Hamilton Island heats up in 2012

We here at Holidays for Couples NEVER need an excuse to get ourselves north to the warm balmy tropics, and Hamilton Island rates as a favourite destination! And with a year round events calender that offers us everything from world-class cultural encounters and fabulous natural attractions, island hoppers have 12 defining reasons to visit the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in 2012:

JANUARY - Learn a new skill, with over 60 activities to choose
FEBRUARY - Fall in love with some romance on the reef
MARCH - Spring clean the body with a spa treatment
APRIL - Be reef-freshed with a Reefsleep experience
MAY - On your marks for the Hilly Half Marathon
JUNE - Make a splash with Australia's largest outrigger event, the Hamilton Island Cup
JULY - Indulge in the culinary delights of the Great Barrier Feast
AUGUST - Mingle with celebrities and sailors at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
SEPTEMBER - Migrate south for whale watching in the Whitsundays
OCTOBER - Tee off for a round of golf in the sunshine
NOVEMBER - Enjoy an intimate audience with the Australian Ballet
DECEMBER - Be enthralled by the excitement of the SB3 World Championships.

Check out these fab events and discover more about a dream Hamilton Island holiday experience here. What are you waiting for? Pack your sarong and book that ticket!

Discover the very best of Tasmania this Autumn

Tasmania continues to thrive in autumn with an array of exciting events for visitors. Check out some of the great things to see and do in the coming months - like we needed any more reasons to get down to beautiful Tasmania for that perfect short break ... 

MoMa (MONA market)

MONA's newest attraction, MoMa (or MONA Market), held on the roof of MONA every Saturday afternoon. As with all things MONA, MoMa will have art (and a dash of quirkiness) in its veins. Visitors can expect locally grown, organic, and sustainable produce from the Derwent Valley, greater Hobart area and beyond, set alongside craft, art installations, 'other bizarre bits' and 'elements of the unexpected' (in their words).

When: Every Saturday afternoon, throughh to 14 April, 1.30pm to 6.30pm

Where: MONA's rooftop, 655 Main Road, Berriedale

How: Admission is free. 

DEVONPORT FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Officially launching on March 3 at Ghost Rock Vineyard, the Devonport Food & Wine Festival is a month-long celebration of the region's glorious local cuisine and produce. Cooking classes, cook-offs, exotic barbecues, family picnics, wine and beer tastings, culinary-themed dinners hosted by celebrity chefs, indulgent long lunches in vineyards and other special events are just some of the gourmand treasures in store. The deliciously-packed program of events makes it a great time for food-lovers to explore Devonport.

When: Tuesday 1 March to Sunday 31 March

Where: At various locations throughout Devonport

How: Prices vary from event to event. 

TASTE OF THE HUON

The Taste of the Huon celebrates the epicurean treasures of the Huon Valley, from apples, cherries, berries and mushrooms to salmon and truffles. One of Tasmania's most popular regional events, Taste of the Huon is held over two days, bringing together the best of the Huon and Channel region's provenance, wine, entertainment, arts and crafts. 2012 will be the twentieth year of the festival.

When: Sunday 11 March to Monday 12 March 2012, 10am to 4pm (the event runs to 5.30pm on Sunday)

Where: Ranelagh Showgrounds, Ranelagh, 30 minutes drive south of Hobart. Special buses will run between the festival site and Hobart City.

How: Admission is $8 for adults. Children enter free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. 

LONGFORD REVIVAL FESTIVAL

The Longford Revival Festival made its debut in 2011 to celebrate the international motor racing heritage of the town. Longford played host to the world's greatest F1 racers in the 1950s and 60s, when it hosted the Australian Grand Prix on its 7.2km track. Although the track was closed in 1968, its most famous section, the Flying Mile, is specially reopened during the festival for car races and displays. The festival also plays host to the greatest automotive collection ever put together in the state, fine food and wine from the Tamar Valley, and live 60s music that recalls the town's hey-days.

