Micro gallery art takes over Melbourne’s streets
Famous for its vibrant creative community, Melbourne’s young innovative artists are increasingly taking to the streets with ‘exhibitions’ of recently produced works displayed on alley walls, mailboxes and even underground subway platforms.
Well-networked into the city’s broader contemporary art scene, many of these quirky micro exhibition spaces have their own curator and ‘opening night’ events, with followers updated about program changes through social network sites such as Facebook.
While a casual stroll through Melbourne’s laneways and alleys is bound reveal a few of these hidden gems through happy chance, here are some highlights for the visitor:
- Mailbox 101 - Located in the entrance foyer of 141 Flinders Lane (near the corner of Russell Street), Mailbox 101 invites artists to create site-specific work for a strip of restored antique mailboxes.
- Platform Artists Group Inc - An artist-run initiative that runs four exhibition spaces in the Degraves Street subway (the underground walkway that runs below Flinders Street, connecting Degraves Street, which runs off Flinders Lane, to Flinders Street Station). Exhibitions change monthly so join the Platform Artists Group Facebook page to stay up to date.
- Citylights - Since 1996, the Citylights Project has been taking dark alleys and turning them into galleries. Hosier Lane and a small alcove just off Centre Place are two of the best known sites where lightboxes installed along the laneway wall illuminate works by local and international artists.
- 20x30 - a hole-in-the-wall exhibition space, situated next to the hip hole-in-the-wall café, Pushka in Pesgrave Place (off Howie Place, a laneway which runs between Collins and Little Collins streets).
For more information: go to www.visitvictoria.com and type Melbourne public art walking tours and art trails into the search engine to be taken directly to information on key city street art sites
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
If you’re as passionate about your music as you are about your beverages, the White Rabbit Record Bar (Kensington) and Pure Pop Records (St Kilda) could be just what you’ve been waiting for – both these uber-groovy establishments are a record/CD shop, bar/café and music venue rolled into one. Or, if beer is more your flavour, sample some of Victoria’s finest micro-breweries at new St Kilda bar The Local Taphouse. And for foodies, there’s welcome news that Andrew O'Connell, the acclaimed chef behind Circa and Three One Two, opens new café/wine bar Cumulus Inc this month.
White Rabbit Record Bar, 176 Bellair St, Kensington Ph: (03) 9376 5441
With a groovy retro fit-out that includes 70’s-style lounge coverings, dimmed hanging lampshades, and a cosy fireplace with flashy electric blue walls, the White Rabbit Record Bar features a well stocked selection of CDs as well as popular and hard-to-find vinyl guaranteed to thrill even the most serious record shop ‘ferret’.
There’s also live DJs on weekends (with names such as ‘Dave Sinclair - Patron Saint of Serious Funksters’ you know its going to be good) and a quaint brick courtyard at the rear with ample greenery to get lost in.
Pure Pop Records, 221 Barkly Street St Kilda Ph: (03) 9525 5066
Over in St Kilda, music store Pure Pop Records has been busily carving a niche for its courtyard bar as Melbourne’s newest boutique live music destination. With a relaxed, congenial atmosphere (shows are open to all ages), tasty pizzas and St Arnou beer on tap, the Pure Pop courtyard holds seven gigs every weekend and has already played host to a range of international and local names including Barry Adamson (UK), Joel Plaskett (Canada), Samson for President (Sweden), Conway Savage, Kate Miller-Heidke and Dallas Crane. Don’t miss their third birthday celebration weekend (July 18-20) when there will be gigs from some of Melbourne’s finest music talent including Dave Graney, Spencer P. Jones and Even.
The Local Taphouse, 184 Carlisle Street, East St Kilda Ph: (03) 9537 2633
The Local Taphouse is a beer bar with a difference – here, there’s not a single big-brand draught on tap among the 20 brews available. Instead lovers of the amber fluid can sample a fine range of imports and local micro-breweries in a wide range of styles. And for those who enjoy trying out the newest beers on the market, the Local Taphouse also features a showcase of four ‘guest-taps’ - single kegs brought in to ensure a rapidly changing selection. Sign up to receive regular SMS ‘Beer Bulletins’ to keep informed whenever new guest kegs are tapped.
