Get ready for the world-famous Melbourne International Festival. Immerse yourself in the undying enthusiasm and heart-thumping cacophony of music from 3rd June, 2016 to 12th June, 2016. The festival will make you groove to the best of jazz music in town.

Participating Artists and Musicians

This winter, enjoy extraordinary programs of international jazz. The festival will bring together the world’s modern jazz masters and renowned personalities to the beautiful island country of Australia. Plan your days accordingly as it would be graced by Grammy award winner; Esperanza Spalding. The singer will make her Australian debut in the festival.

Other globally popular artists and musicians to perform will include Robert Glasper Trio from USA, Snarky Puppy, Keyon Harrold featuring Twi-Life, Paul Williamson Quartet and Tomasz Stanko Band. Grab your spot at the festival to enjoy enthusiastic performances by your favourite artists and musicians at various venues in Australia.

What’s more?

In an endeavour to highlight and celebrate the evolution of this intricate art form, Melbourne International Jazz Festival 2016 will offer a lot of interesting programs and themes. Immerse in the sensation of an exciting array of genre-bending crossovers, soulful singers, concerts, master classes, club gigs, intensive instrumentalists and film screenings.

Venues

The extensive jazz festival is a top-notch event awaited by many die-hard fans. The numerous performances by high-class international and national musicians will be held in iconic venues including clubs, bars, and recital halls.

Some of the most prominent venues for the festival are ArtPlay, Arts Centre Melbourne, Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Bluestone Church Arts Space, Dizzy’s Jazz Club and Federation Square.

Tickets

Don’t miss your chance to experience live performances and much more during the festival. Fly down to Melbourne and cherish the celebration. Book your tickets at the earliest as fans vie to grab their spots. The tickets for Melbourne International Jazz Festival 2016 are available on the official website. Also, one can also explore a series of free events which will include performances by Julliard Free Lunchtime Jazz, Opening Celebration Concert, and Los Cabrones at the Winter Night Market.

As spring season is around the corner, Melbourne is getting ready for the grand celebration of the year, ‘The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show’.

Entering in its 21st year, Australia’s biggest flower and garden show is a great platform for flower aficionados as well as for exhibitors.

Melbourne welcomes thousands of visitors every year to be a part of this extravagant affair.

Show Highlights

The highlights of the event are Achievable Gardens and Disney Fairies Children’s Garden along with numerous other displays from exhibitors participating from all over the country. Floral designers and stylists will be showcasing the best blossoms and plants on the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens. Check out the booking pages on the official website for Floral Design Workshops, Great Hall of Flowers, Entertainment and Live Student and Art for Sale Competitions.

Attend Workshops

There will be free flower designing workshops, fresh retail shops, and a stunning display of horticulture at the Great Hall of Flowers. One can learn the basics of working with flower-patterned tools and kit, and gain valuable experience. This year ‘My Flower house’ will be offering three sittings every day of the show along with other workshops inside the Royal Exhibition Building. Make sure you make prior bookings online to attend any such workshop. Apart from this, there are many things for kids as well. For instance, there are colouring and craft activities, Interactive kid’s entertainment, Special ‘Chill Out’ areas and much more!

Witness the Boutique Gardens Competition

Landscaping Victoria Boutique Gardens Competition’ will be held once again. It is a one of its kind opportunity for Landscape Designers and Architects to participate and design a 5m x 5m Boutique Garden. The finalists will further show their talent in the next round that will help them to gain valuable experience and a chance to promote their business in front of thousands of people.

Getting to the Show

The show will be held in Melbourne’s CBD, close to public transport services. It will be open to the public between 9:00am and 5:00pm from Wednesday, 16th March to Sunday, 20th March. Tickets are available online and at the counter gate.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is going to celebrate its 30th Anniversary from 23rd March to 17th April 2016. The preparations for the festival have already started. There are a number of reasons for booking tickets for a holiday in Melbourne during this time, if you love comedy shows.

More than 550 shows by some of the best comedians from across the globe will be held. Most of the show ticket prices, average at $27. One of the main highlights is free entertainment for the whole family at City Square and Fed Square. Apart from this grand festival, Melbourne’s famous attractions and specialties include splendid wineries and scenic beaches. This festival is guaranteed to make your holiday full of fun and laughter.

Location

You can rent a car in order to travel as it is much easier and cheaper than a taxi. The Secure Parking officials at the venue are offering pocket-friendly deals on the ‘Weekend and Evening Parking’ for the patrons of Comedy Festivals. Alternatively you can also choose V/Line trains for travelling which will take you to the different parts of Melbourne. Your V/Line ticket also gives you the option to travel on buses, trains and trams, without paying anything extra.

