From the retro Wintersun Rock and Roll festival in Mildura to the Beer Can Regatta in Darwin to the Gourmet Food Weekend in the Barossa Valley to Opera Under the Stars at Cable Beach these are our top ten picks of what's on around Australia in August.

1.      VIC: The Melbourne International Film Festival 3^rd July to 8^th August

It’s that time of year again when the lights go down and the big screen comes to life, and this year the Melbourne International Film Festival is stepping it up with a range of events from a special screening of Psycho accompanied by live orchestral music and drive in cinema at Open Channel to late night screenings and special talks with some of MIFFs International guests.  For more details visit their website www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au

2.       VIC: Wintersun In Mildura 13th to August 16th

Experience an extended weekend of activities with cars, rockers, dancers and the Wintersun crowd. Mildura boasts more Winter Sun than any other town in Australia so it seems the perfect spot to go. You can expect cruises to vineyards, cruises on the road and the beautiful River Murray. They will have a mix of free entertainment in the streets, clubs and hotels as well as some ticketed events. Visit their website for more information www.wintersun.org.au

3.      QLD: Country Music Muster 24 to 29 August at Amamoor

An annual country music festival held at Amamoor via Gympie The Muster, held over six magical days and unforgettable nights among the towering gums of Amamoor Creek State Forest Park, celebrates the true spirit of country Australia. It's a phenomenal experience rooted in music and community, far removed from ties and clocks, suits and schedules. Thousands of patrons flock to this iconic event, attracted each year by the smorgasbord of diverse programs rich with our country's finest musicians, the bushland setting laced with inviting whiffs of campfire cooking and fresh bush eucalypt, the easy camaraderie created by convivial patrons all set to simply enjoy themselves... 'there are no strangers at the Muster, just friends you haven't met yet.’ The site, 2 hours drive north of Brisbane, 40 minutes from Noosa and 1 hour from heritage listed Fraser Island, is easily accessible by large vehicles - just watch for meandering cows! www.muster.com.au 

4.      SA: NAB Barossa Gourmet Weekend Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 August

Set your taste buds free with a weekend of indulgence in one of world's best wine regions. Each of the cellar doors taking part in this event will be serving up a fine dining experience matched with premium wines and the smooth sounds of live music. Barossa Gourmet weekend is a fantastic opportunity to indulge in food, wine and music and famous hospitality in the beautiful Barossa. A range of entertainment to suit all tastes will be on offer at each of the venues.  For more information on NAB Barossa Gourmet Weekend 2010 log on to the web site at www.barossagourmetweekend.com.au or phone Barossa Visitor Information Centre 08 8563 0600

5.       NT:  Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta Sunday 8 August

Come and enjoy a great family day. There are beach events for all ages and the water events will be spectacular!  Entrance is by a gold coin donation. Proceeds go to projects of the combined Lions Clubs of Darwin.  Bar facilities are available. There is no BYO due to our licence. Soft drinks and water will also be available. Mindil Market food and craft stalls will be trading all day. www.beercanregatta.org.au

6.       NT:  Annual Henley-On-Todd Regatta Saturday 21 August

The 49th annual dry-land boat race is the longest running event in the Northern Territory and has been labeled Iconic Event for the Territory. Funds raised will go to charity.  Join in, have fun, or just enjoy the hilarity from under the shade of gum trees on the edge of the dry Todd River bed, and help raise funds for charity, with major sponsor, ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions!

Everyone is invited to attend and enter events! You could make your own boat and even join in the Grand Parade! Entry Costs for the Henley-On-Todd Regatta are $12 Adult, $5 children and $25 Family. Registrations to enter any of the events can be taken on the day at no extra cost. www.henleyontodd.com.au

7.       TAS: The Australian Shakespeare Festival 9 to 29 August

The major new Australian multi-arts festival will have its inaugural season in Hobart this year. Six streams of Shakespeare-infused arts will offer over 10,000 seats to audiences throughout the three-week festival program, encompassing Play, Opera, Revue, Film, Music and Fringe events and performances Australian Shakespeare Festival.  You will experience the magical worlds of Shakespeare’s wits, wonders, and woes. There is an extraordinary programme of events that will appeal as much to the newcomer as to die-hard Shakespeare fans: from comic play, through a classic opera, to a film festival and an array of musical events, there is a vast assortment of wonders waiting to be experienced by everyone.  Be entertained. Be surprised. Marvel at Shakespeare as LUNATIC, LOVER, and POET and discover all these elements in ourselves.  Visit their website for more details. www.australianshakespearefestival.com.au

8.       NSW: Newcastle Jazz Festival 27 - 29 August

The Newcastle Jazz Festival is a must visit for Jazz fans because it offer a wide variety of Jazz styles and some blues and is regarded as one of the best Jazz festivals in Australia.  This year the Newcastle Jazz Festival is celebrating its 24th anniversary and has continued to grow each year. Come and enjoy a wonderful weekend of great jazz and take an opportunity to catch up with the Australia wide Jazz family held at the Newcastle City Hall, King Street, Newcastle. Thirty bands and performers will be on hand to entertain you and provide a wide variety of jazz and blues music to appeal to a wide range of tastes. The Festival features some of Australia's best Jazz & Blues performers. This year performers will be heard in 5 different rooms within the City Hall at various times over the weekend. Highlights include a Jazz breakfast, and a Jazz Gospel on Sunday morning. Full details including registration form, program and details of the artists appearing can be obtained from the Newcastle Jazz Club website, www.newcastlejazz.com.au or phone (02) 4929 6315.

9.      ACT: Fireside Festival 1 to 31 August

The sound of clinking glasses and a crackling fire, the smell of hot chocolate. Immerse yourself with delicious food, fabulous wine, art and experiences during the Fireside Festival 2010 throughout August. At the Fireside Festival you can sip on exquisite cool climate wines, taste the delicacies from the region, meet local artists with a passion for their craft, or just relax and warm yourself on open fires while you listen to fine music and talk amongst your friends.  We've got degustation dinners and truffles galore, wine masterclasses, fantastic arts and cultural events and accomodation and relaxation packages you're going to adore! And to be the first to know if we add new events, make sure you sign up for the festival newsletter.  Log on to the website for more information. www.firesidefestival.com.au

10.  WA: Opera Under the Stars Broome 28 August

Presented on a balmy August night (in the middle of winter when it is freezing everywhere else!) just a stone’s throw from Broome’s famous Cable Beach, at the Cable Beach Amphitheatre, OPERA UNDER THE STARS® is renowned for its artistic excellence, uniquely intimate feel and spine-tingling pleasure value. Wonderfully entertaining, this unique event is a rare treat featuring sensational stars of World Opera in Broome for One Night Only in a variety filled gala performance that includes something for everyone. As twilight descends the combination of sublime music and the natural beauty of a star-filled Kimberley sky above magically enhance the distinctive charm of OPERA UNDER THE STARS® as the gently cascading waters of the Indian Ocean ebb and flow on the shores of Cable Beach. Whether you are an Opera Lover or an Opera Novice, OPERA UNDER THE STARS® is a fantastic night of entertainment for everyone and a must to experience.  www.broomevisitorcentre.com.au