Renovated Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa opening mid September
The historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is set to become the centrepiece of Australia’s premier spa destination Daylesford/Hepburn Springs when it reopens its doors on September 15 following a $13 million renovation.
The new-look Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa will highlight the charm of the original turn of the century heritage Bathhouse as well as featuring a sleek and contemporary architect designed day spa facility, full of natural light and set amidst the lush green surrounds of the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve.
The bathhouse offers traditional communal bathing in mineral waters, a relaxation pool, spa pool, spa couches, a steam room, relaxation room, and a Monsoon shower (a completely new experience).
The new spa contains 30 wet and dry therapy rooms for a full range of hydrotherapy, massage and beauty treatments, as well as the Hepburn signature spa rituals, making it the one of the largest day spas in Australia.
More information: call (03) 5348 4399 or go to www.hepburnbathhouse.com
Media contact: Betsy Pie on (03) 9827 2386 or 0411 886 386 or email: betsypie@bigpond.com
New Melbourne hot spots
The French Brasserie, 2 Malthouse Lane, Melbourne Ph: (03) 9662 1632
Located down a laneway off Flinders Street, newly opened The French Brasserie has already attracted considerable attention from both punters and the more nuanced palettes of those in Melbourne’s ‘fine dining’ industry. Established by two French expats – experienced restaurateur Hadj Sadki and chef Frederic Naud (formerly of La Cirque, New York) - The French Brasserie serves classic, unpretentious French cuisine, that is skilfully made and attractively presented. Complimenting the menu is the distinctive Australian and French wine list compiled by the in-house sommelier.
Reasonably priced and well located, this restaurant is sure to be a hit with both the lunchtime business and pre-theatre crowd (a special pre-show dinner menu with 6pm start is soon to be announced)
Bosisto’s Liquor Bar, 318 Bridge Road, Richmond, Ph: (03) 9428 6888
The gang of four gents behind iconic Melbourne cocktail bars Double Happiness and New Gold Mountain have ventured from Chinatown to Little Italy with their latest project, Bosisto’s Liquor Bar. Set in a heritage Bridge Road shop front, Bosisto’s is an intimate, contemporary interpretation of a classic Italian enoteca.
Bosisto’s cater for all times of the day: the locals who linger over breakfast of scrambled eggs, prosciutto, fior di latte (fresh mozzarella) and roasted tomato on ciabatta toast; those inner city venturers who nip in for a panino lunch and superb espresso at the deli-style counter, to the nocturnal creatures who sip European and local wine as evening settles over Richmond.
Don’t miss sampling the house vino, Goon, an Italian wine – at $5 a glass it’s a choice that bears repeating.
Little Creatures Dining Hall, 222 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Ph (03) 94175500
Fitzroy’s imbibing capacity has exploded exponentially with the opening of the new Little Creatures Dining Hall on Brunswick Street. Located in an enormous warehouse space, the Little Creatures Dining Hall is the new venue for WA-based Little Creatures Brewing, and features large wooden tables, oversize upholstered booths and a warm friendly vibe.
All of the Little Creatures’ beers (Pale Ale, Rogers Amber, Pilsener, Bright Ale) and Pipsqueak Cider are available on tap here, as well as selection of mostly Victorian wines with a good menu of beer-friendly food to match.
Portello Rosso, 15 Warburton Lane, Melbourne Ph: (03) 9602 2273
Concealed behind a red doorway in a covert laneway off Little Bourke Street resides Portello Rosso, a gourmet pizzeria and jamón bar, which only opened its doors three weeks ago. The menu offers unpretentious regional Mediterranean cooking, with a focus on pizza, tapas and antipasto, utilising the very best quality ingredients sourced from around the world. Jamón, freshly sliced by a vintage meat slicer, is a feature of the Portello Rosso menu, as is a tight yet diverse range of Italian and Spanish wines and beers.
