Travel Bites - Summer 2010

By Darren Stones

I've been checking out what’s coming up, what’s going on, and what’s to see around Australia. From the Australian Open tennis in Melbourne, to the speed of the Tour Down Under in Adelaide – there’s something for everyone.

New South Wales
Sydney – Sydney’s skies will be a glittering display of fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Lord Mayor Clover Moore says that “each year more than 1.5 million people gather around our iconic harbour and the eyes of the world are on Sydney for one of the biggest, best and most watched New Year’s Eve celebrations on the planet.” Popular vantage points fill early, so plan ahead and use public transport. http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/NYE/Home.asp

Sydney New Years Eve Fireworks 2009 - 2010 Sydney Harbour Bridge
Photo: © David Iori

Victoria
Melbourne – The Australian Open 2011 will attract the best male and female tennis players from around the world. From January 17-30 Melbourne Park will welcome the colourful and boisterous fans during the two-week event as they support their favourite players including Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters. Australia’s hopes of success may rest on the shoulders of Lleyton Hewitt and Samantha Stosur. http://www.australianopen.com/

Australian supporters at the Australian Open
Photo: © Tourism Victoria

Queensland
Gold Coast – From the 5th to the 12th December 2010 the Gold Coast will see the world’s best kite surfers competing for the world championship. There will also be plenty of side events, attractions, parties and more. Only a 2km walk from Surfers Paradise, this spectacular event will be held at Main Beach and is bound to attract huge crowds. http://www.pkraaustralia.com/

Western Australia
Perth – Cricket fever comes alive in Perth from Thursday, 16 December 2010 to Monday, 20 December 2010. Western Australia’s WACA ground will host the Third Ashes Test Match between Australia and England. Surrounding the excitement of the test match of the game’s most watched series, will be a plethora of cricket and social activities. Western Australians are cricket lovers and with the arrival of thousands of visitors from abroad, the atmosphere in Perth is expected to be exciting. http://www.cricket.com.au/

South Australia
Adelaide – Watch US cycling legend Lance Armstrong racing in his last professional event on international soil and numerous Aussie riders as they race past South Australia's beautiful beaches, picturesque countryside and world famous wine regions during the Tour Down Under. From 16-23 January 2011, see the real superheroes of cycling in Adelaide. Be one of the expected 800,000+ spectators to view the race which covers 758km over six stages. http://www.tourdownunder.com.au/

2010 Santos Tour Down Under
Photo: © SATC

Tasmania
Hobart – The 2011 Australian Wooden Boat Festival will see many changes from previous festivals. There will be no admission fee to the general public, which means no more perimeter fencing, and the site will be enlarged to cover the whole of the waterfront. Steve Knight, Australian Wooden Boat Festival Chairman, says that “the Festival has blossomed into one of the great maritime events in the world.” http://www.australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au/

Australian Wooden Boat Festival
Photo: © Tourism Tasmania & Australian Wooden Boat Festival

Northern Territory
Darwin – Celebrate the start of the festive season on December 5 at Carols by Candlelight at the Amphitheatre at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Performing on the night will be the Darwin City Brass Band and many carol celebrities including the Darwin Youth Choir and the Kormilda College Choir. The carols commence at 6.30pm and conclude at 8.30pm with a spectacular fireworks display. Carols by Candlelight is a charity fundraiser event and entry is by gold coin donation.

George Brown Botanical Gardens, Darwin
Photo: © Tourism NT

Australian Capital Territory
Canberra – Australia Day Live on Tuesday 25 January will be a national tribute to everything that is great about Australia. The Australian of the Year Awards will be announced and some of the hottest home-grown music talent will perform in a free concert on the lawns of Parliament House. The celebrations will commence at 6pm with the announcement of the Australian of the Year, followed by the Australia Day Live concert. Join the audience of over 35,000 and celebrate what’s great about Australia Day.

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