What to do in Australia this winter

10. Canberra and Capital Region Truffle Festival, Australian Capital Territory, 21 June - 16 August

Explore the world of Black Perigord truffles at the Canberra and Capital Region Truffle Festival. Over eight weeks, venues across the region celebrate the delicious “diamond of the kitchen” with degustation dinners, cooking classes, truffle hunts and more. 

Tip: Book in with one of the local truffières to take part in a hunt. While each vary in price and itinerary, all include a detailed talk about truffles.

9. Dark Mofo, Tasmania, 12 – 22 June

Celebrate the winter solstice in Tasmania at MONA’s (Museum of Old and New Art) Dark Mofo, a unique festival that looks at the ancient and contemporary mythology around the darkest night of the year. The festival explores the paradox that surrounds the night with art installations, performance theatre, films, music and more.

Tip:  Take to the water and feel invigorated with the Nude Solstice Swim at Long Beach, Sandy Bay. This is a free event though registration is required.

8. Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Queensland, 4 – 5 July

One of the flattest and fastest courses in the world, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon provides a challenge for both beginners and experienced runners. Take part in one of the many races including the marathon, half marathon, 10km run and 5.7km challenge and run along-side Gold Coast’s stunning beaches.

Tip: The race precinct is at Broadwater Parklands in Southport. Not only are the start and finish lines located here but it also has roaming entertainment at the Event Lawn on Saturday and Sunday.

7. Mowanjum Festival, Western Australia, 9 July

Celebrating the Aboriginal culture and dance of the people of The Kimberley in particular the Worora, Ngarinyin and Wunumbul people, Mowanjum Festival features a concert with over 200 Aboriginal performers.

Tip: Attend one of the free workshops before the concert to learn more about the Aboriginal culture. Past workshops have included ochre painting and didgeridoo playing.

6. Winter Masterpiece, David Bowie is…exhibition, Victoria, 16 July - 1 November

Winter Masterpieces is an annual series which brings out major exhibitions from around the world. This year, the series features David Bowie is…, an exhibition from the Victoria and Albert Museum that showcases 50 legendary costumes, original stage set designs, handwritten lyric sheets and more from the David Bowie Archive and presented by Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Tip: ACMI is located in the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square which is in close proximity to some of the city’s top experiences. Why not pop to Movida for lunch and then check out Melbourne’s vibrant street art in Hosier and Rutledge Lane.

5. Regional Flavours, Queensland, 18 – 19 July

Head to Brisbane’s South Bank for the free food and lifestyle festival, Regional Flavours. Held over two days, this festival showcases over 100 stalls decked out with produce from Queensland providores and dishes up a range of events including cooking demonstrations from Australian celebrity chefs.

Tip: Create a foodie day out and visit South Bank’s Epicurious Garden which is full of edible plants including fruits, vegetables and herbs.

4. Netball World Cup Sydney 2015, New South Wales, 7 – 16 August

Watch the best netballers from 16 nations go head to head at the Netball World Cup Sydney 2015. Over 10 days, 192 netballers will play 64 games, as teams battle it out to be the tournament winner.

Tip: Visit FanFEST, the dedicated on site social hub for the tournament where there will be merchandise, food and beverages as well as fun activites such as styling stations.

3. Barossa…Be Consumed Gourmet Weekend, South Australia, 14 - 16 August

Providing the perfect tasting platter for the region, Barossa….Be Consumed Gourmet Weekend celebrates artisan producers alongside premier wines from the Barossa. From markets to cooking and wine masterclasses, discover the culinary delights of the region.

Tip: Book in at Seppeltsfield Wines for the unique opportunity to taste Tawny made in your birth year directly from the barrel.

2. Henley-On-Todd Regatta, Northern Territory, 15 August

Head to the Todd River, a dry river bed in Alice Springs for a quirky festival that will provide lots of laughs and entertainment. The longest running event in the Northern Territory, Henley-On-Todd Regatta includes a series of races such as beach sprints, sand shovelling and a race on water skis.

Tip: You can take part in this fun filled day by registering on the day of the event. All vessels and equipment will be supplied with the exception of the BYO Boat race where you will need to bring your very own creation.

1. Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, Queensland, 15 – 22 August

Australia’s most prestigious offshore sailing festival, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, combines glamour and luxury in a week-long celebration of sailing, fashion and food all on a tropical island.

Tip: During the festival keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales that are migrating down the eastern coast of Australia.

For more events happening in Australia this winter and beyond, check out these upcoming events.