Melbourne’s inner North welcomes Rydges Bell City
A new multipurpose accommodation facility, Rydges Bell City, has just opened on Bell Street, Preston, a strategic half-way point on the major arterial driving route between Melbourne's CBD and the Tullamarine International Airport.
Located in the new stage two tower of the Bell City precinct, the 4.5 star property offers 182 - one and two - bedroom Manhattan-style hotel rooms and an extensive variety of onsite entertainment and recreational facilities.
Rydges Bell City also contains 21 different function rooms and event spaces - including a ballroom able to cater for up to 500 guests.
Rydges Bell City is the hotel chain's largest property in Australia, its location a telling sign of the increasing popularity of Melbourne’s inner north. Dubbed ‘Fitzroy for grownups’, Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs including Northcote, Thornbury, Brunswick, Preston and Coburg have experienced a major renaissance in the last decade . Once known for industrial warehouses, daggy shopping strips and trashy (but somewhat iconic) Italian furniture stores, the inner north is now a key destination for those seeking cutting-edge live music, alternative and vintage fashion, and distinctive ‘laneway style’ bars away from the city crowds.
Among the many attractions enticing visitors to the north of the river are: many leading original live music venues as the Northcote Social Club, the East Brunswick Club and the Retreat (Brunswick); the unique CERES Environmental Park, with its conservation-friendly design, café and markets; and the the stylishly ‘boho’ fashion and retro shops in Westgarth Village on High Street, Northcote.
It’s also increasingly becoming known for it’s expanding network of groovy city-style bars including Joe’s Shoe Store (High Street, Northcote), a former shoe store reworked into fashionable venue; Glitch Café Bar (St Georges Road, North Fitzroy), a bar with its own cosy 40 (or so) seat cinema at the rear, Atticus Finch (Lygon Street, East Brunswick), a former ‘goth-rock’ den-of-iniquity reborn as subtly elegant watering hole, complete with hot ticket wines, cool beers and even cooler tunes and the Wesley Ann, an old-style bar and atmospheric live music venue established on the site of a former House of Assembly (church).
More information: go to www.rydges.com/bellcity
Media contact: Leanne Tyrrell, Tyrrell Publicity and Promotions on (03) 9629 7000
Wine and family time at Yarra Valley’s Mandala Wines
Mandala Wines is one of Valley’s newest wine and food destination.
The new Mandala Wines Restaurant and Lounge features a Mediterranean inspired menu of regional and Victorian produce and family recipes created by head chef Mauro Callegari (formerly of Fenix) whose culinary experience has been honed through his work across Argentina, England and Australia.
Visitors can also sample the Mandala’s wine range - Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon - at the winery’s new cellar door.
A la carte dining and an interesting list of wines from Mandala and other leading producers, is available in the restaurant at lunchtime (Thursday to Monday) and dinner (Friday and Saturday), while a casual bar menu of delicious tapas style plates, can be enjoyed in the lounge. Visitors in September will be treated to a complimentary tapas dish when they order a glass of Mandala wine in the lounge between 4 and 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Mandala Wines is located on the Melba Highway, seven kilometres north of Yarra Glen, in one of the Valley’s most visited areas.
More information: www.mandalawines.com.au
Media contact: Belinda Phillips, Dig Marketing Group, on (03) 8606 3700 or email Belinda@digmarketing.com.au.
Jacques Reymond Restaurant wins top food award
Renowned Melbourne restaurant Jacques Reymond was announced as the Lavazza Restaurant of the Year at the 2008 Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence last month.
The award completes an outstanding year for Jacques Reymond is also one of only two restaurants to receive a three hat rating in newly released 2009 Age Good Food Guide (the other being Vue de Monde).
An iconic Melbourne restaurant and fine dining experience, Jacques Reymond has built a reputation for its outstanding degustation menu that utilises French techniques, the finest Australian produce and combination of Asian influences and textures.
The Reymond family will soon announce exciting new changes to the menu for its other eatery, Arintji, a brasserie bar in Federation Square, which recently welcomed a new head chef, Joe Grbac, formerly of Bistro Guillaume.