Cumulus Inc, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Ph: (03) 9650 1445
Following outstanding success at exclusive restaurants Circa (St Kilda) and The Age Good Food Guide 2007 Best New Restaurant winner Three, One Two (Carlton), super chef and restaurateur Andrew McConnell’s latest venture (with his architecture wife Pascale Gomes-McNabb) is Cumulus Inc café/wine bar in Flinders Lane. Open all day from 7am till late for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in-between, Cumulus Inc is a grown up bar with an emphasis on simple, great quality food prepared in a modern European style.
What do ACMI, MIFF and Quentin Tarantino have in common?
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) are joining forces to present Focus on Ozploitation, a season dedicated to the uniquely antipodean exploitation cinema that swept the world in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Comprising of the genres of horror, suspense thrillers, action and comedy of the most irreverent order, Focus on Ozploitation has been jointly curated by ACMI’s Head of Film Programs, Richard Sowada, and Victorian filmmaker Mark Hartley to screen alongside the world premiere of Not Quite Hollywood, Hartley’s highly anticipated new documentary about the ‘ozploitation’ era, that will open MIFF on Friday 25 July.
A hugely entertaining and informative celebration of 1970s ozploitation cinema, Not Quite Hollywood is full of outrageous anecdotes and interviews with a large cast of local and international names including Quentin Tarantino (a fervent fan of the genre), Dennis Hopper, Sigrid Thornton, Jack Thompson, Stacy Keach, George Miller and Barry Humphries.
With its director, distributor and world premiere all based in Melbourne, Not Quite Hollywood is already generating serious levels of excitement internationally.
Highlights of Focus on Ozploitation include: two films by acclaimed director Brian Trenchard-Smith; the 1982 international hit Turkey Shoot and the 1986 action flick, Dead End Drive-In, a story where the Australian Government detains rouge teens on the site of a drive-in cinema, complete with high speed chases, impressive stunts and explosive shoot outs.
Other films in the program include: Roadgames starring scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis; Razorback, Russell Mulcahy’s outback horror story where a giant marauding feral pig terrorises a small community; and Bruce Beresford’s Barry McKenzie Holds His Own – an Aussie gem starring the two Barries - Barry Humphries (as Aunt Edna) and Barry Crocker (as her nephew).
More information: www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au or www.acmi.net.au
Media contact (ACMI): Claire Butler, ACMI on (03) 8663 2415 or email Claire.Butler@acmi.net.au
Media contact (MIFF): Louise Heseltine, Limelight PR on (03) 8660 4816 or louise@limelightpr.com.au
Mt Buller, the book
The characters, history and landscape of one of Australia’s high profile ski resorts are celebrated with the release of Mt Buller, The story of a mountain a new large format coffee table book by renowned ski writer and travel journalist Jim Darby.
Illustrated with more than 700 images, Mt Buller, The story of a mountain follows the years of the tourism pioneers and covers the mountain’s transformation into one of Victoria’s best known mountain resorts.
The book covers the adventures of ski pioneers such as Helmut Koffler and the Forras brothers, Ernest and Aurel as well as the legendary Austrian Hans Grimus (owner of Hotel Pension Grimus) and the avante-garde Smith brothers who, with George Vassilopoulos, built the Abom restaurant. It also details the evolution of snowsports, the achievements of Mt Buller’s international snow sports competitors and the extensive involvement of the Grollo family on the mountain. It features many stunning historical and recent colour (and black and white) photographs from the mountain and its people.
Author Jim Darby, who has previously has co-authored three guide books to the Australian and New Zealand snowfields and is one of the most widely published ski and travel journalists in Australia, researched the mountain’s history from public records, books, magazines, interviews and oral histories.
Mt Buller, The story of a mountain is available for $79.95 from the Mount Buller Chalet Hotel, the Buller Ski Lifts and the National Alpine Museum of Australia.
For further information: www.nama.org.au or www.mtbuller.com.au
Media contact: Jim Darby (03) 5426 2578 or jim.darby@theskimag.com
The new wine and food explorer’s guide
Launching this month, VisitVineyards.com is a new comprehensive guide for wine and food explorers providing up-to-date information, news and reviews of the best regional wine and food travel experiences across Australia.
VisitVineyards.com brings together more than 30,000 wine, food and travel experiences across every Australian wine and food region. It helps travellers discover what’s going on, the places and products not to be missed and current information about their next wine or culinary destination.
There are more than 7,000 Victorian businesses already listed on the site, with a strong representation of wine, food and leisure experiences in key wine regions such as Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and the Goldfields.
Users of VisitVineyards.com can search the site free-of-charge and will soon be able to craft an itinerary to suit their specific interests – whether it be visiting a winery for a degustation lunch; staying overnight at a secluded retreat; sampling homemade chocolates from a local chocolatier; playing golf at a local club; or a combination of them all.
