Tourists baffled: Is it summer, or winter, here?

It is one of the oldest adages of travel: Do your homework. 

No one wants to stay in a hotel next to a building site, next to the toilet on a plane, or in a hotel room directly above a night club. 

Amazingly, though, one in five tourists arriving in Australia does not know what season it is. 

Thousands arrive thinking it is winter when it as actually the middle of summer, and vice versa, new research from Casinos Analyzer Australia shows.

The survey of 1,500 US and UK adults who have visited or plan to visit Australia found that confusion over the country's seasons is widespread and costly. 

And Americans get it wrong noticeably more often than Brits - a pattern that runs through almost every question in the survey.

Key findings included:

* 19% of travellers packed for entirely the wrong season: 22% of Americans vs 16% of Brits

* 44% have assumed Australia is "always hot and sunny"

* 22% had to buy replacement clothes on arrival, spending an average of $95

Only 58% correctly knew that it is winter in Australia right now - 52% of Americans vs 64% of Brits. 

Yep. The fact Australia's seasons run backwards to the northern hemisphere is a mystery to many. 

No further comment needed.

* Alongside its review work, Casinos Analyzer conducts original consumer research on lifestyle, behaviour, and cultural trends.

Image: Scopio.

Cold, dark and thrilling: Tasmania celebrates Off Season

Look let's be honest. Tasmania's winter is long, dark and cold.

Australians are hard-wired to chase the sun during the cooler months, but during the Off Season, Tourism Tasmania aims to lure visitors into the bleak darkness.

Tourism Tasmania's new Off Season campaign is now live and will ask visitors to become winter people celebrating cool, starry nights, warm log fires. whisky straight from the barrel and truffles fresh from the earth.

Throw in fluffy wildlife. And even fluffier doonas. And festivals like Dark Mofo (June 11-22) that stir the soul.

Tasmania is about as far away from global chaos as you can get. 

Throw in arts, culture, Tasmanian food and drink and swimming in the nude (above). What more could you want? 

"Tasmania is well positioned as a safe, trusted and highly regarded destination, which is important in uncertain times," says Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Kingston Clark.

Many events at Dark Mofo have sold out, and artistic director Chris Twite says: ‘We’re staggered by the support we've seen for this year's Dark Mofo so far.

"Seeing people so eager to lock in tickets and embrace the cold here in Tasmania is tremendous. Tickets are still available to some amazing shows, but you better be quick.’

Offers and events are now bookable for the Off Season period: May1-August 31. 

Visit https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/off-season/ or see darkmofo.net.au

Vivid shines a light on Sydney's beauty

The lights and action of Vivid Festival provide a major boost to visitation to Sydney over the cooler months.

Running from Friday, May 22, to Saturday, June 13, the 23‑day program brings together creativity to Australia's largest city across Vivid Light, Vivid Music, Vivid Minds and Vivid Food.

More than 80% of the festival remains free, including the entire Vivid Light Walk, an unbroken 6.5‑kilometre journey featuring over 43 installations and projections created by local and international artists.

The Vivid Light Walk stretches along Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour, with additional venues in and around the CBD hosting Vivid Music, Vivid Food and Vivid Minds events. 

This year, Vivid Sydney will feature collaborations for a series of events with Biennale Sydney, as well as cultural institutions, venues and arts companies such as the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Australian National Maritime Museum, City Recital Hall, The Mint, Carriageworks, State Library of NSW, Sydney Opera House and more.

New South Wales Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said Vivid Sydney will be bigger and better than ever before. Well he would, wouldn't he? 

“No other city in the world can host Vivid, because no other city in the world has what Sydney has to offer," said the offensively cocky sounding Kamper. 

"Vivid Sydney 2026 will redefine how we experience our city, delivering a bigger and bolder event program that will come to life both day and night."

Festival director Brett Sheehy says: “For 2026 we are expanding our program into new artforms including aerial performance, daytime public art, theatre and dance. 

