October 2008

Melbourne newest landmark to open

Australia’s first observation wheel, the Southern Star

Australia’s first observation wheel, the Southern Star, is opening for business in the Docklands’ Waterfront City on Friday 28 November, 2008.

One of the most exciting new tourism projects in Melbourne, the 120 metre high wheel (equal in height to a 40 story building) provides a stunning addition to the city skyline with spectacular views over the city, Port Phillip Bay and beyond.

The Southern Star observation wheel features 21 enclosed air-conditioned floor-to-ceiling glass cabins that will showcase views stretching as far as Geelong.  Its unique state-of-the-art structure will feature a world-first 3.7 kilometre LED lighting system providing stunning ever-changing displays at night.

It’s construction used 1650 tonnes of steel, 38,000 special high tensile bolts and12,500 square metres of pain.

The Southern Star is one of the new key highlights of Waterfront City, a new $1 billion development that looks set to become one of the major entertainment and lifestyle precincts in the Docklands area

Located just five minutes from Melbourne’s CBD and easily accessible by car, foot or public transport, Waterfront City will have a wide range of dining and entertainment options, and speciality and lifestyle retailers.  A highlight is the new Harbour Town shopping centre, located in an enviable position directly under the Southern Star, this open air shopping precinct offers 41,000 square metres of exceptional specialty and discount retailers.

Ticket to ride the Southern Star observation wheel cost $29 (adult) and $17 (child).

For more information: www.thesouthernstar.com.au

Media contact: Lucy Don, Undertow media Ph: (03) 9421 1566 or email: lucy@undertowmedia.com

It’s the Summer of Shane in Melbourne…and Billy

Shane Warne: The Musical

Australia’s champion leg-spinner and Melbourne boy Shane Warne has always been a drawcard with the media, but with the opening of two new Melbourne events dedicated to the cricketer – the National Sports Museum’s new permanent 3D experience Cricket Found Me and the highly anticipated Shane Warne: The Musical – he looks set to become a major tourist attraction as well.

A permanent and exclusive addition to the National Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Cricket Found Me utilises the latest simulated hologram technology to give viewers the feeling that they are actually in the room with Warne, while he talks them through some of the finest and more difficult moments of his sporting career.

The other highlight in Melbourne’s ‘Summer of Shane’ is the world premiere of Shane Warne: the Musical,  billed as ‘a new breed of Aussie music theatre that smokes, drinks, carries a few extra kilos and still brings home the Ashes’, opening December 10 at the Athenaeum Theatre. The creation of comedian and songwriter Eddie Perfect with direction by Neil Armfield (director of Keating! and the film Candy) with editorial assistance from Casey Bennetto (creator of Keating!), Shane Warne: The Musical features a sizzling live band, an exceptional cast (including Perfect as the man himself) performing all new original songs – such as the soon-to-be memorable What an SMS I’m In.

But Warne is not the only unlikely musical character who will be setting Melbourne stages alight this summer. This December will also be the time when the highly anticipated blockbuster musical Billy Elliot the Musical opens at the Her Majesty’s Theatre.

A critical and box office smash in London, Billy Elliot - based on the movie of the same name - is the gritty, funny and heart-warming tale of a young boy with a dream, and a celebration of his triumph against the odds.

Set against the historic British miners strike for the 1980s, Billy Elliot the Musical is a funny, feel-good celebration of a young boys dreams to be a dancer in a man’s world of hard hats, football boots & boxing gloves.

Directed by Stephen Daldry who also directed the film and music composed by Elton John, performances for Billy Elliot begin on December 13, with the official gala opening taking place on New Years Eve.

