Your own private island – now available to rent in Victoria
Elizabeth Island, a 65 acre private island retreat, has opened in Westernport Bay off the Mornington Peninsula.
The ideal place for holiday makers who want to get away from the rest of humanity, Elizabeth Island has no roads or shops, and is situated by the bay approximately eight kilometres south west of Corinella and 15 kilometres north east of Phillip Island.
Guests who stay in the island’s modern three bedroom residence have free reign of the entire island. It features a sheltered sandy beach perfect for swimming, a jetty to fish from and great landscape for walking.
The self-contained house can comfortably sleep six people and is fully equipped with all modern appliances including a spa, home theatre, espresso machine and a wood fire, ideal for hibernating inside on a blustery winters day. Gourmet hampers and a ‘drop in’ personal chef are both available on request.
Guests who have their own boat can reach Elizabeth Island via Corinella, Rhyll or Hastings. For those without a boat, the French Island Barge offers transfers to the Island or Phillip Island Helicopters can transport you.
For more information: www.elizabethisland.com.au
Media contact: Anne Tillig 0419 770 607 or email elizabethisland@optusnet.com.au
New Melbourne Hot Spots
Gertrude Street welcomes Cutler and Co, Newtown Workers Club and Southpaw
It’s no secret that Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, has been gaining momentum over the last few years. It is a little hub of alternate cool with a mix of locally designed and vintage fashion, retro music stores, groovy bars and restaurants and cutting edge galleries.
Book-ended by Nicholson Street and Smith Street, with Brunswick Street intersecting through the middle, the action on Gertrude Street has been so far concentrated on the eastern (Brunswick – Smith) section.
With the opening of two smart new venues – the Newtown Workers Club and Cutler & Co - the western, more industrial end of Gertrude Street has started to catch up.
And with the opening of intriguing new bar Southpaw on the Eastern side, there’s even more reasons to visit both sides of the street.
Destined to become another must-visit addition to Melbourne’s ever-growing roof-top bar fraternity, the Emerald Peacock - a new bar from the owners of the chic Asian-themed, Red Hummingbird – has opened on Lonsdale Street.
Cutler & Co., 55 – 57 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, Ph: (03) 9419 4888
With swarms of diners flocking to their still-new restaurant Cumulus Inc, award-winning chef Andrew McConnell and architect Pascale Gomes-McNabb understand the concept of striking while the iron is hot.
The prolific pair has just opened another venue, Cutler & Co, which is sure to be welcomed by the ever-increasing number of fans keen to sample McConnell’s enticing, intelligent approach to food.
Located in an old metal work factory, Gomes-McNabb has created an interior that layers old with new. Still visible on the façade is the old sign of previous owners “Economic Industries” (which operated out of the site for 80 years), serving as a reminder of the street’s industrial origins.
The black metal bar has been designed to encourage a local bar trade as a separate component to the Cutler & Co. restaurant with a full bar selection and ‘short eats’, a casual food option.
For patrons looking to experience the full extent of the chef’s culinary skills, the dining space at Cutler & Co. is the place to be, and for those who have so far missed out on the McConnell magic due to the ‘no bookings’ policy at Cumulus Inc, the good news is that they do take reservations.
Newtown Workers Club, 51 Brunswick St (Cnr Gertrude St), Fitzroy
Newly opened on the site of the old Rob Roy Hotel, the Newtown Workers Club is the new venue from the same folk who opened St Jeromes and Sister Bella, two of the most consistently popular venues in the Melbourne ‘barscape’.
Newtown Workers Club is essentially three bars in one. There’s a bright, sparsely decorated front bar which resembles a funked-up version of old school pubs that used proliferate in Fitzroy before its gentrification. ‘Sideshow’, a second space on the Brunswick street side with eye-catching green wallpaper, is an ideal place for the more low key (ie quiet) drinkers and can also be booked for private functions.
And finally, there’s the band room which will be programmed by the capable folk at The Evelyn, one of Brunswick Street’s longest running band venues.
