday expect even more joining you in the warm community atmosphere of Victoria Park on 15th February. This year sees the event combined with the Mardi Gras Launch, and there’ll be the wonderful stalls, sports, live performances and everything else you love about Fair Day.

8. Ranters Theatre Production and Griffin Theatre Company present Holiday

Don’t miss this rollercoaster of a theatre experience. The Stables Theatre showcases this intimate and unpredictable show of what happens when two men unwittingly engage on a holiday.

9. Harbour Party

Sunshine. Sexy Sounds. Seduction. All with the incomparable backdrop of Sydney Harbour. There’s something going on in the garden.. and you’re invited to join in. Be there on the afternoon of 1st March, as Mardi Gras takes over the lush Botannical Gardens to give you our world-renowned party with Sydney’s best DJs and sexiest partygoers.

10. Bison/Natural Born Hooker – A Sexy Double Bill..

Four boys journey through the gay hunting grounds of Sydney in search of that illusive something.. One man travels across America, and through the beds of transvestites, film stars, New York socialites and all-American boys. This thilling and unexpected double bill explores the darker side of gay sexuality, with comedic, moving and altogether unpredictable results.

11. Hat’s Off! – A One-Night-Only Extravaganza!

Join Australia’s brightest stars of musical theatre, comedy, dance and cabaret as they join forces and donate their time  to raise funds for ACON in a gala night of international proportions! Travel the world in this one-night-only spectacular with your Captain, Lisa Freshwater, and hilarious flight attendants Jan van de Stool with Garry Scale and Claire de Lune. Returning for it’s 11th year, don’t miss this huge night!

Sydney druing Mardi Gras is celebrating its myriad of colourful countercultures, hedonism and joie de vivre

12. Roberta Flack & The Sydney Symphony Orchestra

The diva that defined the soul genre, Roberta Flack is one of the greatest and most influential singers of the past decade. This will undoubtedly be a very special night, with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra joining her onstage with beautiful performances of “Killing Me Softly”, “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face”, “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and countless others.

13. Festival Bar at The Supper Club

Join in the festivities at The Supper Club throughout Mardi Gras Festival, as we showcase brilliant live performers and throw parties of outrageous camp fun. See the sublime acousitc skills of Kaki King or the underground debauchery of Berlin, enjoy pure retro indulgence with The Margaritas or Bob Downe’s Retro Gras, or be moved by outstanding live shows such as Girl, Corrupted or Jade Starr’s From Metal to Maternal. There’s so much to experience at the Festival Bar in 2009, and you shouldn’t miss a moment of it.

Courtsey of Sydney Mardi Gras