There are many reasons to celebrate Easter, most of which leave us southern hemispherical folk obsequiously following the upside-down seasonality of our northern hemispherical neighbours. With the spring equinox breaking the ice, raising the temperature and dramatically influencing the seasonally regulated internal workings of flora, fauna and our own sensory influenced emotional sensibilities, Gods and ancient forbears of the north have been wont to give the date significance. The Christian God deemed it an appropriate time for Christ’s death and resurrection. Attis, Mediterranean God of ever-reviving vegetation and lover of Fertility Goddess Cybele, also saw this as an appropriate time to die and be reborn each year – and perhaps still does. Across the world, since time began, fabulous celebrations in which participants indulged in life’s riches have defined the Easter experience.

So. . . what are you going to do?

To help you with this dilemma, AT has been on the lookout for fun stuff happening around the country on this upcoming celebratory long weekend from April 10 to 13, 2009.

Western Australia
1. The Fremantle Street Festival
Wander through an entertainment smorgasbord of vaudeville performers, jugglers, clowns, mime and trapeze artists, acrobats, dancers and visual artists when the colour is turned up to 11 along Freo’s cappuccino strip. Any sensory deprivation induced by post silly season work stress and the current global financial crises will be washed away in three days of creativity, silliness and fun as the best buskers in the world descend upon this great Aussie town – and it’s all free! The fun kicks off noon Saturday and continues to Monday, with Saturday night featuring shows and performances in various venues around town. www.fremantlefestivals.com

2. Easter with the Orchestra – St Mark’s Passion
The West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) presents an uplifting and powerful Easter music experience on April 8 at the Perth Concert Hall. Lead by Richard Mills (one of Australia’s most sought-after composers), WASO, along with a cast of soloists, will celebrate Easter with St Mark’s Passion alongside performances of music of the Venetian baroque from Vivaldi and Gabrieli.
Composed by Richard Mills, St Mark’s Passion is a reflection of the Passion of Christ and blends opera with the orchestra for a special experience during Easter. The concert is held at the Perth Concert Hall, one of the southern hemisphere’s best music halls (greats such as BB King and Ray Charles have sung there). Tickets $49 per person. More info 08 9326 0000 or at www.waso.com.au

Northern Territory
1. “XXX” Timber Creek Gunamu Tourist Park Easter Fishing Competition
You like to fish? Think you’re good at it? Fisherfolk from all over Australia flock annually to the barramundi-infested waters of Victoria River in NT’s Katherine region for this family friendly Easter weekend fishing-fest. Enjoy the atmosphere and beautiful surrounds, then hook, line and sinker it, sit back, take it all in . . . and catch that fish, and another, and another, and another fishy fish, before ice box or frying it and enjoying it with newfound friends and a few tinnies in a weekend of bowing subservience to slow and easy trad-style Aussie frivolity. More info by clicking here

Victoria
1. Rip Curl Pro
April sees the epic Rip Curl Pro hit Torquay’s Bells Beach. Australia’s longest-running pro surfing event is on from April 7 to 18 and is definitely worth checking out if you love your waves. There’ll be plenty of opportunity for the amateurs to get in and have a surf too. Bells Beach is famous for its gnarly waves, which break on two different reefs – Rincon and The Bowl – and the tournament will see the world’s best make the pilgrimage to ride the famous barrels. Two-time Rip Curl Pro champ Kelly Slater rates Bells one of the toughest waves in the world, so if you haven’t been before, get ready for a good show. The Rip Curl Pro sees Torquay get its biggest crowds and there are some great places to stay and eat. Not sure when to go? A live music stage will be cranking on Easter Saturday and Sunday in the Bells Beach car park, featuring some of Australia’s best music acts. But if you can make it to the final weekend, it’s always special to see the winner climb the podium and ring The Bell. www.live.ripcurl.com

2. Stawell Easter Gift
The iconic Stawell Easter Gift (April 10-13) is on again near the Grampians National Park, with the final of the 120m sprints raced on Easter Monday. The footrace is the oldest and richest race in Australia and has been held almost every year since 1878, with the exception of four years during WWII (1942-45).
In 2009 the competition is fierce between pro and amateur sprinters and the races will be exciting to watch, with a prize pool of more than $100k (winner gets $40k). The footrace doesn’t just bring the crowds in; more than 60 events are held during the three-day carnival that will also have a betting ring, fashion parade, live music and other entertainment. A three-day pass coats $50 adults ($95 families). Single passes range from $15-$25 adults, $5-$7 kids, $35-$60 for families, depending on the day. www.stawellgift.com