The one room that does not contain a bar in it – an inner chamber through one has to pass through to get from one space to another - is the most fun. With walls and floor decked out in a geometric-patterned carpet in lurid orangey and brown hues, the look is pure 70s. Think the building in the film The Towering Inferno (before the fire starts) and you are on the right track.
The Newtown Workers Club serves up several ice-cold quality Australian beers on tap and the wine list features a strong showing of Victorian wines. A kitchen serving modern Australian fusion menu will open in April. Keep an eye on their website for gig dates / artists appearing in the band room: www.newtownworkersclub.com
Southpaw, 189 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy (03) 9004 2590
With so many bars opening every year, its not surprising that, in the quest to develop a following, some might struggle to develop a distinct character, but this will never be said about Southpaw.
While the 70s and 80s have become an almost ubiquitous presence in Melbourne’s newest bars, the only glimpse you’ll see of them here is in the fine music being played on the bar’s two turntables. Instead Southpaw has set itself up as a quaint Fitzroy ‘local’, with a vintage charm that pays homage to the suburb of yesteryear and the ‘motherland’ (or old Blighty to the natives).
With an interior the size of a Fitzroy terrace house (narrow and long), it’s remarkable just how many spaces there are to sit and enjoy a beer at Southpaw. Patrons can choose from alfresco tables on the footpath, a large bluestone-walled bar with wide stools for perching on, a side den with comfortable couches or walk through French glass windows to an elegant rear courtyard.
The food is deliciously old-school in a stodgy English sort of way, with the menus offering up such delights as Devils on Horseback, Pigs in Blankets and vol-a-vents, cocktail food from a bygone era long gone by the wayside in favour of sushi, haloumi, and other more ‘dietarily correct’ fare.
The drinks list features rarer boutique and micro-brewed varieties (bottled beer only), some good local and international wine varieties, and terrifically original cocktails including one named after indigenous boxer Lionel Rose.
The Emerald Peacock, 233 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Ph: (03) 9654 2266
The Emerald Peacock is the new restaurant / bar from same team behind the Red Hummingbird.
Up a flight of stars from Lonsdale Street, the bar is split into two levels with a capacity to accommodate up to 450 people. With its elegantly furnished downstairs bar, and a spacious rooftop bar, the Emerald Peacock has set itself up as an ideal place to drink (and snack) at any time of year.
The culinary offer is simple, uncomplicated, offering a selection of wood fired pizzas and fusion tapas lend the palette to savour the passionately selected wines and hand crafted cocktails.
Four new regional restaurants that offer great dining, with a twist
Four recently opened regional restaurants are serving delicious food but a little something extra to their dining experience.
Want to dine alongside live bees or alpacas? You can do it in Grampians or Gippsland respectively. You can also have fresh produce picked from the garden and on your plate minutes later at the Aire Valley Guesthouse on the Great Ocean Road near Cape Otway or head to the Yarra Valley enjoy top level French cuisine at Bulong Estate from a third generation French chef.
Salingers Café, 98 Main Street, Great Western Ph: (03) 5356 2211
It’s not often you can sit down to a meal surrounded by bees and not be in fear of being stung…however at new café Salingers, in the Grampians, this is exactly the experience that guests get.
The café which regularly features locally produced honey and honeycomb on its menu, has its own resident beehive, and visitors to the dining space can watch the colony live at work, from a special glassed off observation area.
Seating up to 50 in cosy indoors or in the sunny courtyard, Salingers is open from Wednesday to Sunday serving top notch coffee, cake and lunches.
Salingers cafe is a great place to rest and revive as part of a Grampians cellar door excursion, with the iconic Seppelt’s Cellar Door, Best’s Wines and Grampians Estate Great Western Wine Centre all nearby. The cafe is also ideally located for visitors on route from Melbourne or Ballarat to the Grampians National Park.
Aire Valley Guest House, 2590 Great Ocean Road, Hordern Vale Ph (03) 5237 9223
Aire Valley Guest House specialises in the very best fresh food, and we mean fresh!
The restaurant makes its dishes based on what is available in it’s own back garden – which, depending on the season, overflows with a staggering mix of vegetables, herbs, fruit and berries, grown using organic methods.
