What’s hot in Melbourne this winter?
This winter Melbourne serves up a smorgasbord of hot theatre productions, international exhibitions, sporting spectacles and popular festivals, as well as loads of great shopping, restaurants, cafes and bars.
Singing witches and colourful 1940s characters take to the stage in two lavish musicals: WICKED (at the Regent Theatre, starting 27 June), the eagerly awaited Broadway production that recounts the story of the Witches of Oz before a ruby-slippered Dorothy ‘dropped in’; and Guys and Dolls (currently playing at the Princess Theatre) featuring a stellar cast of wise guys and dames, energetic dance numbers and classic show tunes.
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) will be the exclusive Australian venue for the international blockbuster exhibition, Art Deco 1910–1939, showcasing exquisite works from this stylish design period from 28 June to 5 October 2008.
In July and August, Melbourne transforms into the festival central with three major cultural festivals taking place in just six weeks:
- the State of Design Festival (16 to 24 July, see story later in this edition of Pieces of Victoria), Australia’s only major design festival
- the Melbourne International Film Festival (23 July to 10 August), a 19-day feast of local and international cinema;
- The Age Melbourne Writers’ Festival (22 to 31 August), where Australian and international authors will converge on the city
Visitors can embrace the city’s passion for football of all codes, with Aussie Rules games at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or Telstra Dome; alternately home-town heroes Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League at Olympic Park or watch Qantas Wallabies take on Ireland in the Rugby Union Lansdowne Cup (June 14).
Winter is also the ideal time for shopping, whether it’s exploring Melbourne’s myriad lanes and arcades for edgy clothes labels, eclectic jewellery and one-off homewares or indulging in the city’s many fabulous shopping precincts which cater for all tastes and budgets.
Go to visitvictoria.com for more information about what’s happening in Melbourne and the great value winter escape deals and packages available.
Media contact: Karen Strahan, Tourism Victoria, on (03) 9653 9745 or email karen.strahan@tourism.vic.gov.au
Ski 2008: the new green?
Victoria’s five ski resorts - Mount Buller, Hotham, Mount Baw Baw, Lake Mountain and Falls Creek - are working together to minimise the effect of climate change and global warming on the precious alpine environment, with each mountain implementing a series of sustainable initiatives in line with the Keep Winter Cool charter (www.keepwintercool.com.au).
New developments in 2008 include Mount Buller’s new Doppelmayr six-person ski lift, which is the first lift at the resort to run on 100% green power. Utilising wind-generated energy, Buller’s new chair lift follows in the lead of green energy powered chairlifts Dream, Falls Express and Towers Quad already in operation at Falls Creek.
The snow-making process has been another priority, with both Falls Creek and Mount Buller increasing their number of energy efficient snow producing machines. Over at Hotham, the entire snowmaking network is powered by 100% green energy. Connections in the new snowmaking area of Heavenly Valley are being finalised now.
All wastewater at Hotham is reused and recycled water is used for snowmaking, while Mount Buller’s own $3.4million water reuse project will be fully operational this winter, recycling up to 2 million litres of water each day.
Over at Lake Mountain, energy efficient principles are incorporated into the design and operation including multi-level layout for efficient heat flow and reuse of waste heat from electricity generation to save energy costs each year as well as significant greenhouse gas reductions.
Mount Baw Baw is offering special environmental talks for school students to educate them about surrounding environment and has also using 32,000 cubic metres of soil, displaced from the newly constructed Baw Baw Tourist Road intersection, to facilitate significant rehabilitation and revegetation activities that are underway on certain areas on the mountain.
The resorts are also joining forces to educate the next generation skiers through the Alpine Junior Rangers program. An educational program and resource for primary school students, the Alpine Junior Rangers program teaches children think about the potential impacts of their activities and look at ways they can protect the alpine environment. As an added incentive, a ski-of-free pass is available for all children in Grade 5 level, offer one free admission per child for all five Victorian resorts during the 2008 ski season.