VisitVineyards.com also has a free monthly e-newsletter which includes offers at featured wineries, restaurants, accommodations and other travel experiences.
For more information: www.visitvineyards.com
Media contact: Belinda Phillips, Dig Marketing Group on (03) 8606 3700 or belinda@digmarketing.com.au
Chocolate Rush Chocolate Festival
Chocolate Rush Chocolate Festival returns to Melbourne on the weekend of 9 – 10 August with an even bigger and better program.
The 2008 Masterclasses will be delivered by two international guest chefs – Frenchmen Michael Rispe and Jean-Marc Bernelin. Michael Rispe has more than 15 years’ experience in world class restaurants, most recently as an executive pastry chef for Gordon Ramsay and at the Waldorf-Astoria. Jean-Marc Bernelin is technical consultant at Callebaut Asia Pacific, the largest industrial chocolate producer in Asia.
The Abbotsford Convent hosts the festival this year, with workshops, masterclasses, demonstrations, children activities, the Australian Chocolate Championships, a chocolate market, hot chocolate competition and much more.
More information: www.chocolaterush.com.au
Media contact: Simone Gordon, Festival Director on 0421 458 891 or email simone@chocolaterush.com.au
Victoria wins at Gourmet Traveller, Vogue and World Travel Awards
Winter has been a bumper time for travel award wins for Victoria’s regions and tourism operators.
The exceptional food and wine produce of north east Victoria was recognised recently when the area was named Best Region in Australia for regional produce at the 2008 Vogue Entertaining + Travel Produce Awards. The award was a deserved win for North East Victoria, which boasts five wine areas all within an hour’s drive of each other as well as an abundance specialist food producers and quality local growers.
At the Gourmet Traveller Awards 2008, Daylesford was again confirmed as one of Australia’s leading spa destinations with Lake House and Salus Spa taking out the award for Best Spa/Health Resort. After only four years in operation, Salus Spa has already become known as one of the region’s truly memorable experiences, offering guests and visitors a range of hydrotherapy-based treatments from springwater-filled hot tubs suspended in tree houses to more traditional European spa treatments using the exclusive Elemis product range. The Lake House also holds the title of Australia’s Best Boutique Hotel in the Luxury Travel Gold List.
Mount Buller was in the spotlight at the 2008 World Travel Awards which awarded the Australia’s Leading Ski Resort accolade to Hotel Pension Grimus, one of the oldest hotels on the mountain, famous for its European style, service and hospitality.
For further information:
Lakehouse and Salus Spa: www.lakehouse.com.au
Hotel Pension Grimus: www.mtbuller.com.au or www.pensiongrimus.com.au
North-East Victoria: www.visitvictoria.com
Media Contact:
Lakehouse and Salus Spa: Larissa Wolf-Tasker, Lake House Daylesford on (03) 53483329 or email larissa@lakehouse.com.au
Hotel Pension Grimus: Katherine Johnston at Mt Buller Phone: (03) 5777 7822 or
Email: Katherine.johnston@skibuller.com.au
Winter wine passport to rich rewards
A visit to the Mornington Peninsula, producer of some of the Australia’s most celebrated pinot noir, has just become even more enticing thanks to the region’s current Winter Wine Passport promotion which offers visitors the chance to win some fantastic food, wine and accommodation including a $3000 wine cellar of the Peninsula’s finest wines.
Running until 31 August, the Mornington Peninsula Winter Wine Passport involves 40 local wineries, restaurants, boutique accommodation and wine tour operators.
Visitors can obtain a free passport from any participating business or by calling the Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre on 1800 804 009. The passports can also be requested online at www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org.
Passports are stamped each time a purchase is made. Once a visitor has five stamps they will be eligible for the $3000 wine cellar prize, as well as other prizes including a ‘stay, dine and ride weekend package for two’ at Lindenderry at Red Hill and a Luigi Bormioli set of fine glassware valued at $500.
For further information: www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org
Media Contact: Alva Hemming, Mornington Peninsula Tourism on (03) 5987 2683 or email alva@tourism.mornpen.vic.gov.au
bothfeet to open new lodge on Great Ocean Walk
Leading Victorian-based walking tour operator, bothfeet, will open the first phase of a new ‘walking-lodge’ on the Great Ocean Road in September 2008.