When: Saturday 24 March to Sunday 25 March 2012
Where: Longford, 20 minutes (24km) south west of Launceston
How: Registrations are currently open for enthusiasts interested in racing or displaying their cars and motorbikes at the festival. There will be a general admission charge. 

VINTAGE IN THE VALLEY  (EASTER LONG WEEKEND)

Vintage in the Valley takes visitors on a harvest celebration at six of the most beautiful vineyards on the West Tamar Valley Wine Route. An additional six local wineries will join the celebration to present a bacchanal (moveable feast), where visitors can savour vintages from vineyard to vineyard complemented with fine local produce and lively entertainment.

When: Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 April 2012 (Easter long weekend)

Where: West Tamar Valley Wine Route - participating host wineries include Velo; Elmslie; Moores Hill; Marions Vineyard; Goaty Hill; and Holm Oak. Guest wineries will include Grey Sands Vineyard; Humbug Reach; Ninth Island; Winter Brook Vineyard; Tamar Ridge and Waterton Hall. 

How: For more information contact Velo Wines Tasmania on 03 6330 3677 or email.

TARGA TASMANIA 

The famous Targa Tasmania car rally has undergone an overhaul, with an additional 70 kilometres and an additional night added to the course. Kicking off with a street festival in Launceston on Thursday night, the competitors will then head for Strahan on Friday and Saturday, before the traditional finish in Hobart on Sunday afternoon. Targa is a must-see for automobile aficionados, as the best touring, sports, and Grand Touring (GT) cars gather on the state to drive through Tasmania's scenic but challenging tarmac roads.  

When: Tuesday 17 April - Sunday 22 April, 2012

Where: Various locations in Tasmania

How: Spectator information will be available on the Targa Tasmania website closer to the date.

TURNING OF THE FAGUS 

Every autumn, Tasmanians follow the tradition of flocking to locations where the Fagus tree can be found, to witness its spectacular range of autumn colours from rust red through to brilliant gold. Called 'The Turning of the Fagus', this stunning sight can only be seen in Tasmania and nowhere else in the world.

What: Witness the fascinating Fagus tree as it turns a spectacular range of autumn colours

When: Late April and early May

Where: The best viewing spots include Mount Field National Park and Cradle Mountain National Park

Head to Tassie, rent a car and hit the road for some really special experiences! For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website. 

Warm up the cool months in Vanuatu

Australians know that, when the cooler months sets in, it's a great time to pack up and head to the nearest tropical locale - and Vanuatu is a convenient and stunning place to put at the top of your travel list! Luckily for us, this is also a peak time on the local events and festival calender. So if you're ready and keen to book your tickets and accommodation now, you can pack your bags knowing the cultural fun is well taken care of. From traditional village celebrations, to exhilarating sporting events, Vanuatu’s festivals and events offer travellers a unique opportunity to engage with authentic Vanuatu culture and customs during their getaway. Two top events planned for the month of August are the 'Back to My roots' festival, and the Nalawan festival. But there's a whole calender of different festivals you can be a part of in the coming months, and each will bring you in close contact with a culture and a people who are beautiful, warm and embracing.

The 'Back To My Roots' festival takes place each year on Ambrym, 10 - 12th August in 2011.  During the event, some of the most influential cultural practices and dance, exhibitions of art, and beliefs are presented to the public. Traditional dances, demonstrations of magic and other activities that belong to the people of Ambrym are the central attraction, but visitors can also visit traditional villages and sacred land terminals and sites such as old cemeteries, hike through the forest, or visit the cascades, taboo caves or twin volcanoes Marum and Benbow. Further information is available through Napong Norbert on +678 540 0508.

The Nalawan Festival will take place on 11-13 August 2011 at Labo Village in Malekula’s South West Bay. A spectacular Nukofo custom dance will kick off the celebrations, including grade-taking ceremonies, cultural displays and an eye opening village tour, which will allow you to try your hand in traditional food preparation and partake in local craft. The festival is a rare opportunity for adventurous travellers to witness the rich tradition and customs of Malekula’s South West Bay and get an authentic insight into Vanuatu life. The two-day event is priced at 5,000VT per adult (approx. AUD $54) and 2,500VT per child (approx. AUD $27). Nalawan Festival reservations are advised and can be made by calling Willie Isno on +678 5366 168 or Yegor Makhiboroda on +678 5617845.

For more information on Vanuatu’s festival and sporting calendar go to Vanuatu's travel website here.

A Season of Sailing in Queensland

The colder winter months need not shy us from the crystal waters of Queensland - this is the season when spectacular racing regattas begin along the coastline and it's kicking off in the blue waters of Mooloolaba Bay with the newest event, Sail Mooloolaba on from June 4th - 12th, coinciding with the 15^th Musto Etchells Australasian Winter Championship from June 9th - 12th. 

If you're keen to get there for it, there's also some great ways to involve yourself in the spirit of sailing:

* Learn to sail with Sunshine Sailing Australia, with international ocean racer John Bankart at the helm. He offers a range of courses for novices through to experienced sailors keen to improve their skills. Based at Mooloolaba Wharf, you can choose from sailing lessons for the kids through to easy sailing skippered yacht charters.  

* The Mooloolaba Yacht Club welcomes visitors joining the club members for an afternoon of sailing around the Mooloolaba Bay. Fun sails are held every Wednesday and Sunday. Meet on canal side of The Wharf Tavern at The Mooloolaba Wharf Complex, at midday and 11am respectively. 

* Get out on the water with Liquid Getaway’s range of boat tours including scenic rides, surfing, snorkeling safaris and whale watching tours. Based at Mooloolaba Wharf, Liquid Getaway’s custom designed 12 seat boat provides a thrilling way to get close to marine life, including a pod of resident dolphins, turtles, rays and other wildlife during the ride.

Now in its second year, the Season of Sailing aims to attract visitors to sailing events being held from now until September along the Queensland coastline.

The Season of Sailing website offers a whole range of getaways where you can enjoy being part of these famous events including the world famous Hamilton Island Race Week. 

(Images courtesy Queensland Holidays apart from top right Etchells Australasian Winter Championships photo, courtesy of  Kylie Wilson.)

VIVID lights up Sydney

Sydney comes alive in spectacular fashion during the annual Vivid festival, and it's about to start! From May 27th until June 13th the heart of Sydney is - more so than usual - a hub for all things creative in the Asia Pacific region. The festival is on a scale that defies the imagination, and it literally lights up the whole place with an energy that is unparalleled and unpredictable. Wander the streets, and you never know what delights you might come across.  

Local and international acts come out to play as the sun goes down, with a daily line up of incredible events taking place at some of the city's greatest landmarks. There's light sculptures and displays, including the spectacular Lighting the Sails at the Sydney Opera House, and flames leap high in to the night sky at the incredible 'FireDance' performance at Campbells Cove (think 40 jets of flame higher than a three-story house!). Industry heads and creative identities converge to meet and discuss innovative ideas at forward thinking, future forums. There's also a free art installation in the Western Foyers at the Opera House by film maker Tom Kuntz, and a pop-up bar called The Sony Lounge where anyone who's anyone will be in residence to watch Dj sets and bask in the honeyed light of being and feeling really rather cool. Because that's exactly where it's at.

And the line up of live music acts at Vivid Live is nothing short of heart racing! 2manydjs, Architecture in Helsinki, Cut Copy, Bag Raiders, it goes on and on. Bat for Lashes, in her Australian live debut, will be doing an intimate concert at the Opera House - sigh! - making my heart swoon ... 

You can see the full list of happenings and events at the Vivid website. If you're in Sydney, lucky you - you won't be able to miss it. If you're not, may we suggest you book that plane ticket. If ever there is a time to be in town, it's when it's VIVID!