Travel event calendar April

Where to head this month

31 March–9 April MELBOURNE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL, VIC

In its 25th year, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival hosts events and classes in the city’s labyrinth of restaurants, laneways and rooftops. The program spills into stunning regional Victoria, too.

Where? Melbourne and surrounding areas, Vic

Find out more melbournefoodandwine.com.au

2 April HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN’S BIRTHDAY, DENMARK

Celebrate the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, author of fairytales like The Princess and the Pea and The Ugly Duckling, in his home town of Odense. There’s free entry to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum all day, including his childhood home.

Where? Hans Christian Andersen Museum, Bangs Boder 29, Odense, Denmark

Find out more museum.odense.dk/en

6-19 April SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW, NSW

Visit Australia’s largest annual event over the Easter break for 14 days of live entertainment, farm animals, show bags, rides and more!

Where? Sydney Olympic Park

Find out more eastershow.com.au

13-16 April WATER FESTIVAL, SOUTH-EAST ASIA

To ring in the Buddhist New Year and farewell the dry season, this festival takes place across countries such as Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Traditionally, people would respectfully sprinkle water on each other in a cleansing ritual but a splash often turns into a drenching – so be prepared for one big water fight! Where? Various countries across South-east Asia

14 April PASSION OF JESUS, ENGLAND

Watch a cast of more than 100 recreate the day Jesus was arrested, tried and crucified. In London’s Trafalgar Square, the 90-minute performance is attended by thousands from varying faiths and backgrounds, with actors in costumes, with donkeys, horses and doves. It’s also on in Guildford on 15 April.

Where? Trafalgar Square, London

Find out more wintershall-estate.com

19-30 April GOLD COAST FILM FESTIVAL, QLD

Immerse yourself in the world of creative visual media for 10 days. You can see internationally acclaimed dramas, comedies and genre films as well as locally made indie gems and family features. For aspiring filmmakers and aficionados, there are free seminars and workshops. Plus, it’s on the sunny Gold Coast so you’ll be in holiday heaven by the beach!

Where? Various locations on the Gold Coast, Qld

Find out more gcfilmfestival.com

25 April ANZAC DAY, AUSTRALIA AND TURKEY

Anzac Day marks the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand troops in World War I. Around Australia there will be dawn services, parades and wreath-laying to honour those who have served in conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Search online for events near you. You can also travel to the Anzac Commemorative Site in Gallipoli, Turkey for services there. Where? Various locations across Australia and Gallipoli, Turkey Find out more gallipoli.gov.au