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The White Hat Guide to Major Events in Country Victoria

What's on in Victoria

 
You can also find a comprehensive listing of events in Melbourne and country Victoria organised by date on the White Hat calendar of events.

Echuca Steam, Horse & Vintage Rally

Bright Alpine Four Peaks

Walk or run the four peaks of Mystic Hill, Mt Feathertop, Mt Hotham& Mt Buffalo.
November 2012 ?

-

Enquiries: (03) 5755 1507

Mansfield High Country Harvest Festival

A community festival showcasing the food and wine of the district.
10th to 12th March 2012 ?

Mansfield -

Enquiries: 1800 039 049

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.
10th to 12th March 2012 ?

Inverloch -

Enquiries: 0409 220 864

Edenhope Festival

Entertainment, crafts, food and wine.
10th to 12th March 2012 ?

Edenhope -

Enquiries: 5586 5201

Pyrenees Pink Lamb & Purple Shiraz Festival

Food, wine and a country race meeting.
10th to 12th March 2012 ?

Avoca Racecourse -

Enquiries: (03) 5465 3767

The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival

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.
29th March to 1st April 2012

Corryong -

Enquiries: (02) 6076 2277

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)
Saturday 7th April 2012 (tbc)

Red Hill Showgrounds, Red Hill -

Enquiries: (03) 5989 2357

Woodend Winter Arts Festival

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival showcases music, literature and the visual arts in intimate historical venues over three pleasurable days.
9th to 11th June 2012 (tbc)

Woodend -

Enquiries: (03) 9842 9740

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.
9th & 10th June 2012 (tbc)

Rotary Park, Echuca -

Enquiries: 1800 804 446

National Celtic Festival

Celebrating the culture of the Irish, Welsh, Scottish, Cornish and other Celtic peoples with music, food, literature, theatre, dance, art and craft
9th to 11th June 2012 (tbc)

Portarlington -

Enquiries: (03) 5241 2499

Hanging Rock Races

The traditional New Years Day races at the atmospheric racecourse at Hanging Rock.
1 January 2013

Hanging Rock -

Enquiries: (03) 5422 1866

Australia Day Races

The popular annual horse racing event.
26 January 2013

Hanging Rock -

 

Forthcoming Events

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".

75th annual Grampians Wildflower Show

See woodland, heathland and wetland wildflowers and orchids from across the Wimmera, as well as threatened species. This year there will be a focus on species thriving after the floods. There will be bus/walk tours each day ($4 pp), experts on hand to answer questions and lots of fun for the kids including ‘The Connies’. Find us on Facebook. Entry $7 ($6 concession) and 50 cents children for Under 16.
September 2012 ? Centenary Hall, Halls Gap

Apollo Bay Music Festival

This festival with a large number of performers features, rock, jazz, blues, indie, world and classical music.
April 2012 ? Apollo Bay

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.
March 2013 ? Avalon Airport

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix

Showcasing the world's best motorcycle riders at this picturesque circuit.
September 2012 ? Phillip Island

Ballarat Begonia Festival

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
March 2012 ? Ballarat Botanic Gardens

Ballarat International Foto Biennale

With photographs from across Australia and around the world together with a host of exhibitions and events the Ballarat Foto Biennale is the largest photography event in the Southern Hemisphere. Full information at Ballarat Foto Biennale<
September 2013 ? Various locations in Ballarat

Barwon Heads Festival of the Sea

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.
March 2012 ? Various location around Barwon Heads

Beechworth Celtic Festival

An annual festival celebrating all things Celtic with dance, music, comedy, buskers, drama and displays.
November 2012 ? Beechworth

Beechworth Timber Heritage Festival

Focusing on the history of the timber industry.
May 2012 ? Beechworth

Beechwoth Chinese Lantern Festival

A festival celebrating the role of the Chinese in the history of Beechworth with entertainmnt, refreshements and displays.
October 2012 ? Beechworth

Bendigo Easter Festival

This festival was first celebrated on the Bendigo goldfields in 1871.
April 2012 ? Bendigo

Bright Autumn Festival

Celebrating the change of season. Exhibitions, street parades and special events.
May 2012 ? Bright

Buninyong Film Festival

A film festival with socialising & sightsseing.
May 2012 ? Bunninyong Town Hall,

Casterton Kelpie Festival

A festival celebrating the birthplace of the kelpie.
June 2012 ? Casterton

Castlemaine State Festival

A major biennial festival featuring visual arts, music, dance and a range of entertainments.
April 2013 ? Castlemaine

Churchill Festival

A community festival with stalls, entertainment & activities.
May 2012 ? 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.
February 2012 ? Colac Showgrounds, Colac East

Daylesford Words in Winter Festival

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.
August 2012 ? Daylesford, Trentham & Clunes

Drive Back in Time to Beechworth

Veteran, vintage and classic cars on display in historic Beechworth. Featuring vehicle and trade displays.
May 2012 ? Beechworth

Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival

A long established festival with a wide range of events and activities.
March 2012 ? Eaglehawk

Geelong Highland Gathering

Geelong Highland Games

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>

Full information at Geelong Highland Gathering. Details may change so check closer to the event.

