Walk or run the four peaks of Mystic Hill, Mt Feathertop, Mt Hotham& Mt Buffalo.
November 2010 ?
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Enquiries: (03) 5755 1507
Bolobek Plant Fair
Did you miss this event? Then
subscribe to our free email newsletter to
receive advance notice of events such as this one. White Hat has kept its
subscribers Informed since last century and has
long become a Melbourne Institution for those
Intelligent and Independent
souls prepared to look beyond the bounds of either the mainstream -commercial or
mainstream-alternative marketing machines. (However, be warned that we can
occasionally be a little Irreverent.)
Visitors can purchase choice perennials, rare trees and shrubs, Australian natives, bulbs, succulents, sculpture, specialist tools and books from over 40 exhibitors. There is also an opportunity to wander and enjoy the unique setting of the wonderful gardens.
The world’s best cyclists will converge in Victoria this September for the 2010 UCI Road World Championships. Ranking alongside the Tour de France as one of the most coveted prizes in cycling, over 500 riders from over 50 countries will make their way Down Under.
Held from 29 September to 3 October, it is only the sixth time the race has been hosted outside Europe, and the first edition held in the Southern Hemisphere, the Championships will include road races and individual time trials for elite men and women and Under-23 men.
The elite men’s road race will begin in one city and finish in another, starting at Federation Square in Melbourne and finishing with laps of the tough circuit in Geelong.
For the first time in the history, there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for amateur cyclists to ride on the closed UCI Road World Champion Circuit prior to the start of the elite men’s race on Sunday 3 October — in the race for the rainbow Jersey.
Ride the Worlds Geelong, held on the challenging 16km circuit around Geelong will give up to 2,500 amateur cyclists the chance to experience what it might be like to be world champion for a day.
Participants will also receive a one-off Melbourne 2010 jersey. Entries are now open for the amateur cyclist participation and more
information and registration forms are available
here.
Australia's premier jazz event featuring a wide array of jazz and blues styles. Includes the Black Tie Jazz Ball, Free Stage, National Jazz Awards and Cup Eve Concert.
A large popular music festival with 10 stages and 200 perforrmances over 3 days. Featuring exclusive shows by 70s icons through to award winning Australian artists as well as emerging talent. "The Queenscliff Music Festival is like a Big Day Out for Baby Boomers" Richard Clapton
Harcourt Applefest
The Harcourt Applefest is a community festival celebrating everything apple related.
11th to 14th March 2011 (tbc)
Harcourt, (near Castlemaine, on the way to Bendigo)
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(Mel ref 609 D6)
Further Details: Annemarie on 0400 680 338
Geelong Highland Gathering
The Geelong Highland Gathering, will
include Scottish Heavy Games, including caber tossing. The Victorian
Pipe Band Championships will be held a feature of the Gathering, first held on
the plains of South Geelong, then open space and now a heavily populated Geelong
suburb, in 1857. The Gathering went into recess during the Depression, but was
revived by the then Newtown City Council in 1957 and has been held continuously
ever since at picturesque Queens Park, often referred to as “the Braemar of
Australia”.
It has grown into the biggest and most diverse celebration of Scottish
culture in Victoria and one of the major Scottish events in Australia attracting
interstate and sometimes overseas bands and Scottish and other overseas judges.
The Gathering, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, attracts upwards of 6000 people annually.
Scottish historic military re-enactment groups, massed pipe bands displays,
Highland Dancing competitions, Scottish Country Dancing displays, a Celtic
Market, Scottish Folk Music, Scottish dogs and horses and Highland Cattle are
all a part of the traditional mix. There will also be clan and other cultural
and genealogical displays, wood-chopping competitions, archery, children’s
activities and a children’s farmyard. A great family occasion, entry charges apply/p>
These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne".
"Where Fantasy and History Meet". Book launches, competitions and workshops.
September 2008 ?
Ballarat Mechanics Institute Hall, Sturt Street, Ballarat
Australian International Airshow
The largest airshow in the Southern Hemisphere, this biennial event brings aircrafts from all over the world to Avalon Airport. The initial days are for the trade and the public events commence on the Friday evening.. Full details at www.airshow.net.au.
Fully supported tours of 50 or 100kms. Lunch at Haddon, approx 500 riders.
May 2009 ?
