Events and Attractions throughout Australia

With just under a month until December 25th, the most famous day of the year amongst young and old it’s time to start taking part in the summer festive season. Whether it is drinks with friends and family or Christmas carols at your local beach or park there is something to do for all ages throughout Australia. To kick off the holiday season we at DriveAway Holidays have put together events and attractions throughout Australia which you can stop by and visit why exploring Australia this summer in your hire car.

Queensland

The Lighting of Brisbane City’s Christmas Tree

Location: King George Square, Brisbane CDB – 21 Nov – 26 Dec 2011

If you’re travelling through Brisbane make sure to stop and view the Brisbane City Christmas Tree. Over 21 metres high and containing close to 16,000 solar powered lights this tree is not to be missed. Stop by and have a photo with a loved one or family.

Woodford Folk Festival

Location: Woodford – 27 Dec – 1 Jan

Located approximately 1 hour north of Brisbane, Woodford Folk is a gathering of unique arts held over the Christmas and New Year’s Eve period. Providing workshops, market stalls, street theatre and dance events this is an all age event. They also provide a children’s festival to keep little ones entertained. If you’re collecting a hire car in the sunshine coast, Surfers paradise or even Brisbane this is a great day trip.

Turtle Hatching

Location: Mon Repos Conservation Park

Held between November – April annually, why not take an organized tour and discover the wonderful sight of endangered baby turtles hatching and making their way towards the ocean. The tours are generally held at night as this is the best time to see their activity.

New South Wales

Carols in the Cave

Location: Jenolan Caves 10 Dec 2011

Famous for its rock creations the Jenolan caves now also provide visitors with the option to partake in its annual Christmas Carols. Bring the family, the blankets and warm clothing and enjoy the perfect surroundings. This is great event if you’re collecting your hire car in Bathurst and planning to take a trip to the Blue Mountains.

Starting of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

Location: Sydney Harbour – 26 Dec 2011 1pm

Attracting up to 60 entrants this annual event starts off in Sydney where entrants race to Hobart. Free to watch and great day out park your hire car at one of the many city car parking outlets and make your way to Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Festival

Location: Sydney Festival 7 – 29 Jan 2012

Held in January annually, Sydney Festival lights up the city and brings out the culture and excitement which lives within. With events such as park concerts and parties, theatre and open air cinemas this is one festival not to be missed. This is also great for visitors trying to stick to a budget as some events are free.

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra Festival of Cricket

Location: Manuka Oval 3 – 21 Dec 2011

Pack up the family grab a picnic and take off in your hire car to Manuka Oval for a day of cricket. Held over 3 weeks this oval hosts both national and international games. Parking around the venue is available.

Summernats Car Festival

Location: Canberra Exhibition Park 5 – 8 Jan 2012

Held annually at the start of January, the Summernats car festival provides motor heads with the chance to check out show cars, watch burnout gurus and buy all kinds of car merchandise.

Victoria

Summadayze

Location: Sidney Myer Music Bowl 1 Jan 2012

Kicking of the New Year this festival is fantastic if you’re into dance music, running from 9am – 11pm the event delivers one jam packed day of entertainment. Offering small market stores and food stands this festival is really celebrating the Summer Holiday season.

The Australian Open

Location: Olympic Parks Melbourne 16 – 29 Jan 2012

One of the biggest tennis tournaments held annually the Australian Open attracts thousands of fans. If you’re a fan of tennis make sure to drop on by to Melbourne’s Olympic Park.

Tasmania

The Falls Festival

Location: Falls Festival Farm - 29 Dec 2011 – 1 Jan 2012

A camping festival held over 4 days, collect your hire car from one of the many depots throughout Tasmania and take off to the festival. With workshops, massages, healing fields and market and food stalls this ever growing festival is surrounded by native forests and pristine beaches.

Hobart’s Waterfront Festival

Location: Sullivans Cove - 28 Dec 2011 – 3 Jan 2012

Situated on Sullivans Cove in Hobart, this waterfront area turns into a giant celebration. With local food and drink, cultural displays and multi arts this unique and wonderful gathering is set to celebrate all of our different cultures.

South Australia

Lights of Lobethal

Location: Lobethal 11- 31 Dec 2011

With local businesses and homes converting their properties into glowing wonderlands this is a sight not to miss. Drive your hire car through the light trails and experience this fantastic annual tradition. Make sure to also stop and check out the festive market stores.

Tour Down Under

Location: South Australia - Jan 2012

Attracting thousands of visitors annually this world renowned event stretches over 800km of gruelling road. Bringing recognised cyclists to Australia, this is one event for all sporting enthusiast to attend.

Western Australia

The Perth Cup

Location: Ascot Racecourse 31 Dec 2011

A horse race held on New Year’s Eve, this race is said to be one of the hardest races set. Consisting the same distance as the Melbourne cup it is a great way of spending your New Years, have a cocktail and take in the fantastic atmosphere.