Event Details

Given that it is impossible for an individual to cover all the events in the festival, you can choose the ones which suit your sense of humour. To make it convenient for the attendees to plan, the shows are divided into various categories such as One Off Shows, Kids and Family Shows, Sketch Comedy, Cabaret Comedy and Films and musical comedy to name a few. You can check the schedule along with the performers’ list on the festivals official site. We also recommend you to check some of the performances on YouTube to choose your favourites.

Tickets

Tickets are available on the official website of the festival and also over the phone through booking agents. Most of the shows are sold through Ticketmaster. You can buy tickets for the shows sold by Ticketmaster through Ticketmaster outlets, Trades Hall Box Office and Melbourne Town Hall Box Office. Alternatively, you can also buy the tickets at the door of most of the show venues.

Melbourne has a rich history and also holds the distinction of being the second most populous city of Australia and Oceania. Packed with a plethora of attractions, Melbourne attracts countless travellers. From cultural shows and festivals to monuments and museums – Melbourne offers ample delightful distractions for one and all.

Here are just three of the most visited and well known places in Melbourne:

Federation Square

The Federation Square is one of the most prominent landmarks in Melbourne and is extensively used as a meeting place by the locals. It also serves as the venue for around 2000 events every year. With different events, parties, and festivals being held here, it has become a hot favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. The Federation Square is especially popular amongst party animals due to the large number of bars, nightclubs, restaurants and pubs here.

Eureka Tower

Eureka Tower is situated in Southbank. With a height of around 297 metres, it is said to be one of the highest apartment buildings on the planet.

The building is especially famous for the Observation Deck (Eureka Skydeck 88) on its 88th floor. It goes without saying that the views from the Observation Deck are simply exhilarating. Binoculars and viewfinders are provided to visitors. A mind blowing attraction here is ‘The Edge’. It’s a glass cube, which is projected about 10 ft out of the building with visitors inside it. The experience of being virtually suspended midair can’t be put into words.

Yarra River

Yarra River is one of the most iconic elements of Melbourne’s identity. Go on a boat cruise to popular attractions such as Herring Island Park, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

The river is also famous for colourful events such as Dragon Boat Festivals, rowing regattas, Moomba Festival, and the Melbourne Festival. The banks of the river are dotted with fishing platforms and facilities for picnics and barbecues.

Melbourne boasts an array of tourist trappings that delight one and all visiting this Australian metropolis. From a fascinating culture to enthralling architecture and scintillating beaches to scenic drives – the destination offers it all. Here is a quick rundown on some of the not to be missed attractions in and around the city.

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in Australia, houses around 2,000 marine creatures. Feel the adrenaline rush as you get up close to some of the rarest of aqua species such as sandbar whaler sharks, freshwater sawfish, and a grey nurse shark at the 2.2 million litre ‘Mermaid Garden Oceanarium’. Crocodile’s Lair, Bay of Rays, Coral Cave, Ocean Discovery and River to Reef are some of the other popular sections that exhibit marine and animal life from different parts of the globe.

Brighton Beach

Melbourne is blessed with many beautiful beaches, and Brighton Beach is perhaps the most spectacular among them all. Take a leisurely walk along the scenic coastline, play beach volleyball or simply lie down to sunbathe – there is something for one and all. The area around Brighton Beach is full of lively bars, cafes, restaurants and shopping precincts, making it a popular hangout.

The Great Ocean Road

If you love scenic drives, hit the Great Ocean Road. The magnificent views of cliffs and tranquil bays, the winding roads and the pleasant weather make the drive here an experience of a lifetime. Make sure you carry a camera to capture the beautiful scenery! If you are up for an adventure, stop for exciting activities such as climbing the peak of a volcanic crater, zip-lining and spotting wildlife.

Southbank

Dominated by high rises and other elements of opulent commercial development, Southbank is one of the most prominent business and tourist centres in Melbourne. While strolling along the scenic Yarra River, you can admire the gorgeous views of the Melbourne Skyline. The Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct is a great place for enjoying waterfront shopping and lively entertainment.  Plenty of restaurants here serve a variety of preparations, ranging from quickly done up fast food to elaborate and fresh seafood.

Lots of exciting events and festivals are going to be held in Australia in the month of May, with a couple of especially interesting ones being a food and wine festival and a great marathon. If you would rather prefer something on more cultural lines, check out the best Jazz festival in the country. Come, take a more detailed look into these events and faake your pick.

Aussie Wine Month, 1st – 31st May

The Aussie Wine Month is the biggest yearly celebration of Australian wines. Here, one is treated to the perfect blend of the best of Australian wines and great food. With the exception of the Northern Territory, this festival will include numerous delightful events across the country. Major highlights of the event include cycling tours of wine regions, winemaker talks, blend-your-own wine classes, behind-the-scenes tours, degustation dinners and tastings. Many restaurants will also participate in this gala event.

