What's On In Australia

15 Events for May 2012
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Brisbane Racing Carnival

Saturday 12 May - Saturday 9 June 2012, Eagle Farm

A highlight on both the racing and social calendars, the 2012 Channel Seven Brisbane Racing Carnival returns to the track bringing with it some of the biggest names in Australasian racing.

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In Brisbane:

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Whale Watching Season - Port Elliot

Tuesday 15 May - Sunday 30 September 2012, Port Elliot

Whale watching is at its best this time of year and with up to 29 species recorded in SA, Port Elliot can be quite active as they come to breed and calve. Southern Right Whales can come within 100m of the shoreline, as well as Humpback, Blue, Sperm and Orca Whales passing by.

Plus all year round this is a popular spot for small cetaceans like the Common and Bottlenose dolphin. There are plenty of free access vantage points for watching from the land, including the balcony from Port Elliot Beach House YHA - you won't even need to leave the front door!

Check out our fantastic Whale Watching package:

Just $61 (normally $89) includes: Return scenic bus from Adelaide to Port Elliot and 2 nights multishare accommodation at Port Elliot Beach House YHA (upgrade to private rooms available).

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In Port Elliot:

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Port Douglas Carnivale

Friday 18 - Saturday 26 May 2012, Port Douglas, Far North Queensland

The Port Douglas Carnivale is a 10 day celebration of life in the tropics, its pleasures, weather, culture, art and cuisine.

There will be 30 - 40 events with food being a primary focus. Major events are the Macrossan Street Parade and the Food, Wine and a taste of Port.

Other events will include special dining experiences, Chef competitions, Masquerade ball, fashion show, beach day, yacht racing and a variety of musical and art entertainment.

A number of golf and sporting competitions will also be held.

There will be something for everyone!

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In Port Douglas:

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Next Wave Festival 2012

Saturday 19 - Sunday 27 May 2012, Melbourne, Various Locations

The 2012 Festival presents art that reinterprets our social, political and civic humanity, using a range of new and unexpected tools. This is art that draws upon the arsenal of the subconscious to reveal what it is to be more human, humans. T

his is art that makes arguments for difference without resorting to the structures that previously existed. This is art that exists outside and above tribalism and tradition, while tackling those topics head-on.

In non-arty lingo, this is a bi-annual collective of artists presenting performances, exhibitions and shows to captivate audiences. There are loads of free events, and the remaining are low cost.

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In Melbourne:

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St Kilda Film Festival

Tuesday 22 - Sunday 27 May 2012, Various Locations in St Kilda

This screen based festival offers up various feasts for the eyes, including an international program, Australia's top 100 short films, youth programs, special screenings and the soundkilda music video competition!

Films will be shown at the following four locations:

PALAIS THEATRE

Lower Esplanade

St Kilda

THE ASTOR THEATRE

Cnr Chapel St & Dandenong Rd

St Kilda

FORUM HALL

All Saints Church, Over the road from The Astor Theatre,

Cnr Chapel St & Dandenong Rd

St Kilda

ST KILDA TOWN HALL

Cnr Carlisle St & Brighton Rd

St Kilda

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In Melbourne:

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Blues on Broadbeach

Thursday 24 - Sunday 27 May 2012, Jupiters - Gold Coast

Jon Stevens live and exlusive Saturday May 26th.

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In Gold Coast/Coolangatta:

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Emerging Writers? Festival

Thursday 24 May - Sunday 3 June 2012, Melbourne

Consider yourself a bit of a travel blogger?

How about 50 events run over 11 days in Melbourne, which is all about bringing emerging writers together.

The aim of the festival is to inspire, create and entertain. There will be live readings, workshops and book clubs and markets.

See the website for the full 2012 program.

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In Melbourne:

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The Affordable Art Fair

Thursday 24 - Sunday 27 May 2012, Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne

With approximately 80 galleries and 600 artists, Art Melbourne showcases thousands of original works across a broad range of mediums, suitable for any taste or budget. Featuring art that is both collectable and affordable, Art Melbourne is the largest annual contemporary art fair in Australia.

