This is your August edition of What’s On in Australia brought to you by our local Resident Director team. In includes lots of fun, free activities plus some not to be missed ticketed events happening this month. Current students, check your inbox for the full digest for your city.
Sydney
Opera in the Pub [Student tickets starting from $40]
Where: The Roxbury Hotel 182 St Johns Road, Glebe
When: 26 Aug from 7:30pm to 9:30pm
A unique experience to cherish with arias and ensembles from the world’s most adored operas. Expect to be humming all the way home with favourites you’ll know and love from Turandot, Rigoletto, La Boheme, Don Giovanni, Lakmé, Carmen and more.
FUNK-N-Burgers [FREE]
Where: 115 Regent Street. Chippendale, NSW 2008
When: Every 1st and 4th Friday and Sunday from 2:00pm to 10:00pm
On the last Sunday of every month, Hashtag Burgers takes over the Lord Gladstone with FUNK-N-BURGERS. A tribute to good burgers and funky music. The day features special one-off burgers, live vinyl DJs from 2pm-10pm, NRL live in the main bar.
Pitch Perfect 2 Guinness World Record Attempt [FREE]
Where: First Fleet Park, The Rocks
When: Saturday 8 Aug from 9:00am to 11:00am
Australian comedy group and YouTube lip-sync sensations SketchSHE are inviting Australians to help them set the Guinness World Record for the largest clapping ensemble to celebrate the release of acapella hit, Pitch Perfect 2. The first 250 participants will receive a free t-shirt and there will be spot-prizes on the day for those fans clapping the routine with Bella enthusiasm.
City 2 Surf [$85 registration]
Where: Sydney CBD George Street
When: Sunday 9 August 2015 from 7am to 10am
This annual event takes runners on the iconic 14km race from the Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach. It will also feature an appearance by acclaimed DJ Hot Dub Time Machine at the race start line. The party will continue on the course with runners treated to live music every step of the way including music by Ministry of Sound and DJs on the finish line to bring participants down Campbell Parade like never before. More than 80,000 runners are expected to cross the finish line this year.
Tai Chi and Qi Gong for Beginners [Student $90 for 8 consecutive weeks]
Where: 17 Argyle Street, Millers Point
When: Mondays, 6pm to 6.45pm
Join this Tai Chi workshop for beginners in Sydney. With regular practice, the benefits of Tai Chi include: oxygenating every cell and muscle in your body, developing better balance and coordination, strengthening muscles and reduces muscular stiffness, improving posture both when still and moving, assisting digestive system and abdominal organs improving circulation relieving back pain
Field of Orbs [FREE]
Where: Broome Avenue, Centennial Park
When: Saturday 15 August 2015 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
To celebrate 2015 as International Year of Light, artist Peter Solness, will orchestrate members of the public to create a field of 101 illuminated orbs.
The Tempest [Tickets start from $75]
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: Every day, 7.30pm to 9pm, runs from 19 August to 18 Sept
Gripping in its beauty, The Tempest is a delightful tale of cavorting spirits, music and merriment, love and loss, and finally reconciliation and mercy. John Bell celebrates Bell Shakespeare’s 25th anniversary, and his final production with the company, by undertaking this enchanting tale. A superb cast, led by Brian Lipson, will capture the lightness and beauty of one of Shakespeare’s last and greatest works.
Colour Run [Starts from $67]
Where: Centennial Park
When: Sunday 23 Aug from 9am to 12pm
The Colour Run is returning to Sydney to paint the city in a sea of rainbow-coloured people. Held at Centennial Park, Sydney, the community will be showered with colour as thousands of participants of all ages and fitness levels make their way through the 5 kilometre course, after warming up in the mass Zumba dance class. Finally, participants will celebrate at the Finish Festival party, where the fun will continue with music, dancing, and even more colour throws.