March 2012 ? Queen's Park, Geelong

Grampians Jazz Festival

Featuring musicians from throughout Australia in both indoor and outdoor venues.
February 2012 ? Halls Gap

Hamilton Sheepvention

A major annual event focused on all aspects of the wool industry.
August 2012 ? Showgrounds, Hamilton

Harcourt Applefest

Harcourt Applefest The Harcourt Applefest is a community festival celebrating everything apple related.
March 2012 ? Harcourt, (near Castlemaine, on the way to Bendigo)

Harvest Picnic at Hanging Rock

Food & wine producers from throughout Victoria display their wares. Cooking demonstrations and other activities. Bring a picnic blanket and relax under the gum trees.
February 2012 ? Hanging Rock

JAWS (Jazz, Art, Wine & Seafood) Festival

Jazz, local wines & seafood.
April 2012 ? Queenscliff

Korumburra Buskers Festival

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 2012 ? Commercial Street, Railway precinct and Coal Creek, Korumburra

Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival

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.
September 2012 ? Kyneton

Mildura Country Music Festival

Australia's third largest country music festival with tons of free entertainment.
September 2012 ? Mildura

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.
January 2012? Mayday Hills Oval, La Trobe at Beechworth

Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields

A festival of fine music in historic venues. Artistic director Sergio de Pieri.
January 2012 ? Ballarat and district

Phillip Island Film Festival

A biennial festival with films, suppers & party
May 2012 ? Banfields Theatre Bar/Bistro, 192 Thompson Street, Cowes

Port Fairy Folk Festival

Workshops, concerts and stalls. The Port Fairy Folk Festival usually sells out well in advance, so White Hat advises that you should book early.
March 2012 ? >Port Fairy

Port of Echuca Heritage Steam Festival

A heritage festival featuring paddle steamers, stalls, activities, entertainmens and fireworks.
October 2012 ? Echuca

Portarlington Mussel Festival

Over 7 hours of live entertainment Come and enjoy famous Australian Blue Mussels served 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 enjoy the Tug-O-War or the vintage cars. Investigate The Enterprize sailing ship.There will be stalls with local beer and wine producers and a diverse range of foods as well as live music, roving acts and children's activities.
January 2013 ? 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.
January 2012 ? Portsea Front Beach

Queenscliff Music Festival

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
November 2012 ? Queenscliff

Rhythmic Africa

Live entertainment at the Werribee Open Range Zoo..
Sat & Sun, early 2012 ?

Rip Curl Pro Surfing Carnival

This major surfing event is now over 40 years old. The main events are held during the Easter period.
April 2012 ? Bells Beach

Riverboats, Jazz, Food & Wine Festival

Ceelebrate Monte Carlo on the Murray with paddlesteamers, jazz and fresh contemporary food.
February 2012 ? Echuca-Moama

Royal Geelong Show

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 2012 ? Geelong Showgrounds, 79 Breakwater Road, East Geelong

Royal Melbourne Show

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)
September 2012 ? Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale

SheppARTon Festival

SheppARTon Festival is a ten day festival that celebrates the diversity and "common ground" of the community with theatre, song, dance and visual arts.
March 2012 ? Shepparton

South Grampians Promenade of Sacred Music

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.
April 2012 ? Hamilton and townships in the Southern Grampians

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.
November 2012 ? Werribee Park Estate

Stawell Easter Gift Festival

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 2012 ?

Tarra Festival

Every Easter the district comes alive with activities for our annual festival.
April 2012 ? Yarram

Tastes of Rutherglen

Food, entertainment and wineries.
March 2012 ? Rutherglen

The Helen Lempriere National Sculpture Awards

The richest annual prize for sculpture in Australia designed to foster and promote contemporary Australian sculpture
April 2012 ? The Mansion at Werribee Park

The Pioneer & Working Horse Festival

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
January 2012 ? Gulf Station, 1029 Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen

The Port Fairy Spring Music Festival

A festival featuring classical and contemporary music.
October 2012 ? Port Fairy

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.
November 2012 ? Mt Atkinson Olive Grove, 261 Greigs Rd,, Rockbank

Wangaratta Festival of Jazz

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.
October 2012 ? Wangaratta

Winery Walkabout Weekend

A number of notable wineries and other venues celebrating winemaking in the region.
June 2012 ? Corowa & Rutherglen

