Wangaratta Jazz Festival comes of age

The premier jazz and blues festival in Australia has come of age. It is celebrating 21 years of superb musicians, gourmet food and outstanding wines.

The Australasia specialist, Austravel, is recommending Britons pay a visit to Victoria this year from 29 October - 1 November for an extra special musical experience.

An annual event since 1990, venues for the world class musicians range from a magnificent cathedral to pubs, wineries and marquees on the banks of the Ovens River.

Because jazz is not to everyone's taste, Austravel has compiled its top three alternative and uniquely Australian line-ups for Brits to experience.

Falls Festival
Held over the New Year from 28 December - 1 January, Falls Festival is probably the most picturesque in the country. Combining music and arts, this spectacular event is held in a natural amphitheatre in Marion Bay, Tasmania. Mixing local and international acts and welcoming children of all ages, this is a simply divine festival.

Tamworth Country Music Festival
The 14 - 23 January 2011 brings the festival to town that's put this place on the map. Thousands of visitors flock to the site every year to hear everything from indigenous Australian country rock bands, yodellers, young stars yet to be discovered to some of the most well-known country music celebrities in the world.

Deni Ute Muster
This true Aussie spectacular is a celebration of all things Antipodean. From humble beginnings, the festival has gone on to set the World Record for the largest number of Utes in one place. On the 1 and 2 October 2010, some of the legends of Australian rock will congregate to entertain crowds who have gathered to pay homage to Aussie icons including blue singlets, vegemite and thongs. Since 1999 fans have been joined together at this rural town in outback New South Wales for a festival experience like no other.

Austravel is offering a seven night Melbourne and Wangaratta package with return flights to Melbourne with Malaysia Airlines departing on 25 October 2010 from £1,349 per person. Price includes three nights accommodation in Melbourne, four nights accommodation in Wangaratta and eight days car hire.

For flights to Australia or to book this package, visit: austravel.com