Starts from Pleasant Street State School, Ballarat
Ballarat Begonia Weekend
This colourful event offers something for everyone, whatever age and interest, including free music, garden tours and displays and of course the ever-popular Begonia display in the Robert Clark Conservatory. The theme for 2010 is ‘The Secret Garden’, enticing visitors to step out and beyond the conservatory into the Botanical Gardens with its many avenues, historic trees and hideaway spots. The Ballarat Begonia Weekend is a free event. Entry to view the begonias in the Robert Clark Conservatory costs $6 adults, $4 concession and free for children under 16
A community festival celebrating the links between Barwon Heads and the sea. Featuring a variety of sustainable exhibitions focusing on the environment, the festival continues to grow in its diversity. Market stalls, music, rock pool rambling, children’s activities and a gourmet variety of food on offer the festival will delight all ages. And you can't miss out on the famous duck race held on the last day of the festival - Sunday.
Beer tastings, homebrewing competition and all things beer. As part of our
arduous research, White Hat has sampled all the local
beers from this area and can declare them to be first rate.
Highlights include the Alpine Film Festival, a festival play, Alpine 4 Peaks Climb, open gardens, a huge Rotary Street Market, Sustainable Gardening Expo, a Fine Arts Exhibition, and a Grand Fireworks spectacular. Also on offer; events for lovers of wine, chocolates and roses, three fetes, and gold mining and fossiking tours. Bright is 3 and a quarter hour scenic drive from Melbourne. Market stall enquiries: 03 5755 1696
A community festival with stalls, entertainment & activities.
May 2009 ?
Glendonald Park, Churchill
Colac Country Music Festival Truck & Ute Show
A festival featuring country music and showcasing trucks and utes. (The
ute was invented
not far from Colac). Bring a picnic or sample the wares at the food stalls.
Annual extravaganza of daffodils and spring flowers, plant stall and light lunch available. Sept 3rd 2-6p.m, Sept 4th 9-6pm, Sept 5th 9-4pm Also Open Gardens Sept 4th and 5th 10-4p.m.
Events include new plays, poetry readings, the Scrabble Fest, the Book Ball, readings with music, an oral history forum, an exhibitian & book launch of text-based art, original Super 8 film screenings, a country music train trip extravaganza & a food & wine trivia dinner.
A weekend of classical music in the shadow of the Grampians. Artists include the Australian String Quartet. Tickets sell out fast so it is wise to book early.
Join Chrismont in greeting la primavera with a magnificent festival of newly released Chrismont wine, delectable cuisine and unrivalled Italian spirit. Italian chefs Patrizia and Anthony Simone join us from their renowned restaurant, Simone’s of Bright, to serve a tantalising array of dishes taking you into the heart of Italy. Full information at
www.chrismont.com.au
November 2008 ?
Chrismont Wines - 251 Upper King River Road, Cheshunt
Echuca Steam, Horse and Vintage Rally
A White Hat favourite, this magnificent display of steam traction engines and wagons, portable steam engines, early farm machinery, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles. Also a variety of family entertainment. More information about this
festival.
Australia's largest prospecting & fossicking event. Over 30 dealers in prospecting equipment, metal detectors, gold buyers, coin dealers, outdoor & camping equipment, gem & mineral dealers and much more! All proceeds to aid the Prospectors & Miners Association of Victoria. 29th & 30th October 2005. 9.30am - 5pm Saturday & 9.00am - 12 noon Sunday
A 4-day exhibition of unique local wildflowers displayed to highlight the diverse plant communities of the Grampians.
Plants from heathland, woodland and wetland areas grouped according to their habitat to provide information about plant identification, botanical names and where to see the plants in the park.
Other features of the show are exhibits highlighting conservation issues, children’s activities and daily bus tours to see wildflowers, particularly orchids, in the bush around Halls Gap.
To be staged in the magical, natural setting of Melba Gully, Great Ocean Road, Lavers Hill. An intimate afternoon of fabulous music, gorgeous singing, interactive fun & entertainment. This is an unmissable first time event featuring highly acclaimed Melbourne based 'Pot Pourri', local musicians, roving entertainers, & a range of local produce.
Take in the beautiful Grampians, enjoy the local food, wine, and join other
film buffs in 2½ days of highly acclaimed films. Detailed information at
http://fvfs.org.au/filmfest.html.
Enquiries Phone: 03 5356 4448 or Email:
hallsgapfilmfestival@hotmail.com. 7 Films + Dinner $100/$95. Individual
sessions $10/$9 plus other options.
Food & wine producers from throughout Victoria display their wares. Cooking demonstrations and other activities. Bring a picnic blanket and relax under the gum trees.
IMBY is an annual festival which showcases practical ideas and products that inspire people to care for the environment in their own backyard. It aims to encourage individuals and organisations to find new and existing ways to care for their own backyards, and to help people to make informed decisions about the ways to care for the environment overall.
October 2008 ?
Gateway Island, Lincoln Causeway
Wodonga Victoria (between
Wodonga and Albury)
International Hazelwood Power Festival of Dance
Theatrical dance competitions including classical, modern/jazz, tap, national, chracter and song and dance.