Upon ordering, guests can go outside with the chef and pick their own vegetables and herbs, and then have it brought to them minutes later in their meal.
The restaurant employs two gardeners to ensure the quality of the produce at all times and also keeps it local wherever possible with its other ingredients sourcing their meat from Colac and fish from local Victorian waters.
Chef and owner Annabel Tunley, formerly employed at Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence owned by British royal family and favourite summer retreat to Queen Elizabeth II, and the French influence of the menu comes from her time in Courchevel, France.
Bulong Estate, 70 Summerhill Rd, Yarra Junction Ph: (03) 5967 2487
A recent addition to the Yarra Valley, the restaurant at Bulong Estate has been earning raves for its remarkable French chef, Antoine Cheron. A third generation member from a family of Normandy restauranteurs, Cheron trained and worked in the prestigious kitchens of Normandy, Paris and London. Since moving to Australia he has absorbed a fusion of cuisines while working in Brisbane, Sydney and in the Yarra Valley alongside top chefs. Antoine brings French flair and technical expertise to the Bulong Estate restaurant, with a menu that changes seasonally to reflect available local produce matched with fine Estate wines.
Nickelby At Darnum, 308 Darnum Shady Creek Road, Darnum Ph: (03)5627 8121
Nickelby at Darnum, a working alpaca stud, has just opened its own outdoor café. Guests can now enjoy freshly ground coffee, chocolate fudge cake, hot chocolates while enjoying bird’s eye views of the alpacas. The café adds some indoor seating in the winter months.
There is also a farm gate shop on the property selling beautiful alpaca garments and products made from fine Australian fleece, including throw rugs, jumpers, coats, scarves, hats and doonas. Also sold at the shop is owner Angela’s own range of high quality creams and soaps.
Three blockbuster exhibitions soon to open at Melbourne’s major museums
Now has never been a better time to visit the museum with three blockbuster exhibitions opening in Melbourne the next three months, including two Australian exclusives.
Dinosaur Walk
This month Melbourne Museum will launch Dinosaur Walk, a new permanent exhibition where visitors will be able to walk among, around and even above the Museum’s collection of dinosaur skeletons. Exclusive to Melbourne, the exhibition will also feature megafauna and Quetzalcoatlus, the largest flying animal of all time. Dinosaur fans will also be able to learn about how dinosaurs moved, what they ate and how they survived. Opening on April 3, the exhibition will also feature skeletons of Ice Age megafauna such as Diprotodon (the world’s largest marsupial) and Megalania (the world’s largest lizard) and specially created animations where visitors can see the animals come to life.
A Day in Pompeii
The drama and tragedy of ancient Pompeii will be showcased in the A Day in Pompeii, on display at Melbourne Museum from 26 June to 25 October 2009.
One of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series for 2009, A Day in Pompeii is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Roman treasures from almost 2000 years ago.
A Day in Pompeii tells the story of daily life in the ancient city – from food and dining, commerce and business, medicine, religious beliefs, burial practices, to private residences and gardens, and luxury and beauty. Exclusive to Melbourne, the exhibition has been developed by Museum Victoria in partnership with the Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompei (SAP), and will feature over 250 objects from daily life in Pompeii and surrounds, as well as a number of body casts.
STAR WARS
One of the most loved film franchises of all time will be revisited in the blockbuster exhibition STAR WARS: Where Science Meets Imagination*, which explores the science and fantasy behind the STAR WARS phenomenon, opening at Scienceworks in June. Developed by the Museum of Science, Boston, in collaboration with Lucasfilm Ltd, STAR WARS is the first exhibition to showcase costumes and props from all six STAR WARS movies while exploring cutting-edge research and modern technologies that could one day make the fantasy world of STAR WARS a reality.
STAR WARS: Where Science Meets Imagination runs from 4 June – 3 November, 2009 at Scienceworks.
* STAR WARS: Where Science Meets Imagination, presented by Bose Corporation, was developed by the Museum of Science, Boston and Lucasfilm Ltd. The exhibition is based upon work supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation, USA. © 2009 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Presented by Bose Corporation.
