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.