The purpose-built lodge has been designed for the exclusive use of bothfeet guests and will combine stylish and sustainable design in a serene bush setting, with fine regional food and wine.
The perfect retreat for guests after a hard day of hiking, the new lodge is set back one kilometre from the coast in 10 acres of rainforest and can accommodate up to 20 people in 10 bedrooms with ensuites. The lodge will also feature a natural rock swimming pool, foot spa and massage room, and a restaurant serving modern Australian dishes accompanied by the finest Victorian wines.
The first phase of the development will be completed in September 2008, when five double rooms with ensuites, a dining hall, commercial kitchen and reception office will be available to accommodate guests. By September 2009, the lodge will be completed with five additional bedrooms, a swimming pool and an expanded dining space.
bothfeet offers three-, four- and six-day walks along the Great Ocean Road. The walks pass by stunning coastal landscapes, secluded beaches and memorable rock formations. The shorter walks visit Cape Otway, Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles – covering distances of 15 kilometres a day. The six-day walk covers the entire 91 kilometre Great Ocean Walk trail with some challenging sections, and the daily average is 17-20 kilometres a day.
Tours depart three times a week throughout the year, with early booking discounts and special rates for groups also available.
For more information: www.bothfeet.com.au
Media contact: Merryn Andrews / Virginia Haddon, Ink Publicity, on (02) 9236 8980 or email inkpublicity@smink.com.au
Winter food and wine events increase in Victorias regions
The outstanding food and wine on offer in Victoria’s regions will be showcased at festivals throughout the cooler months including events at Port Fairy on the Great Ocean Road, to the cosmopolitan regional city of Bendigo and the Dinner Plain/Mt Hotham and Rutherglen areas in the Alpine High Country.
Port Fairy, located on the Great Ocean Road’s Shipwreck Coast 20 minutes’ drive from Warrnambool, will present ‘A Celebration of Food and Wine’ (4-6 July). The second Port Fairy Winter Weekends event for 2008, ‘A Celebration of Food and Wine’ is set dazzle visitors and locals alike with a gastronomic array of exhibitions, markets, celebrity chefs, cooking classes and sumptuous winemaker dinners.
Bendigo and its surrounds will be abuzz with heart-warming food and wine experiences taking place from July through to October. Highlights include: the ninth annual Deep Winter Wine Dinner (Saturday 19 July) at Emeu Inn Restaurant in Heathcote, an area famous for its premium Shiraz: and Rare Reds Unearthed (Saturday 30 August) which brings together wineries in the Bendigo region that don’t currently have a cellar door outlet. Then in October, the region hosts two of its biggest food and wine events: the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival (4-5 October) followed by Bendigo Heritage Uncorked (11-12 October), an annual festival that showcases Bendigo’s wine, quality restaurants and grand gold rush architecture.
Durif, a rare French grape variety, will be celebrated at the Durif of Rutherglen centenary weekend (2-3 August) in Rutherglen in Victoria’s pristine alpine High Country. Included among the weekend highlights will include a sumptuous seven-course degustation black tie dinner featuring nine sparkling, table and fortified Durif wines which will take place in the great hall of All Saints Estate (2 August) and a Muscat Masterclass (3 August).
Delicious food and wine from the Alpine Valleys will also be on offer at the 2008 Mountain Fresh Festival taking place at Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham (18 - 23 July). Take some time to taste your way around the Alpine Valleys as the region’s winemakers and food producers gather to showcase their wares at Hotham Central for the Taste Alpine event (Saturday 19 July). Alternately, take part in the ‘Home Spa Remedies with Alpine Valleys Produce’ Master Class (Monday 21 July), where you can learn how to make your own home spa recipes to use for body care and pampering.
For further information:
Port Fairy Winter Weekends: www.visitportfairy.com
Bendigo's Feast of Food and Wine: visit www.bendigotourism.com
Rutherglen Centenary of Durif Weekend: www.rutherglenvic.com
Hotham and Dinner Plain 2008 Mountain Fresh Festival: www.mountainfresh.com.au
Media contacts:
Port Fairy Winter Weekends: Kate Alexander, Tyrrell Publicity and Promotions on (03) 9629 7000 or Kate@tyrrellpr.com.au
Bendigo’s Feast of Food and Wine: John Rossi at Bendigo Tourism on (03) 5434 6123 or Aileen Walsh on 0407 706769
2008 Mountain Fresh Festival: Jessica Rose, Mt Hotham on (03) 5759 4036 or jessicarose@mthotham.com.au
Special Packages - Great Ocean Road:
The Great Ocean Road offers one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives along the south-west coast of Victoria. Discover beautiful beaches, delicious food and wine, laidback coastal towns, a rich maritime heritage and a huge range of recreational opportunities from fishing and golf to diving and surfing. You will find endless opportunities to leave everyday life behind with these exciting packages.
