Latest Events in Australia

Australia is a fun-loving nation in which celebrations, commemorations and festivals regularly take place. From huge international sporting competitions such as the Commonwealth Games, the lively Mardi Gras celebration of gay rights to the respectful Anzac Day remembrance of soldiers killed in the First World War; Australia definitely knows how to host a big event.

	Ashes Tour 2006 The most exciting event of the year for cricket lovers is when the Ozzies and the Brits battle it out for the historic Ashes. The games will be held at venues in Melbourne and Sydney, with test matches before in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
	Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Taking place between the 15th and 26th of March at various sporting venues along the banks of the Yarra River, the XVIII Commonwealth Games will be a huge sporting event comprising 12 individual and four team sports.
	Sydney Mardi Gras 2006 - 4 March The Sydney Mardi Gras is the biggest celebration of gay, lesbian, transexual, transgender and queer culture on earth. Processions, festivals, parties and musical performances all take place in what is described as "the most glamorous civil rights demonstration in the world."
	Anzac Day - 25 April 2006 This day commemorates the first military action taken by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzacs) during the First World War. Processions, memorials and moments of silence take place throughout Australia to honour these brave souls.
	Christmas Day - 25 December 2007 As Australia's seasons are in reverse to that of the UK, Christmas is celebrated in the height of summer. Christmas dinner is often a BBQ served on the beach and the weather can reach a scorching 35 degrees celcius! Important sporting events such as the Boxing Day Cricket Test Match and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race take place on December 26th.
	New Years Day - 1 January 2007 Apart from the usual New Year's celebrations, January 1st is also important for Australians as on this day in 1901 the individual colonies became the Commonwealth of Australia. The Perth Cup is also held on this day and is one of the most exciting events on the sporting calendar.
	Australia Day - 26 January 2007 Australia Day commemorates the first fleet landing in Sydney Cove on this day in 1788.Celebrations take place throughout Oz including the impressive Perth Lotterywest Fireworks display.