"These join our vast Vivid Minds, Light, Music and Food offerings to now make your Vivid Sydney one of the great comprehensive arts festivals of the world."

Stay tuned for a special announcement of a Vivid Sydney first, an outdoor performance on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt over the June long weekend.

At the heart of the new Regional Dinner Series is A Shared Table with Yotam Ottolenghi, where the world‑renowned chef will bring together ingredients and flavours from across the state. 

Tickets for Vivid Sydney are on sale now. For more information and for a full list of events, go to vividsydney.com 

Date clash a serious stuff up for Hobart's winter tourism industry

The Tasmanian capital of Hobart is extremely quiet for virtually every weekend of winter.

Hotels have empty rooms; restaurants bemoan empty tables.

So the announcement on November 3 that crowd-pulling Dark Mofo, Australia's mid-winter solstice festival, would return to Hobart from Thursday June 11 to Monday June 22 universally welcomed.

Alongside the festival’s large-scale public art installations, will be live performances and exclusive musical acts.

Dark Mofo 2026 will also include familiar rituals: Winter Feast, Night Mass, the Ogoh-Ogoh burning and the Nude Solstice Swim.

Hotels will be full; bars and restaurants heaving.

That only leaves a dozen other weekends when Hobart's tourism operators would welcome some help from other events.

What a wasted opportunity then that after the hapless Tasmanian Government paid a million dollars for Richmond to play one home AFL game in Hobart in 2026, the AFL last week announced its fixture list.

Sure enough, the AFL chose Sunday, June 14, for the Hobart match between Richmond and reigning AFL premiers Brisbane.

Accommodation will be at a premium; many flights will be full with Dark Mofo attendees and any remaining seats will be priced stratospherically.

So who stuffed up? Jane Howlett, minister for tourism and events will plead ignorance. Dark Mofo will say it had announced its dates well in advance.

The AFL, one of the most arrogant sporting bodies on the planet, is unlikely to give a damn.

There will be two victims. The Tasmanian tourism industry. And interstate fans of Richmond and Brisbane. Just another stuff up. A shrug of the shoulders, Just move on.      

Fancy a Christmas trip to visit Santa Claus?

Budget airline Ryanair is promoting winter trips to Lapland as part of its winter schedule for travellers wanting to visit the home of Santa Claus.

Ryanair has unveiled its winter 2025-26 Lapland-Rovaniemi schedule with return flights across three new routes: Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester.

Lapland is the largest and northernmost region of Finland and is known for its cold temperatures. 

It is promoted as "a winter wonderland" with tourism offerings including reindeer and huskie sleigh rides through snow-covered forests.

The Arctic Circle crosses Lapland, so polar phenomena such as the midnight sun can be viewed in the region. 

Rovaniemi has staked a claim as Santa's "official hometown" and developed the Santa Claus Village to encourage tourism.

“Christmas has come early for our UK customers with the launch of the Lapland schedule across three new routes, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester,” Ryanair’s director of communications Jade Kirwan said.

“It’s never too early to start Christmas planning.”

Rovaniemi is the main regional centre of Lapland, and the Rovaniemi Airport is the second busiest airport in Finland.

The clean air here is “unbelievable” says a GOTR regular who has visited multiple times. 

The winter Lapland-Rovaniemi flights are available to book now at ryanair.com.

Images: Visit Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village

Cradle Mountain Lodge ups the sweetness for winter

The team at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, one of Tasmania's iconic venues, has come up with some sweet treats to help guests enjoy the rest of winter. 

Cradle Mountain Lodge is celebrating the first snow of the season this week with the launch of a new seasonal indulgence: Signature Hot Chocolates, now available at the Tavern Bar & Bistro. 

Inspired by the beauty of Tasmania’s highlands, the limited-edition drinks are named after local highlights: The Aurora Glow is a blend of creamy white chocolate and rose; the Wombat Burrow is dark chocolate with coconut cream and a hint of vanilla; the Cradle Campfire is a combo of chilli dark chocolate and cinnamon and the Highland Spirit is a mix of milk chocolate, caramel, and brûléed sugar.

