VICTORIA THANKS YOU
Victoria has been experiencing a difficult time with the recent bushfires.
On behalf of the Victorian tourism industry, Tourism Victoria would like to thank the generous response by many in the media who have offered to write or produce stories to contribute to the regions’ recovery from the recent fires.
It has been heart-warming to know that many of you are willing to support Victoria through this challenging period.
In the short term there are a number of ways to encourage regional travel (where it is safe to do so) and to support Victoria’s tourism industry.
Here are some promotional ideas to consider:
Federation Square will be holding a Special Victorian Wine Regions Showcase on 4 and 5 March from 4.30pm until 8.30pm. Bushfire affected wineries will be attending. Tickets are $25 per person. Go to www.federationsquare.com.au for further details.
Victoria’s leading attractions and tourism operators will be donating their Labour Day (Monday 9 March) takings in the hope to raise $1 million to the Victorian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. Twenty-three major attractions will be participating including Sovereign Hill, Healesville Sanctuary, Eureka Skydeck 88, Werribee Mansion, and Melbourne Museum.
Victoria is renowned for holding a rich array of regional events and in March and April there is a host of opportunities for travellers.
Many regions are staging their own regional food and wine events as part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (7-23 March). There is a delicious selection of events to experience including the World’s Longest Lunch. For the full list of regional events refer to www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au
Gippsland Inspired Festival is currently running and has a number of events over the long weekend and beyond. Here are some event highlights: A Palate of Passion World’s Longest Lunch (13 March), the Inverloch Food & Wine Festival (14 March) and Feast on East Harvest Picnic (15 March). For further details go to www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au
Yarra Valley’s Rochford Winery will be holding its Opera under the Stars event on Saturday 7 March. Guests can relax on the lawns while being entertained by the Australian performers Pot-Pourri and the Yarra Trio. Stones Winery will serve an extraordinary lunch prepared by five of Melbourne’s leading chefs on Sunday 8 March. Iconic chefs include Greg Malouf (Momo’s), George Calombaris (The Press Club) and Frank Camorra (MoVida). This is a major fundraiser event with all takings being donated to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. For further details go to www.stonesoftheyarravalley.com
The High Country region also has a number of excellent events for people to enjoy including the Tastes of Rutherglen (7-8March); High Country Autumn Festival (7-8 March) in Mansfield; and the Merrijig Rodeo (7 March).
Alternatively the Yarra Valley, Victoria’s High Country and Gippsland regions are strong producers of excellent wines, cheeses, chocolates, jams, berries and other delicious items. Support these regional producers by purchasing their wines and produce in the coming months.
Image- Bushfire survivors: Squeaks the Ring Tail Possum is just one of the many of the animals needing long term care at Healesville Sanctuary's Australian Wildlife Health Centre.
Media Contact:
Victoria’s Attractions & Tourism Appeal: Leanne Tyrrell, Tyrrell PR & Promotions:
leanne@tyrrellpr.com.au or 9629 7000
For all other information contact:
Danielle Poulos, Tourism Victoria, danielle.poulos@tourism.vic.gov.au or 03 9653 9773.
Unique accommodation in country Victoria, 52 weeks a year
Choosing accommodation for a weekend away can often result in information overload but now help is at hand with the release of 52Weekends, aninnovative large-format card set that reviews and provides information about the finest accommodation in country Victoria.
A handy option for those who are time poor or who distrust the hyperbole of accommodation websites, 52Weekends instead works on a much more reliable source of information: word of mouth.
All accommodation in the 52Weekends collection set has been personally visited by experienced travel writer and specialist accommodation reviewer Peter Robinson who has notched up over 800 ‘B&B’ reviews in his career so far.
Complete with photographs and factual information, these unique places to stay have been matched with a handful of special weekend destinations. Whether you want a romantic, luxurious cottage, tranquil sunsets at the water’s edge, a spacious retreat with spa treatments, fine wine and superb dining, bushwalking, wildlife spotting, beachcombing, exploring scenic countryside and historic towns, there are many suggestions to get you underway once you’ve chosen where to lay your head,.
52Weekends is available for purchase from Angus & Robertson bookstores and larger newsagencies.
For further information: www.52weekends.net
Media contact: call Peter Robinson on Ph: 0407 032613 or email peterob@ozemail.com.au
New Melbourne Hot Spots: Smith Street
Only 10 minutes on the number 86 tram from the CBD, Smith Street which straddles the border of Collingwood / Fitzroy is ‘so hot right now’. Shops specialising in vintage clothes and accessories stand alongside fresh food groceries and kitschy Asian gift shops, and for music lovers, there are at least three shops with shelves groaning with the weight of fine quality vinyl LPs.
But the real highlight is the bars. Smith Street has seen a proliferation in groovy watering holes at only two to five minutes walking distance from each other. Here are some suggestions for the first-timer.
Collingwood World, 97B Smith Street, Fitzroy, Ph: (03) 9419 3518
Opened in late October, Collingwood World - like so many of Melbourne’s better watering holes - can be tricky. It is located up an unmarked set of stairs with no street sign, but there are rewards aplenty for the intrepid.
The feeling of the bar is unfussy but chic. The furnishings, mainly large wooden benches and tables, are minimalist but welcoming. The bar staff friendly, with a penchant for vinyl records circa 1982, many of which have been obtained from The Searchers, a nearby treasure trove of second-hand books and vinyl. The drinks menu, too, is economical. There’s only a handful of beers, and just one red and one white wine to choose from but there’s a good reason for this: the focus is on cocktails, which vary from $10 - $14, very cheap for a bar of this calibre. Collingwood World’s owners, one of whom was the former manager of Asian-chic laneway bar Double Happiness, have been keen to reinvent the cocktail from a ‘mixologist’- epic to an everyday experience. They specialise in original fruit-based concoctions - with such inspired names as the ‘tuk tuk’ and ‘monkey steals the peach’ – varying ingredients according to the season. Although not on the menu, the able staff can also mix you up a cocktail of the more classic variety if you ask.
Also worth noting is the huge blown-up Melways map of Collingwood / Fitzroy / Carlton that decorates one wall – handy if you wander out of the bar after one too many cocktails and forget where you are.
Panama Dining Room, Level 3, 231 Smith Street, Fitzroy, Ph: (03) 9417 7663
Light, airy, and spacious, the Panama Dining Room is arguably the antithesis of a typical Melbourne ‘hidden bar’ and yet it works superbly. With both a wine bar and a restaurant section (there’s plenty of room for pool tables too) the Panama Dining Room is blessed with series of astonishing ground-to-ceiling arched windows, which offer gorgeous views of Collingwood rooftops and, further in the distance, the Dandenongs, making it an ideal bar for those long summer nights.
Cocktails are not to be missed with choices such as choices the Manhattan, the Negroni, and the Gimlet. The wine list is evenly split between Australian and international product, with Gippsland pinot noir, and Yarra Valley shiraz sharing the limelight alongside sangiovese from Tuscany and tempranillo from Spain. The beers include international brands as well as some of the better known boutique Australian brewers such as Mountain Goat (whose brewery is only one suburb away, now that’s keeping it local), Holgate and Little Creatures. The restaurant has excellent service, with a menu focusing on European dishes.
Yah Yah’s, 99 Smith Street, Fitzroy Ph: (03) 9417 2326, www.yahyahs.com.au
While the illustrious Cherry Bar, with its rock-star owner cred has been Melbourne's main ‘rock bar’ several years, this exciting new Collingwood upstart looks set to upset the applecart.
The latest venture from the owners of Pony and Bar Open, Yah Yah’s ruby red walls, crazy artwork, leather booths and bar-installed record player (increasingly a regular feature in the coolest bars in town) gives off a shady ‘den-of-sin’ vibe, described as ‘a preview of the second level of hell, where all the fun stuff will be happening after you die.’
With a rotating line-up of bands and DJs playing every Thursday to Saturday, it’s the sort of setting you can imagine ending up being later being chronicled as the meeting place for next generation of Melbourne’s rock royalty. Pass by on a Friday night and the place is pumping, not bad for a venue that has been open less than three months.
Grumpy’s Green, 125 Smith Street, Fitzroy Ph: (03) 9419 1944, www.grumpysgreen.com
Green is the focus for this newly-opened eco-friendly bar nestled on the Fitzroy street side of Smith Street. There’s a laudable focus on Victorian product here, chosen deliberately to minimise the business’s carbon footprint. As their website explains, it is an “utterly pointless burden on our environment as we are lucky enough to have a endless supply of locally produced beer and wine available to us that is of exceptional quality”. Like many of its neighbours, Grumpy’s Green also favours local craft brewers with beers from Yarra Valley, Healesville and the Macedon Ranges, while wines on offer include quality labels from Pyrenees, Mornington Peninsula and Mildura. Even the majority of the first shelf spirits are Australian.
The small food list, made from locally sourced (Victorian) ingredients, is vegetarian-only, a rarity among Melbourne bars which tend to cater for the carnivore-loving majority. ‘Who needs a cow when you can have an eggplant?’ the menu proudly states.
Sink into the ample couches at the front and enjoy a roast vegie parma (eggplant, capsicum and field mushrooms) and Mountain Goat beer on tap or settle into the cosy bohemian ambience of the outdoor beer garden. Grumpy Greens also features live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, check out the website for more details.
Caz Reitop’s Dirty Secrets, 80 Smith St, Collingwood, Ph: (03) 9415 8876, www.crds.com.au
If you ever need a discreet watering hole in which to trade state secrets, gossip about the boss' PA, or discuss the next big takeover deal, head straight to Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets. This sleek bar, time-warped straight from the 1920s Prohibition era, is replete with quiet corners, nooks, crannies and bolt holes perfect for airing dirty secrets. Decorative touches, including the lovely gramophone that takes pride of place on the bar, give it a unique and welcoming feel.
To grease the wheels of conversation the bar is well stocked with classy grog slung into classic cocktails, as well as some new-fangled alcoholic expressions. Try the ‘Wake Up Call’, an espresso martini that's sure to have you shooting your mouth off quick smart. Or hark back to yesteryear with a ‘Bonnie's Passion’ - vodka infused with orange blossom and lime, Cointreau, Aperol, lemon juice and passionfruit.
If you prefer something simple, there's Becks on tap and a smattering of new-world wines by the glass. Caz also stocks a tasty collection of rare single malts, including Glenmorangie, in various wood cask finishes.
Don’t miss Happy Hour between 5 – 7pm Wednesday to Fridays, where you can sample cocktails for $9.
Enjoy your cheese and make it too
Goldfields Farmhouse in Ballarat is one of newest businesses cementing the Goldfield region’s reputation for producing some of the finest, most indulgent cheese in Victoria.
Since September 2005, the pair has been producing variations of delectable internationally inspired cheese – ranging handmade French style white mould and fromage blanc to English inspired blue mould and Cheddar.
“Thinking global but acting local” is the Goldfields Farmhouse ideology. The entrenched philosophy is so much so that their international cheeses are given Central Victorian Goldfields inspired names. The local support for quality ingredients begins from the very early stages of the cheese-making process with milk for the cheeses being sourced locally from cows that graze the soil of Australia’s Great Dividing Range.
Goldfield’s Farmhouse also enables you to make your very own cheese with their one-day cheese making workshops. In the workshop you can experience a range of cheese making methods from the very quick to the more sedate. The cost of the workshop is $125 and includes lunch, milk for cheese making, cheese hoops and detailed notes on cheese making. Bookings are essential as the workshops fill up very quickly all year round.
For further information: go to www.goldfieldsfarmhouse.com.au or call 0408 393 792
Media contact: Nardia Baxter-Keene Ph: 0408 393 792
Domaine Chandon’s new Sunday School Winery Tour
Experience a fascinating introduction into wine at Domaine Chandon’s new Sunday School winery tour. Dedicate a Sunday between 11am to 1pm to tasting world-class wines at Chandon’s winery located in the stunning Yarra Valley region.
Whether a beginner or a fully-fledged wine enthusiast, Domaine Chandon offers a two-hour wine discovery course to experience the production, flavour and culture of their wine.
The tour allows participants to taste wine in progress, from the barrel to the bottle, as well as establishing an understanding of the varying characteristics of chardonnay and pinot noir. The tour also enables behind the scenes demonstrations on how ‘Méthode Traditionelle’ sparkling wine is made.
Learn how to taste wine properly in an exciting and informative way and explore how chardonnay and pinot noir work to influence the taste of sparkling and still wines.
Bookings are essential with a maximum of ten people in each session. Sunday School is held at the picturesque Chandon winery, giving participants an intimate opportunity to celebrate premium wines.
For further information: go to www.domainechandon.com.au
Media contact: Camille Ph: 03 9738 9245 or email
ckoll@domainechandon.com.au
March in Melbourne brings world class festival experiences for low prices
World class music, live performances, fashion and comedy doesn’t have to cost the earth, as demonstrated by the economical programs being rolled out by three major festivals taking place in Melbourne over the next few weeks: the Moomba Waterfest, the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Australia’s largest free community festival, Moomba Waterfest (6-9 March) will be giving music lovers the chance to see some of their favourite ARIA award winning acts, legendary performers and also new up-and-coming bands at a series of live concerts by the river. Bands performing will include Augie March, The Whitlams, James Reyne & Band, The Black Sorrows, Magic Dirt and The Galvatrons. Moomba will also have many activities for families including Loving the Yarra – Melbourne Water’s Birrarung Celebration and The Children’s Garden presented by Ranger Roo, featuring a host of acrobatics, theatre and circus shows, workshops and other events.
The 2009 L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival (15-22 March) showcases the best in fashion, design and culture and also has some outstanding free and low cost experiences as part of its program. Highlights include the free ‘POP UP’ to be held at iconic locations around the city on a spectacular inflatable catwalk. Also free is the Target Rocks Red Market program featuring a free kids runway show, demonstrations and makeovers from L’Oréal Paris. The cultural program, presented by Living Creatively, includes over 60 events, many of which are free or low cost such as The Golden Age of Couture exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery ($16 for adults) and the Dior on Filmcinema season at ACMI Cinemas ($13 per session or $30 for a three-session package).
With an average ticket price of $22, the 2009 Melbourne International Comedy Festival (1-26 April) has built a reputation for being one of Australia’s most affordable festivals. For those who want to make their money stretch further, check the festival’s website for details on comedy festival artists that are running lower-priced preview shows on the opening weekend (April 2-5) and or see something on the festival’s discounted ticket night, ’Tight-Arse Tuesday’. The 2009 Melbourne International Comedy Festival features more than 300 shows, with over 1200 performers including international stars Jason Byrne, Danny Bhoy and Dylan Moran, and a host of popular local performers including Dave Hughes, Adam Hills, Judith Lucy, Tim Minchin and Wil Anderson.
For further information:
Melbourne International Comedy Festival: visit www.comedyfestival.com.au
Moomba Waterfest: visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival: visit www.lmff.com.au
Media contacts:
Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Tatia Sloley, TS Publicity Ph: (03) 9419 8837 or email: tatia@tspublicity.com.au
Moomba Waterfest: Rain Fuller, Haystac Ph: (03) 8689 2257 or email r.fuller@haystac.com.au
L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival: Brooke Shell, Ann Morrison Public Relations Ph: 0411 209 901 or email brooke@ampr.com.au
Spirits High brings ‘spa dreaming’ to Mansfield
Nestled within the healing energies of The Paps mountains with some of the best panoramic views of the High Country is Spirits High, Victoria’s new spa and wellness centre.
Inspired by the knowledge and wisdom held by indigenous people, Spirits High’s owners Cathy and Dave Stoney have joined with Gayle Heron, the founder of indigenous spa range Li’Tya, to offer a personalised spa experience called ‘spa dreaming’ that fuses ancient therapies from The Dreamtime with current relaxation technologies.
Among the indigenous inspired ‘spa journeys’ and treatments is Li’Tya Mikiri, an intensive facial treatment which includes an Aboriginal-inspired pressure point facial massage; Li’Tya Kodo, a rhythmic body massage is incorporating by traditional Australian Aboriginal techniques which work to balance and re-align energy flow and Howqua Garung Moo-djerr, a deeply relaxing hot stone massage using rocks from the Howqua River
More than a day spa, Spirits High will hold workshops on all facets of wellness and provide experiences that will bring about healing, empowerment, connection and change.
Spirits High will also be offering full getaway packages embracing the High Country’s ‘adventure reward’ experience with adventure activities and accommodation included.
For further information: www.spiritshigh.com.au
Media contacts: Dave or Cathy Stoney Ph: 0414 861 442 or (03) 5779 1386
Gibson Steps reopen at Port Campbell National Park reopen
Access has been restored to Gibson Beach at the Port Campbell National Park with the reopening of the Gibson Steps.
The Gibson Steps were closed in March 2008 after an independent engineer's report found that erosion at the top of the cliff posed an unacceptable risk to the public.
Works to the cliff top above Gibson Steps commenced in late November and included installing drainage near the top of the steps to release naturally occurring ground water, and controlling erosion, loose soil and surface run-off at the top of the cliff.
In developing the best solution to re-open Gibson Steps, Parks Victoria worked closely with Aboriginal Affairs and local indigenous groups to ensure cultural heritage values at the site are protected.
For further information: www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
New charter yacht the Platinum redefines luxury cruising
New ‘super yacht’ the Platinum is offering visitors the chance to experience some of some of Victoria’s most spectacular coastline at a new level of opulence.
Created by Jack Mackeddie from Mackeddie Marine, the Platinum was commissioned in August 2008 with a price tag close to $20 million dollars, the first luxury vessel of its type available for charter in and around Melbourne.
Boasting three spacious levels of fashionable decks and reaching 38 metres in length, the Platinum can accommodate up to 10 guests in exclusive comfort for overnight stays or extended trips and up to 120 for day charter trips or cocktail functions.
Likened to a private luxury hotel on water, the Platinum is professionally equipped for entertaining, with numerous catering options available.
For more information: call Captain Matt McDonald on 0428 545 271 (general enquiries) or go to www.platinumcharters.com.au
Media contact: Jack Mackeddie, Mackeddie Marine Ph: 0418 521 391 or email: jacmac@searoad.com.au
Melbourne’s fresh food markets amp up tourist offer
Melbourne’s fresh food markets are increasingly becoming a magnet for food and culture loving tourists, serving up a growing number of fun programs for visitors such as ‘foodie’ tours, cooking classes and live music performance
The Prahran Market, Melbourne’s oldest continually operating food market has just announced a schedule of free cooking demonstrations and tastings every Thursday. Presented by chef Jerry Mai and food stylist, writer, menu consultant and self confessed ‘food nerd’ Jackie Middleton, forthcoming sessions include ‘Asian Greens and Salads’ and ‘ANZAC Favourites’.
Cooking school and specialty shop The Essential Ingredient, based at the Prahran Market, also offers a schedule of cooking classes, hands–on workshops and demonstrations from its own purpose-built kitchen. Many of Victoria’s best regional and Melbourne-based chefs are lined up to teach classes in 2009 including Alla Wolf-Tasker (The Lake House, Daylesford), Patrizia Simone (Simone’s of Bright), Ian Curley (The Point, Albert Park Lake) and Mark Briggs and Andy Harmer (joint head chefs at Vue de Monde).
The QV Market will be celebrating its 130th birthday in March 2009. The market’s on-site Electrolux Cooking School offers a regular program of classes focusing on seasonal produce, and covering a wide range of culinary styles such as Italian, Thai, Indian, Vietnamese, Japanese and Moroccan. It also runs very popular children’s cooking and school holiday program.
Another popular attraction at the QV Market is their ‘foodies dream’ tour that gives visitors the chance to learn about the newest foods and trends in the company of a fully qualified market guide. A similarly themed tour, ‘Hidden Gems’, will soon commence at the Prahran Market.
The QV Market, the Suzuki Night Market (the QV’s summer night market) and Prahran Market are also great places to check out live music. One of the big highlights will surely be Opera in the Market which takes place on March 23 and 25 at the Queen Victoria Market’s ‘K-Shed’ featuring internationally renowned soprano Yvonne Kenny. Fine food and wine will also be available.
Also don’t miss the QV market’s Turkish Festival (29 March), and the hugely popular Latin American ‘market within a market’ La Plaza de Mercado (19 April).
For further information:
Queen Victoria Market: www.qvm.com.au
Prahran Market: www.prahranmarket.com.au
Media contacts:
Queen Victoria Market / Suzuki Night Market:
Misti Dullard Ph: 0415 949 277 or email: misti.dullard@melbourne.vic.gov.au
Prahran Market:
Henrietta Morgan Ph: (03) 8290 8220 or email: henrietta.morgan@prahranmarket.com.au
Opera in the Market: Tina Orr Ph: 0413 378 081 or email: tina@mediamoguls.com.au
New Regional Accommodation
If planning a short break and want to stay somewhere you haven’t been before? Check out these newly opened boutique accommodation properties in the Grampians, Yarra Valley and the High Country.
Blaze Rock Retreat (Grampians)
Just out of Halls Gap, Blaze Rock Retreat has built a reputation as one of Victoria’s premier destination spas offering pure, natural body and face rituals set against the outstanding natural beauty of the Grampians. Now visitors to the spa can extend their relaxation experience over the entire weekend, and unwind at Blaze Rock Retreat’s recently opened luxury self-contained cottages. Designed as an intimate retreat for couples, the thermally efficient 4.5 star villas offer outstanding Grampians views, king size beds, double high back claw foot baths and wood fires. Check out Blaze Rock Retreat’s website for some great weekend and mid weekend spa and accommodation getaway packages.
Provenance Restaurant and Luxury Suites in Beechworth (High Country)
New to the beautiful town of Beechworth, Provenance Restaurant and Luxury Suites sits in the historic former Bank of Australasia building, built in 1856 during the gold rush era. Provenance is the new business from Michael Ryan and Jeanette Henderson, formerly of The Range restaurant in Myrtleford, who sold up shop at their former premises and relocated in December 2008. The restaurant dining room still hold remnants of its original gold rush grandeur with six-metre high ceilings, ornate rosettes and original arched windows. The menu offers modern Australian cuisine with a contemporary regional edge.
The four luxury suites are housed in what was once the old stables and carriage house and refurbished in an elegant modern style with double rain showers and spas, king size beds with Egyptian cotton linen, L’Occitane toiletries and large flat screen televisions.
3Kings Bed & Breakfast (Yarra Valley)
Spacious, newly opened apartments, 3Kings B&B offers the best in five star Yarra Valley accommodation, and is a luxurious haven unlike anything that available in the Yarra Valley. The result will delight even the most discerning guest, boasting; a full kitchenette, large fridge, espresso machine with milling facility, complete laundry, double glazed windows and sound check plaster for privacy and energy efficiency, a double spa, 50” plasma television, DVD and ipod dock.
Whereas the suites are luxuriously appointed, akin to the likes of any city hotel, the hospitality is pure country. Hosts Julie and Brian will go out of their way to assist you with your stay in whatever way possible. 3kings is located in Yarra Junction and is just a short drive to Healesville and Warburton, making it the ideal for boutique winery visits, hot air ballooning, nature walks, trails and waterfalls.
Mount Pleasant Homestead (High Country)
Situated close to the Milawa gourmet region, the Mount Pleasant Homestead is a self-contained luxury house situated on the farming property of Noel and Ruth Amery, just 1.5kms off the Hume Freeway near the Great Alpine Road. Within easy driving distance to Beechworth, Bright and the snow fields, Mount Pleasant Homestead has two bedrooms each with their own bathrooms / ensuite, a sleek new kitchen/dining room, separate lounge along with many other features to entice couples looking for a secluded romantic hideaway. Provisions for a gourmet breakfast are left for guests in the house, which offers an eclectic mix of old and new in its décor, with an emphasis on style.
For further information:
www.blazerock.com.au
www.theprovenance.com.au
www.3kingsbnb.com
www.mountpleasanthomestead.com.au
Hot Deals – A very Fashionable month in Melbourne
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins – 25 Collins Street, Melbourne – from $315
Sofitel Melbourne On Collins’ has created a ‘50 Reasons Why’ package that weaves in perfectly with the city’s most anticipated fashion event of the year – The L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival. The festival heralds the launch of Australia’s autumn/winter collections to the public, the fashion industry and the media.
The package includes:
- Accommodation in a Classic room
- $50 hotel credit to be spent on incidentals during your stay
*Valid to 15 March to 30 April 2009
For more information: call 03 9653 0000 or visit www.sofitel.com.au
Important Diary Notes
Melbourne
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, 1 to 5 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. View the work of some of Australia’s best landscapers and floral design artists alongside an extensive array of the latest plants and garden products.
For further information: visit www.melbflowershow.com.au
Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 1 to 26 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 further information: call (03) 9417 7711 or visit www.comedyfestival.com.au
Media contact: Tatia Sloley, TS Publicity Ph: (03) 9419 8837 or email: tatia@tspublicity.com.au
Melbourne International Jazz Festival, 26 April to 3 May
Jazz enthusiasts will enjoy a breathtaking 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.
For further information: call (03) 9001 1388 or visit www.melbournejazz.com
Regional
Castlemaine State Festival, Friday March 27 to Sunday April 5.
This 10-day multi arts festival includes the inaugural Quiet Music in the Churches series presented by V/Line, which showcases unique largely un-amplified musical performances which take place in some of Castlemaine’s historic churches. The program has been specially developed around the V/Line timetable so that guests can travel up and back from Melbourne on the same day. All venues are within easy walking distance from the Castlemaine station.
For more information: go to vline.com.au/discover or www.castlemainefestival.com.au
Dinostory sand sculpting exhibition, Frankston, until 26 April
The Frankston Waterfront has been transformed into a prehistoric sand exhibition with the arrival of Dinostory, a sand sculpting exhibition presented by Sand Sculpting Australia. Dinostory will feature creatures from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. There is also a variety of activities to keep the whole family entertained including sand sculpting workshops and the opportunity to meet the resident sculptor. The exhibition is open daily from 10am.
For further information: call (03) 5986 6684 or visit www.sandstormevents.com.au
Montalto Sculpture Prize and Exhibition, until 26 April
Explore diverse sculptures from different artists at the Montalto sculpture prize and exhibition held at the Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove in the Mornington Peninsula. Now in its seventh year, this highly regarded prize is a must-see for art lovers and visitors alike. Sculptures are located along a picturesque walking trail taking in vines, olive groves, lakes, wetlands and gardens.
For further information: call (03) 5989 8412 or visit www.montalto.com.au
Man from Snowy River Bush Festival, Corryong, 2 to 5 April
The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival is an annual celebration of bush folklore, skills and traditions and is the chance to commemorate ‘The Man from Snowy River’ himself, Jack Riley. Enjoy a true Aussie bush gathering of mountain riders, poets, artists and lovers of Victoria’s High Country.
For further information: visit www.manfromsnowyriverbushfestival.com.au
Anderson’s Mill Festival, Smeaton, 5 April
Promoting the riches of the region - food, wine, music, art, crafts and heritage, the festival is a great way to explore the region. Enjoy, taste, try and buy in a setting that is breathtaking and offers a glimpse of the past industry of the early days of the Goldfields.
For further information: call Kerry Leishman on (03) 5334 6010 or visit www.andersonsmillfest.org.au
Murray Darling Palimpsest, 3 – 15 April,
Murray Darling Palimpsest is an Australian contemporary visual arts event remarkable for its locations in distinctly regional places rather than capital cities and significant for its direct engagement with issues of environmental and social sustainability.
