There is plenty on offer for sport and art fans in Melbourne this autumn.
Ten events, ranging from an edgy opera production to Australia's first city-based Ironman, are among major attractions in Melbourne this autumn.
CABARET AND CIRCUS
The Famous Spiegel Season
Over 200 dazzling performances encompassing cabaret, live music and comedy will hit The Famous Spiegeltent during March and April. Feature acts include Meow Meow, Tex Perkins and Johnette Napolitano (frontwoman of Concrete Blonde), among others.
Until April 22
EAT STREETS
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Each March food lovers in their thousands eat and drink their way around Melbourne, attending over 250 events in restaurants, down laneways, on rooftops and in Victoria's picturesque wine country.
Until March 21
BIG LAUGHS
Melbourne Comedy Festival
Great laughs are dished out at this event by some very special international guests and popular local comics. International comedy royalty gracing the stage this year includes names such as Tom Green, Wanda Sykes, Tim FitzHigham, David O'Doherty and Jimeoin.
Until April 22
SMELLS SO SWEET
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
This flower show is regarded as the largest and most successful horticultural event in the southern hemisphere. It features the best landscape and floral talent that Australia has to offer alongside an extensive array of garden retail products.
Until April 1
TOMORROW
Annie
The timeless tale of little orphan Annie is coming to Melbourne, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. The cast includes Anthony Warlow as New York "zillionaire" Daddy Warbucks, Nancye Hayes as Miss Hannigan, along with Todd McKenney, Chloe Dallimore and Julie Goodwin.
May 24 - August 21
NOISY CARS
Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
One of Australia's premier sporting events, the Australian Grand Prix offers an action-packed program for all ages, both on and off the track.
March 15-18
FIT PEOPLE
Ironman Asia Pacific Championship
Australia's first city-based Ironman event kicks off along the Frankston foreshore with a 3.7km swim, followed by a 180km cycle along the EastLink Tollway and a run along the old Melbourne marathon route from Frankton to St Kilda. The Ironman triathlon attracts athletes from across the globe keen to qualify for the 2012 World Ironman Championship later this year.
March 25
WHEELS GO ROUND AND ROUND
UCI Track Cycling Championships
As the final qualifying event before the London Olympics, this event is set to attract up to 350 of the world's best cyclists from more than 40 countries, all vying for their spot on the world stage.
April 4-8
BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY
Rod Laver Arena
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Taylor Swift, Duran Duran, Florence + the Machine and Lady Gaga are among some of the big names hitting Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena over the coming months.
Various dates
SONG AND DRAMA
The Rakes Progress
Victorian Opera's 2012 season opens with an edgy production of Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress directed by John Bell and conducted by Richard Gill. The opera explores the journey of Tom Rakewell whose wish for money is the catalyst for his decline and eventual decent into madness. The season also features the new Australian opera Midnight Son and Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro.
Various dates.
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