La Trobe, Tasmania, is not only home to the House of Anvers - an award-winning confectionery, specialising in Belgian chocolate - but also, once a year in July, the Chocolate Winterfest, a nationally-renowned celebration of chocolate in all its forms and manifestations. What better way to break the bleakness of mid-winter, than by indulging in an all-you-can-eat chocolate extravaganza? Not only will visitors be encouraged to taste more chocolate than they'll probably be able to stomach, they can also involve themselves in Chocolate Appreciation Masterclass sessions, view exhibitions of chocolate art, have a go at moulding their own bars, and even - for the high-browed - attend a chocolate-themed High Tea! An understandably popular and well-attended festival, if you happen to be in Tasmania during July, you could a lot worse than seeking out some winter cheer at La Trobe's Chocolate Winterfest.

Venue: La Trobe, Tasmania (a short drive from Devonport)

Date: 8 July 2012

Website: www.chocolatewinterfest.com.au