For further information: museumvictoria.com.au
Media contacts: Dinosaur Walk / A Day in Pompeii:
Jessica Bendell on (03) 8341 7726 or email: jbendell@museum.vic.gov.au
STAR WARS: Where Science Meets Imagination:
Emily Wrigglesworth Ph: (03) 9392 4865 or email: ewriggle@museum.vic.gov.au
Office Building by day, artwork by night
Melbourne’s streets and public spaces will become the canvas and light the ‘paint’ in a series of magical glowing ‘light-scapes’ that will appear at Docklands, Federation Square and the CBD over winter.
The most eye-catching is likely to be Maxims of Behaviour, a kinetic light work by Alexander Knox that takes a 1960s-era office building on the corner of Swanston and Bourke Street (Royal Mail House) and transforms it nightly into a dazzling, ever-changing feast of colour, light and movement. With a lifespan of five years – it will be visible every night from dusk till late, during winter every year until 2012. Maxims of Behaviour is one of the most ambitious public art projects ever commissioned by the City of Melbourne. The work's 88 multi-coloured LED lights run on green power.
The Light in Winter at Federation Square (4 June – 5 July) is an annual month-long winter festival at Federation Square and celebration of Melbourne centred around light. Curated by Robyn Archer (former director the Melbourne International Arts Festival), The Light in Winter draws together different traditions, rituals and ceremonies from Melbourne’s diverse cultural communities, who have worked with artists to create a series of illuminated objects and events. One of the highlights will be a Volume, a major installation from the UK’s United Visual Artists, featuring music created by 3D from Massive Attack. Considered the ‘rockstars’ of the lighting design world, United Visual Artists have designed the lighting shows for tours by U2, Massive Attack and Kylie Minogue.
Melbourne’s scenic waterfront will glow with a range of illumination-based events, activities and art installations this winter. The spectacular opening night of Ignite at Docklands will officially launch the City of Melbourne's winter program on Saturday 30 May. Opening night will see Waterfront City Piazza transformed into a radiant hub of activity, with a spectacular line-up of light, fire artistry and music, while the Docklands harbour will sparkle as an illuminated boat procession makes its bright passage along the waterfront. Ignite at Docklands runs for three weekends in June, with nightly performances from Thursdays to Sundays.
Click here to see more information on Maxims of Behaviour including moving image footage
For further information visit: www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
Media contact: Karl Hale, City of Melbourne, Ph: (03) 9658 9115 or email: karl.hale@melbourne.vic.gov.au
New ‘George Haddon’ West Gippsland touring route and map launched
A map of the brand new ‘Wonderful West Gippsland’ touring loop, with illustrations by Walkley Award-winning cartoonist George Haddon, has been launched to capture the incredible diversity of experience and product available in Baw Baw Country.
George’s fun map of the loop brings to life the range of services and experiences that provide an ideal day trip or short stay break.
The map highlights natural and man-made attractions such as the beautiful hidden fern gully’s waterfalls or iconic Trestle Bridge (ideal walking locations), locally produced food and wine, cafes, restaurants, galleries, shops and farm-gates are all included as highlights.
Baw Baw Country, West Gippsland, is just an hour from Melbourne with an amazingly diverse range of accommodation to suit everyone. It is also a great place to start a longer holiday, being the gateway to the offerings of the larger Gippsland region.
To order your free copy of the George Haddon Map and a set of Postcards depicting some of the wonderful characters from the map, go to www.bawbawcountry.com.au
For further information: www.bawbawcountry.com.au
Media Contact: Mel Neil 0417 334 065
Clunes: A booktown for booklovers
The historic township of Clunes is preparing to transform itself into a European styled booktown on the 2 and 3 May as the Back to Booktown event returns to the autumn calendar.
As 60 visiting booksellers set up shop, the town’s heritage buildings will burst with the immeasurable collection of rare, antiquarian and second-hand books – the largest ever gathered in one place in Victoria.
Over the weekend Frank Moorhouse will join fellow award winning writers Eva Hornung (Sallis), Julienne van Loon and Mathew Condon in panel sessions hosted by Nigel Krauth.