Sydney Tower Stair Challenge [Free but suggested $35 donation]
Where: Sydney Tower Eye, 100 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Sunday 23 Aug from 8.15am to 3pm
The ultimate test of stamina and endurance, Sydney Tower stair challenge participants will ascend 1504 steps and 250 metres to the Observation Deck in a massive effort to help raise $100,000 for charity partner – Giant Steps. To help reach the fundraising goal, each participant is asked to pledge $35 along with their event registration to assist Giant Steps’ commitment to supporting and educating children and young adults with autism. Open to people aged 10 years and over, the Sydney Tower Stair Challenge is an extreme vertical race encompassing walker and runner categories, so no matter what your fitness level; you can do your bit for charity, one step at a time.
Parallel Relations: Seriality in Photography [FREE]
Where: Verge Gallery Jane Foss Russell Plaza, City Road, Darlington
When: Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am to 5pm, Saturdays, 11am to 4pm, runs from 14 Aug to 5 Sept
The 2015 annual USU Art Collection exhibition, Parallel Relations: Seriality in Photography, brings together four photographic series by artists Bill Henson, George Gittoes, Alex Kershaw, and The Twilight Girls (Helen Hyatt-Johnson and Jane Polkinghorne). Drawing upon the etymology of ‘series’ – to join together or to connect – Parallel Relations examines the kinds of connections that can exist between individual photographic images within a body of work.
The Best of Buble Show [Tickets start from $49.80]
Where: The Basement Nightclub 7 Macquarie Place, Circular Quay
When: Thursday 20 Aug from 8pm to 12am
With a whirl wind of platinum hits, the up tempo songs will have you tapping and wriggling your behind in your seats. Hits include Sway, Save The Last Dance For Me, It Had better Be Tonight, Moondance, Heartache Tonight, and many more. The show features songs that Dean Martin, Sinatra and Bobby Darin would have sung in their lifetime.
Aboriginal Astronomy Evening [FREE]
Where: Redfern Community Centre 29-53 Hugo Street, Redfern
When: Friday 21 Aug from 7pm to 9pm
As a celebration of the International Year of Light, the Indigenous Science Experience event will incorporate an Aboriginal Astronomy evening. This is an excellent opportunity for people with all levels of astronomical knowledge to come and listen to a talk “Open Your Eyes to Aboriginal Skies”, have discussions about Aboriginal astronomy and the cultural significance of the night sky, and look at the stars through telescopes (weather permitting). Bookings are essential.
City Talks 2015: The Politics of Climate Change [FREE]
Where: Sydney Town Hall 483 George Street
When: Tuesday 25 Aug from 6.30pm to 8pm
The time to act on climate change is now. Hear from Connie Hedegaard as she reignites a national conversation between Australia’s political leaders about climate change and Australia’s role. In her role as European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie was instrumental in setting a global course for a low-carbon future. You’ll also hear from our political leaders on Australia’s role at the Paris conference. Panelists include Mark Butler MP, Shadow Minister for the Environment, Larissa Waters, Australian Greens Deputy Co Leader and Senator for Queensland and Dr John Hewson AM, former Leader of the Liberal Party. Tickets are free, but essential.
Wollongong
Dapto Markets [FREE]
Where: Dapto Showground, Princes Highway
When: Every Sunday in August 2015 from 7.00am to 1pm
Dapto Showground Market is one of the largest and most popular markets on the South Coast of NSW. It has been operating for 16 years and with over 400 stall sites, covers the entire Dapto Showground. Whether it’s in the undercover area or outside, you are bound to find the very thing you are looking for.
Hangdog Climbing Gym [Student prices from $9 – $17 depending on activity]
Where: 130 Auburn Street, Wollongong
When: Monday to Friday 10am-9pm Saturday 9am-7pm Sunday 9am-6pm
Indoor climbing centre with many activities and challenging rock climbing walls.
Market Alley Stalls at Wollongong University [FREE]
Where: Wollongong University
When: Each fortnight from 11am-2pm.
The Market Alley transforms the paths of UOW into a hive of colour and excitement. Hundreds of students, staff and visitors visit the event to browse through the multitude of stalls including snacks, clothing, books, trash ‘n’ treasure, plants and home made gifts, in hope of grabbing a bargain.