In addition to this offering, guests are encouraged to extend their winter escape with an exclusive stay offer: book two nights or more and receive 20% off accommodation throughout the season.

Each hot chocolate blend can be optionally enhanced with a carefully selected spirit, maybe a Tassie whisky, to make them perfect for an après-walk indulgence beside the fire.

I love the tranquillity of Cradle Mountain lodge with its crisp mountain air, cosy timber cabins and wildlife spotting opportunities. 

"Winter at Cradle Mountain Lodge is truly magical," says GM Kim Barnes. 

"From the first snowfall that blankets the ancient forests to the quiet moments watching native wildlife like wombats and pademelons adapt to the season, there is a unique serenity and beauty that captivates every guest. 

"It’s a time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience Tasmania’s wilderness in its most enchanting form."

Explore the full Signature Hot Chocolate menu here: www.cradlemountainlodge.com.au/hot-chocolate

Events to help warm up Tasmania's winter

The Dark Mofo festival, which started last week, kicks off a series of winter events right around Tasmania. 

Still coming up during the Off Season: music festivals, light shows, whisky and a celebration of chocolate 

The Festival of Voices runs from June 27-July 6 in Hobart celebrates community singing in the heart of winter. Gather round the bonfire for a singalong, connect with Tasmania’s creative community, and take advantage of discounts when booking multiple events. Discover Tasmania: Festival of Voices

Permission to Trespass runs from July 1-31 showcases private properties across Wynyard and Table Cape, sampling regional delicacies over long-table lunches, creative workshops, and Moonlight Stories at Table Cape Lighthouse. Discover Tasmania: Permission to Trespass

Bicheno Beams is held from June 28-July 19 and is an annual gathering  that lights up this relaxed east coast town with technicolour family-friendly festivities. Listen to music composed especially to accompany the laser-light show across the Bicheno skyline. Discover Tasmania: Bicheno Beams

Tasmania Whisky Week Running from August 2-10, this is a treat for lovers of fine spirits, offering access to some of the state's award-winning whiskies. Discover Tasmania: Whisky Week

Beaker Street Festival runs from August 12-19 and is an annual festival of art and science. It is promoted as a "fusion of fun, flavour and learning" where attendees can dive into scientific debates, installations, tours, dinners, live theatre and music. Discover Tasmania: Beaker Street

Also check out the Whole Hog Feast at Lebrina on August 9,  the Burning of the Canes on June 21 at Eastford Creek Vineyard, the Lightwave festival at Nubeena on July 11-13, the Tassie Scallop Fiesta |at Bridport on August 3 and the Chocolate Winterfest in Latrobe on August 10.

For a full listing of Tasmanian itineraries, and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website www.discovertasmania.com.au.

Cabin Fever means fiery fun and games in Margaret River

I cannot think of a wine region in Australia that loves a festival as much as Margaret River in Western Australia. 

Cabin Fever Festival returns for its ninth edition of fire-focused fun from July 18-27 in Margaret River and Busselton for a showcase of food, music, and events - over 40 in all. 

Returning events include Blazing Brews at Beerfarm, Wine's a Drag at Bungalow Neighbourhood Social, the Cheese Toastie Battle, and the always-rowdy Shelter the Storm at Shelter Brewing Co.

There's also a range of new experiences including a Lo-Fi Wine Fair featuring bites from Dahl Daddys and wine from lo-fi, small-batch winemakers Amato Vino, Si Vintners, Rosa Glen Farm and Dirt Temple. 

Hot eatery de'sendent teams up with LS Merchants for some fine food and wine, while Fervor and Si Vintners join forces for Flint and Folklore in the Si Barrel Hall. There will also be Yum Yum Cha with new kid on the block Miss Chows. 

