Daylight savings begins in much of the country. With the longer days come warmer nights and plenty of outdoor festivities to enjoy.
Looking for the perfect event to turn into a spring date, we’ve got the nation covered.
Australian Capital Territory
What: Canberra Nara Candle Festival
When: 24th October 2015
Celebrate the coming together of Japanese and Australian culture at the Canberra Nara Peace Park.
The event will feature 2,000 lit candles, Japanese music, Origami, Calligraphy, Lantern Making and Kite Flying.
Marking the 13th year of a partnership between Canberra and sister city Nara, Japan, martial arts demonstrations, market stalls and traditional rice-cake making will be on display to sample.
More Info: https://www.events.act.gov.au/nara
New South Wales
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What: Night Noodle Markets, Hyde Park Sydney
When: 8 – 25th October 2015
The Sydney Night Noodle Markets are back with a vengeance. Growing in popularity every year, this foodie zone in the middle of the city is the highlight of Good Food Month. This October, 50 food stalls will be sprawled across Hyde Park in an outdoor festival that combines all the flavours of a busy Asian hawker market.
Entry is free, but be prepared to queue for your favourite treats including Ramen Zundo, Black Star Pastry and N2 Gelato.
More Info: https://www.sydney.goodfoodmonth.com/noodlemarkets
Victoria
What: 30th Melbourne Festival
When: 8 – 25th October 2015
Now in it’s 30th year, the Melbourne Festival is an explosion of art, pop culture, intellectual stimulation and fun for the whole family.
A highlight is the New York Narratives, featuring curated works from the cities esteemed artists Andrew Schneider and Okwui Okpokwasili.
Musical attractions include Patti Smith’s Horses, and after party with Flight Facilities and Limbo, a show billed as so hot that Madonna came twice!
More Info: https://www.festival.melbourne/
Northern Territory
What: Kakadu Bird Week
When: 14th -21st October 2015
Birdwatching need not be a past time reserved for quirky characters in khaki. Kakadu is home to more than one third of Australia’s bird species.
This paradise is replete with natural scenery, perfects for observing the prey of the air in their natural habitat. Billabongs, sandstone escarpments and woodlands are just some of the serenely picturesque locations you could spot a Rufous Owl, Brolga or White- Throated Grassren.
Kakadu Bird Week will be full of classes, workshops and guides for beginners and experienced ornithologists.
More Info: https://www.travelnt.com/en/kakadu/events/kakadu-bird-week
South Australia
What: Tarnanthi Festival of Contemporary Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art in Adelaide.
When: 9th October – 5th December 2015
Tandanya, The National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, will host works from more than 40 art centres, reflecting a rich and diverse tapestry of design and style.
Tarnanthi is co-programmed with the Festival for Design and Architecture, where visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase showcased artworks by renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
More Info: https://www.tandanya.com.au/
Tasmania
What: Tasmanian Craft Fair
When: October 30th – November 2nd
Deloraine, a picturesque town in northern Tasmania will host Australia’s largest craft fair. Over 30, 000 people are expected to attend the event located just outside of Launceston.
Featuring woodcarvings, hand blown glassware, leather, pottery, lead lighting and oil paintings to name a few.
Artistic crafts will also be on display including calligraphy, quilting and silk screen painting.
Discover Deloraine with a free shuttle bus between local venues to talk in all the fair has to offer.
More Info: https://www.tascraftfair.com.au/
Western Australia
What: Cape to Cape Mountain Biking
When: 22nd – 25th October, 2015
Mountain Biking may not be your idea of a good time, but how does relaxing in the stunning Margaret River surrounded by the most spectacular scenery in the country sound?
The Cape to Cape MTB is for mountain biking enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike.
Watch some of the world’s best mountain bikers participate in a gruelling, but entertaining sport and then kick back into the night at Xanadu wines for an exquisite meal and wine tasting.
More Info: https://www.capetocapemtb.com/