For more information: visit www.alpinejuniorrangers.com.au
Media Contact: Danielle Poulos, Senior Media Officer, Tourism Victoria, on (03) 9653 9773 or email danielle.poulos@tourism.vic.gov.au
New hot spots in Melbourne
The Great Indoors has never looked so inviting with these just-opened bars that combine great atmosphere with a fantastic selection of beverages…
Siglo, Level 2, 161 Spring Street, Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9654 6300
Perched atop the renowned Melbourne Supper Club, this latest rooftop watering hole has a classic continental feel and picture perfect views. A far-reaching selection of Old World wines and ample gas heaters make for a warming autumn outdoor drinking destination.
Von Haus, 1b Crossley St, Melbourne. Ph: (03) 9662 2756
Melbourne's penchant for pint-sized bars in obscure locations continues with the opening of this miniature hideaway. Putting every other hole-in-the-wall bar in the CBD to shame, Von Haus' sole room has a Nanna's kitchen kind of vibe, including a bench laden with fresh produce, treats and even a mantelpiece!
Echidna Walkabout gets up close and personal with Australia’s furriest creatures in the wild!
Eco-tour operator Echidna Walkabout runs a variety of eco-tours in Victoria where the untouched beauty of nature and wildlife can be fully experienced.
See hundreds of wild kangaroos, dozens of emus and many species of birds on the one-day Savannah Walkabout just west of Melbourne. Or head further afield for three-day guided tours of the Great Ocean Road or Phillip Island.
A new private tour of Croajingolong National Park in East Gippsland combines the luxury of staying at Gipsy Point Lakeside’s five-star apartments and exploring the nearby wonders of a World Biosphere Reserve. Wander through gum-tree forests full of birds, cruise a quiet coastal lake and stroll along a remote beach gazing at the wild Southern Ocean.
All tour guides are trained in the practice of ‘positive conservation’, imparting a respect for the wildlife and ecosystems of Australia to visitors. The company has also conducted important koala research in the You Yangs Regional Park and Brisbane Ranges National Park for many years.
All tours depart from Melbourne.
For more information, call Echidna Walkabout on (03) 9646 8249 or go to www.echidnawalkabout.com.au
Media contact: phone 03 9650 0737 or email melbourne@flightexperience.com.au
New Loch Ard Lantern Walk - for those seeking a night adventure!
A new lantern-lit walk through Warrnambool’s Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village will add an adventurous new dimension to Shipwrecked!, the famous state-of-the-art sound and laser experience that magically brings to life the tale of the Loch Ard, Victoria’s most infamous shipwreck.
Occurring every evening as a part of the show, the Loch Ard Lantern Walk takes visitors back to 1870s, guiding them by storm lantern through the darkened streets of the maritime village. The scene is perfect for their final destination of Shipwrecked! and real story behind the ship’s ill-fated voyage, and offers an alternate to the fully transported option.
The tragic journey of the Loch Ard continues to fascinate and inspire writers, artists and tourists alike. Making its way to Melbourne from England in 1878, the Loch Ard was caught in thick fog and drew dangerously close to the treacherous rocks and cliffs, and struck Mutton Bird Island near present day Port Campbell. Frantic efforts to save the 1700-tonne ship failed and she was dashed on to rocks and sank within 15 minutes. Out of the 54 people on board, only two survived, an apprentice, Tom Pearce and young woman passenger Eva Carmichael, who were both washed up on a nearby cove, now called Loch Ard Gorge.
The coast between Cape Otway and Port Fairy became Victoria’s most notorious stretches of coastline, with over 80 shipwrecks occurring during the period from the 1840s to the 1920s.
More information: www.flagstaffhill.com or call (03) 5559 4600 or 1800 556 111 (toll free)
Media contact: Peter Abbott on 0427820872 or email pabbott@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
Trawool Valley’s scenic beauty a mecca for artists seeking inspiration
First-time visitors to Trawool sometimes experience an uncanny sense of having been there before, but it’s not surprising – it’s quite possible they might have already seen its famous landscape on a gallery wall somewhere.
Nestled around the Goulburn River about 80 kilometres north-north east of Melbourne, the township and its breathtaking heritage-listed surrounds has been providing inspiration to artists for well over a century, most famously Heidelberg School artists such as Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin and Arthur Streeton who, back in the early 1900s, would use the original Trawool hotel as a retreat to capture the beauty of the local area on canvas.
The Trawool Valley Resort, now situated on the site where the original hotel used to stand, continues to be the perfect place to feed the imagination, its recent refurbishments continuing to pay homage to the valley’s rich history.
