Plunge In.

Immerse yourself in some fantastic activities from the region

SYDNEY
Sydney Aquarium Census, 6–22 April

One penguin, two penguins, three penguins… stop moving! The Sydney Aquarium has to count heads for its annual half-year stocktake and it’s calling on all kids to lend a hand during the school holidays. The prize for the most accurate count is unlimited entry to the aquarium for an entire year! Aquarium Pier, Darling Harbour, tel: +61 (2) 8251 7800, www.sydneyaquarium.com.au

VICTORIA
2007 Churchill Island Working Horse Festival, Churchill Island, 7–8 April

Discover the fun of traditional farming by taking the kids to the ninth Churchill Island Working Horse Festival. Held on Victoria’s first farm on Churchill Island, 90 minutes off Melbourne, this Easter fair will feature clowns, puppet and magic shows, classic games, face-painting and an Easter egg hunt. Adults can observe rare craftsmanship skills and kick back to the good vibes of singer James Reyne. Clydesdale horses will show their skills and everyone will love the daily Grand Parade starring all the horses. Entry is AU$16 (adult) and AU$8 (children).

QUEENSLAND
Tambo Campdraft, Tambo, 7–8 April

Horse-lovers won’t want to miss seeing some of Australia’s best riders and stock horses compete at the annual Tambo Campdraft, situated 930km north-west of Brisbane in the oldest town in west Queensland. In this distinctively Australian sport, horse and rider work together to separate a single animal from a herd of cattle (no mean feat!) and then guide it around a course. Plenty of other entertainment, plus a bar and catering, is provided over the twoday event, held at the Tambo Rodeo Grounds, Matilda Highway, Tambo, tel: +61 (7) 4654 9348.

MELBOURNE
21st Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 4–29 April

Laugh out loud at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The opening Gala takes place at the Regent Theatre and proceeds go to Oxfam Australia. Highlights include The Super Supremes’ show Destination Disco at Comedy@Trades in Trades Hall, or the side-splitting first-time-in-Australia Puppet Up! – Uncensored by The Jim Henson Company at the Princess Theatre. Tickets available from Ticketmaster, tel: 1300 660 013. Comedy@Trades bookings through www.comedyattrades.com.au

NEW ZEALAND

Silverstone Race to the Sky, Central Otago, 7–8 April

Every year in the Cardrona Valley, around 450km from Christchurch, racing drivers, their crews as well as spectators, converge to create a temporary village for the Silverstone Race to the Sky. The 15km hill climb is “widely recognised as one of the most challenging races on the calendar… with one of the most unique and captivating locations for a motorsport event!” says Grant Aitkin, the event’s founder. Look out for intense trans-Tasman rivalry among the drivers – and whether Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima can land his eighth King of the Mountain title! www.racetothesky.com

AUSTRALIA

Varekai by Cirque du Soleil, multiple dates in four states

One of the world’s most thrilling circuses is about to embark on the next leg of its Australia-wide tour. Canada’s massively popular Cirque du Soleil is set to wind up its run in Canberra (until 8 April) before moving on to Melbourne (20 April to 3 June), Adelaide (6[2212]29 July) and Perth (18 August to 23 September). The new show follows its main character, Icarus, through the strange and magical world of Varekai with its fantastical creatures after his fall from the sky. Book through Ticketek 1300 130 300 within Australia www.ticketek.com.au

SYDNEY
Sydney Royal Easter Show, 5–18 April

City slickers can get a whiff of the countryside and enjoy displays of prize-winning farm animals up close at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show. With a strong livestock and agriculture focus, the Show has over 50 competitions. Humans get their own show too, with the nightly rodeo giving some of the country’s best riders a chance to demonstrate their skills. The Show’s our pick for best event for kids! www.eastershow.com.au

HOBART
Bug-In 2007, 6–14 April

Calling all Beetle-lovers! The 38th National Bug-In takes place in Tasmania for the first time, at Hobart’s Baskerville Raceway, and there’ll be VW Beetles as far as the eye can see. To really get into the Beetle spirit, sign up for the extended driving tour from Hobart to Devonport, or the farewell drive to Richmond. For updates, check the Volkswagen Association of Tasmania’s website www.vwtas.org

JAPAN
Cherry Blossom Season, country-wide, beginning April

In Osaka, the Sakura-no-miya-koen to the north of Osaka Castle, the Osaka Business Park and the grounds of the Osaka Zohei (the Osaka Mint) are perfect spots for enjoying the quintessentially Japanese pastime of cherry blossom viewing. Keep a close eye on the tourism websites to see when the blooms open, so you know when to rush out with picnic mats, sake and bento sets to picnic under the trees and alongside the locals.

VICTORIA
Rip Curl Pro Surf & Music Festival, Bells Beach, 3–13 April

Does the name ring a bell? It’s only the world’s longest running professional surfing event. This is the 35th year of Australia’s biggest surf comp, and the world’s best surfers will be competing once again at iconic Bells Beach. Grab the chance to see eight-time world champion Kelly Slater defend his two back-to-back wins. Tickets are AU$11 for adults, AU$5.50 for kids above eight years, at Bells Beach Entry Gate. More details on www.ripcurl.com.au

HAWAII
Merrie Monarch Festival, Hilo, 8–14 April

Swing over to Hawaii’s Big Island for one of the state’s most prestigious hula competitions. Held as part of a week-long cultural festival that begins on Easter Sunday, the competition features group kahiko (ancient) and ’auana (modern) hula at the Edith Kanaka ‘ole Tennis Stadium on the festival’s last Friday and Saturday. On Saturday evening, catch the grand parade finale winding through Hilo town. www.merriemonarchfestival.org

Photo: Shutter