For further information on the show and the excellent travel and dining packages available, go to www.billyelliot.com.au

For further information:
Billy Elliot: The Musical: www.billyelliotthemusical.com.au
Cricket Found Me (National Sports Museum): www.nsm.org.au
Shane Warne: The Musical: www.shanewarnethemusical.com.au

Media contacts:

Billy Elliot: The Musical: JP Bolton (02) 9264 7750  or jp@jppr.com.au

Cricket Found Me (National Sports Museum): Katrina Hall Ph: 0421 153 046 or kathall@ozemail.com.au

Shane Warne The Musical: Tatia Sloley, Ph: (03) 9419 8837, mobile 0403 305 395 tatia@tspublicity.com.au

 

New Melbourne hot spots

The inner city suburbs are coming into their own as hip places to dine and drink this spring – check out these great new spots, all just a short tram ride from the CBD

Inner city bars
Melbourne’s laneway bars have become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions (and let’s face it, what’s not to love?), but what’s lesser known to visitors is that distinctive watering holes are also proliferating in Melbourne’s inner city precincts. Groovy drinking venues are multiplying in suburbs such as Collingwood, Fitzroy, Brunswick, Northcote, St Kilda and Prahran. Check out the following hotspots which are all just a short tram ride from the city.  If you want to meet a local, these are a great place to start.

 

Catch the tram 86 (departing cnr Swanston & Bourke streets in the city) to these hot spots:

Joes Shoe Store, 233 High Street, Northcote Ph: (03) 9482 7666

Joes Shoe Store
Snugly located in the heart of High Street, Northcote, Joes’ Shoe Store (named after the business that proceeded it) has an astounding lack of pretension for a new hip bar. With its ‘less is more’ retro fittings, elegant wooden bar, minimalist green leather booths and darker–than-usual lighting, Joes is a place that invites long drinking sessions, whether it’s a deep-and-meaningful with your best friend or a night’s imbibing with a group of mates. The thoughtfully chosen drinks menu, has an emphasis on boutique beers and if you are feeling peckish , orders can be made to the menu of Pizza Meine Liebe – one of the best gourmet pizza places in the area – who will have it delivered to your table.

 

Catch tram no. 19 (departing Elizabeth Street, city) to this hot spot:

Bar Etiquette, 408 Sydney Road, Brusnwick Ph: (03) 9389 8343

Bar Etiquette is newest bar to open on Sydney Road, lounge bar focused on quality micro brews, wine and spirits. With eclectic furnishings -  ingeniously described by local trend-spotting e-zine threethousand as ‘Hard Rubbish Chic’ – it’s a comfortable, warm, and civilised venue. The enticing drinks list includes microbrews on tap, Coopers longnecks and Samuel Adams lager.  

 

Catch tram no. 16 (departing Swanston street, city) to this hot spot

Nineteen Squares, 31 Blessington Street, St Kilda Ph: (03) 8598 9919

Nineteen Squares has quite possibly one of the smallest café interiors in Melbourne. Its name is – literally – a description of its size, with greater part of the cafe sprawling out onto the picturesque street immediately outside. This is part of its charm, and its creatively-inclined patrons take full advantage, comfortably settling in with strollers, dogs and small children in tow, as they sip Coffee Supreme, special fair trade organic coffee roasted locally and dine on homemade breakfast and lunchtime fare such as the ‘one pot wonder’ Spanish eggs, baked in a terracotta pot with salsa, chorizo or grilled veg, and feta.

Nineteen Squares will soon to expand its hours beyond day-time eating just in time to take advantage of St Kilda’s balmy summer nights. When this happens Blessington Street’s rapidly growing reputation as south-of-the-rivers answer to Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, will be complete.

Melbourne Sports Tours showcases Torquay’s surfing credentials

Melbourne Sport Tours

Coastal hot spot Torquay, a mecca for all surfers and the birthplace of some of the global surf brands such as Rip Curl, Piping Hot and Quicksilver, is the focus of a newly launched tour from Melbourne Sport Tours offering visitors the opportunity to experience Australia’s famous surf culture.