Art Melbourne is making art accessible to everyone.

The fair invites both first-time buyers and seasoned collectors to seek out exciting new artists and to browse the thousands of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography, indigenous works, new media art and works on paper, including limited edition prints, many accessibly priced.

TIME

Thursday: 5pm-9pm

Friday: 12pm - 9pm

Sat/Sun: 10am - 5pm

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In Melbourne:

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Vivid LIVE

Friday 25 May - Sunday 3 June 2012, Sydney Opera House

Vivid LIVE is a 10-day celebration of contemporary music at the Sydney Opera House, as part of the Vivid Festival.

Artists in 2012 include international superstar Florence + The machine, Australia's own The Temper Trap, Yeah Yeah Yeah's front woman Karen O, R&B's Janelle Monae, a series of club nights, films and more.

YHA members can score an exclusive 10% discount on tickets to selected shows including: PVT, My Brightest Diamond, Karen O, and Shut Up and Play the Hits. Simply enter promo code 'YHA' when booking online at http://vividlive.sydneyoperahouse.com or call (02) 9250 7777.

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AFL: Round Nine

1:45pm, Friday 25 - Sunday 27 May 2012, Etihad Stadium and MCG, Melbourne

Western Bulldogs V Geelong

Friday May 25, 7:50pm - Etihad Stadium

Richmond V Hawthorn

Saturday May 26, 1:45pm - MCG

St Kilda V Sydney

Saturday May 26, 4:40pm - Etihad Stadium

North Melbourne V Brisbane

Sunday May 27, 1:10pm - Etihad Stadium

Carlton V Melbourne

Sunday May 27 3:15pm - MCG

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In Melbourne:

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Roller Derby

Saturday 26 May 2012, Adelaide

Roller Derby, the game of speed and skill on roller skates has made a huge comeback worldwide and Adelaide is no exception.

Regular monthly bouts can be attended by all.

Be ready to be entertained by the skill, the characters and even the outfits and see why Roller Derby is set to take over the world.

Be sure to get tickets.

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In Adelaide:

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Florence + The Machine

Saturday 26 May 2012, Riverstage

A Sold Out Event

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In Brisbane:

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YHA Groups Day

12:00pm, Saturday 26 May 2012, The Hub@Docklands, Victoria

Ever wondered what YHA Groups are all about?

Head down to The Hub@Docklands and find out!

The YHA Groups will be holding a combined Groups Information Day, with information about the YHA Bushwalking, YHA Cross Country Skiing, YHA Cycling and YHA Canoeing/Kayaking Group.

There are new and pre-loved outdoor goods like tents and sleeping bags for sale... and who could forget the portable kitchen sink?!

Each of the YHA Groups leaders will also give a presentation about their individual activites and how to take part in the activities.

There will also be information about YHA hostels and how to join up with YHA.

*Please note: Please note that the contents of the links below are not provided by YHA Australia and they do not form part of yha.com.au

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Cairns Airport Adventure Festival: Challenge Cairns

Sunday 27 May - Sunday 3 June 2012, Cairns

Set in one of the world's most iconic tropical locations, Cairns Airport Adventure Festival including Challenge Cairns promises to attract some of the biggest names in long distance triathlon with its 100,000 Euro prize purse, the second richest in iron distance racing.

The course will take participants on a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run.

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In Cairns:

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Run the Gap - Grampians Fun Run

6:00am, Sunday 27 May 2012, Halls Gap, Victoria

Wildlife such Emus, Kangaroos, Echidnas and Deer, may be found along the course and participants can choose to complete either a 6km walk or run along the Fyan's Creek trail or, as part of the 11km run, a lap across the wall at the stunning Lake Bellfield.

One of Victoria's iconic destinations, Halls Gap is renowned for its breathtaking views of Mt. William and the Sierra Ranges; Halls Gap village set within the Fyan's Valley, is the perfect place to finish, with participants able to enjoy a complimentary BBQ Brunch in Parklands.

6.00am - 12.00 noon

For further details contact: Monique Cummings

Phone: (03) 5356 4664

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In Halls Gap/Grampians:

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