Still surrounding the resort today are century old olive and bay trees from the original hotel’s garden, planted by Edward Von Mueller, famous for his design of the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
When age and deterioration rendered the Trawool unsafe in the 1930s, the hotel was demolished and ‘new’ hotel was built on the existing site. Evidence of this second incarnation is still visible at the resort, in particular the façade of the old hotel retained as a feature of the foyer and bar areas.
Also still present is the old Tallarook to Yea railway line, now a favourite walk for resort guests, with the sign from the original Trawool railway station, built in 1883, still on display within the resort.
The Trawool Valley Resort has a number of special winter packages on offer including a relaxation package for two, offering accommodation in a luxurious spa suite, three course dinner and full buffet breakfast, massages, cocktails, and a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival for $467, and the ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ package at $145 per person (based on triple share) including accommodation in a family suite full buffet breakfast, pyjamas, slippers and a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival.
More information: www.trawoolresort.com.au or call (03) 5792 1444
State of Design 2008, Victoria’s Design Festival
An exciting program of public and industry events has been announced for State of Design 2008 which is running from July 16 to 24 at the Melbourne Museum and regional locations, confirming Victoria internationally as Australia’s major hub for design innovation.
The festival has four key elements: The Premier’s Design Awards, recognising design excellence in Victoria; Design Capital, Australia’s first multi-disciplinary design and business conference; Design For Everyone, a state-wide cultural program of exhibitions, open studios, walks and talks; and Design:Made:Trade, the wholesale showcase for innovative and emerging design brands.
The State of Design has something for everyone from movies, fashion shows and exhibitions to the more industry focused series of masterclasses, awards and trade events.
Some highlight events include Eat Green Design, a temporary restaurant developed to explore ecological principles and environmental responsibility; Skyline-Incubator Inspired, a couture fashion parade featuring garments inspired by Melbourne’s landmark architectural sites; and Australian Perspectives, a Saturday afternoon series of films from the 1930s showcasing Australia’s history of design, screening at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
More information: www.stateofdesign.com.au or call State of Design festival on (03) 9650 3963
Media contact: David Renouf or Michelle Shepherd at HotHouse Media and Events on (03) 9682 0222 or email: david@hhme.com.au or michelle@hhme.com.au
Hepburn Mineral Springs Bath House redevelopment close to completion
The soon-to-be completed five-star refurbishment of the historic Hepburn Mineral Springs Bath House is expected to cement Daylesford’s reputation as Australia’s spa capital.
Located among the most significant concentration of natural mineral water springs in Australia, the Hepburn Mineral Springs Bath House refurbishment includes: renovations of the existing heritage building for relaxation, therapy, massage and private bathing rooms; new reception access; state-of-the-art amenities; and the construction of a new building to house three public bathing pools.
Already recognised as one of regional Victoria’s most popular tourist attractions, the revitalised Bath House is expected to boost the region’s already strong local tourism and wellbeing industry, which supports 2,200 jobs and is worth more than $262 million annually.
The project is anticipated to be completed by mid 2008, with the Bath House opening to the public in late 2008.
Internationally renowned Chinese puppet troupe performs at Melbourne’s Chinese Musuem during winter school holidays
Centuries-old Chinese puppetry tradition will be one of the highlights of the winter school holidays when the renowned Quanzhou Marionette Troupe, one of the cultural treasure of China's Fujian Province, bring their captivating and highly expressive show to shows at the Melbourne’s Chinese Museum from June 28.
First established in 1952, the Quanzhou Marionette Troupe is one of the best known professional artistic performing groups in China, and have performed in over 40 countries around the world.
Based on an artistic tradition which dates back two thousand years, Chinese puppet theatre has formed into a highly developed expression of Chinese culture, combining the skills of an artisan and performer into folk art. The puppeteer has a special place among Chinese performing artists.
Delighting audiences with their life-like puppets, master puppeteers manipulate single or groups of strings with their fingers. These expressive puppets portray men and women of all ages and professions as well as spirits and wild animals. The puppeteers, who often begin training as children, may take five years to learn basic techniques, and over 20 years to completely master more than 30 strings of the more complex puppets.