Running from October until March, the one-day Surf Coast Tour includes a two-hour learn-to-surf lesson at Torquay Beach with a fully trained local instructor, a visit Torquay's Surf World Museum and a trip to Bells Beach to see Aussie surfers in action. Participants will also have the chance to shop for the latest surf gear from local (now world famous) brand outlets such as Rip Curl, Quicksilver and Roxy.

Private and group tours are also available and optional extras that can be added to the Surf Coast Tour include a scenic flight over the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles; and overnight accommodation packages.

For further information: www.melbournesportstours.com.au

Media contact: Kirsty Grace, Melbourne Sports Tours Ph: (03) 8802 4547

Lake Tyers’ new ‘Culture in the Catchment’ Tour

Culture in the Catchment

Experience the beautiful Lake Tyers waterway from an Aboriginal perspective with East Gippsland’s new two-hour Culture in the Catchment Tours.

During a relaxing two-hour canoe journey, Rob Andy from the Tatungoloong Gunai/Kurnai people of East Gippsland explains how the catchment was utilised by indigenous people for thousands of years – they relied on it completely for their survival.
 
Hear Dreamtime stories, see canoe trees, look for and taste traditional bush tucker (seasonal), and view magical scenery including Littoral rainforest and an abundance of wildlife on this fascinating journey.

After a two hour river paddle, lunch is provided at Yelen’s Studio Gallery, situated on a hill overlooking Lake Tyers, where Rob provides an insight into settlement life, indigenous weapons and artefacts.

The Culture in the Catchment tours is currently free, and runs weekly by appointment. All tours include bottled water, snacks, lunch and transport from Bairnsdale or Lakes Entrance.
 
The tour departs from Nowa Nowa, with collection points for guests at Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance.

For further information: go to www.egcma.com.au or call (03) 5150 3568

Media contact: Michelle Armstrong Ph: 0419 264 062 or email: mapr@ozemail.com.au

Enjoy the High Country’s food and wine without adding to your waistline

Victoria’s High Country

Two new food and wine tours - Pedal to Produce and Hedonistic Hiking - are now on offer in Victoria’s High Country.

These two ‘guilt free tours’ incorporate the best of the region’s produce with cycling and hiking to food and wine destinations within the scenic High Country region.

A self-cycle ‘gourmet’ tour which runs across Rutherglen, Beechworth, Glenrowan, Milawa/King Valley and Bright/Mt Beauty/Kiewa Valley, Pedal to Produce is inspired by the similar models that already exist very successfully in Europe. Cyclists pay $250 and are given a basket that attaches to the bike, a comprehensive map outlining the region’s farm gates/cafes/wineries and cycling routes and also a voucher booklet valued at over $150 with a diverse range of offers to collect along the way. The tour can be adapted to all levels of skill and fitness and hire bikes are also available.
                  
Hedonistic Hiking have released a series of new four-day short break packages through Victoria’s High Country that offer luxury accommodation, fine dining, gourmet picnics, hiking and sightseeing.

Guests are accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable guide and have access to a support vehicle should they wish to take a break from hiking.  The all-inclusive packages run from November 2008 to March 2009.

Tour itineraries include Bright and the Buckland Valley; Kiewa Valley and Bogong High Plains; the King Valley and Milawa Gourmet Region and Beechworth.

In addition to their short break packages, Hedonistic Hiking also have longer scheduled trips along the Great Ocean Walk and through the Victorian Alps; and offer day-long gourmet walking trips through the High Country.

For further information: Hedonistic Hiking: Ph (03) 5755 2307 or go to www.hedonistichiking.com.au
Pedal to Produce: go to www.pedaltoproduce.com.au or www.murraytomountains.com.au

Media contact: Michelle Armstrong Ph: 0419 264 062 or email: mapr@ozemail.com.au

Up close and personal with Sea Dragons

weedy sea dragon

Visitors to the Mornington Peninsula can have close encounters with the weedy sea dragon, one of the world’s most curious-looking and little-known marine creatures in a new guided dive launched by adventure tour operator, Bayplay Adventure Tours.