The CFA has organised book drives throughout the Ballarat and Bendigo regions, with a prized haul of “nothing over $5” donated books to also be on sale at the event. All proceeds are going to the participating brigades to help with much needed fund raising.
While exploring the book-lovers oasis, take advantage of the fine wine, delicious food, live music, demonstration of children’s book illustrations and traditional Punch and Judy show that will add value to the fun and quirky event.
For further information: go to www.booktown.clunes.org
Media contact: Linda Newitt, 0428 307 329
Victoria’s best honoured at National Tourism Awards
Fun4Kids Festival, Old Melbourne Gaol and De Bortoli Winery and Restaurant were among the Victorian travel operators recognised for their outstanding quality and professionalism at the 2009 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, held at Crown Palladium last month.
Fun4Kids Festival took out the Festival and Events Award, having provided significant branding and economic benefit to Warrnambool. The event showcases eight days of high quality children’s workshops, live entertainment and interactive exhibits within a 2.5 acre indoor village. They were also inducted into the national Hall of Fame, having topped their category three years in a row. The 2009 Fun4kids festival will run from 28 June to 5 July.
Old Melbourne Gaol Crime and Justice Experience won the Heritage and Cultural Tourism Award. Managed by the National Trust of Australia (VIC), the Old Melbourne Gaol has been a Melbourne tourism landmark for more than 30 years. As a former city watch house and former magistrates court, the new inclusions to the attraction allow onlookers to step back in time and walk the road to the gallows in a 19th century prison, be arrested in a modern-day Police Station or put themselves on trial in court.
Fun4Kids Festival took out the Festival and Events Award, having provided significant branding and economic benefit to Warrnambool. The event showcases eight days of high quality children’s workshops, live entertainment and interactive exhibits within a 2.5 acre indoor village. They were also inducted into the national Hall of Fame, having topped their category three years in a row.
De Bortoli Winery and Restaurant in the Yarra Valley won the Tourism Wineries award for its unique dining experience and high-quality produce. Set amidst landscaped gardens and extensive vineyards, De Bortoli Winery offers a stylish and inviting atmosphere. The family philosophy – sharing good wine, good food and good times with family and friends - enlists it with an enviable reputation as a unique dining experience.
Geelong Visitor Information Centre and Novotel Forest Resort Creswick were also highly commended in their categories, for their premium services within the industry.
For further information: see more information about Tourism Victoria’s winning operators at www.visitvictoria.com
New boutique day spa opens on Phillip Island
Aromatherapy in Action, a new boutique day spa, has opened in the main street of Cowes on Phillip Island. Featuring signature services such as customised aromatherapy massages and a ‘classic aromafacial’, Aromatherapy in Action also provides first rate therapeutic massage, pregnancy massage, hot stone massage, facials and other pamper packages. Other modalities include ear candling, reiki and angel readings.
Owned and run by local aromatherapist Patricia Hanrahan, Aromatherapy in Action is the ideal place for a spot of holiday relaxation, offering high level of healing therapies, performed with attention to detail in a tranquil, peaceful environment.
All appointments are spaced out and there is no need to rush, so slow down, take a breath and allow yourself to be cared for in a space where peace and warmth surrounds you.
Aromatherapy in Action is at Shop 2, First Floor, 134-138 Thompson Avenue, Cowes.
For further information: Ph: (03) 5952 2771 or go to www.aromatherapyinaction.com.au
HOT DEALS
Explore Gippsland with these hot deals
Be inspired by Gippsland, a region full of glorious scenery, stunning natural attractions, mountain adventures and spectacular coastlines. Explore unspoilt beaches, wander through lush fern gullies in Tarra Bulga rainforest and drift away on the vast, tranquil Gippsland Lakes. With its finest and freshest produce, Gippsland is also the perfect destination for food and wine lovers so make the most of these great deals and start exploring!
Chestnut Hill Country Retreat – Metung Road, Swan Reach - $460
Set high on eight acres overlooking the Tambo river onto the Gippsland Lakes, Chestnut Hill is a 4 ½ star multi award winning traditional bed and breakfast and self contained accommodation. Enjoy watching the yachts, motor cruises, pelicans and sometimes even dolphins at play in the river below. The retreat is exclusively for adults and combines grand style with contemporary, antique and modern furnishings. This month’s deal saves you $200.
