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A weekend of inspo at the Lakes Entrance Adventure Film Festival

Words by Della Vreeland
Images Supplied

The very first Adventure Film Festival in Lakes Entrance is set to kick off in May, promising a weekend of films, speakers, adventure and inspiration. And even some mystery dinner tours – just to keep in line with the thrilling theme.

And while the last two (plus some) years has definitely been adventure enough, there’s no doubt we could all do with some ventures of the elating sort.

Aptly set in the inspiring coastal Gippsland town, surrounded by a plethora of wildlife, waterways, the Ninety Mile Beach and some stunning marine life, the Festival will take place over three days across eight different venues, showcasing some of the best adventure films from all over the globe.

According to Lakes Entrance Adventure Film Festival organiser Fiona McColley, the aim of any adventure festival should be to inspire – inspire us to get out of our comfort zone, to be brave, and to try something new.

And after years of not being able to explore to our heart’s content, now is definitely the time for some inspiration, followed by some action.

Adventure films are great stories, filled with overcoming challenges, strength, courage and determination. They are inspirational to all and you do not have to be into hardcore adventures to enjoy them. They will inspire you to travel, try new things and stretch your boundaries.

The Film Festival program will feature over 20 films to choose from including the likes of Godspeed, Los Polacos!,  Stoke the Fire, One Ocean Film Tour and The Wild Film Festival.

Punters can choose from a day pass for one or two days or a weekend pass. Tickets for evening dinner and movie events are also available.

For just a tenner on the Friday and Saturday night, BYO picnic, your camping chairs or a blanket, and enjoy a selection of films from different national and international film festivals. Or if you feel like treating yourself, why not enjoy a fine dinner followed by an exclusive sneak movie preview at the beautiful Wyanga Park Winery.

As well as ticketed movie events, Fiona says the Festival program will also be packed full of other activities including guest speakers presenting their adventures, local tours, activities, a gallery exhibition and a photography competition.

Mystery adventure tours will keep festival-goers on their toes, providing an ultimate Cluedo experience while showcasing the best in local fare and tourist offerings.

The self-guided Mystery Lunch and Dinner Experiences will allow guests to sample fine foods, enjoy scenic views, meet the locals, and expect the unexpected as they solve clues to discover their next experience.

For those travelling with young ones, the Treasure Hunt Experience will offer a fun-filled family-friendly adventure with clues, a treasure map, food sampling and a mystery challenge.

The Festival program will also have guided tours available for those who prefer to adventure on a tight schedule. The Guided Mystery Tour provides doorstep pick-up from Sandbar Motel Lakes Entrance, where travellers will visit towns, natural gems, venues and sights all across the region.

‘Everyone can find something to interest them,’ Fiona says. ‘And part of the Festival is all about encouraging visitors to head over and explore everything that Lakes Entrance has to offer as a holiday destination.

‘Lakes Entrance is the perfect place for this event. The town has so much to offer everyone. As one of the premier holiday destinations in Gippsland, there is so much to see and do.’

THE DETAILS:

WHAT: Lakes Entrance Adventure Film Festival
WHEN: May 6 to 8
FIND OUT MORE: Lakes Entrance Adventure Film Festival

We wish to acknowledge the Gunaikurnai people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Hope for a bustling season of music and entertainment

The summer and autumn season is one of the busiest periods on the yearly music and entertainment calendar, especially since the sun is a-shining and the weather aligning.

But as it is universally known, things are a little bit different in a world of COVID normal.

The last two years have been the harbinger of much suffering for artists and musos, with gig cancellations, decreased attendance, and a whole lot of mundane admin work that organisers simply can’t afford to undertake.

According to Music Victoria chief executive officer Simone Schinkel, it’s been quite a ravaging time. And with the rise of Omicron, she says it’s hard to know how festivals and events will be impacted.

‘We know that there have been a lot of no-shows at other music events locally and internationally, so we’ll have to wait and see,’ Simone says.

‘In addition, when festivals are constantly shifting dates, this creates a snowball effect because they move to a date that a smaller festival is on, and then that smaller festival gets screwed over, so they have to move to another date which impacts everything from contractors to artists.

‘It is so frustrating, and the fact that it keeps happening two years on is very disappointing. Musicians don’t get paid until they play, so there is a whole workforce that is out of work whenever cancellations or postponements happen.’

But a glimpse of hope does seep through the chaos.

