Nationwide 

Tropfest
When: Sunday 22 February 2009
Where: Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Perth
Info: 
Tropfest is The Largest Short Film Festival in the world, and the world’s most exciting platform for up-and-coming film-makers to gain international exposure. It is widely regarded for its support of new filmmaking talent through its festivals, filmmaker initiatives and distribution program. Tropfest gives audiences exposure to premium short films, and delivers a unique, free outdoor entertainment experience that is second to none. Scores of films made for and screened at Tropfest have gone on to gain commercial distribution. And dozens of Tropfest filmmakers have had local and international careers launched as a result of their work being seen in front of thousands of people – including many of the most respected professionals in the film world. The festival is judged by a panel of distinguished industry professionals. Previous judges have included George Miller, Naomi Watts, Salma Hayek, Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, Baz Luhrmann, Ewan McGregor, Darren Aronofsky, Will Smith and many others!

VICTORIA

What: The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
When: 7–23 March 2009
Where: Various venues
Dazzle your tastebuds at more than 140 events held across the state as the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival returns in 2009. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival presented by The Age is the largest celebration of its kind anywhere in the world.

What: Shane Warne the Musical
Where: Athenaeum Theatre
Info:
In a country that routinely lops its tall poppies, Shane Warne the Musical sets out to celebrate and understand the life of cricket’s most maligned and celebrated identity as he battles fame, failure, fidelity and the ferocious attention of the Australian media. For tickets: call Ticketmaster on 1300 723 038

What: Summer Fun in the City
When: 2 January - 24 February
Where: Various locations
Info:
Pack a picnic, grab a group and enjoy Melbourne’s sunny days and balmy nights at Summer Fun in the City. Featuring a jam-packed program of free events including an evening under the stars, learning some new dance moves, catch a ‘fairy’ show and experience the thrill of the trapeze in the heart of the city. The Docklands will be part of the celebrations with sailing, sport and sand sculpting workshops as well as music and dancing.

What: Twilights at Melbourne Zoo
When: 17 January – March
Where: Melbourne Zoo
Info:
Enjoy one of Melbourne’s best-loved summer events, Twilights at Melbourne Zoo. The popular twilight festival features great entertainment including big bands, rock, jazz, tribute bands, swing ensembles, show and Latin bands. The festival is held on weekends from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.

What: 2009 Midsumma Festival
When: 18 January – 7 February
Info:
Midsumma is Victoria’s premier gay and lesbian arts and cultural festival, showcasing the finest queer performing arts, visual arts, cabaret, spoken word, film, forums, food and wine and family events. Presented over five municipalities and in more than 60 different venues across Melbourne and Victoria, Midsumma presents a unique and eclectic program of events that are both engaging and accessible to the whole community.

What: Rhythm of Africa
When: 3 January - 8 March
Where: Werribee
Info:
Werribee Open Range Zoo's twilight concert series - 'Rhythm of Africa' - is just the thing to get the toes tapping. Running every Saturday and Sunday, the Rhythm of Africa, is set against the stunning backdrop of the Werribee Open Range Zoo, giving visitors the unique opportunity to experience a taste of Africa in Victoria. Guests can groove to African beats ranging from vibrant Pan African contemporary dance to traditional Ghanaian rhythms, or just relax and soak up the setting sun. A wide variety of African inspired food and drinks will be available for purchase, or simply bring a picnic. A range of fun activities are also on offer including African drumming workshops, hair braiding and children's village activities. Entry to Rhythm of Africa is included in the zoo’s general admission price and starts at 5.30pm. The zoo closes at 9.00pm.


More VIC events: www.visitvictoria.com/


NEW SOUTH WALES

What: St George Open Air Cinema
Where: St George Open Air Cinema
Info:
Set in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, hugging the edge of Sydney Harbour and with the city, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Sydney Opera House as a backdrop, the unrivalled Open-Air Cinema experience returns. At the St George OpenAir Cinema you can experience the finest in new release cinema and catch up with friends over a few drinks, or enjoy a meal created by one of Sydney's leading caterers while taking in sunset views of the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city skyline. Films screen around 8pm (dusk).

What: Sydney Festival
When: 10 January – 31 January
Where: City of Sydney and Surrounding Areas
Info:
The Festival is a cultural celebration of Sydney in summer and has become synonymous with the energy, style, spectacle, sophistication and cosmopolitan flair which so quintessentially define the city. As well as the much-heralded outdoor program - including the Domain concerts which each attract an audience in excess of 100,000 people - the Festival presents the very best international and national performing and visual arts, occupying most of Sydney's theatres, galleries and concert halls, as well as specially created satellite venues throughout the city and surrounds.

What: Chinese New Year Festival 2009
When: 23 January - 15 February
Where: Chinatown and other areas in the City of Sydney
Info:
Featuring more than 50 events over three weeks, the City of Sydney's 2009 Chinese New Year Festival will be the largest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside of Asia. More than 600,000 people are expected to crowd the streets of Sydney to celebrate the Year of the Ox and all things Chinese.