- Three nights accommodation in Chester’s Studio
- A bottle of local wine and local hand made chocolates on arrival
*Valid from 19 March to 30 April 2009. Excludes the Easter long weekend
For more information: call 03 5156 4146 or visit www.chestnuthill.com.au
Springbank Bed & Breakfast – 240 Williamsons Road, Nilma North – starting from $300 per couple
This beautiful bed and breakfast lies on lush, grazing land with an acre and a half of cottage garden around the house. Springbank Bed & Breakfast offers its guests a tranquil setting with serene rural views.
- two nights accommodation
- a delightful afternoon tea on arrival
- Fully cooked breakfast each morning
- Weekend newspapers
- Complimentary Beechworth port and chocolates on retiring
- Complimentary glass of local wine or beer on either day
- Local cheese and fruit platter on one day
- A bottle of local red or white to enjoy or take home
- A 10% discount on future bookings at Springbank by family members until end September 2009
- Bonus 10% off purchases made from Lillico Glass and Clearly Delicious preserves, Nickelby Alpacas and hand made products, Wild Dog wineries and Brandy Creek view Café
*Deal valid until 30 June 2009, subject to availability. Deal is offered as either cottage or house guest. Not available over the Easter period.
For more information: call (03) 5627 8060 or visit www.springbankbnb.com.au
Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort - Currawong Rd, Mt Baw Baw - $275*
Located only 2.5 hours from Melbourne’s CBD, Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort is Melbourne’s closest Alpine Resort. The resort is surrounded by the Baw Baw National Park with allows guests to enjoy spectacular summer wildflower and bushland displays during summer and snowy woodlands in winter.
- Two nights accommodation
- Mountain entry
- Breakfast hamper
*Price is based on 2 people. Valid until 31 May 2009, subject to availability. Package available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
For more information: call (03) 5165 1136 or email info@mountbawbaw.com.au
Important Diary Notes
Melbourne
Melbourne International Jazz Festival, 26 April to 2 May
Celebrate the dynamism and spirit of jazz at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival which presents more than 65 concerts in the heart of Melbourne over seven days and nights. Jazz enthusiasts will enjoy a line-up of acclaimed Australian artists as well as performers from across the globe including France, Italy, Norway, Poland, Brazil, USA, South Africa and Australia in a series of free and ticketed events. See also listing below for (All that) Jazz on Film, a special cinema program at ACMI, which will showcase the scenes, the sounds and some of the people that have been captured on film from the 50's to today.
For more information: call 03 9001 1388 or visit melbournejazz.com
(All that) Jazz on Film, ACMI Cinemas, 26 April - 2 May
For the first time ever the Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) is coming to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) with a boutique film season of Jazz on Film. Featuring biographies of jazz icons, a 70s psychedelic free jazzploitation, sci-fi and a cult classic with a sublime jazz soundtrack, Jazz on Film will step inside the world of jazz: the scenes, the sounds and some of the people that have been captured on film from the 50's to today.
For more information: visit www.acmi.net.au
Media contact: Claire butler, ACMI Ph: 03 98663 2415 or Claire.butler@acmi.net.au
The Royal Botanic Gardens Markets, 8 – 9 May
The Gardens Markets at the Royal Botanic Gardens sell products with botanic inspired themes including fresh produce, art, jewellery, craft, clothing and great garden sculptures and plants.
For more information: call 03 9899 5979
Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival, Melbourne, 16 – 17 May
Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival is an annual event which celebrates Melbourne’s religious diversity and multicultural society. Running over two days, the colourful festival is held at Federation Square and commemorates the birth of Buddha and promotes cooperation, community understanding and harmony in the community. Ceremonies include ‘Bathing of the Buddha’, daily Dharma ceremonies, the Wishing Bell, a vegetarian culinary tour along the River Terrace, dance performances and children’s games.