Whites Beach Torquay - $235 per couple*
With breathtaking views and a beachside location, Whites Beach Torquay is a perfect option for a romantic getaway. Sprawl out in front of the fire with a delicious cheese platter and a glass of wine or spend the afternoon playing tennis followed by a dip in the indoor swimming pool. Don’t miss the opportunity to relax and revitalise with this romantic package which includes:
- one night’s accommodation in a deluxe king room
- cheese platter and wine
- gourmet hot and cold breakfast
- use of all resort facilities including heated indoor pool and spa, tennis court and billiard room.
* Terms and conditions apply. Price is per couple, twin share and subject to availability.
For more information: call 03 5264 8875 or visit www.whitesbeachtorquay.com.au
The Pole House - $340 per night*
Stay at The Pole House, one of Australia’s most recognisable and photographed homes and take in the sensational views from every angle. Perched above the magnificent Great Ocean Road, the Pole House is a perfect romantic escape for those wanting to simply relax and unwind, warm-up by the fire or ‘pop the question’! Don’t miss out on this luxurious escape.
*From $340 per night.
For more information: call (03) 5220 0200 or visit www.greatoceanroadholidays.com.au
Crowne Plaza Torquay - $235 per couple*
Just minutes from world renowned surf beaches, challenging golf courses, great shopping spots and famous tourist attractions, Crowne Plaza Torquay is the ideal gateway to the Great Ocean Road. Enjoy a delicious breakfast before spending the day taking in the sights that this magnificent region has to offer. This fabulous package is not to be missed by those wanting to escape the daily routine, including:
- overnight accommodation in a spacious queen apartment
- breakfast for two
- a bottle of wine on arrival
- late check-out.
* Valid until 31 October 2008.
For more information: call (03) 5261 1500 or visit www.crowneplaza.com.au
Diary Notes
August 2008
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces Art Deco 1910 – 1939, 28 June – 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 300 major works of Art Deco in art, 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 further information: www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Media contact: Kitty Walker, NGV on 0417 575 088 or 03 8620 2411
Melbourne Art Fair, 30 July - 3 August
Melbourne Art Fair 2008 is presented by the Melbourne Art Fair Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, promoting contemporary art and the ethical representation of living artists. Alongside more than 80 national and international gallery exhibitions, Melbourne Art Fair 2008 presents programs which directly benefit the work of living artists. These include: Artist Commissions (artists selected to create feature installations), Project Rooms (up to 10 art spaces for artists not represented by a gallery) and free public forums and lectures featuring artists, curators and international guests.
For further information: www.melbourneartfair.com
Media contact: Prue Bassett Publicity (03) 9652 8641
Melbourne International Film Festival, 25 July – 10 August
Movie buffs are in for a treat when the Melbourne International Film Festival screens cinematic sensations from more than 50 countries over 19 days. The festival also 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: www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au
Media contact: Limelight PR on (03) 8660 4816
State of Design Festival, South Melbourne, 16 – 24 July
The State of Design Festival is Victoria’s peak design event held at the Melbourne Museum and various regional locations. 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.
For more information: call (03) 9650 3963 or visit www.stateofdesign.com.au
Media contact: David Renouf on (03) 9682 0222 or email david@hhme.com.au
Melbourne International Design Festival, 25 July – 10 August
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 ten 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
Wicked, Regent Theatre, from 9 July
The Broadway hit Wicked is delighting audiences at Melbourne’s magnificent Regent Theatre. Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and is based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire. According to the storyline, long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls met in the Land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes the most spellbinding new musical in years.
For more information: www.wickedthemusical.com.au
Media contact: Howie and Taylor Publicity on (03) 9654 3431
Guys and Dolls, Princess Theatre, from 5 April
Guys and Dolls hails from London’s West End and features a sensational Australian cast including Lisa McCune, Marina Prior, Ian Stenlake, Garry McDonald, Shane Jacobson and Magda Szubanski. Guys and Dolls dazzles audiences with breath-taking dance routines, fabulous costumes and classic hits such as ‘Luck Be a Lady’, ‘Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat’, ‘If I Were a Bell’, ‘Sue Me’ and ‘Guy and Dolls’. Set in New York in the 1940s, the story follows a small-time gambler who bets his big-time pal that he can’t make the next woman he sees fall in love with him. When the next ‘doll’ is a neighbourhood missionary, the stage is set for some high-spirited entertainment.