3. Easter Parade – The Golden Horseshoe Festival
Every year since the 1960s, Beechworth has celebrated Easter with the Golden Horseshoe Festival. In 2009 it will be celebrated again, and is themed “One Family”. One of the most popular events in regional Victoria, some 20,000 people will go to experience the Easter parade, fun run, egg hunts and other entertainment from Good Friday 10th to Easter Sunday 12th.
The tradition of the Golden Horseshoe festival began in 1855 when a man named Daniel Cameron rode down the main streets of Beechworth on a horse with golden shoes after he was elected onto the council (Daniel, not the horse). Today, the Easter parade begins with a re-enactment of the shoeing of a horse with gold shoes before he leads a procession of dancers, performers and more down the streets.
The Beechworth Fun run walk is another highlight of the weekend, with participants running (or walking) 10km through the historic town to help raise money for the local school. www.beechworthonline.com.au

4. Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt
Thanks to the generosity of Victorians, the Cadbury Family Picnic and Easter Egg Hunts will be taking place again this Good Friday April 10. But this year, not only will the already famous event be held at Werribee Park, it will also be simultaneously celebrated on the grounds of Cruden Farm in Langwarrin.
Both events will raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal with all ticket profits and proceeds from Easter egg sales on the day going directly to the hospital. Last year, the money raised provided 40-day beds for parents.
Children aged 3-12 on the day will be able to join in the hunt for almost 750,000 Cadbury Easter eggs. Joining in the fun will also be The Great Bunny, Freddo and Caramello Koala, who will be performing onstage where everyone can join in with singing, dancing and playing games. After their performances they’ll also hold a meet-and-greet, giving the kids a chance to meet and have their photo taken with their favourite Cadbury characters.
Cost for adults is $17.50, $12 children, $48 family of two adults, two kids. Check out www.ticketek.com.au, 132 849 or www.cadbury.com.au  

5. Wake up the Dragon at the Bendigo Easter Festival
The Bendigo Easter Festival is on again from April 10-13, with more rides, more excitement and more acts. The longest-running community festival in Australia, the Bendigo Easter Festival originally started in 1871 to raise money for the local hospital. Featuring a carnival with heaps of rides, showbags and games as well as a blues and roots festival, Good Friday brings an Easter Egg Hunt and a concert on Saturday night with Paul Kelly, Augie March and more (tickets $58).
Sunday night has a torchlight procession, during which illuminated floats wind their way down the street followed by fireworks. Easter Monday, however, is perhaps the most popular day during the Bendigo Easter Festival; the parade starts loud and noisy with drums, cymbals and firecrackers to wake up Sun Loong, the longest and oldest Imperial dragon in the world. At more than 100m long, this dragon dances its way down the street to ward off evil spirits. For info on the Bendigo Easter Festival, call 1800 813 153 or visit www.bendigoeasterfestival.org.au. For info on the concert, call The Capital on 03 5434 6100 or visit www.thecapital.com.au  

Queensland
1. Celebrate Sailing: Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race
This year, the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race is happening over the Easter long weekend, starting just off Shorncliffe Pier in Sandgate. The yachts then race up the Sunshine coast, past Fraser Island and around Lady Elliot Island, before crossing the finish line at Gladstone Harbour (total distance 308 nautical miles, about 570km) and it takes most yachts a day or two from Friday 10 to reach the finish line.
Spectators can watch from the shoreline or go on a cruise to follow the yachts when the race starts (cruise tickets $75 adults, $40 kids). There are also a few festivals happening to keep non-racers busy: the Sandgate Bluewater Festival is a five-day affair that includes music, food, markets and more from April 5-10; another festival is held at Redcliffe’s Suttons Beach, and you can view the race from both points. Other race start vantage points include Margate Foreshore, Shorncliffe Headland, Shorncliffe Pier and Woody Point.
The Gladstone Harbour Festival is a weeklong celebration beginning April 5, and ending when the yachts sail into the Harbour on the 13th. General admission is $33 and includes music, rides and entertainment. For more info of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, call the Queensland Cruising Yacht Club on 07 3269 4588 or visit www.brisbanetogladstone.com.au  

2a. Easter in the Country – Roma, Qld
Watch some of the fiercest competition in the world speed down the streets of Roma. They’ve spent all year training and the goats – yes, the goats – are ready to race. If they win, they become the richest goat in Australia.
While the goat race is the most popular event held in Roma (April 8-13), it isn’t the only one. After the races, a vibrant parade starts down the streets and performers keep the crowds entertained. Roma’s Easter weekend is jam-packed with things you can do. Watch 2009 Golden Guitar nominees Rob Black and Kirsty Lee Akers rock it out at the country music concert ($25 adults), or jump on a bus and go for a tour of the town, listen to bush poetry ($5 adults) and visit the markets on both Saturday and Sunday to find the perfect present. If you need more adrenalin, you can go to the night rodeo ($20 adults, $10 kids, under-12s free), motocross, speedway and plenty more motorsports to get the heart pumping.
Kids aren’t forgotten either. There are plenty of attractions to keep them entertained. On Good Friday there’s an Easter egg hunt and miniature train rides ($2) at the Big Rig, which celebrates Australia’s history with a nightly show. Entries to attractions range from $2 to $30, with discounts for kids. Call the Roma info centre on 1800 222 399 or visit www.wheninroma.com.au for more information.