More information: www.jacquesreymond.com.au
Media contact: Kathy Reymond or Meaghan Gorski on (03) 9525 2178 or
email: dining@jacquesreymond.com.au
Mornington Peninsula October Pinot Week
Mornington Peninsula’s highly anticipated Pinot Week (4-12 October) will showcase the depth and breadth of Mornington Peninsula’s famous Pinot wines with a series of special events that will take place in both Melbourne and the region itself.
Among the flagship events being held in the region are the Peninsula Pinot Partner Dinners where the region’s best winemakers and chefs join forces to produce spectacular matched menus designed to showcase the diversity of both new and old Mornington Peninsula Pinots.
Peninsula Pinot Partner Dinners take place over several locations in one evening, celebrating the diversity of the region and the unique winemaking landscape. For example, the first Peninsula Pinot Partner Dinner (taking place on 4 October) commences with a twilight barrel tasting at Main Ridge Estate (Red Hill), followed by sparkling wine disgorging at Foxeys Cellar Door (Red Hill), a visit to the spectacular barrel hall at Willow Creek Vineyard (Merricks North) and then on to Salix Restaurant for a degustation dinner.
Other ‘roving’ Partnership Dinners include tastings at Eldridge Estate (Red Hill) and Paradigm Hill (Merricks) followed by a six course degustation menu at Paringa Estate on Saturday 11 October, and another evening that features tasting visits at Hurley Vineyard (Balnarring) and Stonier Wines (Merricks).
Highlight events in Melbourne include ‘Let Them Drink Pinot’ at Bistro Vue featuring a menu designed by Shannon Bennett to match wines from Moorooduc Estate, Ten Minutes by Tractor, Yabby Lake and Kooyong while 30 other city restaurants – including Bistro Guillaume, Donovans, Ezard, and The Press Club - will celebrate Pinot Week by pouring Mornington Peninsula Pinots by the glass.
More information: www.mpva.com.au
Media contact: Cheryl Lee, Mornington Peninsula Vignerons Association on (03) 5989 2377 or email cheryl@mpva.com.au
Mineral Spa at Peppers Springs Retreat celebrates three wins at Australasian Spa Awards
Victorian operators netted a total of five awards at the recent Australasian Spa Association (ASpa) Spas of Excellence awards which recognise excellence in service delivery in the spa, health and wellness industry.
Mineral Spa at Peppers Spring Retreat dominated the wins for Victoria, taking three highly coveted awards of Best Hotel Spa, Best Day Spa (Rural) and the Spa Life magazine’s Readers Choice Award for Best Destination Spa and reinforcing Hepburn Springs and the Daylesford Macedon Ranges region as Australia’s leading spa tourism destination.
The awards add to a long list of accolades for Mineral Spa, one of Hepburn Springs’ most renowned destination spas, known for its contemporary, environment, holistic approach and professionalism of their staff.
Other Victoria operators that won awards on the night include: Spa Dreamtime, located at the St Kilda Sea Baths, which won Best Day Spa (Urban) 2008; and Peace and Quiet, a wellbeing centre in Ballarat which won Employer of Choice 2008
More information:
Mineral Spa at Peppers Springs Retreat: www.mineralspa.com.au
Spa Dreamtime: www.spadreamtime.com.au
Peace and Quiet: www.peaceandquiet.biz
Media contact:
Peppers Springs Retreat and Spa: Claudette A. Earl, Marketing Manager, Spa Country Getaways, on (03) 5321 6294 or 04000 66963 or email claudette@spacountry.com.au
Tourism Victoria: Danielle Poulos, Tourism Victoria, on (03) 9653 9773 or email danielle.poulos@tourism.vic.gov.au
Marylands Country House launches Yarra Valley ballooning package
From now until March 2009, Marylands Country House will be offering guests the opportunity to experience the stunning Yarra Valley region from up above with their new ‘Yarra Valley Ballooning Package’.
Located in foothills of the Marysville township and just 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, Marylands Country House is renown for its luxurious accommodation, splendid mountain views, sumptuous food, award-winning wine list and warm country hospitality.
The Yarra Valley ballooning package is priced from just $889* twin share and includes:-
- overnight accommodation in a stunning Marylands Country House ensuite room
- three-course dinner for two people in Michael’s Restaurant
- one hour balloon flight over Yarra Valley with Global Ballooning
- full buffet breakfast for two at Ferguson’s Winery, with a glass of sparkling wine, and
- full use of leisure facilities including the indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and spa.
*Conditions apply.
More information: call (03) 5963 3204 or go to www.marylands.com.au
Media contact: Media contact: Leanne Tyrrell, Tyrrell Publicity and Promotions on (03) 9629 7000
Melbourne Private Tours launch four new unforgettable journeys
Melbourne Private Tours has launched four new ‘Unforgettable Journeys’, adding to their range of tours that feature special one-off experiences not available anywhere else.
Lovingly crafted with insight and knowledge only a local could bring, these captivating journeys include many experiences not normally accessible to the casual visitor, which will give a deeper impression and special memories of the place and its people.
Chef-led journey through Mornington Peninsula – take an amazing culinary journey through this diverse bountiful region with a highly regarded, local chef at the helm. Along the way guests will get to meet and sample the wares of some of the region’s most interesting food producers – such as olive growers, cheese-makers, mussel farmers or a working bakery – many of whom are opening their doors just for this tour. Next is a hands-on private cooking class, and then, time to enjoy the feast!
Behind the scenes at Melbourne’s Markets – this tour takes visitors straight to the heart of the action at the massive wholesale markets in West Melbourne. Usually not accessible to the general public, the wholesale market’s huge trading floors are a major destination for restaurants and stallholders (from other markets) seeking produce. After this, a ‘foodies journey’ awaits at the iconic South Melbourne or Queen Victoria markets, where guests will meet stall-owners and learn that food truly is in the blood.
Yarra Valley with a difference – an unforgettable visit to a place you won’t find on any tourist map, a privately owned working farm and vineyard that spans 1000 hectares and four generations. The location is spectacular, with magnificent waterfalls, an abundance of native animals such as the wedge-tailed eagle and the platypus, and plenty of great scenery for bushwalking. Visitors will meet the owners, sample their product and gain an insight into the processes from harvest to table.
Yarra Valley ballooning and barrel tastings – enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and corridors of grape vines as you gently float over the Yarra Valley, followed by champagne breakfast at a nearby historic chateau, and a private barrel room tasting with the wine maker.
More information: go to www.melbprivatetours.com.au
Media contact: Josh Oakes on 0419571800 or email info@melbprivatetours.com.au or Susan Healy on 0414 441 278 or email suze@melbprivatetours.com.au
Australian-first interactive travel planner puts Gippsland on the map
An innovative new online travel planner – the first of its kind in Australia – will help entice holiday-makers, day trippers and travellers passing though Gippsland to experience more of the region’s tourist attractions, restaurants, accommodation options and retail outlets, and encourage them to stay longer.
The customised interactive travel planner can be accessed from the ‘Inspired by Gippsland’ section of Tourism Victoria’s website by keying in the direct URL of inspiredbygippsland.com.
Site-users can type in their intended journey’s start and end points, then choose from a menu of interest areas including dining, galleries, wineries, breweries and historical sites, to generate a suggested itinerary, driving directions, travel distances and places to stop and see. The ‘draft’ itinerary can then be fine-tuned to meet the personal tastes of the traveller who can select which places they plan to visit.
At a time when websites are known as one of most significant sources of influence in the making travel decisions, the new interactive travel planner is anticipated to greatly aid tourism and hospitality operators and the region as a whole.