Newcastle
Newcastle Museum [FREE]
Where: 6 Workshop Way, Newcastle
When: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10.00 – 5.00pm
Museum is located near Civic Station in the Honeysuckle district. A great place to spend an hour and get to know your new “Home.”
Hunt and Gather Markets [FREE]
Where: Pacific Park, Newcastle East
When: Saturday 22 August (Third Saturday of every month) 9AM-2PM
Hunt&Gather is a monthly event that showcases the work of designers, artists, musicians, collectors and food lovers from Newcastle and beyond. Established in November 2013 as a boutique marketplace to bring like minded people together, and to give Newcastle a much needed regular community event. In a city so full of creative and youthful individuals, Hunt&Gather provides a regular event carefully curated and edited for these innovative people. A marketplace to set up shop, and to spend the day in good company with great music, good food, in a supportive, fun and friendly atmosphere.
Newcastle City Farmer’s Market [FREE]
Where: Newcastle Show Grounds, Hamilton (About 10 mins walk from Essendon House)
When: Every Sunday 8am – 1pm
NSW Farmers Market Pty Ltd has been operating Farmers and Makers Markets since 1999 where we trialled our very first farmers’ market at the Historical River Port of Morpeth, NSW. In March 2000, along with other creative souls, we initiated the Original Fine Food Market at the Honeysuckle Railway Sheds which were, sadly, to last a fleeting 8 months. The site is now the new home for Newcastle Museum. Since those early trials and tribulations we have seen the establishment of other farmers markets right across Australia that have mushroomed into an important industry for food producers and the public wherever they operate.
Newcastle Jazz Festival [Weekend pass starting at $115]
Where: Newcastle Jockey Club, Broadmeadow
When: 28 – 30 Aug, 2pm – 5pm
The 28th Newcastle Jazz Festival will be staged at the Newcastle Jockey Club. More than 40 bands and over 200 musicians will take part, playing a wide variety of Jazz, some Blues, Jazz Cabaret and Big Band music. The venue will take on a carnival atmosphere with a ‘New Orleans’ area, bars, bistro and specialty food outlets open over the weekend, There is free parking for 1100 cards and public transport will run from the City to the Jockey Club.
Gold Coast
Surfers Paradise Beachside Night Markets [FREE]
Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore
When: Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night
Make your way to the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets to wander along the coastal stretch of more than 120 market stalls, while live entertainers set a casual mood in their performance. One of the largest of the Gold Coast Night Markets, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets feature a variety of premium products, including fashion, jewellery, accessories, artworks, photographs, beauty products and decor. It has a funky vibe and you can pick up some unique stuff for family and friends back home.
Surfers Paradise Beach Volleyball [FREE]
Where: Surfers Paradise Beach Volleyball Courts- (At the end of Hanlan Street on the Esplanade).
When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9am-5pm
Are you keen to give Beach Volleyball a go? Here in Surfers Paradise there are 8 weeks of FREE beach volleyball. It’s great fitness, great fun, and a great way to meet new people.
Chillout Sunday at Finders Keepers [FREE]
Where: Finders Keepers Bar & Dining Lounge- 49 James Street, Burleigh Heads.
When: Every Sunday 12pmSundays are for rest and relaxation so in between your studying for Uni then head down to Burleigh for some laidback fun. Featuring live music, fun atmosphere, foosball and board games, and an assortment of food and drinks.
A La Carte in the Park [$10]
Where: Lionel Perry Park, Surfers Paradise.
When: 8 – 9 Aug, 11-6pm (Saturday), 11-5pm (Sunday)
Foodies and music lovers, do not miss out on this weekend long event. There will be 25+ food vendors featuring some of the best chefs on the Gold Coast, coupled with a perfect afternoon of riverside entertainment. The Saturday line-up includes various genres of music, including classical, orchestral and jazz and Sunday’s line-up includes of mostly contemporary and feel good tunes. Grab some friends and blankets and post up for a great day of food and entertainment along the beautiful Nerang River.