A protected species that can only be found in only coastal waters off southern Australia, the weedy sea dragon (which is the marine emblem for the state of Victoria) is a relative of the sea horse, named because of the weed-like projections on its body which serve as a camouflage in its natural habitat of seaweed beds. Larger than sea horses (its average size is of a standard ruler), the sea dragons possess remarkable colouring and bizarre long, tube-like snout which is used to suck up tiny crustaceans and other zooplankton.

Participants wishing to sign up for the tour do not need any snorkel or diving experience as all skills are taught on the day.

These guided sea dragon dive and snorkel tours are just some of many aquatic experiences offered by Bayplay Adventure Tours. Also available are PADI open water courses, Refresher courses and Guided Dives for experienced divers.  Tours take place in Port Phillip Bay, which has some of the most spectacular under water scenery in Victoria with its world class Shipwrecks, Submarines and Marine Parks.

For the non-diver including Bayplay offers Sea Kayaking coastline tours with regular dolphin encounters, surfing, horse-riding and the ever popular Dolphin Swims tours, which allow guests to experience thrill and excitement of swimming with playful Bottlenose Dolphins and cheeky Australian Fur seals.
Accommodation options and Day Tours out of Melbourne are also available.

For further information: call Bayplay Adventure Tours on (03) 5984 0888 or go to www.bayplay.com.au

Media contact: Amanda Crestani Mob: 0409 032 877

Bendigo Art Gallery exclusive Australian venue for major international haute couture exhibition

The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 – 1957

Bendigo Art Gallery has been confirmed as the exclusive Australian venue for The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 – 1957 (7 December 2008 – 22 March 2009), the largest exhibition of haute couture to come to Australia.

Developed by the Victoria & Albert Museum, the exhibition will feature more than 250 pieces from some of the greatest international designers including works from Christian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Hubert de Givenchy and Pierre Balmain. 

It will be the largest exhibition ever staged at Bendigo Art Gallery.

The Golden Age of Couture marks a momentous decade in fashion history, beginning at the launch of Christian Dior’s’ New Look’ in 1947 and ending in 1957, the period described by Dior as the ‘golden age’. It was a time that set a new standard for creative design and impeccable workmanship that has rarely been surpassed since.  

Included among the stunning exhibition will be 100 complete haute couture dresses and evening gowns, selections of finely crafted textiles made by specialist artisans, original design books, illustrations, accessories and fashion photography from such world class photographers as Cecil Beaton and Richard Avedon.

For further 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

Everyone can enjoy the outdoors in Melbourne this summer

Melbourne this summer

Visitors to Melbourne this summer will be spoiled for choice with a mind-boggling array of low cost and free outdoor events and activities to keep the whole family entertained.

One place that is certain to create a buzz is Greenhouse by Joost, an intriguing new ‘pop up’ venue that will be operating in Federation Square from October until the end of January 2009. Constructed entirely from recycled or recyclable material, Greenhouse will operate as a café / gallery / education centre and public space by day and a chic CBD social spot at night, dishing up degustation fare created by Bistro Vue’s Shannon Bennett, and snazzy beverages courtesy of Seamstress.

Another popular summer hotspot is the Suzuki Night Market, which will reopen on Wednesday nights at the Queen Victoria Market from late November. With its intoxicating Chiang Mai-meets-outdoor music festival vibe and great party atmosphere (including live music on two stages), the night market attracts both locals and tourists alike. Rummage through the outstanding mix of local craft, clothing, general ‘ephemera’ or enjoy a great meal and drinks alfresco with friends.

Also capitalising on the warmer weather is Royal Botanic Gardens which becomes a vibrant cultural hub during summertime, its packed program includes the popular Moonlight Cinema, the monthly Gardens Market and ever popular Wind in the Willows theatre performances.

For animal lovers there’s lots of fun to be had, with the Melbourne Zoo hosting ‘Zoo Twilights’ live music concerts and Roar and Snore, special camping sleep-over nights and Rhythm of Africa music program returning to Werribee Open Range park at Werribee.