Regional music events such as OK Motels and Down South Fest have sold out, which Simone says is a sign of how punters have yearned for their dose of entertainment.

‘That’s a really great and promising sign – that people do want to go to gigs and want to see music again,’ she says.

‘I think that everyone is trying to find ways to do what they love and see these festivals go ahead, but it is taking a lot more work to get that point and to get any outcomes.’

Regional music events set to take place over the coming months:

Geelong Jazz Soirees, Geelong, February 5

Bendigo Blues + Roots Festival, Bendigo, February 10-13

Town Folk Festival, Castlemaine, February 12

FEASTIVAL, Falls Creek, February 18-20

SummerSalt, Ballarat + Mildura, February and March

As the Cocky Flies, Mount Beauty, March 5

Shepparton Festival, Shepparton, March 18 – April 3

Goomfest, Wangoom, March 19

Macedon Ranges Music Festival, Hanging Rock, March 26

Wrapped Up Fest, Ballan, April 2

Inward Goods, Briagolong, April 20-22

As well as nabbing tickets to regional music festivals, Simone says there are plenty more ways to show support for struggling artists this season (and throughout the year).

‘Buy their music, buy their merch, and if you’re vaxxed and healthy go out and see some music,’ she exclaims.

‘With such high vaccination rates, we have worked hard to get this level of freedom.’

To show your support for music festivals and events across the state, visit Music Victoria’s website here.

Find more with our Regional Events & Festivals calendar.

Queenscliff Town Hall is the new live music, arts and entertainment venue opening late 2021

Words by Tehya Nicholas
Images Supplied

Time to get the calendar out music lovers – live music is back in Queenscliff at the freshly minted Queenscliff Town Hall.

After announcing earlier this year that the beloved Queenscliff Music Festival would be postponed to November 2022, good news has been revealed for the seaside town and its travellers. A new, regular, ongoing live music, arts and entertainment venue has been opened at the revamped Queenscliff Town Hall, hosting monthly gigs and concerts throughout the year.

Kicking things off is Melbourne band Bones and Jones, who are bringing their fluid pop-rock tunes to the hall on December 10. Other scheduled acts for early 2022 include Tex Perkins and Matt Walker, William Crighton, Thornbird (with Vikki Thorn from The Waifs) and Julia Jackman. Tickets are available to be purchased online.

Thanks to support from the State Government through Creative Victoria and the Federal Government through their Live Music Australia grants program, the hall has undergone a slick update and now boasts new sound, lighting and vision equipment.

If there’s still a festival-sized hole in your heart and diary, we have more good news for you. A brand new music festival, By the Pier, will be coming to Queenscliff’s fair shores in March 2022 to keep you rocking out over three days to some of Australia’s top artists. The massive lineup includes Vera Blue, Kim Churchill, San Cisco, Harvey Sutherland, Client Liason and heaps more.

For a summer of music, salty hair and sand between the toes, it seems Queenscliff is the place to be – and we reckon the regional town is ripe and ready to welcome travellers back. Tickets are available to purchase via the website below.

THE DETAILS
WHAT: Queenscliff Town Hall
WHERE: 50 Learmonth Street, Queenscliff
WHEN: December 10, 2021 into 2022
MORE INFO: Queenscliff Town Hall

We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

FEASTIVAL at Falls Creek

Falls Creek may be best known as a winter holiday destination (if you love skiing, snowboarding or making snow angels), but for the arts, music and food lovers, summertime in the stunning alpine region is looking just as thrilling.

A brand new three-day festival FEASTIVAL will celebrate all things music, arts, comedy and food, and is taking place from Friday February 18th to Sunday February 20th. The festival (which is free to enter) is headlined by Boy & Bear, who are bringing their 70’s inspired Pop-Folk bangers to the Slalom Plaza on Saturday afternoon. Other musical acts include Miiesha and Didirri, as well as North-East Victorian locals The Northern Folk, Benny Williams, Liv Cartledge and This Way North.

Outside of the main stage, punters can be dazzled by performances from Flying Fruit Fly Circus (or flex their muscles in one of their workshops), laugh the night away at the comedy special with MICF stars Dave Thornton and Lloyd Langford, or find some local gems in the art exhibition and market. For the kids, there are activities run by the fun folks at The Connected Circus, while the adults may wish to duck off to a performance by the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra sextet, whose performance is paired with a degustation menu from one of Falls Creek’s award-winning boutique venues.

The fan-favourite, all-knowing Dr Karl will be presenting a fascinating talk on Great Moments in Science, as well as a comedy session fit for the whole family.

“We are excited to be adding FEASTIVAL to the summer events calendar at Falls Creek. After another disruptive year, we are looking forward to an action-packed summer and the opportunity to offer a larger scale signature event with a broad appeal will be a key highlight this summer,” stated Stuart Smythe, CEO, of Falls Creek Resort Management.

It’s been a long time since Victorians have been able to attend a festival, let alone a three-day one (and a while since local vendors and accomodation providers have served them!), but we have earned this summer of fun. Pop it in your diaries – we may see you there.

THE DETAILS
WHAT: FEASTIVAL Falls Creek 2022
WHERE: Falls Creek
WHEN: February 18 – February 20, 2022
MORE INFO: FEASTIVAL

 

Gippsland’s Creative Harvest festival January 2022 – growing from strength to strength

Words by Amanda Kennedy
Images Supplied

Did you buy some indoor plants over the last couple of years? Maybe you planted out a window box with a few herbs for your pandemic cooking sessions?  Perhaps you got the kids out into the backyard and started a no-dig garden. Not for nothing, did garden centres sell out of seedling and potting mix in early 2020.

The Covid pandemic has highlighted the tenuous nature of our food systems, prompting many people to invest in growing some of their own food. Whether your harvest was small or grand, there’s no denying the simple joy of eating something you’ve grown.

If that has left you hungry for more, Creative Harvest Festival (January 22nd  & 23rd ) could be the weekend event you’re looking for. Now in its fifth year, the group behind the event – Baw Baw Sustainability Network – are hoping to top last year’s record-breaking number of attendees, and they’ve pulled out all the stops to get you there.

There are 15 gardens open to visitors, from small suburban backyards to larger family-run farms. But it’s not all about growing your own food. The weekend also brings together more than 30 local artists and producers across a number of locations, showcasing their work and practice. Because as we also all learnt over the last couple of years to tap into our own creativity, when we’re not buried under the day-to-day busyness of commuting, working and socialising.

Creative HarvestGIVEAWAY

To celebrate the launch of Creative Harvest 2022 – the first weekend pass ticket purchases, will receive a tote bag designed by Helen Timbury Design valued at $30.

 

Creative Harvest Committee Chair, Wendy Savage sums things up perfectly.

Making our event more accessible to broader communities is a celebration of connectedness and creativity in all forms. It is fundamental to our wellbeing, especially in these uncertain times, and it is wonderful to see how a day out in the garden can inspire and create positive change.

So, here’s a taste of just some of the growers, makers and producers featured across the weekend.

  • AgriSolutions will be on hand to help gardeners get the most out of their soil and composting with their targeted approach to soil health management.
  • Join Come Fly With Me Beekeeping with their hives at Green Hills Farm in Yarragon South and learn what bee colonies have to teach us if only we pay attention.
  • Green Hills Farm produces grass-fed beef and garlic, as well as an orchard and vegetable plot that supplies local cafes & restaurants.
  • Based at the Butler Garden in Warragul, print-maker Helen Timbury will be displaying her work which celebrates the Australian landscape in all its wild, natural beauty.
  • Paul Stafford, self-taught tree craver and chainsaw sculptor will be on hand at Paul & Maureen’s Patch in Warragul, along with Kouark Wines and their wild-ferment pinot noir.
  • In Neerim South, you’ll find Kay Lancashire and her permaculture garden creating all manner of jewellery and wearable art, inspired by the natural shapes and textures she finds in her garden.

Children 17 and under are free and what better way to encourage the next generation of gardeners to get their hands dirty. There are plenty of treats and refreshments to keep you going throughout the day.

THE DETAILS

WHAT: Creative Harvest
WHERE: Various locations across West Gippsland
WHEN: Saturday & Sunday 22-23 January 10am-4pm
MORE INFO: creativeharvest.org.au

We wish to acknowledge the Bunurong and Gunaikurnai people as traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

A rise from the ashes for the Grampians Music Festival

Words by Della Vreeland
Images supplied

Four years ago, a newly-envisioned idea blasted out of the Grampians region.

And no, it wasn’t a volcano.

And while the effects of this venture were indeed volcanic, emotionally speaking, the surrounding effects were much more sublime.

