Head to the Hervey Bay Whale Festival mid-year. Photo / Thinkstock
Jennifer Ennion rounds up some lesser-known Australian festivals.
CELLAR DOOR FESTIVAL - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The date: February
The place: Adelaide
The details: More than 100 wineries from South Australia participate. Wine tastings, classes, a farmers' market, lunches and music.
WHITE NIGHT MELBOURNE - VICTORIA
The date: February 22
The place: Melbourne city
The details: Melbourne's streets and landmarks are consumed by exhibitions, performances, film screenings and concerts.
THE JULIA CREEK DIRT AND DUST FESTIVAL - QUEENSLAND
The date: April
The place: Julia Creek, northwest Queensland
The details: Locals and guests battle the heat in a triathlon, watch horse races and bull riding, and enjoy outdoor concerts.
NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL - AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
The date: April
The place: Exhibition Park in Canberra
The details: Confirmed acts include Barleyshakes, the Davidson Brothers, and The Pepperjacks.
The date: April
The place: Toowoomba
The details: Dancing, rides, BMX, skateboarding, debating, artist signings, religious worship, a wide variety of music - gospel, jazz, heavy metal, indie, blues and so on.
NINGALOO WHALESHARK FESTIVAL - WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The date: May
The place: Exmouth
The details: Celebrate the whale shark's annual visit to the waters of Ningaloo. Fun run, market and food stalls.
HERVEY BAY WHALE FESTIVAL - QUEENSLAND
The date: Around July-August
The place: Across Hervey Bay
The details: The town of Hervey Bay comes alive every whale season, as locals launch the annual whale festival. This is a real family affair, with the blessing of the whale-watching fleet, a teddy bear picnic, storytelling, fireworks and live music.
IF YOU GO
Fly there with: Air New Zealand.
Explore more at: myaustraliapassion.co.nz.
- AAP
New Orleans is a city you must explore on foot.