Great Ocean Road Marathon, 16th – 17th May

Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road Marathon is one of the most spectacular marathons to take place in the country. Held over two days, it is one of the best events in Australia. The superb seaside location of the event offers spellbinding views of the Southern Ocean and does its bit to attract international athletes. The marathon stretches across a variety of distances, ranging from 1.5 to 44 kilometres and thus offers varying degrees of challenges to athletes of all ages. The different categories are 1.5 km, 6 km, 14 km, 23 km and 44 km.

Melbourne Jazz International Festival, 28th May – 07th June

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) is all set to truly live up to its name. Well, it has done so every year in the past. This time round, 300 renowned artists from over 10 countries will perform alongside local stars in a colourful 10-day celebration of jazz in all its greatest forms. Film screenings, late-night art parties, daily free concerts, evening ‘sound walks’, intimate club gigs, master classes, and programmes for families and children are some of the exciting events that MIJF will showcase to create an unforgettable experience. An array of venues, from intimate local clubs to large concert halls, will play host to the events.

Where: Melbourne

Dates: 12 to 15 March 2015

If you have already explored the best of Melbourne, here is what you should be exploring now. Melbourne welcomes its visitors to enjoy the four entertainment-packed days. Grand Prix lovers, who are booking tickets on flights to Melbourne in the month of March to enjoy the race, are sure to be amazed with the experience. Here is a quick peek at the schedule.

12th March – Behind the Scenes

Every true motorsport fan waits for this day. On this day, fans can get up close to all their favourite Formula 1 drivers. Visitors are also allowed free access to the Autograph Stage. Watch the first day of action that is packed with Practice and Qualifying for all support categories on track.

13th March – The Supercars

Thirteenth March is all about adrenalin-pumping experiences. Watch the Supercars perform the hair-raising stunts, watch the drivers hustle for pole position in Formula 1 Qualifying – it is one of a kind experience. Whether you are with friends or family, make sure you are in the entertainment zones to get the best of all the thrills and breathtaking stunts.

14th March – Action All Areas

One of the most thrilling parts of the event, Formula 1 Qualifying is must watch. The experience of watching the world class drivers compete is breathtaking. The day does not end here; continue to explore the live music and death-defying stunts in the entertainment zones around the venue.

15th March – Race Day

The final and the most important day of the event: Race Day.  If you are not rushed by the adrenaline, you might get overwhelmed by the kind of atmosphere, the crazy crowd will make. Watch the exciting race, cheer for your favourite driver and shout with the crowd – there is no other option than to have absolute fun!

How to Get Here

Travellers who are booking tickets aboard flights to Australia will be delighted to know that the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2015 venue is easily accessible through a number of Melbourne’s transport network including trains and buses. It is important to know that there is no public parking at the circuit. Limousine, helicopter and other services are available for the visitors. Visitors can contact 1800 800 007 for up-to-the-minute train, tram and bus timings.

Want to sip on the cultural peg of Australia? Melbourne is the answer!

This metropolitan yet artistic city illustrates the rich Australian culture through a variety of performing arts events. Art enthusiasts, from across the globe, board flights to visit Melbourne to be a part of events taking place at the most notable performing arts venues in and around the city! Here’s a list of top-notch venues that facilitate the flamboyant performing arts scene of Melbourne.

Palais Theatre

This prestigious edifice was established in 1927 as a cinema but today, it is the largest seated theatre not only in Melbourne but in the entire Australia. Its name is there on the Victorian Heritage Register and entices large number architecture lovers with its captivating Art Deco style. The theatre is connected to various city points by tram, train as well as bus. The theatre hosts several musical performances all through the year. For these events, tickets are available on the official portal. List of facilities here include classy bars, cloaked counter and an ATM.

Festival Hall

Besides being a prominent concert venue, this site also hosts numerous sporting events. This almost a century-old hall was founded as West Melbourne Stadium in 1915 and served as a premium place to catch the action of professional wrestling and boxing bouts. Today, besides several indoor sporting events, travellers also buy tickets to enjoy the power-packed musical performances of world-renowned bands and solo singers. Festival Hall can accommodate more than 5000 spectators (including 1700+ seating capacity) at any given point in time.

Sidney Myer Music Bowl

This top rated outdoor performing arts venue is listed in Victorian Heritage Register. Its proximity to entertainment precincts like Southbank and Arts Centre make it easy-to-locate venue. With a capacity of over 30,000, it is best known for hosting annual event Carlos by Candlelight on Christmas Eve. Holidaymakers disembarking flights in Melbourne can consider visiting Sidney Myer Music Bowl to enjoy theatre shows, music concerts, Operas and an array of temporary exhibitions.