June 2009 ?
Kernot Hall, Princes Drive, Morwell
Inverloch Jazz Festival
Over 80 bands covering all styles of Jazz. 4 major venues all in close proximity. Festival highlights the Street Parade and Monday's Picnic in the Park with great jazz combined with a wide range of food stalls together with local wineries and breweries having their products available. More information at Inverloch
Jazz.
Buskers can enter prize categories that will be judged on stages provided. Entrants will be judged in the morning down the main street and winners will have an opportunity for a major prize. Winners will perform in the evening alongside local band In Sol Inside. There will be Primary and Secondary School categories and powered outlets are provided. 8am to 2pm - main street ;
3pm to 9pm - Coal Creek; Free morning, gold coin donation down at Coal Creek
November 2009 ?
Commercial Street, Railway precinct and Coal Creek, Korumburra
An annual festival with thousands of daffodils, open gardens, ferret racing, country race days antique and book fairs shopping sidewalk sale with buskers competition, exhibitions and flower show.
Featuring numbers of balloons and including a 'nightglow' on the Saturday evening, family festival and tethered balloon rides and the specatcular nightglow with the balloons lit up on dusk.
The Rose Garden Weekend , is made possible by the Nieuwesteeg family who open their Rose Nursery display garden in Coldstream to the public for this weekend only. The stunning Rose Garden was planted in 1985 and includes hundreds of old fashioned and species roses, including the beautiful Alister Clark collection featuring Black Boy, Lorraine Lee and Lady Mann, which comprise the largest such collection in Victoria. Rose plants and seedlings are available for purchase, along with Devonshire Teas, local Yarra Valley produce, BBQ, and Raffle tickets. Proceeds to the Road Trauma Support Team, a voluntary group of people who care for victims of road crashes.
November 2008 ?
Nieuwesteeg Rose Nursery, 4 Tarrawarra Road, Coldstream
Opera in the Alps
Enjoy a relaxing evening of fine food, wine and classical favourites under the stars, in the picturesque grounds of LaTrobe at Beechworth.
Paynesville is the place to be in February. A three day festival where you can enjoy some of Australia's finest jazz musicians playing jazz, swing and blues like you've never heard before - and all in beautiful waterfront, open air, and indoor venues.
A two day bicycle ride from Mildura through Swan Hill to Echuca.
November 2008 ?
Portarlington Mussel Festival
This community event showcases local wines, olives, and other produce. Come
and enjoy freshly cooked mussels
in a variety of ways. Take a trip out to the mussels farms, and see how they are
grown. Watch the Dry Boat event on the foreshore, and learn more about
Portarlington as a holiday destination.
January 2010 ?
Parks Hall and Parklands Newcombe Street, Portarlington
Portsea Swim Classic
One of the largest open water swims held in Australia attracting up to 2,500 swimmers in various age groups.
International & local performers in beautiful surroundings.
April 2009 ?
National Rhododendron Gardens, Georgia Road, Olinda
Red Cross Murray Marathon
Tha annual canoe marathon from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill.
27 to 31 December 2008?
Red Hill Show
A traditional country show plus lots of family events with a particular concentration on the food and wine of the Mornington Peninsula. (The location of the Red Hills Showground can be found by clicking on the Red Hill Mraket link next to the White Hat Map of Festivals in Victoria)
Western Dressage ridden to country and western music and a little bit of rockabilly. Saturday is Derby night. It's fast, it's precise, it's fun. The people are friendly and you'll see a few white hats amongst the crowd and out in the area. Come along to stamp your feet, hoot and whistle encouragement to some of Australia's top reining horse riders. More information at Victorian Reining Horse
Association..
March 2008 ?
Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, Indoor Arena, K Road, Werribee South
The Royal Geelong Show is held over 4 days. Come along and see Horse events, Prime Lamb and Beef Carcase Judging, Cattle and Sheep judging, Homecraft, Woolcraft and Horticulture exhibits and demonstrations. Enjoy attractions and entertainment galore, trade sites, rides and side shows. Spectacular fireworks Friday and Saturday night. Adult $14; Concession $12; Student child 5-15 yrs $6; Family (2Adults & up to 3 Child) $34. Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st October 2007. Open 9am - 10pm Thursday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm Sunday.
October 2008 ?