Hair of the Truffle Dog will see an early morning truffle hunt with Margaret River Truffle Farm paired with a 'champagne' breakfast with Skigh Wine, while Lunch on Fire at Howard Park will showcase Argentinian fare, fire pits and wine. 

Three Margaret River chef heavyweights: Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow(Chows Table) and Rob Webster (Normal Van) come together for Cape to Plate.

“One of the most exciting things about Cabin Fever is how it sparks unexpected, incredible collaborations, that people not only love to attend, but the venues, producers and chefs love working together to deliver," says festival director Erin Molloy.

“People have come to rely on the festival to deliver an experience like no other in the region during the winter months, with the region coming alive as a winter wonderland of fire pits, feasts, and fun.”

Making a return in 2025 is The Cabin presented by Shelter Brewing Co. This free, family-friendly festival hub will light up the Busselton Foreshore from July 18-20. 

Tickets are now on sale at www.cabinfeverfest.com.au

Image: Lauren Trickett 

Yukon Territory embraces its cold, long winters

 

It is mid-winter in the endearingly eccentric Canadian territory of Yukon, where they take the season very seriously indeed. 

It might be so cold that most smart folk are in front of the fire with a nice cuppa, but in Yukon it is festival time. 

From the high-energy antics of the Yukon Rendezvous Festival to the questionable (animal welfare-wise; Google Boppy) Yukon Quest sled dog races, there are celebrations that showcase the region's culture, history, and wilderness.

Here are five Arctic celebrations: 

Dawson City Fat Bike Blues
January 18-19 

Join fat bike ultra-athlete Jessie Gladish for two days of fat biking fun during the inaugural Dawson City Fat Bike Blues event. There will be group rides along the Yukon River, a tour of historic sites and snowy tracks in the local mountains. 

Yukon Quest
February 1 
Elite canine athletes are now in training for the Yukon Quest sled dog endurance races. Spectators will line the streets of Whitehorse for the ceremonial event launch on Saturday, February 1, with the official race starting the following day. Starting in Teslin, 180km from Whitehorse, the event courses will run trails through Johnsons Crossing, Ross River and Faro, before doubling back to Teslin, covering 643km of arctic wilderness. 

Yukon Rendezvous Festival

February 7-23
Yukon Rendezvous Festival celebrates the Yukon's unique frontier heritage and heralds the start of spring. Join communal pancake breakfasts, axe throwing competitions, dogsledding, flour packing and chainsaw chucking the vibe is uniquely Canadian. Guests can pick up crafts created by local artists at the Cultural Craft Fair, held at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre and enjoy live performances throughout the festival. 

Yukon Beer Festival

February 9
The Yukon Beer Festival aims to kick off Rendezvous with a brew or two. Taste your way through an array of craft beers, discovering unique flavours and nuances of the finest brews. 

Available Light Film Festival
February 7 – 21 

Canada's largest film festival north of 60° is a celebration of northern, Canadian and international cinema, taking place in the heart of winter in Whitehorse. Available Light Film Festival embraces diversity in all its forms and definitions. 

# Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada. 

Escape the winter chill with your own private rooftop igloo

Dark Mofo and the Winter Feast are over, but there is still a whole lot more winter to come in Hobart. 

The Telgraph Hotel, whose meals were reviewed here a few weeks back, have the perfect solution for those who want to stay warm: igloos. 

The Telegraph has turned its rooftop into an orchard oasis, with cosy igloos, themed menu items, drink specials and serious water views. 

Suitable for two to eight guests, the igloos provide a warm escape from the cold and are described as being @suitable for any occasion, from date night to a catch-up with friends".

The igloos come complete with relaxed chairs, comfy cushions, blankets and heaters.

As a collab with Willie Smith’s Cider, the menu will showcase apple inspired drinks including mulled cider, mulled wine and The Tele’s own Hot Toddy.

The igloos are available to book for $15 per person, which includes a drink on arrival and bookings are highly recommended.