Winter Blues Festival Echuca

Busking, live street theatre and community entertainment.
July 2012 ? Echuca

Winterfest in Warburton

A major wood festival with woodwork, arts and crafts and the Yarra Valley Talent Quest.
June 2012 ? Warburton

Wonthaggi Italian Festa

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.
October 2012 ? McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi

Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival

An annual festival featuring outdoor jazz performances, wine and food.
February 2012 ? Wineries throughout the Yarra Valley.
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

Lifestyle program followers

Independent travellers & White Hat subscribers

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix
Avalon International Air Show
Port Fairy Folk Festival
Ballarat Begonia Festival
Echuca Steam, Horse & Vintage Rally
Useful links for those who enjoy the mainstream tourist experience:
Visit Victoria
Useful links for those who enjoy the backpacker experience, budget mainstream tourism experiences or guide book experiences:
Useful links for those who like doing the sorts of things promoted on lifestyle programs:
Getaway
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

  White Hat  
   
Page last updated: 07 February, 2012
URL:
 
 
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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 at White Hat Tour of Melbourne Cemetery and view the article at Qantas In Flight Magazine.

Fly Fishing Three Night Trip for Two
Fly Fishing
3 night trip for 2

Ballooning - Vic (Yarra Vly)
Hot air ballooning
in the Yarra Valley
followed by
a champagne breakfast.

Walking Tour For Two - Mornington Peninsula - VIC
Walking Tour for Two
Mornington Peninsula

Group Sailing Mornington Peninsula - 6 Hours
Group Sailing - 6 hours
Mornington Peninsula

Puffing Billy (steam train)
Puffing Billy Steam Train
© Australian Pacific Touring

Puffing Billy & Yarra Valley
Wineries Tour

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
Sovereign Hill
© Tourism Victoria

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
and Wildlife Park Tour

Koala
Koala Conservation Centre
© Australian Pacific Touring

Phillip Island, Penguins,
Koalas & Kangaroos Tour

Echuca Wharf
Echuca Wharf
© Australian Pacific Touring

Echuca, Bendigo
& the Mighty Murray Tour

Gippsland coast
Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park
© Echidna Walkabout

Wildlife Walkabout

Brolgas
Brolga Birds
© Serendip Sanctuary

The Savannah Walkabout

Surf rider on wave
Roxy - Rip Curl - Quicksilver
© Melbourne Sports Tours

Surf Coast Tour

Couple in front of London Bridge
London Bridge
© Parkwood Tours

Great Southern Journey
Melbourne to Adelaide via
Great Ocean Road, Grampians,
Mt Gambier & Coonawarra

Kangaroo in the Grampians
Grampians National Park
© Australian Pacific Touring

Grampians National Park
& Kangaroos Tour

Twelve Apostles on Great Ocean Road
Twelve Apostles
© Australian Pacific Touring

Great Ocean Road
High Adventure Tour

Snowy River
Snowy River National Park
© Echidna Walkabout

Snowy River Secrets

Seals
Seal Rocks © Gray Line

Grand Penguins, Seals
& Dandenongs Tour

Food and wine
© Tourism Victoria

Wine and Dine Tour

Autumn tress in the Dandenongs
Dandenongs
© Australian Pacific Touring

Melbourne City Sights
& Dandenongs Tour

Crimson rosellas at Healesville Sanctuary
Crimson Rosellas
© Australian Pacific Touring

Puffing Billy, Yarra Valley
& Healesville Wildlife
Sanctuary Tour

Twelve Apostles - Great Ocean Road
The Twelve Apostles
© Tourism Victoria

Great Southern Experience
Melbourne, Ballarat,
Great Ocean Road, Grampians

Grapes on vine

Pyrenees Wineries Tour

Vineyard plus wine and oysters
© Epicurean Tours

A Twilight Gastronomic
Journey of the Yarra Valley

Twelve Apostles on Great Ocean Road
Twelve Apostles
© Australian Pacific Touring

Great Ocean Road
High Adventure Tour

London Bridge on Great Ocean Road
London Bridge
© Australian Pacific Touring

Great Ocean Road
Overnight Adventure

Beach on Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula Bayside
© Gray Line

Mornington Peninsula
with Wineries
or Strawberry Picking

Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road
© Tourism Victoria

Great Southern Tour
Melbourne, Ballarat, Daylesford,
Great Ocean Road

Waterfront on Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsular
Beaches & Culture Experience

Kookaburra
Kookaburra
© Gray Line

Melbourne Highlights
Afternoon Tour

Sheep on farm
Working Farm
© Australian Pacific Touring

Warrook Farm, Koalas
and Penguin Parade

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