More information: www.inspiredbygippsland.com
Media Contact: Karen Strahan, Tourism Victoria, (03) 9653 9745 or email Karen.strahan@tourism.vic.gov.au
Aaah! Willandra introduces luxury Gourmet and Golfing houseboat holidays
Leading houseboat operator Aaah! Willandra Houseboats (based in Mildura) has launched two fantastic all-inclusive packages which combine a luxury houseboat holiday with the best of Sunraysia’s signature experiences and attractions including fine dining, wine tasting and top notch golf courses.
The Gourmet Getaway
For $750 per person (minimum two people):
- Three nights on board a deluxe houseboat (accommodating two to six people)
- Bottle of local wine supplied on arrival
- provisions provided for full breakfasts for all day
- dinner at Gol Gol Hotel
- lunch at Trentham Estate Winery
- degustation dinner at Stefano’s Restaurant
- pre-dinner drinks at all restaurants
- on-board catered BBQ dinner one night
- additional activities can be arranged to suit individual interests such as balloon flights, Mungo National Park tours, paddle steamer cruises, scenic flights, or tickets to local festivals.
The Gourmet Getaway package can also be enjoyed aboard at Luxury houseboat ($880 per person with minimum four people) or Super Luxury houseboat ($1050 per person, minimum six people)
Four night Golfing package
For $550 per person (minimum two people):
- two golf courses, 18 holes each, buggy hire
- on-board gourmet barbeque on first night
- dinner at historic Gol Gol Hotel, second night
- all breakfast provisions provided
- four nights on board Deluxe houseboat with heated rooftop spas
- bottle of local wine on arrival
- additional activities can be arranged to suit individual interests, such as wine-tasting, tennis and fishing
The four night golf package can also be enjoyed aboard at Luxury houseboat ($790 per person, minimum four people) or Super Luxury houseboat ($890 per person, minimum four people)
For further information: www.willandrahouseboats.com.au
Media contact: Chris & Marina Durban on (03) 5024 7770 or 0417 814 312 or relax@willandrahouseboats.com.au
Special Packages - Escape to Phillip Island with dad this Father’s Day:
A pleasant 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island offers much more than penguins – there’s high octane sports, family attractions, breathtaking scenery and an abundance of wildlife, making it a perfect destination to celebrate Father’s Day.
Fish and Stay Father’s Day Package – $395 per family*
Quest Phillip Island is located in Cowes – just a short stroll to local shops, restaurants, beaches and attractions. Enjoy two nights’ accommodation in a modern two-bedroom apartment with the whole family. Spend the day catching trout at the Rhyll Fishing Park then relax in the evening with a bottle of wine to go with the catch of the day.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic package which includes:
- two nights’ accommodation in a modern two-bedroom apartment at Quest Phillip Island for a family of four
- continental breakfast packs for the first morning
- park entry to Rhyll Fishing Park for the whole family
- bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to go with the catch.
*Terms and conditions apply. Valid 1 September to 18 December (excluding public holidays and event periods), subject to availability.
More information: go to www.questphillipisland.com.au
Father’s Day Family Escape – from $545*
Stay in the architecturally designed Silverwater Resort located in San Remo – the gateway to Phillip Island. Start an action-packed day with a delicious breakfast before hitting the track for a Go Kart session at the Phillip Island circuit, then take to the skies for a helicopter tour over beautiful Phillip Island.
This high octane package is perfect for thrill-seeking dads, which includes:
- one night’s accommodation in a luxury two-bedroom apartment for two adults and two children
- restaurant breakfast daily
- Go Kart session for four people at Phillip Island Circuit
- scenic helicopter flight with Phillip Island Helicopters for two people.
Two night package available from $730. Terms and conditions apply. Valid until 30 September (excluding V8 weekend). $100 deposit required on booking and full payment required 14 days prior to arrival. To take advantage of two adult and two children deal, children must be 14 years and under.
More information: go to www.silverwaterresort.com.au
Diary Notes
October 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 features 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.
More information: www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Media contact: Kitty Walker, NGV on 0417 575 088 or (03) 8620 2411.
Wicked, Regent Theatre, from 9 July
The Broadway hit Wicked is enchanting 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 who was born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other who 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.