2b. Longreach
Those of you in dwelling in Central West Queensland might consider visiting Longreach for a weekend of activities this Easter. A whole bunch of interesting stuff will be happening around town from Thursday (before Easter Friday), but Saturday will be the big day, with huge Easter markets on Eagle St from 11am and an Easter Bonnet parade from 11.30am. The town’s Powerhouse Museum will also be a focal point with plenty of family fun, including an Easter egg hunt and music performances. More info on 07 4658 4142.

2c. Easter in the Vines
Riversands Vines near St George, 513km (6hrs 40mins drive) west of Brisbane, annually hosts musical performances, competitions, billy boiling and yarn telling over the Saturday and Sunday of the Easter weekend. It’s a fun and relaxing family affair with a bar, fresh local food and a BBQ running over both days, a great little cafe serving delectable cheese platters, coffee and scones. Nearby gardens are also a perfect spot for the oldies to indulge in new-release wines from this award-winning winery. Activities take place from 11am to 6pm on both days. www.riversandswines.com

New South Wales
1. Hoopla
A lot of “ooohs” and “ahhhs” will be heard at Darling Harbour when Hoopla – Sydney’s sensational acrobatic circus and street theatre festival – arrives in town. The free event will be running during the Easter long weekend from April 10-13, providing edgy and quirky live shows. This year the circus returns with the Hoopla Big Top that will feature highly skilled antics by Rumpel the Jester of Oz, The Rosetski Brothers, The Doogans and The Great Gondos. After dark over the weekend, the traditional circus tent transforms into the host for the Carnival nights that will feature plenty of chaos and improvising madness – throwing knives and eating fire. Head to The Tiny Top for a variety of the weird and wonderful that will feature fast-paced sideshow acts from around the world. High voltage performances by Team Loko, Kit ‘n’ Kaboodle, Dislocate and Zeb Hunter will have you holding your breath. www.darlingharbour.com

2. Art on the Lake: Lake Light Sculpture
Jindabyne’s Lake Light Sculpture exhibition features an array of amazing sculptures by all kinds of artists, amateur and professional. Set on the banks of Lake Jindabyne, this outdoor exhibition is sure to impress even the most seasoned art lover. Light plays a unique element here; during the day, light comes from where you’d expect it to (the sun). However, as night falls the sculptures are illuminated by spots to show a very different perspective. The Easter full moon also gives a spectacular ambience around the sculptures and the lake. All participating artists have a chance to win prizes from the following categories: Major 1st Prize, Environment, Illumination, Youth, Schools, Encouragement and ANU Sculpture Residency Award. Set against the background of the Snowy River and Lake Jindabyne, the Lake Light Sculpture is truly a one-of-a-kind Australian exhibition. Entry is free, and for more info call (02) 6457 8334 or www.lakelightsculpture.com.au

3. Mudgee Bike Muster
The new way to travel nowadays is by going back to basics and using those leg muscles on a bike. And this is what the Mudgee Bike Muster is all about. The four-day family event from April 10-13 will combine picturesque cycling routes with great food and wine from the region. There are more than 40 cellar doors in Mudgee and you’ll travel via bicycle to enjoy these winery lunches and tours that will run as part of the program throughout the weekend. An Easter egg hunt and activities for the kids, including fishing in the dam, a bike rally and nightly entertainment, will also be up for grabs at the Muster. And the best part is that the Bike Muster is open to all levels of riders – it’s all about feeling the soft country air while riding the flat grounds of the region. Costs are $130 adult, $66 kids, $396 per family (two adults, up to four kids). Under fives are free. More info at www.bikemuster.com.au or on (02) 6372 3899.

