It's New Year's Day on Wednesday but there's so much more to do than just partying and seeing fireworks on Tuesday evening - so much, in fact, that it was a hard choice to narrow down our list to three this week. But here it is: if you're in south-east Queensland, Tasmania or the vicinity of Melbourne, check out our 3 things to do.
Happy New Year to everyone!
1. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Woodford Folk Festival (Queensland)
It’s a festival with a difference that offers something for everyone and especially children – culminating in a spectacular event with a cast of 1,500 on New Year’s Day. Between now and then, catch circus performances, street theatre, comedy, an environmental program and a dedicated children’s festival within the main festival.
The town of Woodford, north of Brisbane near Esk, is transformed into a Bazaar with 28 performance venues, a multitude of restaurants, cafes and bars and lots of lovely walks and wildlife.
The children’s festival is something every child should experience at least once – that glorious freedom to just run around and be a kid.
There are still tickets available to some events so if you’re in Queensland, or heading that way in the next few days, check it out at www.woodfordfolkfestival.com
2. Monday to Thursday: Australian Stockman Show, Churchill Island, Phillip Island (Victoria)
Phillip Island is another action-packed place to be during the holidays with so much to see and do for children. For something different don’t miss the Australian Stockman Show from 6.30pm – 8.30pm until Thursday at the Churchill Island Heritage Farm. Churchill Island is a small (57 hectare) island off the coast which holds an important place in Victoria’s history as the first European agricultural farm developed in the 1850s. Before the show, enjoy a walk through the wetlands, the cottage gardens and lawns and take in the magnificent coastal views.
Join a third generation horse breaker and stockman as he takes you through the Australia stockmen journey. The show includes stock horses, working dogs, whip cracking, traditional stockman displays and more. A spit roast BBQ is also available at extra cost to the $10/$5/$25 entrance fee.
For further information see http://www.visitphillipisland.com/listing/churchill-island-heritage-farm/
3. All week: Taste Festival, Hobart
Another wonderful experience for adults and kids with this year’s 25th annual Taste Festival.
Hobart rocks at this time of the year with the end of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race at Constitution Dock. The Taste Festival takes place in the area between the Dock and Salamanca Place and celebrates Tasmanian food and produce – which we think is some of the best in Australia.
Some of the highlights this year include escorted group theme tours – eg. Sparkling Wine or aquaculture – and a Family Fun Zone with an alcohol-free area with daily programs including board games, cooking classes, sporting activities and more.
There’s free entertainment during the day, roving performers, concerts at night and a New Year’s Eve concert that caters for children and adults.
It’s a great time of year to visit our southern most capital – the city Lonely Planet dubbed this time last year as one of the top ten places to visit in 2013.
For further information, visit www.thetasteoftasmania.com.au
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