The High Country

As a beautiful region within Victoria, Australia, The High Country holds its own special events every year that keep the community spirit thriving and attract visitors from far and wide. However, there are also nationally and globally recognised annual events that people observe in and around the area. Here are a few of the most exciting and unique examples.

First up is the Melbourne Cup, one of the biggest horse racing events in the world. While the actual race takes place in Flemington, Melbourne, the excitement of the race can be felt throughout the state. People often gather in local pubs, community halls, and even outdoor venues to watch the race and cheer on their chosen horse.

Another favourite event in Victoria is the Australian Open tennis tournament. This high-profile sporting event brings some of the world's best tennis players to Melbourne for two weeks every January. While the matches themselves take place in Melbourne, the excitement of the tournament is felt throughout the region. Fans flock to sports bars, public parks, and community centres to watch the matches and show their support for their favourite players.

Victoria is also home to one of the most celebrated music festivals in the country, the Byron Bay Bluesfest. Held annually over the Easter long weekend, thousands of music fans come together in the town of Byron Bay to enjoy a line-up of local and international blues, roots, and reggae acts.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is another highly anticipated event that draws people from all over Australia. Running for more than a month each year, the festival showcases some of the country's funniest comedians and boasts hundreds of shows in venues throughout Melbourne. Visitors can catch world-class comedy acts, including standup, musical performances, and theatre.

For film buffs, there's the Melbourne International Film Festival. Dubbed as one of the oldest film festivals in the world, this iconic event has been running for more than 60 years and showcases local and international film talent. Spread out over two weeks and several venues throughout Melbourne, the festival features everything from feature-length films to short films, documentaries, and animation.

Lastly, there's the Dandenong Ranges’ Tesselaar Tulip Festival. This unique event takes place in the stunning gardens of the Dandenong Ranges, with blooming tulips in thousands of different colours. Visitors can enjoy live music, sample local food, and take part in activities such as workshops and guided tours to learn more about the region's flora and fauna.

The High Country of Victoria, Australia, is home to some of the country's most celebrated and anticipated events. From the glamour of the Melbourne Cup and Australian Open, to the laughs of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the region has something for everyone. Visiting any of these events can give tourists and locals alike a taste of the area and its rich culture.