Also returning in January is Summer Fun in the City, the City of Melbourne’s extensive outdoor program of free events, entertainment and interactive activities taking place across Melbourne’s parks, gardens, city spaces, which includes live music concerts, sailing, sand sculpture, tango lessons, trapeze workshops and African drumming.

For further information: go to www.visitvictoria.com

Step onto the Australia film set at ACMI

Step onto the Australia film set at ACMI

A major exhibition opening at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in December will give audiences an exclusive opportunity to step onto the set of Baz Luhrmann’s Australia.

To be presented in the ACMI Screen Gallery, Setting The Scene: Film Design From Metropolis to Australia showcases the remarkable production design that featured in some of cinema history’s most famous (and notorious) movies, including Metropolis, Mon Oncle, A Clockwork Orange, Cabaret, Alien and The Matrix.

Among the 300 works featured in the exhibition are original sketches, storyboards, models as well as CGI (computer generated imagery) and iconic set pieces.  

A major highlight is a curated ‘exhibition within an exhibition’ showcasing the work of Academy Award-winning Australian production designer, Catherine Martin, for the exhibition. It will feature design concepts, sketches, models and research material as well as the living room set of the Faraway Downs homestead featured in the film.

Setting The Scene: Film Design From Metropolis To Australia is being presented exclusively in Australia at ACMI from 4 December 2008 –19 April 2009.

For further information: go to www.acmi.net.au or www.australiamovie.com

Media contact: Claire Butler, ACMI on (03) 8663 2415 or email Claire.Butler@acmi.net.au

Tourism Victoria launches ninth edition of Wine Regions of Victoria

Wine Regions of Victoria

Tourism Victoria has just launched the ninth edition of its Wine Regions of Victoria brochure, the centrepiece of its marketing of Victoria’s highly successful food and wine tourism industry.

Wine Regions of Victoria is a comprehensive highly quality guide, designed to be used as a touring companion for lovers of wine and food travelling across the state.

Featuring 21 Victorian wine regions, the brochure includes a selection of significant wineries and food, produce, accommodation and attractions, as well as editorial for each region and easy to use maps.

It is Tourism Victoria’s most significant publication.

The Wine Regions of Victoria brochure reaffirms Victoria as the leading state for quality regional food and wine tourism experiences, which continues to be a major drawcard for the state with 1.3 million international and 9.7 million domestic visitors sampling Victoria’s wineries, restaurants and cafes in 2007 alone.

A key part of this edition are the new images for each of the wine regions and increased profile of boutique ‘craft’ beer breweries in recognition of their growing role in regional tourism.

Victoria has the highest number of wineries and highest number of wine regions in any Australian state, with over 2900 vineyards across 21 wine regions, of which 650 have cellar doors.

For your free copy of the new Wine Regions of Victoria guide, call 132 842 or for more information www.visitvictoria.com/foodandwine

For further information: go to www.visitvictoria.com/foodandwine or call 132 842

Media contact: Christina Atherton, Christina Atherton, Tourism Victoria
Ph: (02) 9287 6503 or email christina.atherton@tourism.vic.gov.au

Special Packages:

HOT DEALS

George’s Retreat offers all-in-one pamper packages
George’s Boutique B&B and Culinary Retreat is an architecturally designed boutique hotel located at the top of Arthur’s Seat with sweeping views overlooking the magnificent Port Phillip Bay. George’s brings together all of the Mornington Peninsula’s highlights with a exclusive package comprising deluxe accommodation, world class golf courses, gourmet food and award-winning wines.

George’s Golf and Gourmet package

George’s Golf and Gourmet package – $1500*

Only one hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula has an atmosphere that is reminiscent of the Mediterranean with sophisticated seaside villages and picturesque countryside. Rolling hills with olive groves and vineyards meet accommodation with sea views and local produce is served in romantic restaurants and sold at bustling markets.

For more information: call 0414 898 927, email marketing@georgesonarthurs.com.au or visit www.georgesonarthurs.com.au


 

Diary Notes

Melbourne

Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup, Federation Square, 1 – 7 December
Hosted by the Big Issue, the Melbourne 2008 Homeless World Cup is a world-class international football tournament which unites teams of homeless people in a series of matches at Federation Square and Birrarung Mar. The football tournament will include more than 400 players from 48 nations.
For further information: call Sandra Del Monaco on (03) 9658 9939 or go to www.homelessworldcup.org

2008 Great Victorian Bike Ride, 29 November – 7 December
The Great Victorian Bike Ride in 2008 will for the first time start and end in Ballarat and will include the countryside in and around the Grampians. Cyclists who are unable to get away for nine days can join the four-day Grampians Explorer Ride from Halls Gap (in the Grampians) to Ballarat. The ride is a fully catered, tent-based holiday. The entry fee is $290 for adults, $230 for children and is free for kids under five.
For further information: call 1800 616 600 or go to www.greatvic.com.au
Media contact: John Meyers, Ph: (03) 9818 6339

The Suzuki Night Market, 26 November – 25 February
Enjoy a memorable evening at the Queen Victoria Market on Wednesday nights (except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve) from 5.30pm – 10.00pm. The night market showcases cuisine from around the world accompanied by wines from regional Victoria. Be world music and local bands, go shopping and visit an alternative health practitioner. Admission is free.
For further information: call (03) 9320 5822 or visit www.qvm.com.au

Tattersall’s IDSF World Latin Championship Melbourne, 2008, 8 – 14 December
Melbourne will sizzle when the World Latin Championship burns the dance floor. More than 220 of the world’s best competitors from 50 countries will compete for the coveted World Latin title and for the 2008 Australian DanceSport Championship titles. Held at Hisense Arena (formerly Vodafone Arena), this promises to be one of the hottest shows in town.
For further information: www.worldlatin2008.com.au
Media contact: Julie Cavanagh on 0419 348 938 or email julie@zip.com.au

Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, 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. The event will feature Christmas carols performed by some of Australia's finest performers. Carols hold a special place in the hearts of many Australians, bringing families together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Bring a blanket and sing Christmas carols under the stars and be part of this grand occasion. The event begins at 9pm, with gates opening at 5pm.Tickets go on sale in November 8.
For further information: call 1300 558 458 or go to www.carolsbycandleligt.com.au

3 Mobile Boxing Day Test Match, Australia v South Africa, Melbourne 26 - 30 December
The 3 Mobile Boxing Day Test is Australia’s biggest annual cricket match. Australia, captained by Ricky Ponting, takes on South Africa which is lead by Graeme Smith. Thousands of cricket fans are expected to flock to the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, to be part of the action. Tickets for the general public go on sale from 27 August through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com.au)
For further information: www.cricket.com.au or call Cricket Australia on (03) 9653 9999

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, City Square, Southgate Arts and Leisure Precinct, the Arts Centre and NewQuay, Docklands. The highlight of the night will be the fireworks display that will bring the city to life and welcome the New Year with a big bang. The events are free and held from 7 pm – 1.15am.
For further information: call (03) 9658 9658 or visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au

 

Regional Victoria

The Naked and the Nude, Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, until 7 December
The naked body in art, an exhibition which takes the viewer on a fresh and challenging journey of the nude in art, both male and female, throughout the 19th, 20th and into the 21st centuries, is on show at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery. The exhibition features more than 100 items, including the Sentimental Hesitation by William Bartlett and Norman Lindsay’s Benediction.  The gallery is open from 9am - 5pm daily. Entry to the exhibition is $10 (adults); concession ($6); and children under 16 are free.
For further information: go to www.balgal.com
Media contact: Penny Underwood on (03) 9818 8540.