The Quanzhou Marionette Troupe will be performing daily at 11am, 1.30pm and 8pm from Saturday 28 June to Thursday 4 July. Tickets are $20 (adult) and $12 (child under 14 years) and can be purchased from the Chinese Museum. For an additional $12, visitors can enjoy a pre-show Chinese buffet lunch or dinner.
More information: www.chinesemuseum.com.au or call (03) 9662 2888
Media contact: Ursula Kay, Marketing Coordinator, Chinese Museum on (03) 9662 2888 or marketing@chinesemuseum.com.au
Racing’s family dynasties on show
Racing Dynasties – a way of life, an inspiring new exhibition tracing the history of some of Australia’s legendary and world renowned racing families, has opened at Champions: Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame at Federation Square.
Racing dynasties – a way of life exploring the notion that racing ‘is in the blood’ with the passion for the sport passing from one generation to the next.
The exhibition showcases 10 of Australia’s most celebrated racing dynasties including the Cummings, Hayes, Freedman, Waterhouse, Hoysted, Cox, Cooks, Hall, Yuille and Inglis families.
Racing dynasties – a way of life features rare racing exhibits and precious family racing memorabilia including trophies from famous race wins such as the Melbourne Cup, Golden Slipper and Cox Plate as well as rare photographs and documents.
The informative exhibition provides visitors with the opportunity to gain a rare insight into the traditions associated with Australian racing and the impact that successive generations have had on thoroughbred racing.
Racing dynasties – a way of life runs until early August 2008. Admission is $9 (adult), $5 (concession/children) and free for children under 12 years are free.
More information: www.racingmuseum.com.au or call 1300 139 407
Media contact: Rebecca Elliott, Public Relations Co-ordinator for Racing Victoria Limited, on 03 9285 4628 or email r.elliott@racingvictoria.net.au
Nominations now open for the Melbourne Airport 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards
Tourism, leisure and hospitality operators are being encouraged to nominate for the Melbourne Airport 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards, in one of 27 different business categories ranging from accommodation to tourism marketing, ecotourism and tourism training, or one of the three individual categories recognising individuals, volunteers and young achievers.
By nominating for the Melbourne Airport 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards, operators will be kept up-to-date about the Victorian Tourism Awards as well as provided with tools to help prepare their submission. They will also be eligible to attend workshops and participate in the mentor program.
Nominations for the 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards will be open until 25 June with final submissions due by 20 August.
The Victorian Tourism Awards represents an industry framework for peer recognition and plays an integral role in encouraging and rewarding excellence, innovation and commitment in the industry.
The program has assisted the Victorian tourism industry for 24 years. During this period more than 3000 businesses have entered the awards and benefited though examination of their business practice, with many recognised as winners at a national level.
Winners of the Melbourne Airport 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards will be announced at a gala presentation dinner on Monday 17 November.
Winners will go on to represent Victoria at the 2008 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held in Melbourne in February 2009.
Entry is free and open to all Victorian tourism, leisure and hospitality operators. To nominate your business, simply complete the online nomination form at www.victoriantourismawards.com.au
More information: www.victoriantourismawards.com.au
Media Contact: Danielle Poulos, Senior Media Officer, Tourism Victoria, on (03) 9653 9773 or email danielle.poulos@tourism.vic.gov.au
Special Packages:
Come back down to earth with these hot deals on the Bellarine Peninsula or enjoy special discounts at the Big4 Holiday parks across Australia.
Bellarine special packages
The gateway to the Great Ocean Road and an easy one hour drive from Melbourne, the Bellarine Peninsula offers an enjoyable seaside experience for families and couples. It has all the ingredients for a memorable short break, including quaint coastal villages, beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, eclectic shops, family entertainment attractions, prestigious golf courses and award-winning wineries and galleries.
Hawthorn Suites at 13th Beach - $165 per couple*
Set amongst the undulating sand dunes of the 13th Beach Golf Links at Barwon Heads, Hawthorn Suites is a brand new 4.5 star resort featuring 60 fully self-contained one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with balconies and breathtaking views. Enjoy a delicious continental breakfast before teeing-off for two rounds of golf at the spectacular 13th Beach Golf Links. Experience this winter sea-change package, which includes:
- overnight accommodation for two people in a self-contained apartment
- continental breakfast packs for two people
- complimentary car parking and use of the swimming pool, indoor roman spa and tennis courts
- optional golfers’ package add-on which includes two rounds of golf with a cart on 13th Beach Golf Links.
