On Now

Mark your diaries for these pick of the crop events

QUEENSLAND
Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, Brisbane,
until 27 May Enter the minds of some of the most thought-provoking and
interesting artists from the region in this six-month long exhibition.
The perspectives of artists such as Eko Nuugroho (Indonesia), Michael
Parekohai (New Zealand) and Masami Teraoka (Hawaii) all present a twist
on the modern and traditional. Get the full picture at www.asiapacifictriennial.com
Eko Nugroho

NEW
SOUTH WALES
Mardi Gras 07, Sydney, 2 February — 2 March
Now celebrating its 29th anniversary, Australia’s wildest
gay and lesbian festival is now one of the “top ten
most spectacular costume events in the world”, according
to Condé Nast Traveler. The calendar is chock-a-block with
cabaret and comedy shows, dance parties, a film festival,
forums, conferences and workshops, social and sport activities, and plays.
Not to be missed — the Parade Day finale! Also check out Tours by Diva — a comedy sightseeing
tour with attitude — you’ll never
see a more dazzling Sydney. For the entire calendar visit www.mardigras.org.au

AUSTRALIA Sony Tropfest 2007, across Australia, 18 February
The 15th Sony Tropfest is one mega event that everyone looks forward to
every year. Showcasing the best of short filmmakers, finalists’ works are shown on the big screen in six Australian
cities — Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra
and Hobart — simultaneously. The winner gets to do
Australia proud at the Cannes Film Festival. Check www.tropfest.com for
venues and to pick a winner.

NEW
SOUTH WALES A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, Sydney, 2—4
February Look right, look left, look right again as 23 national teams
from all over the world roar onto the Eastern Creek International Raceway
for a chance at the US$10 million prize pot. Rising racing star 25 year-old
Ryan Briscoe leads Team Australia, comprising Barton Mawer, Ian Dyk and
Karl Reindler. The racing carnival is three petrol fume-filled days of non-stop action. If the rumble of racers thrills your heart,
then A1GP is right up your alley. Check www.a1gp.com

VICTORIA
St Kilda Festival, Melbourne, 3—11 February The summertime
St Kilda Festival returns to Melbourne’s hippest neighbourhood.
Expect free music, street performers, extreme sports and stalls with beach
views. Style Mission 4, the fashion fundraising extravaganza takes place
9 February in the courtyard of Amello Restaurant & Bar at the St Kilda
Baths, where one-off creations by leading designers will be auctioned
off, with proceeds going to Sacred Heart Mission. Check www.stkildafestival.com.au
for updates

AUSTRALIA
50 Towns in 50 Weeks, Melbourne & Tasmania, until May Captain Starlight,
the funny face of the Starlight Children’s Foundation
is bringing cheer and laughter to sick children throughout Victoria (Bendigo,
Echuca, Shepparton, Wodonga and Wangaratta) and Tasmania (Devonport, Burnie,
Launceston and Hobart) this month with their laugh-out-loud show. Donations
are accepted at www.starlight.org.au

NEW ZEALAND
Festival of Flowers, Christchurch, 9–18 February The South Island city
of Christchurch will be abloom this month when the annual Festival of Flowers
unfolds. It’s always a huge deal, not only for green thumbs but also for
fashion, art and culture lovers. Look out for fabric artist Jenny Gillies’ fashion
show, “Exotica” Wearable Flowers Parades, as well as her “Encore”,
an exhibition of past costumes. For full programme details check www.festivalofflowers.co.nz

THAILAND
10th Phang Nga Bay Regatta Phuket, 16–20 February Phuket is a stunning
background for sailing and this annual regatta has always attracted more than
its fair share of participants, celebrities and royals – so much so they
have to restrict entries to 45 competitors. The actual regatta runs over four
days and in four locations, depending on the stages of the race and is a spectacle
(and party) not to be missed. Check www.bayregatta.com for
latest updates.

THAILAND
(Photo: Courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Chinese New Year – Year of the Pig,
Bangkok, 18–20 February
Discover all things Chinese in Bangkok’s Chinatown (the Yaowarat
area), which will come alive with lion and dragon dances in the
streets, fi recrackers and Chinese opera. There’ll be lots of food and
activities for children and you can fi ll up on the stalls’ celebratory
and auspicious fare, such as barbecued pork, Peking duck, Chinese
desserts and noodles. Hao chi! For info go to www.thailand.net.au

INDONESIA
Bau Nyale Putri Mandalika,
Bali, February – March
If you have no fear of
creepy crawlies head
on down to Kuta Beach
this month. Once a year,
when the moon is full, a
mystical event known as
the Sea Offering Ceremony
takes place on the beach. At
this time, the colourful nyale
(sea worms) gather and,
after the rituals, the Balinese
make a party of it and
celebrate all night long. For
the latest worm report go to
www.my-indonesia.info

TASMANIA

AAMI Tasmanian Summer Racing
Carnival 2007, Tasmania, until
end February
This horsey event is the premier social
event in every Tasmanian’s diary. With
total prize money of AU$2 million in the
coffers, the feature races are the AAMI
Hobart Cup and the AAMI Launceston
Cup. You’ll have to be quick to secure
tickets to the corporate marquees, where
you’ll get to swan around trackside, savour
seafood luncheons and hydrate yourself
constantly with beer, wine and spirits
every day. For schedules visit www.tsrc.com.au

Photo: Courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand