Diary Notes
March 2008
The 2008 FORMULA 1™ Australian Grand Prix, 13 to 16 March 2008
The 2008 Australian Grand Prix will offer an action-packed extravaganza of on-track and off-track activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Besides a stellar line-up of elite motor racing, a host of other offerings will keep visitors entertained throughout the day. Set in the stunning surrounds of picturesque Albert Park, nothing compares to the adrenalin-charged action of Formula One.
For more information: call Emma Tierney on 03 9258 7111, GP hotline on 131 931 or visit www.grandprix.com.au
Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF), 19 March to 13 April 2008
The MICF is the largest annual comedy event in Australia. It showcases and celebrates the best of Australia's comic artists, nurtures and develops new work and presents international comic talent. Each year the festival presents a combination of stand up, theatre, cabaret, street entertainment, visual arts exhibitions and music.
For more information: visit www.comedyfestival.com.au
2008 Yamaha Phillip Island Superbike World Championship, 29 February to 2 March 2008
Victoria's unique and challenging Phillip Island Circuit hosts the Superbike World Championship again in 2008. This heart-stopping event provides some of the closest competition of any racing championship, while bringing together the major motorcycle manufacturers and high-profile international riders. The weekend activities include support races and exciting on-space and off-track motorcycle entertainment.
For more information: call Peter Mitchell on 03 5952 2710 or visit www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/superbike
Harvest of Gippsland, 2 March 2008
This annual food and wine event showcases Gippsland's gourmet food and wine products and sees local farmers and wineries displaying and selling a wide range of organics and produce. Some of these include: cool climate wines from over 20 local wineries; award-winning cheeses from Jindi and Tarago cheese-makers; speciality beers; chilli products; berries; condiments; oils along with a vast range of organic nuts; bush foods; olives; and specialty smoked and cured meats. Enjoy cooking demonstrations throughout the day as well as face painting and rides on the trackless train for the kids. Entry to Harvest of Gippsland (held at Lardner Park, Warragul) is $15 for adults and free for children under 16 years.
For more information: call 03 5626 1373 or visit www.lardnerpark.com.au
Red Hill International Cool Climate Wine Show, 4 to 7 March 2008
The International Cool Climate Wine Show attracts over 700 entries from cool climate regions in Australasia including the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Tasmania and New Zealand. Following the judging, all wines are available for public tasting, providing a supreme opportunity to taste the delicious varieties of pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc.
For more information: call 03 5983 2400 or visit www.coolclimatewineshow.org.au
Echuca Cup Carnival, 8 to 9 March 2008
The Echuca Racing Club is gearing up for the March Labour Day long weekend when it celebrates the Deniliquin RSL Echuca Cup Carnival. Stretching over the Friday 9, Saturday 10 and 11 Sunday, there is no better place to be. Friday 9 March kick starts the event with a twilight race, Saturday night 10 March is the introduction of the inaugural Tisdall Bubbly Ball; and on Sunday the Deniliquin RSL Echuca Cup Race will be run and the winner declared.
For more information: call Brendan Kneebone on 03 5482 2487 or visit www.echucaracing.com.au
The Merrijiig Twilight Rodeo, 8 March 2008
The Merrijig Rodeo attracts Australia's best rough riders for a day of thrilling competition against the backdrop of the High Country. This is an exciting event for horse lovers as it is full of local colour, cowboys and provides an old fashioned good time for the whole family.
For more information: call Mansfield Visitor Information Centre on 1800 039 049 or visit www.merrijigrodeo.org.au
The Port Fairy Folk Festival, 7 to 10 March 2008
Port Fairy Folk Festival presents international and Australian artists over four days of folk, blues, jazz, bluegrass, Celtic, country, jazz, rock, contemporary and other world roots music with over 130 acts and more than 500 artists. There is also a children's folk circus and a free festival on the streets. Performances will be presented in the arena as well as venues throughout the town, including market stalls, buskers and street events.