The Grampians Music Festival (GMF) was established in 2017 with the initial aim of encouraging tourists to explore the region, particularly during its quietest tourism months.

But festival director Carly Flecknoe says the plan was quick to take on more complexity, implementing sustainability practices while also taking on a more diverse approach.

Initially joining as a committee member before taking on the reins as director, Carly says the festival also embraced the opportunity to educate and support local youth through its newly-formed GMF Mentor Program.

“That first festival, the committee and I saw the role a festival could actually play both in the local community and in the broader music scene,” Carly says. “So the aim of GMF changed dramatically over that second year.”

“We took our waste profile and environmental impact seriously and created strong environmental policies around what could and couldn’t be brought to the festival and how it was to be disposed. And we realised that we could not only give incredible up-and-coming artists a platform, but that we could choose to represent diversity on our stage – creating a policy of inclusion around gender, cultural background and sexuality.”

Quite an ambitious objective for a small-town festival. But one that was seamlessly achieved.

GMF was held in Halls Gap’s aptly-dubbed Valley Floor – a stunning sprawling paddock in the heart of the town, surrounded by the panoramic views and majestic mountains the Grampians is known for.

Over the years, acts such as Alex Lahey, Saskwatch, Polish Club, Ruby Fields, Sampa The Great, Wafia and Horsham’s own Alice Sky took to the stage.

At the last festival, the likes of Julia Jacklin, Ecca Vandal, DreamingNow, and Clypso and The Buoys filled the bill.

“There were so many amazing moments with larger than life artists being up close and personal with our audience in an intimate festival setting,” Carly says. “It was just incredible.”

The GMF team recently announced they would have to cancel the festival – indefinitely.

With the last event taking place in February 2020, the advent of the COVID pandemic had led to much financial duress, meaning it was no longer viable for it to continue.

“To be totally transparent, the 2020 festival, unfortunately, left us in debt after the impact of both the perception of bush fires in regional areas and the fear of COVID,” Carly says.

“If GMF were to resume at any point, it would be with the ability to still maintain the magic of what it was. If we can’t do that, then it just doesn’t feel right to start up again.”

As has been the case for many in the entertainment industry, the festival was faced with challenges related to insurance during the pandemic’s ruthless reign.

“We attempted to actually claim insurance last year from the impacts of COVID-19 and it was declined, Carly says. “Costs have also gone up since then and there is a mountain of paperwork, additional infrastructure and a COVID Marshall that is needed to be able to get insurance. As a small festival, this would be incredibly difficult to afford.”

All that being said, the GMF team seems undeterred from achieving its initial aims of community connection and the strengthening of the music scene.

As such as in keeping with the volcanic theme, it was announced that the festival would rise out of the ashes – so to speak – with a series of ongoing intimate events. Set to be held in smaller venues around the region, Carly says these soirees will encourage local communities to come together and experience the talent Victoria has to offer.

She says the events will be focused around the Grampians area in spaces that can host up to 200 people.

“We’ll be bringing back that intimate family feel in a way that is manageable in this new COVID environment,” she says.

Carly says the GMF team is currently working with state government bodies in order to secure funding and re-establish the festival – albeit in a different context.

“Currently, we have two events booked thanks to Creative Victoria and Music Victoria that will be happening in March and April. They haven’t been officially announced yet so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled.”

And even if the festival doesn’t return in its previous form, Carly says the incorporation of music into community life is unlikely to be hampered.

“Music is part of community, of healing, of inspiring and of soothing. Song and sound have been the celebratory glue for people for as long as memory,” she says.

“The chance for people to come together, to experience music together, is part of our life blood. And if we can be part of that, by bringing amazing musicians and storytellers out to people, then that is a privilege.

“We would love (GMF) to come back. I feel like there was something special that was created there, and I don’t want that to fade away. But in the meantime, we’ll keep the magic and the connection alive in smaller ways, while we find our new ways of living in this COVID-19 world.”

THE DETAILS

WHAT: Grampians Music
MORE INFO: Grampians Music

We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

Cosy up at the Geelong Winter Shiraz Festival

Images Supplied

Winter is the ultimate season to enjoy a smooth, rich glass of red. Over the first weekend of July, you can taste some of the very finest drops at the Geelong Winter Shiraz Festival; the region’s biggest celebration of all things shiraz.

With 26 participating wineries from Jack Rabbit Vineyard to Mt Duneed Estate, locals and travellers alike will be spoilt with a wide selection of the region’s cool-climate wines, plus delicious food and various tasting experiences at each location.

Across two days and three different sub-regions – Moorabool Valley, Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast – there’ll be winery tours, barrel tastings, degustation dining and best of all, some talented chefs will be whipping up some hearty winter fare to pair with the wines. For those with a penchant for wine education, pop into one of the wine masterclasses or meet some of the makers for a yarn about their winemaking process. We’re certain you’ll be taking leaps and bounds on your journey to wine connoisseur – your friends will definitely be impressed.

So why not put your feet up by the fire, learn the art of wine tasting straight from the horse’s mouth, or just make it a weekend of fun with friends and a good drink? We are certain you’ll come home with a fuller mind, heart… and belly.

If you plan on doing lots of drinking, we recommend booking some local accommodation or an all-included tour (featuring a designated driver). Head over to their website below for more info.

THE DETAILS
WHAT: Geelong Winter Shiraz Festival
WHERE: Various wineries
WHEN: 3 – 4 July 2021
MORE INFO: Geelong Winter Shiraz Festival

We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

How Bendigo plans to ignite your senses this wintertime

Words by Della Vreeland
Images Supplied

Australia’s first (and only) UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy is taking things up a notch this wintertime with its magical Ignite Festival.

With a sprinkle of razzle and a whole bunch of dazzle, the city will be transformed into a centre of vibrant activity where spirit and imagination abound!

Featuring a plethora of food and drink events, masterclasses and retreats, art and cultural soirees, markets and music festivals, there is an experience set to indulge all.

Here are some of the ways Ignite is set to sparkle your senses this winter season.

See the magic unfold

Ignite BendigoThere is an abundance of performance and culturally instilled events taking place during Ignite, making up the core of the festival program.

The Awaken event will illuminate Rosalind Park, and the Mary Quant Fashion Revolutionary exhibition will continue at the Bendigo Art Gallery (with an accompanying 60s Quant Up Late event).

Taste and smell the fine fare

As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, you know you’re in for a real (culinary) treat no matter when you visit Bendigo. But come time for the Ignite Festival, and the city’s cafes, restaurants and bars put their best foot forward with a whole series of specially-curated events showcasing the best in local food and drink.

Enjoy a high tea in style, sit down for a Bastille Day feast, experience a Spanish Christmas in July, devour regional fare at the launch of Bendigo’s newest foodie neighbourhood Lyttle Eat Street, get your meat fix at the Slow Smokin’ Saturdays, share a night of wonder and wine under the stars with the Astronomical Society of Victoria, and savour a whole lot of other dinners, lunches and brunches in regional Victoria’s leading food destination.

Proud Dja Dja Wurrung, Latje Latje and Wotjabulluk woman Raylene Harradine will also be hosting a 6Seasons Dinner along with chef Gina Triolo from Bendigo’s Hoo-gah Cafe. The special degustation-styled event will feature six courses, each focussed on the six Aboriginal annual seasons of Birak, Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba and Kambarang.

Hear the tunes and tales

Ignite BendigoAnother sure way to warm up during the chilly months is with some sweet melodies and stories – blues on the Victorian Goldfields Railway train or live at Castlemaine’s Taproom, a two-day festival of Americana bands at Shiraz Republic or a session of storytelling about People and Country at the Ulumbarra Theatre.

Feel the warmth as your hands make and create

The festival program has all the hands-on folk covered too, with workshops and masterclasses that will ignite a passion for cooking, creating, cheesemaking and croissant-ing (don’t mind our love for alliteration).

Take up cheesemaking sessions with resident French makers at Long Paddock Cheese, learn the art of croissant making from a Michelin-trained pastry chef, enrol in a cooking class or two, enjoy a one-day mosaic workshop, or try your hand at writing at the Hidden Writer retreats.

Once you’re done making, you can also head to one of the different markets and find some handmade goodness for yourself – nicely rounding off your Ignite experience.

Now there’s a delight for the senses.

THE DETAILS:

WHAT: Ignite Bendigo
WHEN: 1st June – 31st August
FIND OUT MORE: bendigoregion.com.au/explore-bendigo/ignite-bendigo

Our top picks of the East Gippsland Winter Festival you definitely don’t want to miss

Words by Tehya Nicholas
Map by @alex_hotchin
Images Supplied

East Gippsland Winter FestivalAs the frosty winter months set in, there is nothing like an escape to the countryside for a reset. A place to sit by a roaring fire, cosy up with a steaming mug of coffee and marvel at the stars above. Maybe even indulge in an abundance of local produce and fresh seafood, tag along in a moonlit lantern walk and get creative in a cosy art workshop. All this and more is just a short drive away with the East Gippsland Winter Festival happening across three weeks in June and July.

 

 

Kicking off June 19th and wrapping July 11th, the festival will see 86 events – from lavish winter feasts to art installations – pop up across the region. Whether you’re into sampling the finest drop of pinot or getting your hands dirty at a resin workshop, the festival has an event sure to brighten up your winter.

With so much on show, creating an itinerary can be a bit of a struggle. So we went ahead and curated our top seven picks for a winter festival you won’t forget.

Winter Festival and Lane Way Launch

East Gippsland Winter FestivalThe crowning jewel of the festival has got to be its opener. Set in the favourite Gippsland town of Bairnsdale, this launch is one huge, free afternoon of entertainment. You’ll meet friendly locals, community artists and plenty of out-of-towners as you meander down High street catching all the fun. There’ll be live music, roaming performers, art projects and installations, as well as plenty of local food and wine to get your hands on.

Date: Friday 18th June
Location: 154A Main St, Bairnsdale VIC 3875

Winter Seafood Festival

East Gippsland Winter FestivalA little while ago one of the best regional seafood restaurants opened up in Lakes Entrance. Now that restaurant, Sodafish, is hosting a one-day seafood feast for the senses. Chef Nick Mahlook is curating an oyster shucking station, roaming canapés and fine wines to match. Tickets are essential for this one, and we can tell you now it’s going to sell fast.

Dates: Wednesday, 23rd June and Thursday, 01st July
Location: Sodafish, Middle Boat Harbour, The Esplanade, Lakes Entrance

Lakes Light Festival

East Gippsland Winter FestivalMake the most of the long winter nights at the Lakes Light Festival, a moonlit walk to the rugged coastline. After months of steady craftsmanship, community members will light up the night with their handmade lanterns and meander from Cunninghame Arm to Lakes edge, where they will be met by local Elders and a lake chorus. There’s even a unicycling lantern- juggler to show you the light sculptures and projections dotted along the shoreline.

Date: 5:30PM Saturday, 26th June
Location: Main Beach Walk, Lakes Entrance VIC 3909

Winter Solstice Fire and Light

East Gippsland Winter FestivalOn the evening of Winter solstice, guests are invited to gather by the bonfire in Bruthen for a night of sharing stories and entertainment. United by the theme of fire and light, expect fire sculptures, food trucks, Wacky Wombat roving entertainment and later an exciting fire act. Primary school kids from Bruthen and Tambo Upper Primary School, plus little ones from Bruthen Kindergarten and community members will parade their homemade lanterns under the guidance of two experienced artists. Pack a picnic rug, some woollen blankets and cosy up for a spectacular night.

Date: Saturday 19th June
Location: 29 Main St, Bruthen VIC 3885

Resin Art Workshop

East Gippsland Winter FestivalWhether you consider yourself creative or not, the gentle art of resin painting is one to soothe the soul. This workshop is guided by professional artists to help you make your very own epoxy resin masterpiece. With a huge range of colours and pigments available, you’ll be whiling away the morning or afternoon with playfulness in the beautiful Saltwater Creative Studio. No experience needed!

Date: Wednesday 23rd June, Saturday 26th June, Saturday 10th July
Location: The Saltwater Creative Co, Marine Parade, Lakes Entrance

World Bathing Day Celebrations

East Gippsland Winter FestivalThis one is definitely not to be missed. In celebration of World Bathing Day, bright-eyed punters can partake in some sunrise pop-up bathing at the Metung Hot Springs. While soaking up the morning sun, you’ll join the live streamed Global Sound Bath Movement as sites from all over the world capture an Instagram image at the same time to celebrate WBD.

But the good times don’t stop there; at 11am or 4pm there’s a special guided tour of the hot springs (which haven’t even opened to the public yet), followed by some feel-good tree planting and refreshments.  Best of all, it’s entirely free.