What: Nayika Indian Dance Presents The Blue Lotus
When: 30 January – 31 January
Where: Barnet Long Room, Customs House, Circular Quay
Info:
Nayika Indian Dance presents a unique cultural experience of traditional Chinese and Japanes music and Indian classical dance. Tony Wheeler and Indian musicians, with Japanese koto artist, Satsuki Odamura, and classical Indian dancer, Vimala Sarma, celebrate Chinese New Year in a concert inspired by the symbolism of the rare blue lotus.

More NSW Events: www.visitnsw.com


QUEENSLAND


What: Snowscene 's 25 years Celebration
When: 8 February
Info:
A ski holiday may be the last thing on your mind right now, but there is no better time to begin booking your next holiday to the snow. Queensland ski company Snowscene is celebrating 25 years sending Australians to the snow, and are giving away one ticket for every week of the 2009 ski season.

What: The ANZ Ladies Masters
When: 5 February - 8 February
Where: Gold Coast
Info:
The ANZ Ladies Masters is one of the richest female golf events in the southern hemisphere and is co-sanctioned by the Australian Ladies Professional Golf and the Ladies European Tour (LET). 2009 will mark this blockbuster event’s 20th anniversary. Attracting the cream of women’s international golf to Queensland’s Gold Coast the ANZ Ladies Masters consistently presents the best line-up of the ‘Top 50’ female golfers in the world.

What: The Good Vibrations Festival
When: 21 February
Where: Southport, Gold Coast
Info:
named one of the top 25 live acts in the world by Rolling Stone Magazine, The Roots!
Award winning producer/electronic artist Deadmau5 from Canada will be playing and this festival will mark the historic and long-anticipated tour of seminal Los Angeles Hip Hop group The Pharcyde performing as their original line up for the very first time in Australia! In addition, Aussie wunderkind Sam Sparro is on board and he'll have the crowd dancing as soon as he steps out on stage! But that's far from it. Roni Size Reprazent, Chromeo, Stanton Warriors will also be there; along with local hero's The Potbelleez and many, many more, so don't miss out!!

What: Shakespeare in the Park Festival
When: 26 February - 07 March
Where: Queens Park, Toowoomba
Info:
Experience the magic of live theatre in the great outdoors at the University of Southern Queensland's sixth annual Shakespeare in the Park Festival. Toowoomba's historic Queens Park will come to life with a range of cultural experiences for all ages including an unforgettable, starlit production of 'The Tempest'. Pack a hamper, bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a picnic dinner as the sun sets behind the trees before the show.

What: Vine to Divine
When: 1 Feb - 28 Feb
Where: Stanthorpe
Info:
Pick your own divine black Muscat grapes straight from the vine at Moonrise Estate. Bring your own bucket, bag or box, pay just AUD2.50 per kilogram, pick all you want and enjoy a day out.

More QLD Events: www.queenslandholidays.com.au


TASMANIA


What: Festivale
When: 13 February – 15 February
Where: City Park, Launceston
Info:
Celebrate food, wine and entertainment in al fresco style. Festivale is one of Tasmania's premier events, attracting about 40,000 people each year. More than 65 stalls offer patrons the opportunity to taste and savour highly renowned Tasmanian gourmet food and wine amid all the colour and fun of family entertainment dance, music and street theatre - provided by both local and interstate artists.

What: Australian Wooden Boat Festival
When: 6 February – 9 February
Where: Hobart Waterfront
Info:
A celebration of wooden boats and maritime traditions on Hobart's historic waterfront. Over 500 boats, wooden craft of all shapes and sizes will congregate on the city's historic waterfront.

What: Ford Ranger One Day Cup
When: 7 February
Where: Bellerive Oval
Info:
Experience all the action at Bellerive Oval as Tasmania battles Victoria in the Ford Ranger Cup interstate one-day competition.

What: Clarence Jazz Festival
When: 17 February - 22 February
Where: Bellerive Boardwalk
Info:
The Clarence Jazz Festival is Tasmania's premier jazz festival featuring six days of concerts in a distinctive range of riverside settings. It is renowned among patrons for its great locations and unrivalled good vibes. In 2009 the Festival welcomes the return of the very popular Dan Barnett as Festival Ambassador. The Sydney based musician is a brilliant jazz trumpeter and vocalist who will jam with over a dozen different bands during the festival.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

What: Adelaide Film Festival
When: 19 February – March 1
Info:
Catch movie world premieres, special screenings, film forums and more at the Adelaide Film Festival - the only Australian festival that both screens and finances films.

What: WOMADelaide
When: 6 March - 8 March
Where: Adelaide's Botanic Garden
Info:
Enjoy this spectacular world music event held in the lush surrounds of Adelaide's Botanic Garden. Laze under trees, dance, eat, drink and have fun with family and friends.

What: Barossa Farmers Market
When: Every Saturday morning from 7.30am until 11.30am
Where: Stockwell Road, Angaston
Info:
Come and join the locals at the Barossa Farmers Market. It's all about "Real food from the homes and farms of the Barossa". This is a food-only market with product especially associated with the heritage and traditions of the famous Barossa region of South Australia.

More SA Events: www.southaustralia.com/Events.aspx