Think warming dishes like pan-fried saganaki with compressed apple salsa ($12), slow-smoked brisket croquettes with mustard aioli and pickles ($13) and salt and pepper squid with green apple aioli. 

The Telegraph Hotel’s Winter Orchard Edition Igloos will be on the rooftop until September 1. 

https://telegraphhotelhobart.com.au/winter-igloos/

Mornington Peninsula to warm up over winter

Been meaning to visit the Mornington Peninsula wine region in Victoria? 

The Mornington Peninsula Winter Wine Weekend might be the excuse you've been looking for. 

The four-day celebration offers "a new look, new food and new events" from June 7-10. 

Key events include ‘The Winemaker's Truffle Dinner’, bringing together 13 wineries at The Village Hall at the Red Hill Showgrounds, each winery hosting a table with wines chosen to match dishes featuring new-season truffles. 

Winemakers will be bringing their rare back vintages, cellar selections and large format bottles. 

Wineries featured include Paringa Estate, Montalto, Stonier, Quealy Wines, Main Ridge Estate, Handpicked Wines, Crittenden Wines, Ocean Eight, Lindenderry, Rahona Valley, Red Hill Estate, Tar & Roses and Yabby Lake.

Saturday’s Winter Wine Festival is the weekend's showcase; featuring 40 wineries pouring their new vintages and special releases all under one roof. 

The Village Green at the festival will feature new food partners including the Long Paddock Raclette Bar, Red Gum BBQ – and Pinchy’s Lobster Bar. 

“We are excited to welcome wine lovers back to the Mornington Peninsula for another incredible Winter Wine Weekend,” said Olivia Barrie, CEO of Mornington Peninsula Wine. 

“This year’s program has a number of new opportunities to experience an incredible array of wines and food from our talented makers. 

"Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of wine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

See https://morningtonpeninsulawine.com.au/winter-wine-weekend

Enjoy Christmas in July in Canberra - in June

Right across Europe, Christmas markets are a joyous tradition with festival goers braving the cold to enjoy themselves with mulled wines and roasted chestnuts.

Anyone who has watched the nightly weather forecast on TV will know that the Australian capital of Canberra reaches European-level low temperatures over winter.

Hence, the Xmas in July festival is returning to Canberra for its third edition.

Over 60,000 people attending the free festival in 2023, enjoying fire pits, and comforting winter food.

Returning for four days and nights of French-European Christmas vibes, the event will be held on the Parkes Place Lawns in the middle of the National Triangle in Canberra from June 27-30. So not really in July, at all.



The festival will offer artisanal products, comfort food, wooden huts, and Christmas decorations and fairy lights.

Over 40 pop-up restaurants are promised, showcasing French and European cuisines. So think melted cheese stations serving raclette and fondue; gnocchi in creamy mushroom sauce and oversized German hot dogs.

Hot chocolate and chocolate cocktails with toasted marshmallows will return, along with the ubiquitous mulled wine bars.

“In France, Christmas is all about embracing winter, feasting together, enjoying warm comfort food, delicious drinks and music surrounded by beautiful lights," says Vincent Hernandez, the festival director.

"It’s amazing to see how the Xmas in July brings everyone together in the middle of winter to do just that in Australia.”

For details see https://christmasinjuly.com.au/

Winter is party time in Margaret River

Cabin Fever, which is Western Australia's longest-running winter festival, returns to the Margaret River region from July 12-21 for its eighth instalment. 

Cabin Fever Festival celebrates winter in the south west with more than 40 events each July and festival organisers are promising "all the fireside good times that punters have come to expect from the 10-day event". Tickets are now on sale. 

Returning favourites include Street Eats at Chows Table, Wine's a Drag at Bungalow Neighbourhood Social, the Cheese Toastie Battle in The Cabin, Shelter the Storm at Shelter Brewing Co and Blazing Brews at Beerfarm. 

