The best Aussie winter family festivals

Liz Schaffer Liz Schaffer
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As winter officially sets in, Australian Traveller searches for family friendly festivals that will entertain and astound.

With the cold air finally arriving, skies turning grey and gas bills increasing exponentially, now is the perfect time to explore Australia’s family festivals. There will be freshly fallen snow, luminous installations, evocative activities, quirky events and the opportunity to observe our country’s artistic talent. All you need is a sense of adventure and a few festive plans.

 

To help fill the calendar, AT has been on the lookout for exciting events unfolding across the country, winter warmers the family will not want to miss.

1. The Antarctic Midwinter Festival, Hobart

Rug up this winter and see a breath of ice and Deep Ocean hit Australia’s Antarctic Port. From June 18-21 the innovative Antarctic Midwinter Festival celebrates Tasmania and Antarctica’s historic and living connections by uniting exceptional exhibitions, performances, tours and social events. It’s an opportunity for adventurers and amateur scientist to enjoy the planet’s last pristine wilderness.

 

If the world of Antarctic science and exploration captures your family’s imagination, check out A Midwinter’s Night at the Museum at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. The combination of strange creatures, deep space and weird science is guaranteed to entertain.

 

Photography buffs can also enter The Extreme Environment Photographic Competition by submitting images from remote parts of the globe. For more events visit www.antarctic-tasmania.info

2. The Light in Winter, Melbourne

Federation Square gives us a bright reason to apply the layers and head for the city. Directed by Robyn Archer, The Light in Winter is a light-based festival uniting artists, designers and communities in exploring concepts of light, enlightenment and hope.

 

13 installations created by part of Melbourne’s multicultural community make up the spectacular display, “The Light in Winter". The works explore the cultural significance of light, warming the city’s seasonally chilled heart as just one of the exhibitions on show.

 

Families can also celebrate the Winter Solstice by packing a picnic and enjoying live music and performance to herald the arrival of longer and brighter days. For information see www.fedsquare.com or call 03 9655 1900.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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3. Winter Magic Festival, Blue Mountains

Watch the Winter Magic Festival transform one of Australia’s most spectacular regions as local musicians, mask makers, dancers, poets, clowns and choirs sprinkle winter magic and wonder around Katoomba.

 

There’s the inevitable embarrassment or chance to demonstrate unexpected skating prowess at this year’s outdoor ice rink, inside the picturesque Carrington Place town square. Alternatively, you can show your “universal" appreciation when The Winter Magic Grand Parade celebrates the International Year of Astronomy.

 

Festival favourites, including ArtStreet and the Short Film Festival, will again turn Katoomba’s main streets into a visually exciting artistic space. To discover more visit www.wintermagic.com.au

4. Mary Poppins Festival in the Park, Maryborough

For a storybook escape to the Queensland coast in the winter school holidays, Hervey Bay is “practically perfect", with the Mary Poppins Festival in the Park landing gracefully on their shores on July 5.

 

The world famous nanny works her magic to transform Richmond and Wharf Street into the fantasy Cherry Tree Lane, with young and old invited to meet Mr Banks, the Bird Lady, The Chimney Sweep and Mary Poppins herself. Countless activities, rides, steam trains, brass bands and fine arts and crafts markets to amuse all and cap off a weeklong event to honour the Mary Poppins author PL Travers, who was born in Maryborough in 1899.

 

Hervey Bay celebrates the Mary Poppins Festival by offering accommodation packages to suit all price ranges.

5. Alice Springs Beanie Festival, Alice Springs

Once a humble “beanie party", the distinctive Alice Springs Beanie festival is ideal for fans of all things warm and woolly.

 

From June 26-28, be enthralled by beanie central, otherwise known as the Araluen Cultural Precinct, the centrepiece for the festive long weekend. Here the mayhem and thrill of the beanie chase takes place as you search for the perfect beanie from more than 4000 on display and up for sale.

 

Music, workshops, kids craft, Beanie Olympics and a signature teashop make this the perfect winter remedy. The Opening Night party is also not to be missed – enjoy the entertainment and see the prize-winning beanies paraded under the stars.

 

Visit www.beaniefest.org to learn about the festival and year-round Beanies, Baskets and Bush tucker tours.

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6. City of Perth Winter Arts Season

A rich tapestry of arts events will keep sandgropers warm throughout the cooler months. From June 1 to August 30, the Perth Winter Arts Season embraces the State’s growing creative scene through diverse stage performances, arts organisations and exhibitions.

 

To mark the largest festival to date, watch parents behaving badly and uncensored playgroup politics in the delightful stage production God of Carnage. The Museum of Performing Arts will also present the moving ANZAC Coves, named in honour of the troupe of soldier entertainers who dodged bullets and bombs to perform on the battlefronts of Europe.

 

The presence of Australian superstar Ben Lee proves that the unorthodox and embracing season has something for everyone. For a complete program visit www.perthwinterarts.com.au

7. 2009 Whaletime Playtime Festival, Victor Harbour SA

Two days of fun and excitement will capture the imagination children as the 2009 Whaletime Playtime Festival splashes around from July 4-5.

 

Exceptional SA performers including the innovative Ticklish Allsorts and the Amazing Drumming Monkey’s will help bring the aquatic world to life. Don’t miss Victor Harbor’s much-loved Professor Blubber and keep an eye out for Henrietta the Humpback.

 

This year’s festival coincides with the opening of SA’s Whale Watching Season, making it a rare family experience. Exposure to these magnificent mammals and original event is an apt reminder of the need to conserve and protect our natural surroundings. Find a full program at www.whaletimeplaytimefestival.com.au

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Liz Schaffer

Liz Schaffer

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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

    You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens, and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

    All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

    1. Stockton Sand Dunes

    Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands, a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

    Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

    Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
    Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

    A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head. Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

    History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

    Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
    Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    3. Watch out for whales

    You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

    And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

    A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
    Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

    Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

    Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

    Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
    See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Diving Port Stephens

    Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

    Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

    At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

    A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
    Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

    6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

    Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

    Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

    Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
    Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

    7. Fish the estuaries

    Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

    If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

    three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
    Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

    8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

    With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

    Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

    Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

    A plate of fresh oysters.
    Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au.

    The best Aussie winter family festivals | Australian Traveller