Diary Notes
December 2007
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, Melbourne from 1 December
The eagerly awaited hit musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, opens on 1 December at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Inquiries: go to www.montypythonsspamalot.com
Media inquiries: JP Bolton on 02 9264 7750
Eureka 2007, 2-3 December
Each year Ballarat commemorates and celebrates the 1854 Eureka Rebellion. In 2007, the Eureka celebrations will focus on an open day at The Eureka Centre from 9am to 5pm on Sunday and Monday 3 December.
Inquiries: 03 5333 1854 or visit www.eurekaballarat.com
Media inquiries: Penny Underwood on 03 9818 8540
The Australian Garden Journey, Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne, Summer 2007-2008
Find out how Victoria’s newest Royal Botanic Gardens was created and learn about the native flora. The park’s knowledgeable guides will highlight the unique features of the gardens and provide insights into the background of this project and future development plans.
Cost: $4.50 for adults, $3.50 for concession
Inquiries: 03 5990 2245
Royal Botanic Gardens Summer Discovery Walk, Melbourne, Summer 2007-2008
Take a walk with a friendly guide and discover the history, cultural significance and horticultural diversity of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. The walk starts from the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate at 11am and 2pm, six days a week (not on Saturday).
Inquiries: Bookings/information: 03 9252 2429
Tattersalls Australian DanceSport Championship, Melbourne, 6-9 December
The Tattersall's Australian DanceSport Championship, at Vodafone Arena is an opportunity to witness the world's best perform live in competition ballroom dancing.
Inquiries: For bookings call Melbourne Park on 03 9286 1347 or contact TICKETEK 13 28 49 or www.ticketek.com.au or www.theaustraliandanceportchampionship.com.au
Women’s International Jazz Festival, Melbourne 6–16 December
The Women’s International Jazz Festival is held in Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne, and at Federation Square. This year marks the 11th successive annual festival, and will feature 30 international, interstate and Victorian acts over eight nights. Admission prices begin from $12 for adults and $10 for concession.
Inquiries: 0417 364 314 or visit www.mwijf.org
Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, Melbourne 24 December
The tradition of carols on Christmas Eve at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl Melbourne continues with this year’s annual Carols by Candlelight..Tickets go on sale in November.
Inquiries: 1300 558 458 or visit www.carolsbycandlelight.com.au
Tickets: Ticketmaster7 on 13 61 00 or visit www.ticketmaster7.com.au
3 MOBILE Boxing Day Test Match, Melbourne 26-30 December
The 3 Mobile Boxing Day Test is the biggest annual event on the world cricket calendar and another nail-biting contest will take place in 2007/08. Australia, captained by Ricky Ponting, takes on India, so don’t miss the clash of cricket’s two superpowers.
Tickets: Ticketmaster on 1300 136 122 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.au
Inquiries: 03 9653 1100
The Falls Festival, Lorne 30 Dec–1 Jan 2008
The Falls Festival, one of Australia’s greatest music festivals, offers music lovers live entertainment, camping, markets, arts and film. Held in two stunning coastal locations in Victoria and Tasmania, both events run simultaneously and share a line-up of 50 bands, DJs and comedians from around the world. www.fallsfestival.com
Inquiries: Stacey Piggott 02 9650 3382.
Pyramid Rock Festival, Phillip Island 29 December–1 January 2008
The Pyramid Rock Festival will be held over the New Year’sweekend and will feature 50 of the top national and international musical acts performing rock, hip hop, blues and roots, dance and electronic music. Tickets will go on sale from Friday 14 September.
Inquiries: go to www.thepyramidrockfestival.com
Melbourne City’s New Year’s Eve Party, 31 December
Join the city’s largest free New Year’s Eve party. Enjoy free entertainment including DJs, live bands, performers, family fun and children’s entertainment and much more at Alexandra Gardens, Birrarung Marr, Federation Square, Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct, the Arts Centre and NewQuay, Docklands.
Inquiries: 039658 9658 or visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
January
Maryborough Highland Gathering, 1 January
Head to Maryborough in Victoria’s Goldfields on New Year’s Day and be part of one of the oldest sporting events in Victoria, the Maryborough Highland Gathering, which celebrates Scottish and Australian cultures. The 2008 event will be the 147th annual gathering. Tickets are available at the gate on the day.
Inquiries: call 03 5461 1904
Rhythm of Africa, Werribee, 5 January - 9 March
Werribee Open Range Zoo's twilight event - 'Rhythm of Africa' is just the thing to get the toes tapping. Running every Saturday and Sunday, Rhythm of Africa, is set against the stunning backdrop of the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Entry to Rhythm of Africa is included in the general admission price and starts at 5.30pm. The last safari tour departs at 7.00pm and the zoo closes at 9.00pm.
Inquiries: 03 9731 9600
Alpine Valleys Gourmet Weekend, 11 - 13 January
Awaken your senses with a weekend showcase of delicious regional food and exciting cool climate wines from the spectacular Alpine Valleys. Explore the Valleys in person and discover live music performances, special cellar door releases, al fresco lunches, wine and food matching, tours, a beer-fest and much more.
Inquiries and brochures: call 03 5755 0520 or go to www.visitalpinevictoria.com.au
2008 NEC Master of the Amateurs, Melbourne 14 - 17 January
One of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in the world will be hosted in Victoria from 14-17 January. The 2008 NEC Master of the Amateurs is recognised by the Royal and Ancient (R&A) as a world amateur golf ranking counting event and will be played over 72 holes, at the world class Yarra Yarra Golf Club located in Bentleigh East.
Inquiries: call 03 9877 9155 or go to www.masteroftheamateurs.com.au
2008 Australian Open Tennis Championships, Melbourne 14 - 27 January
Summer, January, Melbourne...it all adds up to one thing.- tennis at the Australian Open. Renowned internationally as ‘the people's Grand Slam’, this event is two weeks of colour, movement, fun and, of course, world class tennis action...all at the spectacular Melbourne Park precinct.
Tickets: call 1300 888 104 or go to www.ticketek.com
Inquiries: call 9286 1175 or go to www.australianopen.com
2008 Midsumma Festival and 2008 Asia Pacific Outgames, Melbourne 18 January – 9 February
Midsumma is Victoria’s premier gay and lesbian arts and cultural festival, showcasing the finest queer performing arts, visual arts, cabaret, spoken word, film, forums, food and wine and family events. The inaugural Asia Pacific Outgames, (30 January – 3 February) is a multi-sport tournament, a human rights conference and cultural event that embraces the Asia Pacific's gay and lesbian community and their friends. The Outgames will take place in Melbourne.
Inquiries: call (03) 9415 9819 or visit www.midsumma.org.au
Melbourne Zoo, 19 January – 16 March
From 19 January 2008, enjoy one of Melbourne’s best loved summer events with all the fascination of the zoo’s wildlife, beautiful garden setting and a twilight festival featuring great entertainment. Performers include big bands, rock, jazz, tribute bands, swing, show bands, Latin and more. Twilights at Melbourne Zoo will run on weekends beginning at 6.30pm and finishing at 9pm.
Inquiries: call (03) 9285 9300 or go to www.zoo.org.au
Portsea Swim Classic, Victoria 19 January
The Portsea Swim Classic, one of the largest open water swims held in Australia, begins at 10am. The L-shaped course covers 1.2 kilometres and is held on Saturday, 19 January at Portsea Front Beach, Nepean Highway.
Inquiries: call (03) 9572 3233 or visit www.portseasurf.com.au