For more information: www.guysanddollsthemusical.com.au
Media contact: Howie and Taylor Publicity on (03) 9654 3431
Mix It Up, Throughout Winter 2008
Mix it Up captures the best international and local artists in a series of events that reflect the cultural diversity in music. From French electropop to local African and Indigenous performers as well as hip hop, Mix it Up is a colourful kaleidoscope of colour and sound. The program, being held over several months at the Arts Centre, reflects the broad diversity of world music.
For more information: www.ticketmaster.com.au or www.theartscentre.net.au
The Melbourne Writers’ Festival, 22 - 31 August
The Melbourne Writers’ Festival, now in its 23rd year, is acclaimed an Australian leading literary event. Staged over 10 days and nights in August and September each year, the festival promotes the art and talent of more than 200 writers from Australia and around the world. The festival features literary discussions, debates, readings, film screenings, interviews, performances, workshops and master classes.
This year the festival will celebrate its move to Fed Square and other CBD locations.
For more information: call Magda Petkoff on 03 9328 4522 or www.mwf.com.au
Lands End by Compagnie Philippe Genty, 12 – 16 August
Acclaimed French master of theatrical fantasy and illusion, Philippe Genty, launches the Australian premiere season of his latest work Lands End at the Arts Centre, State Theatre.
Conceived and directed with Genty’s long-time collaborator and wife Mary Underwood, Lands End features a brilliant cast of seven multi-skilled performers who offer a breathtaking visual feast of theatrical illusion, dance and puppetry. This is Genty’s largest production to tour to Australia.
For more information: www.theartscentre.com.au or www.philippegenty.com
Media contact: Clea Woods, Mollison Communications on (03) 9694 5226 or 0417 392 622
Regional
Tour of Gippsland, 30 July - 3 August
The Tour of Gippsland, a prestigious cycling race, is the opening event in the hugely successful National Cup Series. The course showcases East Gippsland in all its visual splendour and provides an incredibly tough challenge for the riders. The tour will start in the picturesque town of Mallacoota, travel through Orbost, Lakes Entrance, Metung, Omeo, Bairnsdale and Dargo and will finish by the lakeside township of Paynesville.
For more information: www.caribou.net.au
Tour of the Murray River, 31 August – 7 September
The 2008 Tour of the Murray River (formerly known as the Tour of Sunraysia) will start in the paddlesteamer capital of Australia – Echuca. The eight-day journey is now Australia’ longest road cycling classic and this year pedals from Echuca through the popular Murray River towns of Moama, Barham, Kerang, Cohuna, Swan Hill, Manangatang, Balranald, Robinvale, Euston, Ouyen, Patchewollock, Merbein, Wentworth, and ends in Mildura.
For more information: www.caribou.net.au
Kangaroo Hoppet, 25 August 2007
Held at Falls Creek, the Kangaroo Hoppet is Australia’s premier long distance (42km) cross-country ski race and is the only southern hemisphere event in the prestigious Worldloppet series of international long distance cross-country ski events. Other races on the day are the Australian Birkebeiner (21 kilometres) and Joey Hoppet (seven kilometres) events which start shortly after the main event.
For more information: www.hoppet.com.au
Media contact: Allan Marsland on (03) 5754 1045.
Daylesford Words in Winter 2008 Celebration, 1 - 3 August
If there’s a word for it, it will be celebrated with poetry readings, plays, films, cryptic crosswords, novellas, workshops, music and song - even a book ball at the festival. Now in its seventh year, the annual celebration is a joyous gathering of poets, authors, artists, musicians and wordsmiths in Victoria’s Central Highlands. There are day and night events with admission to most costing between $2 and $10.
For more information: www.visitdaylesford.com or www.wordsinwinter.com.au
Advance Sled Dog Challenge, 8 – 9 August
Held at Dinner Plain in the Alpine High Country, the Advance Sled Dog Challenge is an annual event that showcases the top dogs of sled dog racing in Australia. With teams of two-, three-, four- and six-dog teams competing and more than 350 sled dogs are expected to compete in this year's event, the Advance Sled Dog Challenge is unique because it is the only Australian snow-based race of its kind.
For more information: www.dinnerplain.com