The country’s best and most lauded distillers will descend on Melbourne Showgrounds on August 3 for the 2023 Australia Distilled Spirit Awards presentation. On August 4 comes the trade and tasting day where attendants will have the opportunity to taste, critique, and connect with the makers of Australia’s best spirits. With 950 applicants for consideration, with samples available of all, this is a spirit drinker’s playground. Tickets are available now at melbourneroyal.com.au

Taste Port Douglas is back for its seventh year this August at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. ​The culinary event will bring together big industry names like Matt Preston, Guy Grossi, Ben Williamson, Laura Sharrad and many more. Four Mile Beach provides the backdrop for inspiring food and drink experiences, and the vibrant food culture of Tropical North Queensland from Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 August. Tickets can be purchased at tasteportdouglas.com.au

Mudgee’s beloved Zin House is hosting its winter festival this August, Zin on Fire. The seasonal celebration of fire will take place on August 12, when Zin House head chef Kyle Bowett and guest chef Jared Ingersoll (Danks Street Depot) will prepare the night’s meal on an open flame, with guests immersed in the sensory-driven winter evening seated outside of the Zin House. The menu will showcase the season’s organically and biodynamically grown produce from across the property and highlight a range of Tinja-raised meats. Tickets available now at lowefamilywineco.com.au/zinhouse

Distillery Road Market and Burleigh Brewing have teamed up to host Keg Jump 2023, which will see the skateboarding and craft beer event run for its fourth year on Saturday August 19. The winning skateboarder must clear and land over the highest number of Burleigh beer kegs on the night to score the ‘Burleigh Golden Growler’ trophy. Gnarly. After the comp, the after-party kicks off where Burleigh brews will be on the pour and a series of food trucks and on-site food vendors will keep you fueled. Tickets are all ages and can be purchased at Oztix.com.au

The Hotel Morris Hunt, Dine & Stay experience includes two nights’ accommodation in a Morris Queen room, return transfers to RedGround Truffle Hunting Lodge in Oberon, NSW for a 2-hour truffle hunt and tour, and a 6-course truffle dinner at Bar Morris. The weekend adventure begins at Hotel Morris on Friday 18 August for a night of relaxation at the newly-restored CBD hotel. On Saturday August 19, enjoy lux transfers to RedGround Truffle Hunting Lodge in Oberon where you will be greeted with a truffle tasting and an engaging talk on the art of truffle cultivation. Guided by experts and the farms’ trained truffle-hunting dogs, Sarge, Genie and Gypsie, explore the manicured truffiere before a truffle tasting masterclass. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a 6-course dinner at Bar Morris. Friday 18 – Sunday 20 August. Bookings can be made at barmorris.com.au