Date: Tuesday 22nd June
Location: 73 Storth Ryes Ave, Metung VIC 3904

Fire and Rain Exhibition Opening

The Great Alpine Gallery is swinging open its doors for an evening of artistic celebration. In this new exhibit, local artists and makers have been reflecting on cataclysm, regrowth, beauty and vulnerability – themes existing with abundance in the rugged Gippsland region.

Mingle with community members, artists and fellow art-lovers amongst the warm glow of locally crafted lanterns by the Great Alpine Basketry Group, and maybe take a postcard or two home from the gift shop.

Date: Friday 2nd July
Location: Great Alpine Gallery, 6881 Great Alpine Road, Swifts Creek

THE DETAILS
WHAT: East Gippsland Winter Festival
WHERE: Various venues across East Gippsland
WHEN: June 19th – July 11th, 2021
MORE INFO: East Gippsland Winter Festival

Wine-filled long weekend on the Mornington Peninsula

Images Supplied

Get ready to get up close and personal with a winemaker at Winter Wine Weekend on the Mornington Peninsula.

What began in the early 1980s as a way to showcase Mornington Peninsula wines has grown from strength to strength, becoming an annual event on every wine enthusiast’s calendar. The Winter Wine Weekend – Saturday 24th  of July – is proudly presented by the Mornington Peninsula Wine.

Mornington Peninsula as a wine region

Whether the peninsula means camping on the foreshore over summer school holidays, a golfing trip with mates or a ride on the Arthurs Seat chairlift, there’s no denying the area occupies a soft spot in the heart of many.

For such a small area geographically, it exhibits incredible diversity when it comes to wine. Surrounded by ocean on three sides, the peninsula is webbed with hills and valleys and hosts an array of soil types from yellow and brown soils to red volcanic clay and sandy loam.

All this adds up to a patchwork of micro-climates when it comes to wine production, meaning there’s an infinite number of wine styles for your drinking pleasure. Good thing the Winter Wine Weekend over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend gives you the opportunity to try as many as you like.

Region’s top varietals

The region’s signature varietal is undoubtedly pinot noir, making up half the fruit grown in the region. Chardonnay is a close second with pinot gris/grigio also making a noteworthy appearance. There are also independent winemakers challenging expectations with tempranillo, arneis, savagnin, gamay and more.

Elegant pinot noir is the star of the region as it thrives in the cool climate. Though exact flavour profile varies across the sub-regions thanks to soil, elevation etc. Mornington Peninsula pinot noir is generally light to medium in body, with bright berry notes balanced by soft, savoury tannins. Saturday’s showcase is the ideal time to find your perfect pinot.

Chardonnay also loves the cool conditions, producing a restrained wine with delicate melon and citrus notes, as well as the expected mineral, flinty aspects often found in maritime wine regions. Pinot gris/grigio has a growing fan base thanks to its crisp, food-friendly flavour profile.

Exhibition and tasting Saturday

Saturday’s showcase takes place over three sheds at the Red Hill Showgrounds. Each shed will represent one sub-region with that area’s wineries and restaurants determined to convince you of their excellence.

In total, there will be 45 wineries and over 200 wines to sample so you’re going to need a plan of attack. Grab a buddy and secure your booking. They’ll provide a complimentary Riedel tasting glass, you just need to bring boots, a warm jacket and a willingness to eat and drink.

Ten Minutes by Tractor, Foxeys Hangout, Avani Winery, Mantons Creek Estate and Ocean Eight are just a handful of the wineries participating in the extravaganza, as well as debuting the new ‘Heartbreak’ gin from Bass & Flinders Distillery made with local pinot noir grapes.

Choose from tempting menus by Barmah Park, Lindenderry Red Hill, Many Little Bar & Bistro, Montalto, Paringa Estate and Pt Leo Estate. Red Hill Cheese will be providing their quality artisan cheese for your snacking requirements and Brew Up Bar coffee will keep you caffeinated throughout the day.

Covid-safe practices are built into the program, with each shed accommodating 300 people for a 90-minute session before rotating out and onto the next shed. Tickets are selling fast and with a strict limit of only 900 tickets, bookings are essential.

 

THE DETAILS

WHAT: Mornington Peninsula’s Winter Wine Weekend
WHERE: Red Hill Showgrounds, 190 Arthurs Seat Rd, Red Hill
WHEN:  Saturday 24th of July
MORE INFO: Mornington Peninsula Wine