When music revellers pack the grounds, some dressed in funky clothes while others leave less to the imagination, to pitch their tents under the blazing summer sun it will be easy to imagine the days of hippy free love. But this isn’t Woodstock – it’s Australia’s Falls Festival. From Dec 28 to Jan 1 thousands will descend on Australia. The event in Lorne, Victoria and Marion Bay, Tasmania has become tradition, an annual pilgrimage south to welcome in the New Year. Going strong since 1993, the festival was the brain child of a local surfer. Today the event has outgrown its humble beginnings on his parent’s farm, but maintains its roots by inviting the world to escape into a journey of music, art and film. And it doesn’t hurt that the location itself allows visitors to free their minds at two venues set in paradise. Festival goers will have the difficulty of choosing between two venues that will release their stresses of the holiday season. From its origins of the Victorian rain forest to the tropical beaches of Tasmania, both provide the perfect backdrop to say ‘good-bye’ to 2011 and a big ‘hello’ to 2012.
Travel down under for a winter escape
The Southern Hemisphere will be in full summer swing. Although a very popular time of year to explore Australia, why not try Tasmania for something different. The island is a magical paradise of beaches, mountains and forest. Rent a car to explore every nook and cranny. Direct flights to Hobart are easy to find, while traveling to Melbourne and taking a ferry will be its own adventure.