Broadbeach Jazz Weekend [FREE]
Where: Broadbeach Mall Stage, Broadbeach Mall, Victoria Ave.
When: 15 – 16 Aug, 10:00 am
Jazz up your weekend at the Broadbeach Jazz weekend with some local outdoor entertainment. The weekend will feature a host of street entertainment, a variety of street markets and much more!
Gold Coast Show [$25]
Where: Gold Coast Turf Club, Bundall.
When: 28 -30 Aug
This is the Gold Coast’s equivalent to a State Fair. Here you will find: rides; displays; animal pavilions; show bags (goodies to eat inside the bags!); arena events (show jumping; animal displays etc.); motorbike stunts; wood chopping; food; entertainment; fireworks. I encourage you to get along and see this annual event
Koala Tree Planting [FREE]
Where: Tallebudgera
When: 5 Sept, 8:00am-10:00am
Koalas are in serious decline mainly due to habitat destruction and they need your help. Koalas require a particular tree species for a reliable food source and shelter. This is your chance to be a part of National Threatened Species Day by participating in a community tree planting day
Illumi Run Gold Coast [$60]
Where: Metricon Stadium-Nerang-Broadbeach Road, Carrara.
When: 5 Sept, 5pm-10pm
Illumi Run is more than just an ordinary road race, with illuminated dance zones, live DJs, and paint cannons it’s the ultimate party. Get covered with illumi paint and dance under neon lights! All participants receive: Official Illumi Run T-shirt and bag, glow stick, LED goggles, and much more!
Swell Sculpture Festival [FREE]
Where: Currumbin Beach.
When: 11 – 20 Sept
The 13th annual Swell Sculpture Festival has over 55 sculptures on display along Currumbin Beach. Sculptures are built by local, national, and international artists. Go day or night because some sculptures will be lit up and illuminated underneath the southern sky.
Gold Coast Multicultural Festival [FREE]
Where: Evandale Parklands Bundall- Bundall Road & Crombie Ave, Bundall.
When: 13 Sept, 11-4pm
Experience some of the many diverse cultures within the Gold Coast community. This event includes 50+ stalls selling international food, crafts, and information. Four outdoor stages will be playing international music as well as hosting music and dance workshops so that you can join in on the fun!
Laugh Your Pants Off [$49]
Where: Broadbeach Jupiter’s Casino
When: 18th Sept, 6:45pm
Want to see some Australian comedians on display then don’t miss this one night only stand-up comedy night. Headlined by Tom Gleeson and Cal Wilson, both of whom have performed at International Festivals. Other acts are local and some are international all equally hilarious!
Volunteer with Beach Care [FREE]
Where: Broadbeach
When: 10 October, 9am-11am
Help make a difference to your local community and beach by planting native species, removing invasive weeds, and picking up litter. Suitable for all fitness levels and all equipment is supplied.
Townsville
Drum Circles on the Strand [FREE]
Where: The Strand, near Longboards
When: 1 August and 29 August, 6pm – 7:30 pm
Join in the community fun of an evening drum circle along the Strand! Hosted by veteran drummer and JCU international student manager Alex Salvador, these quirky, fun community drum circles are thrown every month coinciding with the full moon. No experience required, just bring your enthusiasm and be prepared to participate and have fun!
Australian Festival of Chamber Music [Tickets starting at $26 for students]
Where: All across Townsville, including a FREE concert on 02 August in the Queens Garden at the base of Castle Hill
When: 31 July to 8 August
Classical music has come to Townsville! The Australian Festival of Chamber Music presents 30 of the world’s greatest musicians in over 25 concerts and special events. There’s something for everyone, from easy one-hour Sunset concerts, highly entertaining Concert Crawls, a Families’ Concert starring lots of locals and evening concerts starring musicians you normally have to travel to London, NY or Paris to hear!