New events for 2024 include an Emily Taylor Yum Cha collab with The Goose in Busselton, Cabernet Society at Vasse Felix, a wine pairing with no-frills grocery items at Skigh Wines and a Munchies and Magnums party at the new Busselton Pavilion.

“The events put forward by venues become more imaginative and fun each year, and this year's program is no exception,” event co-director Erin Molloy said.

“Choosing between the Bushman's Ball at Lenton Brae and a cult cabernet event at Vasse Felix, or between a Cuban Rumba party at Rustico and fiery party at Swings creates a serious case of FOMO for consumers.

“It's so fun to see the region alive and thriving in the middle of winter with so many activations and events to choose from - it's a far cry from the winters of hibernation from a decade ago.”

Tickets will be on sale now at www.cabinfeverfest.com.au.

Why the Adelaide Hills are about to see red

The Adelaide Hills Wine Region will celebrate its popular annual Winter Reds festival from July 29- 31.

A new creative campaign features three-dimensional objects which evoke characteristics of high-quality cool-climate red wines, as well as the beauty, diversity and creativity of Adelaide Hills as a wine region. [View the rather clever animated version on YouTube here]

Alex Trescowthick, president of Adelaide Hills Wine Region, said: “I’m delighted to announce the launch of our 2022 Winter Reds festival with a new creative look which reflects the sophistication of the wines produced here as well as capturing the beauty, diversity and creativity of the Adelaide Hills as a wine region.”

Winter Reds is the longest-running wine festival in the Adelaide Hills having started in 2009. The annual celebration sees Hills wineries light their open fires, crack open their best red wines and fully embrace the winter season during the last weekend of July.

The theme of the 2022 Winter Reds festival is ‘What’s Your Red?’ - inviting attendees to taste and discover their favourite red wines and giving participating cellar doors the opportunity to champion their best reds.

"Naturally, as one of the Adelaide Hills wine region’s flagship reds, pinot noir will be widely celebrated, as well as South Australian well-loved staples of shiraz and cabernet sauvignon," says Trescowthick.

"In addition, look for producers doing exciting things with other varieties such as nebbiolo, tempranillo and gamay, There’s a red to entice everyone.”

The 2022 Winter Reds festival involves over 35 events at cellar doors in the Adelaide Hills.

There will be guided red wine tasting flights, special wines from the cellar, live music, open fires, even golf, as well of lots of lunches.

Details and bookings for the Winter Red events will go live on Thursday, June 16 at 4pm. See https://www.adelaidehillswine.com.au/events/winter-reds/

Let there be light: Vivid Sydney returns

Vivid Sydney, one of the most colourful festivals in Australia, returns in 2022 with what is promised as "a fusion of creativity, innovation and technology".

To be staged over 23 nights, the winter festival will feature art displays, 3D light projections and live music performances from May 27 to June 18.

The festival will span the streets, parks, venues, and buildings of Sydney and is set to boast the longest continuous Light Walk, which will stretch continuously for 8km, linking the Sydney Opera House to Central Station with 47 installations and projections.

“After a two-year hiatus I am delighted to launch the 100-day countdown for Vivid Sydney 2022, which will be a fantastic celebration of a return to life,” said NSW state minister for tourism Stuart Ayres.

“The 2022 program will be the biggest and brightest yet, with many festival-firsts, providing even more reasons for Sydneysiders and visitors from around the country - and all over the world - to immerse themselves in our city at its creative best.

“Vivid Sydney makes a vital social and economic contribution during winter. From our creative industries to entertainment and hospitality venues, accommodation and retailers, it supports the entire ecosystem of the NSW visitor economy.”

 


Designed by Sydney artist Elliott Routledge, who is also featured in the 2022 festival program, the Countdown Clocks will be located outside Sydney's Queen Victoria Building at Town Hall and Gateway Plaza, Circular Quay.

A virtual version will also feature on vividsydney.com.

Festival Director Gill Minervini, who will direct her first Vivid Sydney in 2022, said this year's program captures the essence of Sydney's soul, and what makes the city so unique.

