Is it just me, or does this ridiculous cold snap make you think of a warmer climate, sunset drinks, sand under the feet, shorts and t-shirts?  Yes? Then join me in thanking the V8 Supercar Championship series for providing two incredible rounds up north, my personal favourites, when winter is smashing us down in Melbourne.

The Darwin and Townsville rounds of the Championship are unique yet quintessential Aussie race weekends. Yes I know, the Bathurst 1000 is the pinnacle for drivers pilgrimage for the die-hard V8 fan. I’ve been there 3 times and as much as I love the spectacle of the race and the imposing sight of Mount Panorama, the race is it. Sure there’s beer, Bundy, Beam and bogans, you get that at every event. But there’s not a hell of a lot to do apart from watch the various race classes, and ply oneself with as much booze as can be consumed in 5 days (not suggesting I’m altogether against this as it can insulate one from the cold too!).

Why do I LOVE Darwin and Townsville? Let’s start with Darwin. The SKYCITY Triple Crown at Hidden Valley is the highlight of what is potentially an amazing holiday. Not just for the race fan, but for their potentially less committed family too.  Again, I’ve been lucky enough to spend a couple of mid June weekends in Darwin and they usually go something like this. Land, de-robe, check-in, press every button and open every door in room (who doesn’t right?) hit the pool, beers, Mindil Night Market, dinner, beers, sleep. Deep water fishing 50 nautical miles off shore (long but AWESOME day!), beers, Chef BBQ our catch on the beach, beers, sleep. Swim, track, beers, drivers function (very cool), sleep. Hot Air Balloon, breakfast, race 1, beers, party, sleep. Crocodile Farm, race 2, beers, party, sleep. Kakadu day trip, sleep, depart. All this plus it’s sunny, average temp of 27 the height of the tourist season, quite simply the best time to visit. Granted, if it’s waterfalls and sweeping flood plains you’re looking for, perhaps think wet season. But for variety, comfort, and pure enjoyment for the whole family you can’t beat it. Add a track with premium viewing from every vantage point and whether you’re the V8 tragic, or the partner thereof, Darwin guarantees a memorable experience!

Townsville is the latest addition to the V8 Supercar Aussie calendar and the Armorall Townsville 600 has won ‘Best Event’ of the series its first 2 years. It’s on July 8-10 this year and there’s no reason to expect anything different. Having attended the first 2, as far as street circuits go it’s a cracker. Fast, smooth and terrifying for drivers. For fans, after experimenting in 2009 the location of the grandstands is now bang on. Within the track there is SO much to do, rides, random music acts, mountains of food etc. We saw INXS in 2010, and Wolfmother are appearing in 2011. It ROCKS!! The drivers seem more relaxed and up for a chat, even the pit crews and grid girls are more…receptive. Off track, free entertainment, beach and street parties, watersports galore and the choice of mainland or Magnetic Island accommodation and you can totally see why this is the jewel in the V8 crown. And YES!!! Before you ask, all is well in the Tropical North after a cyclone scare earlier this year. I promise you.

Why share this? Well, honestly these events make me really happy. Sure the racing is great, but the peripheral activities, tours, concerts and experiences unique to each destination are what really make them truly special. Believe me. If you need to defrost, love the V8’s and need to convince the better half somehow to come with you…let Sportsnet Holidays know and we’ll hook you up with an end-to-end experience to remember!