For further information: visit www.artsmildura.com.au
Media contact: Helen Healey: Ph: (03) 5021 5100 or email: helen@helenhealy.com
Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, 6 to 18 April
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. 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 further information: call (03) 5261 2907 or visit www.surfingaustralia.com
Australia Post Stawell Gift, 10 to 13 April
The Australia Post Stawell Gift is a professional athletics meet with 66 events held over three days, with athletes running off handicaps. It is a true carnival atmosphere with plenty of action off the track for all the family, including a betting ring, fashion parade, live music and children’s entertainment.
For further information: visit www.stawellgift.com
Media contact: Jump Media and Marketing Ph: (03) 9500 0122
Bendigo Easter Festival, 10 to 13 April
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 features 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 further information: call (03) 54346475 or visit www.bendigoeasterfestival.org.au
Easter Family Carnival, Falls Creek, 10 to 13 April
Falls Creek will host a feast of events and activities over Easter for the whole family to enjoy. Children’s activities will include a visit from the Easter Bunny, giant Easter egg hunt with hundreds of Easter eggs to give away and a big Easter barbeque breakfast. There will also be something for the adults including a champagne breakfast and the chance to participate in the ‘Eggstraordinary’ egg toss with fantastic prizes including an all expense paid winter holiday to Falls Creek.
For further information: call (03) 5758 3224 or visit www.fallscreek.com.au
Southern Grampians Promenade of Sacred Music, 16 to 19 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, guided by artistic director Douglas Lawrence OAM, celebrates early, contemporary, instrumental and choral music by acclaimed local and international artists.
For further information: call Hamilton Performing Arts Centre on (03) 5573 0429 or visit www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au
Artanica, Mt Macedon, 18 to 19 April
Artanica is an annual exhibition of garden sculpture which this year will be 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. Artanica is presented by the Mt Macedon Horticultural Society.
For further information: call Cassy King on 0427 317 388 or visit www.mtmacedonhort.org.au/events
A Day Out at Lardner Park, Warragul, 19 April
Enjoy more than 200 stalls of Australian products at A Day Out at Larder Park. There will be something for everyone including fine arts and hand-made crafts, plants, old time and contemporary home wares, natural beauty products, clothing, furniture, exquisite jewellery, fresh produce and gourmet foods.
For further information: visit www.craftmarkets.com.au
Mount Beauty Music Muster, 24 to 26 April
Celebrate Autumn and the mustering of the cattle herds down from the High Country at the Mount Beauty Music Muster. Enjoy poetry, music, yarn telling, regional produce and country town hospitality in one of the most beautiful areas of Victoria.
For further information: visit www.musicmuster.org.au
Media contact: Kirsten Seaver on 0425 222 062
Hepburn Springs Swiss Italian Festa, 24 April to 4 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 further information: call 1800 353 354 or visit www.swissitalianfesta.com
Upper Goulburn Vintage Celebration, Mansfield, 25 to 26 April
The Vintage Celebration features the wines and food of the Upper Goulburn region and is staged in High Street, Mansfield where the region's wineries and small food producers gather to showcase and sell their produce against the backdrop of magnificent High Country scenery. The event will be complemented by a cocktail evening on Friday and a long lunch at Highton Manor on Sunday.
For further information: call (03) 5777 3447 or visit www.uppergoulburnwine.org.au
Bright Autumn Festival, 25 April to 6 May
This two-week festival is a celebration of autumn colours and produce. The highlight is the gala day featuring brass and highland bands, stalls, craft displays and the Autumn Festival Parade full of colourful floats decorated according to a theme.
For further information: call the Bright Information Centre on (03) 5755 2275 or visit www.brightautumnfestival.org.au
Keen Adventure Race, 28 April to 2 May
The Keen Adventure Race returns for 2009 to showcase another spectacular region of Australia – the Wilsons Promontory National Park and the South Gippsland region. This year’s event will include a five-day stage race and a one-day adventure race covering a variety of disciplines including trekking / running, mountain biking, ropes activities, ocean and inlet paddling plus other water based activities.
For further information: call (03) 5261 5511 or visit www.rapidascent.com.au