Eureka 2008, Ballarat, 7 December
Each year Ballarat commemorates and celebrates the 1854 Eureka Rebellion at the Eureka Centre, by interpreting the events of Eureka and offering free family activities in the Eureka Stockade gardens. Also visit the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery to view the original Eureka flag.
For further information: call (03) 5333 1854 or go to www.eurekaballarat.com

Sand Sculpting Australia presents ‘Dinostory’, Frankston Waterfront, Dec 26 – April

A team of 21 sculptors from Russia, Netherlands, Belgium, Singapore, Ireland, the UK, Canada, USA and Australia will be working at Frankston Waterfront to create Sand Sculpting Australia 2008/09 presentation 'Dinostory'. Featuring yet finely detailed sculptures depicting creatures and scenes from the age of the dinosaurs.
Integrated with the sand sculptures will be regular activities to keep the whole family entertained such as carving in the Sand Workshop area, or tour conducted by our resident sculptor. The exhibition will be lit for special evening viewings.
For further information: go to www.visitfrankston.com

Red Cross Murray Marathon, 27 – 31 December
Known as one of the longest annual canoe races in the world, this fun race covers 404 kilometres over five days, taking paddlers from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill. This year is the event’s 40th anniversary and the last year it will run. The race attracts more than 800 participants, 300 volunteers and up to 3000 support crew as it moves like a tent city from town to town. Paddlers’ share the experience of being challenged and enjoy the camaraderie of paddling down the Murray River and supporting the Australian Red Cross, Victoria.
For further information: call Zan King (03) 8327 7742 or go to www.redcross.org.au/vic/murraymarathon 

Yuulong Lavender Festival, Dec 14, 2008
Yuulong Lavender Estate has been established for 28 years in 2008. So to celebrate this twenty third annual festival with fantastic music, llamas and the opportunity to taste delicious regional food and wine, head for Mt Egerton on the second Sunday in December. Maryborough Jazz Band, Aromatherapy, relaxation massage, Mt .,Buninyoung winery tastings and sales, local farm produce, stalls, harvesting with llamas and much more.
For further information: go to www.yuulonglavender.com.au

Out of the square: Beach architecture on the Mornington Peninsula, 13 November 2008 – 22 February 2009
 
Out of the square: Beach architecture on the Mornington Peninsula is the first exhibition to survey the rich traditions of coastal architecture on the Peninsula. Arranged geographically so that modern and contemporary projects rub shoulders, the exhibition considers the way in which architecture has developed under the rubric of form, patronage and place. As part of the Platforms for living component of the exhibition, five Melbourne-based architectural practices – Paul Morgan Architects, McBride Charles Ryan, WSH, Baracco Wright and Little Wonder – have also produced specially commissioned designs for speculative coastal houses of the future which will showcase new ways of living using principles of sustainability, innovation and best practice building and design.
For further information: call 5975 4395 or go to mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au

Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition 2008, 26 October – 7 December
The Yering Station Sculpture Exhibition is a premier arts event held at Yering Station Vineyard in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Staged in Yering Station’s superbly landscaped gardens designed by Michael McCoy, the show is an exhibition of the finalists from the annual Yering Station Sculpture Award, which offers a $10,000 first prize for the winner. Free catalogues are provided and our visitors can vote to select the People's Choice Award.
For more information: call (03) 9730 0100 or go to www.yering.com

Peninsula Summer Music Festival, 30 December 2008 – 5 January 2009
Eleven diverse concerts over seven long summer days and nights filled with world-class food, wine and music. Highlights includes the spectacular gala opening at Monalto in Redhill featuring young Australian soprano Jane Sheldon performing Purcell and Handel with festival ensemble Fifth Continent, Cantatas by Candlelight concerts in Sorrento and Flinders, New Years Eve celebrations at Main Ridge Estate with International artists Anna Starr (oboe) and Donald Nicolson (harpsichord/organ), and a Hair of the Dog concert at Elgee Park, featuring the extraordinary double bass quartet, The Four Basses.
For further information: go to www.peninsulafestival.com.au