Strand Ephemera [FREE]
Where: The Strand
When: 31 July to 9 August, held in conjunction with the Townsville Artist Market on 1 August from 9am-12pm
The North’s sculpture festival, Strand Ephemera, first held in 2001, is presented along the 2.2 km beachfront promenade and recreational parkway known as The Strand, an idyllic parkland that looks out to Magnetic Island.
Full Moon Party [Tickets starting at $22, plus ferry ride to Magnetic Island]
When: 31 July and 28 August (every full moon) 5pm – late
Where: Base Backpackers, Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island
This is a must do for all JCU students before you leave Townsville! Every full moon, partygoers from across Queensland converge on picturesque Magnetic Island for a night of beachside partying and live music entertainment! You can expect nothing less then fire twirlers, body paint, plenty of color and good times! From sunset to sunrise, it is a night you may or may not remember.
Cotters Markets – aka Sunday Markets [FREE]
Where: Flinders Street at Townsville Bulletin Square
When: Every Sunday, 8:30am – 1pm
Cotters Market is North Queensland’s largest arts and crafts market. Over 150 stalls offering an amazing selection or arts, craft, food and fun!
Lantern Parade [FREE]
Where: The Strand
When: 15 August, 5pm – 7pm
The Lantern Parade kicks off the start of the Townsville Cultural Festival. Get there early and get yourself a prime spot so you don’t miss a thing. The lanterns representing icons and images of Australia’s diverse history will decorate and illuminate the site for the duration of Townsville Cultural Festival
Townsville Cultural Festival [$15]
Where: Jezzine Barracks, at the end of the Strand near the Rock Pools
When: 19 August to 23 August
The biggest event going on in Townsville this August, the Townsville Cultural Festival cannot be missed! Over 100 performing groups will take to Jezzine Barracks Precinct, offering everything from folk, rock and pop, to Indigenous Australian music, African drum circles, as well as Latin, Pacific Islander and Middle Eastern dance groups. The festival aims to showcase the diversity of Australian music, food, arts and culture.
Conservation Volunteering at Pallarenda [FREE]
Where: Cape Pallarenda, Building 12, Quarantine Station, 8am – 4pm
When: Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month (13th and 27th of Aug) at 8am
Get involved in local conservation projects and experience the tropical beauty of the Town Commons Conservation Park at Cape Pallarenda. Duties range from invasive plant removal and trail maintenance to bird watching, and looks great on a resume for environmental/ecology related majors! Only downside is difficulty of getting there, may have to taxi. It’s free, but a booking through Conservation Australia is required.
Winter in the Tropics Art Exhibition [FREE]
Where: Sylvia Ditchburn Fine Art Gallery
When: All of August
Original art by Sylvia Ditchburn and local artists which include paintings, miniatures, watercolors, ceramics, woodwork, sculptures and prints are now showing. These artists showcase the local culture of the Townsville and northern Queensland region.
Riverway Movie Night [FREE]
Where: Riverway Oval, 20 Village Blvd, Thuringowa
When: 21 Aug at 6pm
Bring a blanket and cozy up under the stars and rainforest trees at Riverway. Discover a whole new world and watch Aladdin on the big screen at the Riverway Oval from 6pm!
Mary Poppins [Tickets starting at $35 for students]
Where: Townsville Civic Theatre, 41 Boundary St, South Townsville
When: 26 Aug – 2 Sept
The Townsville Choral Society takes great pleasure “in the most delightful way” of adding your appreciation and love of the magical nanny with her umbrella and bag of tricks, coming to Townsville with the musical adaption of this timeless tale.
Melbourne
Melbourne International Film Festival [Tickets from $15]
Where: Various venues around Melbourne
When: 30th July – 16th August
Established in 1952, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is one of the oldest film festivals in the world and the most significant screen event in Australia. An iconic Melbourne event, the festival takes place annually in the heart of the city, presenting an acclaimed screening program alongside industry and celebratory events. MIFF showcases the best in current cinema from around the world as well as retrospectives, tributes and discussion programs. Since its inception, MIFF has also been committed to local film: it is Australia’s largest showcase of new Australian cinema and is the country’s most vocal champion of emerging and established local filmmaking talent. The festival also hosts many celebratory world premieres of local films.
