(Image source: www.australia.com) 

Celebrate Christmas in June, July, and August

The Yulefest in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, has all the trappings of a traditional Christmas celebration – roaring fires, roast dinners, sing-alongs and maybe some snowfall –  except it's not yet December. Does it matter? Not when you can feast on a delicious dinner of stuffed turkey and ham, cranberry sauce, minced pie and plum pudding. Mixed in with the traditions of the usual December Christmas is a whole lot of zaniness that make these June to August celebrations stand out all the more. Take part in all kinds of silly merriment, including challenging Santa to a karaoke contest, taking on the role of detective at a murder mystery evening or giving a toast at a courtly Victorian era banquet. While wacky, it’s bound to be rip-roaring fun.

It’s Medieval Madness in Queensland

(Image source: Abbey Medieval Festival Facebook) 

If you are a Game of Thrones fan or a die-hard history or fantasty buff, then you should not miss the annual Abbey Medieval Festival in Caboolture, Queensland – a 30-minute drive north of Brisbane. Held every July (this year’s event falls on 8-9 July) in South East Queensland’s Moreton Bay, it provides authentic medieval experiences, both familiar and exotic, including re-enactment camps, jousting, puppet shows, gypsy dancing performances, Turkish oil-wrestling matches and falconry. You might just come face-to-face with a Viking raider, greet a Middle Eastern warrior and exchange pleasantries with a European noble. In between all the pomp, celebrations and action, dine on sumptuous medieval-inspired meals including succulent meats and fine mead. The best part? The attractions and activities at the festival beguile both young and old and will not cost you a king’s ransom.

Have a Weekend Fit for a King 

(Image source: Wines of the King Valley Facebook) 

Welcome winter in the Italian spirit by wining and dining like a king from 10-11 June at King Valley, Victoria – one of the highest-altitude grape-growing regions in Australia. If you enjoy Italian heritage and indulging in the nation’s delicious food and wine, this weekend will be perfect for you. King Valley is known as Australia’s little Italy, where heritage and passion fuse with a landscape and climate that mimics the great regions of northern Italy. Use the chance to mingle with the winemakers and their families face to face. Then indulge not only in wines that the region has become renowned for —prosecco, pinot grigio, sangiovese and nebbiola — but also food that has been grown and prepared by family members and local chefs, including homemade pasta, pizza and mouthwatering Italian desserts. Buon appetito! If you cannot make it to King Valley in June, don’t fret, they also have another weekend event, La Dolce Vita, on 18 and 19 November.