* Conditions apply. Add $115 per couple per day for the golfers’ package.
For more information: (03) 5254 1777 or visit www.hawthornsuites.com.au
Barwon Heads Golf Club - $220 per person*
Nestled in the dunes at the mouth of the Barwon River, Barwon Heads Golf Club is a spectacular links course. Enjoy two nights’ accommodation in the charming 1920s clubhouse before teeing-off for a round of golf. Get away this winter with a midweek winter warmer special which includes:
- two nights’ accommodation
- breakfast for two both mornings
- two rounds of golf at the stunning Barwon Heads Golf Club.
*Valid Monday to Thursday, based on twin share. Dress code applies on the course and in the clubhouse.
For more information: (03) 5255 6255 or visit www.bhgc.com.au
Oakdene Vineyards - $410 per couple*
Located a short five minute drive from Ocean Grove, Oakdene Vineyards is an original 1920s beautifully restored homestead offering dining, accommodation, a cellar door and its very own vineyard. Wake up to a delicious continental breakfast before spending the day exploring the magnificent Bellarine Peninsula. Relax and unwind with a wine tasting in the cellar door and a delicious dinner for two in the award-winning Oakdene restaurant. Don’t miss this luxurious escape that includes:
- two nights’ accommodation
- continental breakfast for two both mornings
- dinner for two in the restaurant on one night
- wine tasting in the cellar door.
*Per couple. Valid Friday and Saturday nights until 31 October 2008, subject to availability.
For more information: (03) 5255 1255 or visit www.oakdene.com.au
Vue Grand - $99 per person*
Situated in the heart of beautiful Queenscliff and less than 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, the Vue Grand is a stunning multi-award winning boutique hotel. After a delicious fully cooked buffet breakfast, spend the day exploring historic Queenscliff or take advantage of the hotels’ amenities including in-house massage, private bar, lounges, courtyards and magnificent Grand Dining Room. Spoil yourself with this fabulous winter-warmer package that includes:
- overnight accommodation in either a traditional or balcony room
- fully cooked buffet breakfast the following morning
- all rooms have king size beds, flat screen TVs, heating/cooling, mini bar and Foxtel.
* Per person, twin share. Upgrade to dinner, bed and breakfast package for $340 per room.
For more information: (03) 5258 1544 or visit www.vuegrand.com.au
BIG4 Holiday Parks special package: Kids Stay Free Offer - Big 4 Holiday Parks
From the June 1st until September 19th, kids stay free* at BIG4 Holiday Parks across Victoria.
BIG4 Holiday Parks offer the perfect winter escape for families, and are dedicated to helping holiday-makers build their own uniquely Australian vacation experience, from making new friends around the barbie, nights spent under millions of shining stars, or taking time to stop, relax and ‘smell the roses’.
* The kids stay free offer is based on a family of 4 people (2 adults and 2 children) staying in a 2 bedroom cabin and is for a minimum 2 night stay. Offer must be requested at times of booking. Offer is only available at participating parks. Normal tariff will apply to any additional people sharing the accommodation. No further discounts apply except BIG4 Member saving of 10% up to $30 per stay.
For more information: www.big4.com.au or call 1800 632 444
Diary Notes
July 2008
Guys and Dolls, Melbourne, from April
The dazzling production of Broadway classic Guys and Dolls is now running at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre. Guys and Dolls is a boy-meets-girl story set in 1940s New York filled with exciting dance routines, fabulous costumes and classic hits. The sensational cast includes Lisa McCune, Marina Prior, Ian Stenlake, Garry McDonald, Shane Jacobson and Magda Szubanski.
For more information: visit www.ticketek.com.au (for ticket information) or www.guysanddollsthemusical.com.au
Fun4Kids Festival, Warrnambool, 29 June – 6 July
The Fun 4Kids Festival is regarded as Australia’s best children's festival. Set on a sprawling two-and-a-half acre village in the heart of Warrnambool, a pleasant three-hour drive from Melbourne. The not-for-profit festival celebrates the imagination and creative spirit of kids in a dynamic environment designed to engage, inspire and delight.
