WHERE I’D RATHER BE .
SHORT HAUL
In Canberra for the National Multicultural Festival, where more than 350 community groups come together for a celebration of diversity. There will be 300 international food stalls, live music, dancing and a parade featuring more than 2000 performers. February 15-17. multiculturalfestival.com.au
Eating: From the modern Southeast Asian menu at XO in Narrabundah. The banquet menu, $70pp, includes starters, small and large plates, sides and desserts. xo-restaurant.com.au
Drinking: Tuscan wines at Italian & Sons, a family-owned trattoria and wine bar that has become a local favourite. italianandsons.com.au
Staying: At the Ovolo Nishi, a hotel with a focus on community, diversity and sustainability. ovolohotels.com.au/lonishi
MID HAUL
Heading further afield in Australia for the Perth Festival, the country’s premier multi-arts festival and one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere — now in its 66th year. Until March 3. perthfestival.com.au
Eating: From the Spanish-inspired menu at The Flour Factory, a restaurant and cocktail bar in a 100-year-old former flour mill. You’ll also find one of Perth’s largest gin menus, and an in-house butcher. theflourfactory.com
Drinking: Margaritas and lageritas at Caballitos, a Mexican bar and restaurant in the CBD. caballitos.com.au
Staying: At the Alex Hotel, a new boutique hotel from the people behind Little Creatures Brewery, close to the Perth Cultural Centre and the State Theatre Centre. alexhotel.com.au
LONG HAUL
At the Carnival of Venice, an annual festival that first began in the 12th century. It’s famous for its masks, masquerade balls, and street parades and now attracts more than 3 million visitors every year. February 16-March 5. carnevale.venezia.it/en
Eating: At Quadri, a Michelin-starred restaurant on the Piazza San Marco, established in 1830, and featuring Murano glass chandeliers, and a recent redesign by Phillippe Starck. alajmo.it/en
Drinking: A Gin Tea cocktail at the Skyline Rooftop, with the best views over Venice. Skylinebarvenice.it/en
Staying: At the five-star Bauer Palazzo hotel, on the Grand Canal, with gondolas parked at the door allowing easy access to all the best Carnival events. bauervenezia.com/en