For more information: call 03 5568 2227 or visit www.portfairyfolkfestival.com
Ararat Jailhouse Rock Festival, 12 to 16 March 2008
This is Victoria's premier rock ‘n' roll festival, a three-day celebration of 50s and 60s music. Highlights include hot rods, custom cars and bikes, classic cars, motorcycles, rock n' roll music and dancing, airbrush art or even the art of tattooing.
For more information: call 1800 657 158 or visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au or www.jailhouserock.com.au
Montalto Sculpture Prize and Exhibition, 17 February to 30 April 2008
Explore diverse sculptures from different artists at the Montalto sculpture prize and exhibition. Now in its sixth year, this highly regarded prize is a must-see for all art lovers and visitors alike. Sculptures are located along a walking trail taking in vines, olive groves, lakes, wetlands and gardens. Entry to the sculpture exhibition is free and will be held at Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove.
For more information: call 03 5989 8412 or visit www.montalto.com.au
2008 Carnivale Wodonga Wild, 8 March 2008
Carnivale Wodonga Wild will be held on Saturday 8 March 2008 (Labour Day weekend). In the lead up to the festival, there will be several workshop programs to engage the community in the development of sculptures, costumes, décor, music and dance. These will then be showcased at the festival during various performances and in the street parade. Roving performers will move throughout the performance space while on several stages, circus performances and musical items take place.
For more information: visit www.wodonga.vic.gov.au/events
2008 ChillOut, Regional Victoria, 7 to 10 March 2008
Country Victoria welcomes back ChillOut, the largest gay and lesbian festival in regional and rural Australia. A festival like no other in the world, ChillOut turns the beautiful and relaxing central Victoria spa town of Daylesford 'queer as country folk' for four fun-packed days. Music, dancing, art and sport, parties and dinners, shows and exhibitions, dog shows and a massive tug o'war, markets, and a great line-up of entertainment are all going to be occurring throughout our festive weekend.
For more information: visit www.chilloutfestival.com.au
Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, 18 to 29 March 2008
The Rip Curl Pro is Australia's longest running and most prestigious professional surfing event. The Rip Curl Pro, held at Australia's most iconic surf spot Bells Beach, is one of six Victorian Government-designated Hallmark International Sporting Events held each year. Although Kelly Slater is a two-time winner, he rates Bells as one of the hardest waves in the world to master. Look out for the Virgin Air show and Foster's Expression Session when the pros will be boosting airs and reinventing moves for multiple cash prizes.
For more information: call 03 5261 2907 or visit www.surfingaustralia.com
Bendigo Easter Fair, 21 to 24 March 2008
The Bendigo Easter Festival is a celebration of the goldfield's heritage and boasts the annual appearance of authentic Chinese dragons including the longest imperial dragon in the world, Sun Loong. The weekend program of celebrations over the Easter period is distinguished by an evening torchlight parade and the famous Easter Monday gala parade. Also on offer are cultural and musical events, spectacular performances, free family entertainment and a traditional Chinese Spring Festival.
For more information: call 03 54346475 or visit www.bendigoeasterfestival.org.au
SheppARTon Festival, 6 to 16 March 2008
The SheppARTon festival is ready to go in 2008 with its theme of freshwater, promoting new ideas and fresh thinking. As well as signature events such as Opera in the Orchards and the Twilight Festival, the 2008 SheppARTon Festival will feature innovative art, emerging artists and new arts practice and will run for an entire fun-filled week.
For more information: call 03 5832 9501 or visit www.sheppartonfestival.net.au
April 2008
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, 2 – 6 April
The world-renowned Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is the largest and most successful horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere. Staged within the world heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, this prestigious show is a must-see for garden lovers.
For more information: call Ticketmaster7 on 136 100 or go to www.melbflowershow.com.au
Bendigo Queer Film Festival, 4 – 6 April
The Bendigo Queer Film Festival provides the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersexual community with a cultural and artistic experience. The festival screens international and Australian films, showcases art and entertainment and celebrates sexual diversity.