Trailer Park at The Village [FREE]
Where: The Village Garden, 557 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
When: Every Saturday and Sunday till 30th August
This August, Melbourne’s finest food trucks will gather in the Village Garden. Each weekend will showcase food from a different continent, and attendees will be able to vote to have their favourite truck of the week return for the Best of Series during the last weekend of August.
Unplugged Live: Where Art and Music Meet [FREE]
Where: The Gallery
When: Every Sunday until August 8th
Curated and hosted by Jae Laffer of The Panics, Unplugged Live sees contemporary music and art meet in the Gallery. Enjoy short live music sets and creative conversations in the intimate setting of NGV Australia’s exhibitions, including Indigenous Art: Moving backwards into the future, The Kaleidoscopic Turn and Follow the Flag: Australian Artists at War 1914-1945.
First Peoples @ The Bujilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre [FREE for students]
Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
When: On now
Told through the voices of Victoria’s first peoples, and utilising immersive multimedia, Aboriginal language, artefacts and contemporary artworks, First Peoples celebrates the history, culture, achievements and survival of Victoria’s Aboriginal people, and tells the story of Aboriginal Victoria from the time of Creation to today. Visit the exhibition to be transported to the time of Creation through the story of Bunjil (the wedge-tailed eagle), Creator for many Victorian Aboriginal clans, inside the Creation Cinema.
The Glow Winter Arts Festival [FREE and ticketed events]
Where: Various venues around the City of Stonnington
When: 13th August – 23rd August
The City of Stonnington’s Glow Winter Arts Festival launched in 2014 with over 50 events taking place across Stonnington. The festival embraces the strong artistic communities of Prahran, Malvern, Armadale, Toorak, Windsor and South Yarra, with everything from comedy clubs to cinema, theatre, roving performers and live music. The festival’s diverse program offers something for arts lovers of all ages and persuasions. In 2015, Glow will take over the streets of Stonnington with a packed program of free and ticketed events across the art forms, on rooftops, in intimate spaces and traditional theatres.
Melbourne Writers Festival [FREE and ticketed events]
Where: Various venues around Melbourne
When: 20th August – 30th August
Melbourne Writers Festival (MWF) is for everyone who reads.It is Melbourne’s annual, two-week celebration for writers, readers and thinkers. This August MWF celebrates 30 years of presenting the talent and ideas of hundreds of writers from Australia and around the world, through a vibrant program of storytelling, conversation and discussion, intellectual debate, educational programs, live performance, music and art events. The Festival includes events for people of all ages and more than a third of the program is free.
The Winter Night Market [FREE]
Where: The Queen Vic Market, corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, Melbourne.
When: Every Wednesday night till August 26th
The Winter Night Market is back for 2015 bringing the best of Winter food, design and theatrics to the Market every Wednesday night from June 3rd – August 26th. This season you will be welcomed with crackling fires, mulled wine and Melbourne’s most talented craftspeople. Foodies won’t be disappointed either as the Winter Night Market will be bursting with flavour featuring over 30 street food vendors offering cuisines from around the world. Along with whimsical interruptions from stilt walkers, short films at the new Market Cinema and beer education from the folks at Little Creatures, there will be plenty to make the Winter Night Market a mid-week highlight.
Melbourne Spring Fashion Week [FREE and ticketed events]
Where: Various venues around Melbourne
When: 28th August – 4th September
Melbourne has an enviable status as the fashion capital of Australia and a global reputation for combining fashion, shopping, entertainment and hospitality and the City of Melbourne is proud to present Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MSFW), the premier fashion event of the season. Established and emerging local designers, brands and retailers will dazzle and inspire as they reveal the new season styles. This year’s events program showcases the city’s vibrancy and highlights Melbourne’s passion for fashion and events. In an exciting development for 2015 City of Melbourne will partner with the fashion bible Vogue to bring you Vogue Fashion’s Night Out as a part of MSFW: Shop the City. Building on the success of last year’s opening retail night, this year the whole opening weekend is dedicated to shopping the city and exploring the many exclusive in-store offers.