Spring Racing Carnival, 1 October – 19 November
Victoria’s famous Spring Racing Carnival is one of Australia’s best-loved annual sporting events and a great reason to dress up and enjoy world-class thoroughbred racing. For 50 days, Victorians along with interstate and international visitors, enjoy lively sports and social action. The Spring Racing Carnival highlights include: Victoria Derby Day (1 November); and the race that stops the nation - the Emirates Melbourne Cup (4 November); Ladies Day – Crown Oaks Day (6 November); and the last day of racing, Stakes Day (8 November).
More information: call 1300 139 401 or go to www.racingvictoria.net.au
Media contact: Damian Booth, Communications Manager on (03) 9258 4252
Australian University Games, Melbourne, 28 September - 3 October
The Australian University Games is a multi-sport event attracting more than 5,500 participants across 29 sports from all of the nation’s universities. Now in its 15th year, the 2008 event will showcase the best of Australian university sporting talent. The Games are the flagship event on the university sporting calendar when more than 40 universities compete for the coveted title of overall champion.
More information: www.unigames.com.au
Melbourne International Arts Festival, 9 - 25 October
The annual Melbourne International Arts Festival offers a bold and wide-ranging program of dance, theatre, music, multimedia, visual arts, free and outdoor events over 17 days each October. The organisers travel far and wide to bring home the best contemporary work from overseas and around Australia. Some of the highlights for the 2008 program include Liza Lim’s beguiling new opera The Navigator directed by Barrie Kosky, Jenny Kemp’s psychiatric fable Kitten and the exuberant Jerusalem Quartet.
More information: call 03 9662 4242 or go to www.melbournefestival.com.au
Media contact: Prue Bassett Publicity on (03) 9652 8641
Melbourne Fringe Festival, 24 September - 12 October
The Melbourne Fringe Festival spices up the city's cultural calendar with an entertaining and stimulating program across all art forms. The festival will flourish as a score of vibrant artists showcase their talents with more than 230 fresh acts in more than 100 venues across the city. From comedians to cabaret, the festival will transform the cityscape, including Federation Square. The North Melbourne Town Hall will also house the ever-popular Festival Club which boasts a different star-studded entertainment line-up every night and is guaranteed to push the boundaries of the imagination. Some of the Fringe events are free, with the average price for shows around $15.
More information: call (03) 9660 9600 or go to www.melbournefringe.com.au
Media contact: Michelle Buxton, Buxton Walker Publicity on (03) 9537 7155 or email: michelle@buxtonwalker.com
Melbourne International Tap Festival (MITF), 14 – 21 October
The MITF is the only festival of its kind in Australia and this year will feature Emmy Award winning tap-virtuosos Jason Samuels-Smith and Chloe Arnold from the USA performing with some of Australia’s leading tap dancers. The festival held at The Australian National Theatre in St Kilda, hopes to promote tap to the wider community as a fun, creative and healthy activity for all ages.
More information: Ella Lehaf on 0403 138 275 or go to www.mitf.com.au
Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Spring Sale, 18 - 19 October
Head to Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Gate E, to the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne plants sale, which includes drought tolerant and native varieties.
More information: call (03) 9650 6398
Spring Open Day - 'Access all areas', 19 October
Enjoy a day of free programs and entertainment at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne from 10am to 5pm. Explore behind-the-scenes and see what the gardens have to offer.
More information: call (03) 9252 2429 or go to www.rbg.vic.gov.au
Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day, 19 October
Around the Bay in a Day is a challenging bike ride that circumnavigates Port Phillip Bay and offers riders four ride distances - 250km, 210km, 100km or 50km. Around the Bay provides a challenge for riders of all abilities and at the conclusion of the ride, there are free activities to enjoy at the Alexandra Gardens - start/finish site - including live music and entertainment, roving entertainers, corporate hospitality, food and beverage facilities and sponsor displays and giveaways. The ride’s official charity partner is The Smith Family.