Geelong Showgrounds, 79 Breakwater Road, East Geelong
Royal Melbourne Show
This year’s Royal Melbourne Show is not to be missed! Be part of the celebrations as the new look Showgrounds is unveiled to the public. Providing the ultimate school holiday entertainment, the show has something for everyone. Be thrilled by the excitement of monster trucks, cannonball, and freestyle motorcross on the Coca-Cola Arena. Adult $25, Children (5-14 years old) $11, Under 5 years old FREE, Family $65 (2 Adults & 3 Children, 1 Adult & 4 Children), Concession $16, Senior’s Day $11 (26 September only). Thursday 21 September – Sunday 1 October 9:30am – 10:00pm daily (Sunday 1 October 9:30am – 8:30pm)
SheppARTon Festival is a ten day festival that celebrates the diversity and "common ground" of the community with theatre, song, dance and visual arts.
Performances of sacred music by both local and professional musicians in historic churches and other venues in the Hamilton and Southern Grampians region. White Hat stumbled across this festival several years ago while travelling through the region and found it a real delight.
National Rhododendron Gardens, Georgian Road, Olinda
Spring Harvest Picnic at Werribee Park
Food & wine producers from throughout Victoria display their wares. With activities, entetainmnts and stalls. Music and dance all day together with family activities.
This carnival includes one of Australia's most famous foot races and has been held every Easter for over 120 years with the running of the Stawell Gift on the Easter Monday.
Easter 2009 ?
Sunbury Region Wine Festival
Winemakers dinners, wine tastings and fine food. Saturday is for the serious winelover and Sunday is a day of festivities with mini-buses to shuttle you between the various venues.
When the Hume Dam was constructed in the 1950s the township of Tallangatta had to be moved to higher ground while the old township was flooded. This festival celebrates all things from the 50s.
Inspired by Banjo Paterson's
famous poem The Man from Snowy
River, this festival features a street parade, craft and trade markets,
concert, performances, exhibitions, food and a Jack Riley's Ride celebrating
Jack Riley, claimed to be the original Man from
Snowy River.
Horse teams in action, sheep dog trials, pioneer skills, blacksmiths, woodcrafts, historic machinery demonstrations, horse-shoe tossing competition, folk music & dancing, refreshments, stalls and displays all in the grounds of the historic 1850s farm
The festival celebrates the diverse and dynamic contributions of people aged 60 plus. Events include theatre, cinema, touring shows, music and walks. Many events are discounted or free - as long as participants have their Victorian Seniors Card.
October 2009 ?
Victoria's Annual Olive Festival
Enjoy a day among the olive trees and experience Food, Wine and olives at Victoria's Annual Olive Festival. Cooking demonstrations running throughout the day, entertainment, food and much more located just 25 minutes along the Western Highway, werribee exit and follow the signs.
This is an Italian cultural event showcasing hours of entertainment and activities for the whole family. Whether it's the fencing demonstrations, Spaghetti eating competitions or cycling criterium this is "by far" one of the most entertaining Italian events in Australia.
The organisers claim this to be the largest community festival in south west Victoria and we at White Hat have no reason to disbelieve them). Food, wine, music, activities and entertainment. There will be a market at Lake Pertrobe on the Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
These events are ones which have run in the past and we expect to run in the future. As yet we do not have confirmed details, dates and contact details. To be informed of those details when they become available you can subscribe to our newsletter "Great things to do in Melbourne".
Some favourites
Mainstream tourists
Backpackers, budget mainstream tourists & guide book followers
For independent travellers and those less interested in the
pre-packaged experience and more more interested in mixing with the
locals, you will find lots of useful information on
this website and in our free newsletter
Page last updated:
02 September, 2010
URL:
TOURISM NEWS
Qantas In Flight Magazine chooses
White Hat
Cemetery Tour as its featured Australian tour for May
There are many fine historical tours
throughout Australia including cemetery tours. From these, the
prestigious Qantas In Flight Magazine has chosen the White Hat Tour
of Melbourne Cemetery as its featured Australian tour for the May
2007 edition. This tour was also featured by ABC radio on 24 May and
will feature in a documentary series on Burke and Wills to be shown
on European television in 2008. The tour has been operating for many years and has won
praise from a wide range of sources. This is not a dry and stuffy
tour but in keeping with all White Hat offerings it is Informed,
Intelligent, Independent (and occasionally) Irreverent. You can find
details of the tour atWhite
Hat Tour of Melbourne Cemetery and view the article at
Qantas In Flight Magazine.
This site designed and maintained by Black
Box Company
Comments to Webmaster:
Please ensure that you quote the URL of the page to which you are referring.webmaster@whitehat.com.au
The Geelong Highland Gathering, will
include Scottish Heavy Games, including caber tossing. The Victorian
Pipe Band Championships will be held a feature of the Gathering, first held on
the plains of South Geelong, then open space and now a heavily populated Geelong
suburb, in 1857. The Gathering went into recess during the Depression, but was
revived by the then Newtown City Council in 1957 and has been held continuously
ever since at picturesque Queens Park, often referred to as “the Braemar of
Australia”.