“Vivid Sydney tells the compelling story of Sydney's creativity and innovation, shared with a distinctive narrative that resonates around the world," she said

"We are innately drawn to Sydney's urban landscape as a unique canvas, bringing us together to celebrate, reflect and immerse ourselves in this charismatic, surprising and intriguing city.

“This year Vivid Sydney will deliver fresh experiences for festival-goers. We are proud to have such an impressive collection of Sydney's most prolific and world-renowned artists involved in the 2022 program. 

This includes the work of artist Ken Done, delivering the Customs House projection with For Sydney With Love; and Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran's multi-limbed avatar Earth Deities, featuring animated fire and electricity.”

Vivid Sydney 2022 will energise the Sydney CBD, Circular Quay, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Goods Line and Central Station, as well as city structures including such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, MCA and Customs House.

Festival transforms downtown Vancouver in February

Vancouver is one of the loveliest cities in North America, a green waterfront metropolis that has much in common with Sydney. 

The folk at Destination Vancouver are good at keeping me up to date with what is happening in their city - and there is plenty going on if you happen to find yourself in British Columbia this month. 

A free outdoor celebration across downtown Vancouver will transform the city core in winter to an interactive, open-air gallery and celebration of art and live entertainment. 

Running from February 11-27, the VMF Winter Arts festival is produced by the team behind Vancouver Mural Festival and presented by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association. 

The second such festival will bring together augmented reality (AR) art, light installations, and live performances. 

VMF Winter Arts was created in 2021 amidst the pandemic. 

The event is designed to encourage outdoor activity and support local businesses and artists, while enabling social distancing and a safe, welcoming outdoor space for all.

Free public art and entertainment will be showcased in Canada Place, along Burrard to Bentall Centre and Park Place, to the Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver Public Library Square, and Yaletown; plus BC Place and Science World.

At the centre of it all will be the Winter Arts Hub, located at šxʷƛənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square on the north side of the Vancouver Art Gallery. 

A new addition to the festival this year, the Winter Arts Hub will be a central space in which to enjoy food, drinks, art, and free live performances.

Wish I could be there. 

For details see www.insidevancouver.ca/

So you just can't wait a moment longer to go cruising

So you can get out of Australia, make your way to Europe and onto a cruise ship.

MSC Cruises has just announced the introduction of a Northern Europe itinerary for this upcoming northern hemisphere winter - the first time that the company has offered a winter program in the region.

Starting from November 14, MSC Magnifica will offer seven-night cruises visiting five of Europe’s most popular ports.

The ship will call Hamburg, Southampton, Le Havre, Zeebrugge and IJmuiden.

With extended stays in ports of up to 12 hours, guests can spend plenty of their time ashore. Embarkation will be possible in each port.

Winter is definitely a good time of year to visit Northern Europe - the cities are not as busy and guests can explore historical sites in cooler weather. Just wrap up warmly.

MSC Magnifica features four restaurants and 11 bars, modern and comfortable cabins, a swimming pool with a retractable roof, a sports centre, bowling, a high-tech gym and a spa.

Entertainment offerings include a casino, disco, 4D cinema and a 1,200-seater theatre with original theatre productions.

All guests 12 years and above will need to be fully vaccinated.

The ship will follow MSC Cruises’ health and safety protocol with measures that include elevated sanitation on board and the wearing of masks in indoor public areas.

MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise brand with a fleet comprising 19 modern vessels. See https://www.msccruises.com/

The perfect winter wine date in the Adelaide Hills

Have you been meaning to pencil in a wine date in the beautiful Adelaide Hills?

Why not jot the weekend of July 23-25 into your diary for the Winter Reds in the Adelaide Hills festival.

This annual celebration sees wineries open up their cellar doors, light their fire pits, crack open their special wines and embrace winter.

This year’s theme is ‘What’s Your Red?’ – with wineries creating special experiences that champion the best of their red wines.