More information: call Bicycle Victoria on 1800 616 600 or go to www.bv.com.au
Timber and Working with Wood Show, 24 - 26 October
Held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, the Timber and Working with Wood Show is Australasia's largest showcase of products and services for the woodworking and timber industries. See and purchase the latest hand tools, machinery, lathes, finishes, abrasives, hardware, major power tools, timber building and renovation products, craft supplies and much more. Free seminars and workshops are delivered by experts at all shows, showing keen timber and wood enthusiasts how to hone their skills, save time and money and increase their enjoyment and the quality of their work. A range of specialist products will be on sale at discounted prices. From 10am til 5pm daily.
More information: call (03) 8420 5406 or email Russell@workingwithwood.com
National 4X4 Show, Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo, 23 - 26 October
The National 4x4 Show at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre gives visitors the chance to spy, try and buy the very latest in four-wheel drive vehicles, accessories, safety and protection equipment, recovery and emergency gear and fully equipped camper trailers. The Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo is a fisherman's paradise with all the latest in tackle, accessories, boats, engines, marine electronics, camping and outdoor gear. Visitors can research the best fishing spots around Australia and discover great ideas for their next fishing trip.
More information: call (03) 9321 6752 or go to www.4x4show.com.au
Regional Victoria
GMC Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Phillip Island, 3 – 5 October
Located 90-minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island is home to world-class motorcycle racing at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Smiths Beach. The MotoGP World Championship is a three-day event that showcases the world's best riders in three grand prix classes with races in national categories as well as entertainment off the track. Fans flock to experience the sights, sounds and smell of the MotoGP, 250cc and 125cc bikes on the fast circuit perched beside the blue waters of Bass Strait.
More information: call (03) 9258 7100 or go to www.motogp.com.au
Shoot Out Geelong 24 Hour Filmmaking Festival, 3-5 October
Shoot Out Geelong is a unique filmmaking and screening festival that invites film-makers from across Australia to test their creative skills, by making a short film of any genre in a frantic, furious and fun 24-hour period with only in-camera editing allowed.
More information: call (03) 5227 0214 or go to www.theshootout.com.au
Heathcote Wine and Food Festival, 4 - 5 October
The annual Heathcote Wine and Food Festival is a celebration of the region’s primary products – wine and food. This festival is an opportunity to explore Heathcote, try wines from 35 wineries, participate in a wine seminar, meet winemakers and sample some of the wonderful regional produce available. Take the family along and enjoy this country festival. Entry costs $25 or $10 for non-drinkers each day and admission for children is free.
More information: call Leone Davy on 0418 507 216 or email festival@heathcotewinegrowers.com.au
2008 Mildura Country Music Festival, 26 September - 5 October
The 22nd annual Mildura Country Music Festival is Australia's biggest showcase of independent entertainers with more than 100 artists taking part, including a mix of locals, award winners, hit-makers and rising stars. There will be more than 800 hours of free entertainment at 24 venues across the Mildura district. The diamond in the crown for the past 10 years has been the live concert and radio presentation of the Southern Stars Australian Independent Country Music Awards that recognise the achievements of the independent recording artists during the past year.
More information: call 1800 039 043 or go to www.milduracountrymusic.com.au
Euroa Show and Shine, 5 October
Lovers of fine cars will descend on Euroa in October for the Euroa vintage, veteran, classic and special interest cars Show and Shine. Hundreds of vehicles and their proud owners are expected to attend the exhibition in beautiful Seven Creeks Park, just off the old Hume Highway. On show will be vintage/veteran and classic cars, motorcycles, trucks and tractors. Special interest vehicles, such as new and old Holden Monaros and G.T. Falcons, will also be displayed. The event is free and runs from 10am to 3.30pm.