4. The National Folk Festival
Pack a picnic rug and head to Exhibition Park, Canberra, this Easter to celebrate Australia’s national cultural identity at the National Folk Festival. This five-day celebration of gourmet food, local and imported wine and beer, comedy, theatre and live performance and buskers are what you can expect to find at Australia’s largest and longest-running dance festival. With more than 16 hours of entertainment each day and over 20 separate venues spread out in the park, you can spend the day listening to artists before hitting the Session Bars for late-night jams. Upwards of 50,000 visitors attend each year to see performers from around the globe, and this year artists will fly in from countries like Ireland, England, Scotland, the US, Chile and Gambia to show off their talent. A popular highlight will be the village bazaar, where 90 stalls will be selling handmade clothing, jewellery and arts & crafts. It’s a festival for everyone, including the kids, where there’s a dedicated Kids Festival and a circus skills workshop. There is also child care available onsite, something you don’t find too often at a festival. www.folkfestival.com

5. Sydney Royal Easter Show (April 9-22)

Australia’s largest annual event, the Sydney Royal Easter Show kicks off on April 9 and attracts almost one million people through its gates each year. For two weeks Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park comes alive in an iconic showcase of Australian bush heritage, city life and family fun. Tradition mixes with some modern day fun, including the array of world-class rides at the Coca-Cola Carnival, which is promising a couple of exciting new additions this year, and show bags for the kids.
Not just for the young-ones, it’s argued this is the only time each year Australians can find such a vast collection of Australian produce and agriculture all in one place.
For all the essential info and a full schedule of what’s happening and when, visit www.eastershow.com.au where tickets can also be purchased.

6. Bless the Fleet at Ulladulla
Drop in to Ulladulla for Easter this year where chocolate isn’t the only thing on the menu. The NSW South Coast town comes alive for the annual Blessing of the Fleet Festival. The Festival started in the 1960s when the Italian community in Ulladulla decided to bless the boats to ensure good luck for the coming year. St Peter is the patron saint and a life-sized statue of him makes an appearance at the wharf to make sure the boats are blessed properly. Then the Blessing of the Fleet Festival Princess leads a parade down the main road of Ulladulla with floats and bands. It’s one of the biggest events on the South Coast and attracts families from all over NSW. www.blessingofthefleet.info  

Tasmania
1. Australian Three Peaks Race
Celebrating its 21st birthday this Easter will be the Hydro Tasmania Three Peaks, Australia’s premier short-handed sailing, endurance and mountain running race. Starting off on Good Friday, local and international competitors will join each other in a three-leg race (not to be confused with a three-legged race) combining sailing and running. Staring from Launceston, competitors are expected to sail 335 nautical miles, then run up to 133km in total before finishing up in Hobart. It’s an alternative for yachting fanatics and a new challenge for runners, climbers and bushwalkers. And, since last year, each yacht will be fitted with a real-time tracker. This means you’ll be able to follow through Google Earth all the yachts and their progress on the course. Head to www.threepeaks.org.au for more details.

South Australia
1. Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to dress in your finest outfits as you head down to the Oakbank racecourse for the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival. The two-day event kicks off on Easter Saturday, which is to set the scene for the big day: Easter Monday. It draws crowds of 65,000 people annually, making it the biggest picnic race meeting in the world. It’s also the largest single country racing pilgrimage in the world where campers congregate with their cars before dawn on race day.
Place your bets and sip champagne as you cheer on your horse with the rest of the crowd (unless they’re booing your horse, in which case – cheer on alone). But the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival is more than just that; the centre of the course will unfold as a “Disneyland” for the young and not so young, with plenty of sideshow events including a fashion parade.
Since 1876, The Oakbank Racing Club in SA’s Adelaide Hills races twice a year – on Easter Saturday and Monday – while for the rest of the 363 days it’s no more than an open field. So take advantage of this colourful event – said to be the Melbourne Cup’s rival. For more info, www.oakbankracingclub.com.au  

2. Party like an Animal – Live at the Zoo
About 60km from Adelaide is Monarto Zoo, a wildlife sanctury, and this year on Easter weekend (April 11-12), the zoo will hold SA’s first multi-day festival with acts such as Evermore, Cut Copy, Bliss and Esso, British India and more descending on the zoo to celebrate Easter with some 20,000 people.
Don’t expect animals to stampede through in the middle of the concert, however. Live at the Zoo is held away from the animals, but you can still visit the zoo for a discount limited to that weekend ($21, special tours avaiable for extra). Camping is also available from Friday 10 to noon on Monday 13 and the cost is included in the ticket.
During the weekend, other events will be held to keep revellers amused. Dance tents with top DJs, an air guitar competition and African drum ring are just some of the extras being held on the day.
Presale tickets for Live at the Zoo are $185 for two days or $95 for one. Two-day tickets cost $200 or $115 at the gate on the day. Both tickets include camping. VIP tickets are available for extra. For more information visit www.liveatthezoo.com