For more information: call 03 9314 5147 or visit www.bliav.org.au/festival
Top Designs, Melbourne Museum, until 26 July 2009
A beanbag inspired by two-piece electronic band Daft Punk, an Olympic torch designed for the 2016 Tokyo Olympic Games, costumes for the Wizard of Oz made of recycled materials, and a computer controlled robotic arm are just some of the outstanding pieces featured in Top Designs, on show at Melbourne Museum from 21 March to 26 July 2009.
For more information: www.museumvictoria.com.au
Mathamazing, Sciencewords, from 2 May
Explore the mathematics behind everyday life. Mathamazing includes hands-on activities based on topics such as shapes, probability, sequences and series, puzzles, problem solving, topology and building. Developed by Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Canberra.
For more information: www.museumvictoria.com.au
Regional
Richard Nylon Hat Exhibition, Hamilton Art Gallery, 15 April – 17 May
Richard Nylon was born and raised in Hamilton, and is one of Australia’s finest and most original milliners. This special exhibition of breathtaking headwear runs from 15 April – 17 May, open seven days, Hamilton Art Gallery.
For more information: visit www.hamiltongallery.org
Hans Heysen, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, 23 April – 21 June
A prolific and hugely influential artist, Hans Heysen is renowned for his imagery of barren Australian landscapes, mountain forms and distinctive gum trees. The exhibition includes many of Heysen’s greatest oil and watercolour paintings, alongside rarely seen preliminary sketches and studies. It will be the first comprehensive survey of Heysen’s work since the Art Gallery of South Australia’s centenary retrospective of 1977, commemorates the 40th anniversary of the artist’s death.
For more information: visit mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au
Keen Adventure Race, Wilsons Promontory, 28 April – 2 May
The Keen Adventure Race returns in 2009 to showcase one of Victoria’s most spectacular regions – the beautiful Wilsons Promontory National Park and the South Gippsland region.
For more information: visit www.rapidascent.com.au
Grampians Grape Escape, Halls Gap, 2 – 3 May
The Grampians Grape Escape is an exciting weekend getaway and a great opportunity for wine lovers and foodies to sample the flavours of this delicious region. Visitors can drink and graze around the temporary village which features views of the Grampians National Park as a backdrop. Regional producers from all over Western Victoria will showcase their products alongside local wineries. A lively mix of live entertainment will add colour to the event.
For more information: visit www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au
Nagambie Lakes After Vintage Celebration, Tahbilk Winery, 3 May
Celebrate the end of vintage in the Tahbilk Winery Cellar Yard at the Historic Tahbilk Winery on 3 May. Presented by the Nagambie Lakes Winemakers this is a great opportunity to enjoy fine wine and regional food as well as music and kids activities. The festivities take place from 11am – 5pm and entry is the cost of a wine tasting glass. Children under 18 are free.
For more information: call Tahbilk Winery on 03 5794 2555
Back to Booktown, Clunes 2 – 3 May
Join in the fun when second hand-book sellers from Victoria and interstate come to town. Book lovers can buy rare books, out of print books, collectors’ items, children’s books as well as fossick for books on the bargain stalls. Local food and wine is served in the local park and various cafes. Writers will present talks and readings and there will be competitions to win books.
For more information: call Graham Johnson on 03 5345 3267.
Kellybrook Cider Festival, Yarra Valley, 2 - 3 May
Fancy a real cider? Don’t miss the 19th annual Kellybrook Cider Festival, celebrating cider and all things west of England. Enjoy live music, Morris dancing and cider making demonstrations. Have a traditional ploughman’s or squire’s lunch followed by some tempting apple based desserts. To whet the palate, try a refreshing sparkling draught cider, fresh apple juice and Kellybrook Winery’s full range of wine and apple brandy.
For more information: call 03 9722 1304
Puffing Billy Steam Railway Great Train Race, Dandenong Ranges, 3 May
The annual Great Train Race is one of Australia’s most unusual and challenging fun runs. Each year, thousands of runners race against Puffing Billy to see if they can beat Australia’s famous historic steam train. The colourful course is 13.2 kilometres long and competitors run through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Emerald Lake.