For more information: Narelle Allen, Festival Director on (03) 5559 4816 or visit www.fun4kids.com.au
Wicked, Regent Theatre, from July
The Broadway hit Wicked will delight audiences at Melbourne’s magnificent Regent Theatre in July.
WICKED follows the tale of two girls who meet in the Land of Oz - one born with emerald-green skin who is smart, fiery and misunderstood; and the other who is beautiful, ambitious and popular. How these two unlikely friends wind up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes WICKED the most spellbinding musical ever.
For more information: Howie and Taylor Publicity on (03) 9654 3431 or visit www.wickedthemusical.com.au
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: Art Deco 1910 – 1939 exhibition, 28 June to 5 October
The exquisite Art Deco 1910 – 1939 exhibition comes to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) direct from London’s famous Victoria and Albert Museum. The exhibition will feature more than 250 major works of Art Deco in jewellery, fashion, film, architecture, cars, photography and furniture. Highlights include precious Deco gems from Cartier, exquisite fashion by Chanel, pristine vintage vehicles and original architectural elements from the foyer of the Strand Palace Hotel, London.
For more information: Kitty Walker, National Gallery of Victoria on (03) 8620 2411 or 0417 575 088 or visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au
2008 Melbourne Boat Show, Melbourne, 3 to 7 July
The annual Melbourne Boat Show will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Southbank. Fishing and boating enthusiasts will be delighted by the informative and interactive displays at one of Australia’s biggest and most comprehensive exhibitions of boats and marine equipment
For more information: Boating Industry Association on (03) 8696 5600 or visit www.biavic.com.au
Days in the Dioceses, Melbourne, 10 to 14 July
Days in the Dioceses Melbourne is a five-day celebration of faith for youth on pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Sydney. The Days in the Dioceses celebration is an initiative of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and welcomes participants of any race, religion or culture. The event program features a Commissioning Mass attracting 50,000 pilgrims at Telstra Dome on Friday 11 July accompanied by a range of other exciting events.
For more information: visit www.did08.com
Australian Sheep and Wool Show, Bendigo, 18 to 20 July
Featuring over 28 breeds of sheep, goats and alpacas, the Australian Sheep and Wool Show is one of the largest sheep and wool shows in the world, incorporating a wool craft competition, an international fleece competition, wool fashion parades, sheep dog trails and more than 150 stalls. The Australian Sheep and Wool Show will be held at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds in Bendigo.
For more information: Andrew Ternouth on (03) 5439 5094 or visit www.sheepshow.com
Melbourne International Film Festival, 25 July to 10 August
Movie buffs are in for a treat when the Melbourne International Film Festival screens cinematic sensations from more than 50 countries during 19 days from 23 July to 10 August. The festival showcases new Australian films by established and emerging film-makers and is regarded as one of the largest and longest running film festivals in the Asia Pacific region. Spot the celebrities in the audience, experience all the colour and excitement and see films before they hit the cinemas.
For more information: Limelight PR on (03) 8660 4816 or visit www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au
Melbourne International Design Festival, 17 to 27 July
The fourth annual Melbourne International Design Festival will run from 25 July at Federation Square and will feature an exciting range of Australian and international public exhibitions and forums over 10 days. The festival will include more than 40 mainly free events including exhibitions, forums, design shows, workshops, a design market, competitions and installations.
For more information: visit www.nationaldesigncentre.com
Echuca Moama’s Winter Blues Festival, 26 to 27 July
Relax and enjoy the ambience of the Echuca Heritage Port precinct and High Street with its colourful restaurants, cafes, pubs, cellar door outlets and attractions during the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival. The soulful music is sure to brighten spirits when a number of popular bands perform. On Sunday enjoy free blues in the streets and around the port.
For more information: Echuca Moama District Tourism on 1800 804 446 or visit www.winterblues.com.au
Stawell Fair Dinkum Farm and Craft Market, 27 July
Visit the Stawell Showgrounds and purchase gourmet food, organic produce, livestock, quality crafts, garden products and farm produce. The market operates from 9am – 1pm.
For more information: call the Stawell Visitor Information Centre on 1800 330 080