There will be tutored tastings, parties, lunches of seasonal produce paired with wines, and a host of other events, all packed into one weekend.

“Winter Reds is one of our most popular events of the year – South Aussies and those from further afield can’t wait to rug up, head up to the Hills, enjoy the fresh air and cosy up by a log fire with a glass of their favourite red," says Jared Stringer, the president of the Adelaide Hills Wine Region.

"After a slightly more subdued event last year due to restrictions, we’re looking forward to a weekend of fun times and great wines to fight off the winter blues.”

Details of specific events will be confirmed in June and shared at www.winterreds.com.au/

Photo: Ben McMahon Images

Sydney set to sizzle with new winter festival

Sydney has a new festival to mark the winter solstice.

Think live music paired with stargazing at the Sydney Observatory. winemakers at Aria showcasing their wares, or country music in Newtown.

How about a street party in South Eveleigh (I think that used to be called Redfern) with Kylie Kwong; an ice rink at Darling Harbour and interactive art installations and dance performances in Chinatown laneways?

Sydney Solstice aims to showcase Sydney's hospitality, music and creative industries and thriving night-time economy (it is not that long ago, of course, that Sydney shut down soon after dusk).

The Sydney Solstice event will be held from June 8-20 with over 200 different experiences at Sydney restaurants, pubs, precincts, art galleries, museums, and live music venues across the CBD, Darling Harbour, Newtown, Oxford Street and surrounds.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event program was set to stimulate the Sydney visitor economy during the winter period by encouraging Sydneysiders and visitors to get out and explore the city.

“The NSW Government remains committed to the revitalisation of Sydney CBD and surrounds and we are thrilled at the response and interest from local Sydney businesses with more than 150 venues and hundreds of artists, chefs and performers participating in Sydney Solstice," he said.

“We anticipate Sydney Solstice will attract many locals and visitors to Sydney, and particularly, the four key precincts activated as part of the program. This is incredibly positive for so many businesses that were affected by Covid-19 restrictions to help support their recovery, as well as the community, who are looking for new ways to rediscover the Harbour City and restore their social calendar to its pre-Covid heights."

The program is available here, or go to www.sydneysolstice.com

New gourmet festival for regional Victoria

Regional Victoria has gained a new gourmet festival with the launch of the East Gippsland Winter Festival, which aims to celebrate art, food, music, beer and wine.

The festival, which will run from June 18 to July 11, will showcase the villages and towns of East Gippsland through a series of pop-up events, cultural activities, exhibitions and workshops.

The program can be found at https://egwinterfest.com.au/ and includes both day and night activities.

The festival kicks off in Bairnsdale with a launch event of live music, roaming performers, art projections by local and international artists and food and wine. The weekend's events will include a six-course dining experience with local produce and beverages at Long Paddock, Lindenow for up to 40 people, who will enjoy smoked, slow-cooked and roasted foods with the food fire roaring.

On Sunday, June 20, Lightfoot and Sons Winery will host a Pinot Picnic and Masterclass. Lightfoot Wines & Sardine Eatery + Bar will come together to celebrate Pinot Noir at Lightfoot's Cellar Door.

The weekend of June 26 will include the Lakes Lights Festival, while Nicholson River Winery will host a Winter Love Matchmaking night for singles over 40 and Omeo will host a Bonfire, Burgers and Banter pop-up event.

The festival continues into July with the weekend of July 3-4 seeing a Deep Winter event at Sailors Grave, while in Lakes Entrance guests can enjoy a night of hearty winter foods, sourced locally and served with Gippsland Wines and Beers at The Slow Movement Community Dinner.

The final weekend will see a Winter Tunes Music Camp in Marlo, an adventure race in
Metung and Food Truck Festival at Mallacoota. On the final day, July 11, local chef Rob Turner of Northern Ground will be feature chef at a long table-style event at Kings Cove, Metung to celebrate local food, wine and cooking.