For more information: go to www.bendigoqueerfilmfestival
The 2008 Yarrawonga-Mulwala Boating and Outdoor Leisure Show incorporating the E.C. Griffith Cup, 4 – 6 April
The Yarrawonga-Mulwala Boating and Outdoor Leisure Show attracts a large number of boating enthusiasts who also enjoy the high speed action of Australian and New Zealand powerboats going head to head in the 94th annual E.C. Griffith Cup - Australia's premier powerboat challenge.
For more information: call Ms Lisa Francis, Yarrawonga-Mulwala Tourism Inc on 0417 571 128.
Lakes Motorfest 2008, Gippsland, 5 – 6 April
Come along and see a colourful display of prestige and special interest vehicles and join the dinner and family day activities as well as an organised tour to Buchan via Nowa Nowa and Bruthen on the Sunday.
For more information: call John Parker, Event Manager on (03) 5155 2419.
2008 Alps to the Ocean Keen Adventure Race, 7 – 12 April
The Alps to Ocean Keen Adventure Race includes bushland running, river kayaking and mountain biking. The race, which runs over four days, includes a range of physical activities each day and is held in Gippsland and Victoria's High Country.
For more information: call Sam on (03) 98182982 or go to www.rapidascent.com.au
Southern Grampians Promenade of Sacred Music, 17 - 20 April
Historic venues and churches of Hamilton and surrounds will be transformed into concert halls for the annual Southern Grampians Promenade of Sacred Music. The festival, under the guidance of artistic director Douglas Lawrence OAM, celebrates early, contemporary, instrumental and choral music by acclaimed local and international artists.
For more information: call (03) 5573 0429 or (03) 5573 0480 or go to www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/events&festivals
Hepburn Springs Swiss-Italian Festa, 17 – 27 April
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 (03) 5348 3555 or go to www.swissitalianfesta.com
Montalto Sculpture Prize and Exhibition, Mornington Peninsula, 17 February – 27 April
View diverse sculptures by a number of artists at the Montalto Sculpture Prize and Exhibition. Now in its sixth year, this highly regarded prize is a must-see for all art lovers. Entry to the sculpture exhibition is free. Held at Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove.
For more information: (03) 5989 8412 or www.montalto.com.au
Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 19 March – 13 April
This hilarious annual event literally takes over Australia's comedy capital, Melbourne, each autumn with an enormous program of stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre, street performances, film, television, radio and visual arts.
For more information: www.comedyfestival.com.au
ARTANICA, Mt Macedon, 19 – 20 April
ARTANICA is an exciting annual exhibition of garden sculpture this year held in the Duneira gardens at Mt Macedon from 10am to 4pm daily. This inspirational event gives visitors the opportunity to view the beautiful gardens, enjoy music and watch artists as they create outdoor art. The entry fee is $5 and children under 14 are admitted free.
For more information: call (03) 5426 3075.
Apollo Bay Music Festival, 25 – 27 April
This colourful festival showcases more than 400 artists performing blues, jazz, folk, rock, country, classical, world, gospel and contemporary music across 13 stages and marquees on the foreshore.
For more information: call 1300 308 999 or go to www.apollobaymusicfestival.com
Upper Goulburn Vintage Celebration, 26 April
The Vintage Celebration features the wines and food of the Upper Goulburn region and is centrally located at Delatite Winery where the region's wineries and small food producers gather to showcase and sell their produce against the backdrop of Delatite's magnificent High Country scenery.
For more information: call Susan Kinloch on (03) 5777 3447 or go to www.themanfrommoselriver.wordpress.com
Bright Autumn Festival, 26 April – 11 May
The two-week festival features fun activities and is located in Bright. The festival highlights the region's autumn colours and in 2008 this year's theme is 'At the Movies'.
For more information: call Marc Hoskin on (03) 5755 2161.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival, 29 April – 4 May
Jazz lovers will enjoy a breathtaking line-up of acclaimed international and Australian artists from countries across the globe including France, Italy, Norway, Poland, Brazil, USA, South Africa and Australia at Melbourne Jazz 2008.
For more information: www.melbournejazz.com/v2008/