For more information: call 03 9757 0775 or visit www.puffingbilly.com.au
Hepburn Springs Swiss Italian Festa, 24 April - 3 May
Join the local Hepburn and Daylesford communities as they pay homage to their Swiss-Italian roots and celebrate the historical importance of the townships with an eight-day, action-packed festival.
For more information: call 1800 353 354 or visit swissitalianfesta.com
Shakespeare on the River Festival, Stratford, Gippsland, 23 April – 7 May
This colourful community festival, at Stratford on the Avon River in Gippsland kicks off on Shakespeare’s birthday - 23 April - and continues for two eventful weeks. Activities include theatrical productions, cabaret performances and a village fair.
For more information: call 03 5145 6571 or go to www.stratfordshakespeare.com.au
Walhalla Wound-Up, Sunday May 10th 2009
The Walhalla Wound-Up is a series long distance cross-country running races starting and ending in the historic gold mining township of Walhalla. The race caters for all abilities and endurance, and includes 19km, 37km and 50km mountain trail courses. Races start in front of the historic Star Hotel.
For more information: www.visitwalhalla.com
Bright Autumn Festival, 25 April - 6 May
The two-week festival is a celebration of autumn colours and produce taking place in the last week of April and the first week in May. The highlight is Gala Day on 2 May featuring brass and highland bands, stalls, craft displays and the Autumn Festival Parade full of colourful floats decorated according to a theme.
For more information: call the Bright Information Centre on 03 5755 2275 or visit brightautumnfestival.org.au
Ballarat Heritage Weekend, 9 – 10 May
Ballarat Heritage Weekend is a celebration of Ballarat’s 1850s architecture, heritage listed homes and gardens, culture and history. During the Ballarat Heritage Weekend, the owners of some of Ballarat’s historic and beautiful private homes and buildings open their doors to visitors. Other highlights include rides on a horse-drawn tram, high tea, the opportunity to learn how to research your family history and the opportunity to have your old books restored by one of the best professional hand bookbinders and restorers in the country.
For more information: call Kellie Boyce on 03 53205745 or email kellieboyce@ballarat.vic.gov.au.
The Great Ocean Road Marathon, 16 – 17 May
The Great Ocean Road Marathon provides the most spectacular and challenging course of any marathon in the world and is aimed at runners and walkers of all abilities. There are four distance races including 6.5km, 14km, 23km and 45km - there is also a 14km wheelchair race.
For more information: call 03 5224 2466 or visit www.greatoceanroadmarathon.com.au
Beechworth Harvest Celebration, 17 May
Showcasing the diversity and quality of Beechworth’s local produce, the Beechworth Harvest Celebration is held annually on the third weekend in May. It brings together local food and wine producers under a marquee in the main street in town, with lots of local produce to taste and buy. From 11am to 5pm, celebrate the end of the harvest with wine workshops, street entertainment, cooking displays, competitions and food art. Beechworth is in north-east Victoria, approximately three-and-a-half hours’ drive from Melbourne.
For more information: visit www.harvestcelebration.com.au
Historic Winton, Benalla, 30 – 31 May
Australia’s largest and most popular all-historic motor race meeting presents two action-packed days of non-stop racing featuring over 400 historic racing cars and motorbikes from the 1920s to the 1980s.
Held at Winton Motor Raceway in Benalla, Victoria.
For more information: call Noel Wilcox on 03 5428 2689 or visit www.historicwinton.org
Archibald Prize, Bendigo Art Gallery, 30 May to 12 July
Australia's most extraordinary art event, the Archibald Prize, first awarded in 1921, will travel to Bendigo Art Gallery immediately following its run at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. As the exclusive Victorian venue, the Gallery will feature all of the 39 short-listed works including an image of Ben Cousins, restless in his bed; Neil Mitchell, Dame Elizabeth Murdoch, John Safran, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, Richard Clapton, David Helfgott, Jimmy Barnes, Tom Keneally, Marcia Langton and Brendan Cowell.
For more information: call (03) 5434 6085 or go to www.bendigoartgallery.com.au
Media contact: Sharon Wells Ph: (03) 9417 4665; mobile 0419 508 619 or email panbacc@optusnet.com.au