THE winter chill has arrived in the south but there's always a way to warm up in Queensland. Looking to head north for a winter escape? Nap a Brisbane car rental for some Queensland exploration and to try any of these five great reasons to ditch the southern freeze and enjoy some northern exposure ...
One ... Relish Food and Wine Festival (June 4, pictured)
From the Hinterland to the Bay, the Fraser Coast has an awesome array of fresh produce, locally made food products and unforgettable dining experiences. The Fraser Coast Food Story - Relish Fraser Coast is about connecting local growers and producers with the area's restaurants and cafès to create some magic. What started with the food and wine festival in 2013 has grown into something that encompasses the year round offerings of the Fraser Coast. For all the details, head to relishfrasercoast.com.au
Two ... Broadbeach Country Music Festival (June 17-19)
Adam Brand and The Outlaws, The Sunny Cowgirls, Jasmine Rae and the Adam Eckersley Band are just some of the massive country music stars heading for the sunny Gold Coast for the fourth annual Broadbeach Country Music Festival. Combining 'Country with the Coast', the beachside event is free and will showcase premier country performers outdoor stages and in venues throughout the entire Broadbeach precinct. The incredible line-up will feature more than 30 artists. For more visit www.broadbeachcountry.com
Three ... The Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival (June 24-July 2)
Lights, camera, action. Nine days, 30 films, 1000 scenes. Winton's Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival is a film festival like no other, celebrating Australian film and culture under the stars of Winton in Outback Queensland. The Festival will combine an incomparable program of classic and contemporary Australian films under the stars in the historic, open air Royal Theatre in Winton's main street; plus conversations, yarns, masterclasses, film making competitions, tag-a-long tours and social activities. Join them on the red carpet for opening night. More visit www.visionsplendidfilmfest.com
Four ... Mary Poppins Festival in the Park (July 2)
With the author of Mary Poppins, Pamela Travers, born in Maryborough in Queensland, it's little wonder the city celebrates it's unique link to the iconic nanny with the world's only Mary Poppins festival - a week long explosion of colour, art, culture and "practically perfect" fun for everyone. Maryborough's heritage streetscapes are transformed into scenes from the Poppins novels. Nannies race each other pushing prams in the great Nanny Challenge; chimney sweeps compete in the Chimney Sweep Dash while Mary Poppins characters come to life from the pages of books and mingle with the crowd. The entertainment includes professional street theatre performers, sidewalk artists, jugglers, roving Penny Farthing, grand costume parade, kite display, vintage cars, carnival rides and old fashioned games and workshops. Visit www.marypoppinsfestival.com.au
Five ... Rockhampton River Festival (July 15-17)
This amazing river festival in July brings the incredible past, creative present and bright future of Rockhampton together for a massive three day celebration. At the 2016 festival expect to dream big and escape the ordinary under the ‘River Revery’ theme. Festival goers can dream the impossible, wander the mysterious, play to the spontaneity and feast on delicious delicacies, leaving your mind boggling, taste-buds tingling and your imagination soaring. The three day festival has free entertainment, interactive arts, contemporary tunes, delicious food, great people and superb winter sunshine. With more than 30,000 people expected at the festival this year, book early before accommodation sells out. Visit www.rockhamptonriverfestival.com.au
SCOTT PODMORE