Melbourne Day [FREE]
Where: Enterprize Park and the Docklands
When: 30th August
Melbourne was founded on August 30 when settlers landed on the north bank of the Yarra River from the schooner Enterprize in 1835. Show your pride and get behind the events and activities celebrating our amazing City Day. Events include the official raising of the flag, free ferry cruises, a pop-up Aboriginal Art gallery, a special Melbourne Day Sunday market, roving entertainment and a free concert at Docklands.
Fed Square Book Market [FREE to browse]
Where: The Atrium at Fed Square
When: Every Saturday 11am – 5pm
If you’re a lover of books, head down to the Fed Square for the largest weekly book market. Held every Saturday afternoon in The Atrium from 11am – 5pm, head on down and browse through the hundreds of new and pre-loved titles on offer.
The Australian Ice Hockey Finals [Tickets from $85]
Where: Medibank Icehouse
When: 29th August – 30th August
The Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) is Australia’s premier ice hockey league and is made up from eight teams representing Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Perth, Newcastle and Sydney. Medibank Icehouse is the proud home of the two Melbourne teams, Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs, who between them have won 4 out of the last 5 Goodall national championship cups.
Brisbane
Queensland Music Festival- [FREE]
Where: South Bank Parklands
When: Sunday, August 2nd 1:30 PM
Stroll on down to South Bank and grab a comfy seat on the greens to watch James Morrison play his famous Jazz and Blues music. There are plenty of restaurants nearby or it would be the perfect spot to bring your own picnic as well!
Pacific Tides Festival- [FREE]
Where: Redland Performing Arts Centre
When: Saturday August 8th from 10:00am-10:00pm
The Pacific Tides Festival is a celebration of Pacific culture – from Australian indigenous, Australian South Sea Islander, Pacific Islander, New Zealand and mainstream communities. Audiences from near and far will be able to enjoy performances on the outdoor island stage, islander food and a craft market.
Ekka, Royal Queensland Show [$30 per person]
Where: 600 Gregory Terrace
When: August 7-16th
Celebrate Queensland’s Agriculture by attending the annual Royal Queensland Show. You will experience entertainment, food, rides, competitions, and animals that represent the state of Queensland here in Australia. It’ s a great chance for tourists and out-of-towners to witness the uniqueness in Australian agriculture. Fireworks and music also included.
Whale Watching Season! [Various prices]
When: July-September
Fancy a fun day out on the water? The winter season here in Brisbane is the best time to catch the whales out during their migration months! There are several whale watching tours that go out on a daily basis near Brisbane and if you haven’t seen a whale in the wild before, this is an incredible opportunity! To search for the right tour for you, visit here:
Brisbane Broncos- NRL Rugby [Various prices]
Where: Suncorp Stadium
When: Games TBA [2 scheduled for August 2015]
Brisbane loves its’ Broncos and the atmosphere at the games will guarantee you a good time. They are currently at the top of the ladder and representing Brisbane proudly! They will be having 2 August games for you to choose from, game dates TBC.
Eat Street Markets [$2 entry fee]
Where: Hamilton Wharf
When: every Friday (4pm – 10pm), Saturday (4pm – 10pm) and Sunday (10am – 3pm)
Eat Street’ is a wonderment of the senses. From aromatic international cuisines and vibrant textiles, to the enchanting sights and sounds of our live performers, Hamilton Wharf plays host to Brisbane’s newest and most interactive market experience. Cronuts and Cruffins are a must! I absolutely love these markets so feel free to email me if you need a food buddy!
Davies Park Markets [FREE]
Where: Davies Park, West End
When: Every Saturday from 6 am to 2 pm.
These markets have a wide range of goods in produce, clothing, and home wares. They also have a lot of international hot foods for you to try different tastes from around the world.
Downey Park Food Trucks [FREE]
Where: Downey Park, Windsor
When: One Sunday a month
Loads of different food trucks to choose from in the park!