More information: call Rob Asquith on (03) 5795 1347 or 0439 398 195 or go to www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au
Macedon Ranges Jazz and Heritage Festival, Kyneton, October 10 -12
Kyneton, located 60 minutes’ drive from Melbourne in central Victoria, presents its eighth annual Macedon Ranges Jazz and Heritage Festival. The festival features top traditional jazz musicians from New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria and kicks off on Friday night with a glittering jazz cabaret ball in the historic Kyneton Town Hall. In addition to the ticketed events, the festival stages free street performances, starting with the Louisiana Shakers performing in the centre of Kyneton on Friday afternoon. Young musicians can learn jazz techniques from the masters at the youth jazz workshop on Sunday morning. Also enjoy the festival’s jazz at local wineries, heritage walks in the scenic Macedon Ranges, bus tours and a Farmers’ Market at Kyneton on Saturday morning.
More information: call 1300 655 405 or go to www.jazzkyneton.org
Tesselaar Tulip Festival, Silvan, 13 September – 10 October 2007
Welcome spring at this European-style festive celebration, with fields of colourful tulips, blooming daffodils and freesias, along with traditional Dutch food and music. Located in Silvan, the festival opens from 10am to 5pm seven days a week. Entry costs $15 for adults, $12 for concession and children under 16 years of age are free. For groups of 10 or more there is a discounted cost of $10 per person.
More information: call (03) 9737 7777 or go to www.tulipfestival.com.au
Creswick Forestry Fiesta, 26 October
The 13th annual Creswick Forestry Fiesta celebrates Creswick as ‘the home of forestry’ with music, entertainment, stalls, forestry events and displays, a street parade, flower show, car show, Gopher Grande Prix, Creswick Criterium road cycling race, and the Brackenbury Classic fun run through the forest.
More information: www.creswickforestryfiesta.com
Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, 10 - 12 October
Now in its 18th year, this classical music event is held in historic venues in the picturesque town of Port Fairy. The program includes a variety of concerts held at various venues within walking distance of each other around the town.
More information: www.portfairyspringfest.com.au
Media contact: Roberta Chaim on (03) 5568 3030
Awakenings Festival, Horsham, 17 - 26 October
Australia’s longest running disability arts festival – Awakenings - presents drama, dance, music, outdoor recreation adventures, visual arts and workshops and attracts visitors from all over Australia and overseas. Features of this year’s festival include three nights of performing arts and music programs, a street festival on Saturday, a breakfast conference, outdoor adventures showcasing the region, an Awakenings Ball for all members of the community, an ecumenical church service and associated community fringe events. The Awakenings Festival will take place at various venues around Horsham.
More information: www.awakeningsfestival.com.au
Media contact: Jacinda O’Sullvan on (03) 5362 4006
The Royal Geelong Show, 16 - 19 October
For more than 150 years the Royal Geelong Show has brought the country to the city of Geelong. The show has exhibitions, displays and competitions featuring horses, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, lambs, poultry, rabbits, dogs and cats as well as home crafts including cooking, knitting, photography and art. Watch dare-devil acts, be awestruck at the show-jumping, jump on a ride and grab a show bag
More information: www.royalgeelongshow.org.au
Bright Spring Festival, 25 October – 4 November
Spring is celebrated in Bright, located in north-eastern Victoria, with an exciting and very varied festival which includes: the Australian and International Short Film Festival; the Alpine Four Peaks Climb; 15 open gardens; a huge Rotary street market; a sustainable gardening and farming expo; decorative arts expo and sales; and a grand fireworks display.
More information: call 1300 551 117 or go to www.brightspringfestival.com.au
The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz, 31 October - 3 November
The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz is an annual celebration of jazz and blues held in the town of Wangaratta located three hours from Melbourne in north-eastern Victoria. Since its inception in 1990, the festival has grown to include more than 90 events featuring 350 national and international artists. The festival hosts the National Jazz Awards, youth jazz workshops, master classes and events throughout Wangaratta and surrounding wine regions.
More information: call 1800 801 065 or go to www.wangaratta-jazz.org.au
Media contact: Michelle Buxton, Buxton Walker Publicity on (03) 9537 7155 or email: michelle@buxtonwalker.com