Goldfields Guides Attractions Events in Victoria

(NOTE: Men's and Women's Time Trial and Road Race - you must be a member of a registered cycling club).


Ballarat and the community of Buninyong are proud to host the 2010 Scody Australian Open Men's and Women's Road Cycling Championships.


The 2010 championships will showcase some of Australia's best male and female cycling talent. Witness our Tour de France stars, Commonwealth Games and Olympic hero's battle to be crowned Australia's best road cyclist.


Exciting racing in and around Buninyong, near the historical town of Ballarat. Starting on Wednesday, January 6 with a the men's under 23, Elite women's and Elite Men's time trials.


Ballarat and the 2010 championships will also be home to the National Criterium Championships - run on Thursday, January 7, in Sturt St - the glamour and power of criterium racing will be showcased in all its glory.


Following a new corporate ride on Friday (further details coming soon), Saturday will take off with the Men's under 23 road race and the women's road race in the afternoon. Culminating on Sunday, January 10, with the men's road race to see who can take out the title of Australian Champion!


Buninyong will be the place to be to watch the best cycling in Australia in 2010!


Further information will be available on the aorcc.com website closer to the event.

Very popular fully supported bicycle tours of 30, 60 or 100 kilometres. Suitable for all levels of ability. Set routes, 60 & 100 rides start and finish at Pleasant St Primary School. 30 route starts and finishes in Snake Valley Lunch in Snake Valley. Approx 800 - 1000 riders. Prior registrations or on the day. Early entry prizes.

The Modellers Of Ballarat will be holding their 9th Annual Scale Modelling Exhibition incorporating a Swap'N'Sell at a larger venue, the Caro Convention Centre, at the University of Ballarat, University Drive, Mt Helen Campus, Ballarat on Sunday 18th April 2010.



At the 2009 show the club tabled more than 1,000 scale models of all descriptions and scales. These scale models included Aircraft, Armour, Automobiles, Science Fiction, Ships, Figures, Fantasy and any subject which a member may wish to replicate. The member s models on display were described by the public who visited on the day as outstanding.



Our displays are traditionally held close to ANZAC Day because many of the models are related to military history. This helps us reflect on the meaning of that special day. There are usually raffles on the day of donated kits etc. with all proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Australia, Ballarat Volunteer Branch. At the last show on the 19th April 2009 the club was able to donate $600 to this charity, thanks to our generous sponsors and supporters. In the past 6 years the MOB has donated over $2600 to charities in the Ballarat region.



The club regularly meets on the first Saturday of each Month at 7.30pm at the Kohinoor Community Centre, Ballarat. Visitors are always welcome as are like minded enthusiasts wishing to join a non competition based club who enjoy meeting other people with similar interests. Meetings are always friendly and informal with the emphasis on enjoyment of the hobby.

2010 / 40th Annual Ballarat Antique Fair Annual major display and sales of antiques. Over 100 exhibitors (exhibitor list on website) from all over Australia with a huge range of quality antiques and collectables for sale. Australia's largest event of this type. The Ballarat Antique fair is held every Labour Day Long Weekend.

Now on its 21st year, this is one of Australia's largest swap meets with stall holders providing a huge range of vehicles and parts for you to sort through. Spend three days fossicking for used, vintage, veteran and new parts. Cars for sale and display. Come for half a day or all three days

Australia Day celebrations across Bendigo will range from small local celebrations to a day long party at Lake Weeroona.



Australia Day is the biggest day of celebration in the country and is observed as a public holiday in all states and territories. On this day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. It's the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation.



There will be ten separate events across the City of Greater Bendigo on the day. At each event, an official ceremony will mark the occasion. Citizenship ceremonies will take place at some locations and the achievements of the Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year will be publicly recognised.



To add to the excitement of this day, many of the events will offer entertainment, games for children and BBQs to enjoy.

Ballarat and the community of Buninyong and proud to host the 2008 Australian Open Men's and Women's Road Cycling Championships. The 2008 championships will showcase some of Australia's best male and female cycling talent. Come and witness our Tour de France stars, Commonwealth Games and Olympic heros battle to be crowned Australia's best road cyclist. Online registration on our website. Men's and Women's Time Trial and Road Race - you must be a member of a registered cycling club.

Since 1877, the Sheep Show has been showcasing Australia's top wool growers and prime lamb producers and now attracts thousands of fans of woollen fashion, food and fibre.



The Sheep Show's 'Women of Wool' series encourages all women to take the day off to discover the wonders of wool and celebrate the women of the wool industry.



You can view fine woollen designs at our Australian Wool Innovation fashion parades, see 'wearable art' and other amazing entries from top Woolcraft competitors.



You can "laugh your scarf off" at our hilarious Laugh @ Lunch and buy beautiful hand-crafted woollen and other products from more than 250 stallholders.



The Sheep Show features the 'best of best' sheep breeders, shearers and wool handlers in the country. You can watch shearing and wool handling competitors battle it out for top prize and speak to sheepdog trainers, watch sheepdog trials and meet farmyard animals in our animal nursery.



More than 5000 farmers, the best fleeces in the country and 28 different breeds of sheep, goats and alpacas make their way to Bendigo each year for the Sheep Show. Come and join us.


The Ram sale will be held on the 19th July, 2010.

The two-hour show begins with the Clan McLeod Highland Pipe Band and includes spectacular lion dancing, dragon dancing and performances by our dancing team. Performances are by our local teams and visiting teams. All of this is a wonderful display of colour, movement and many strings of 10,000 firecrackers!! A prelude to the main Monday Easter Procession.

Great Australian Outdoors Expo dedicated to outdoors sporting and recreational pursuits in the fields of camping, caravanning, boating, fishing, eco tourism and four wheel driving. Held annually and designed primarily for family and enthusiast to browse and buy at a provincial Expo. One of four similar Expos held in regional Victoria.

Ballarat s Lake and Gardens, Heritage and Arts and Eureka and Gold precincts come to life as part of the Ballarat Begonia Weekend.



Enjoy an incredibly begonia display in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, visit Australia s largest and longest running antique fair, stroll Australia s biggest outdoor art exhibition or peek into the private life of late musician John Lennon with never before seen photographs direct from London at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.



The Ballarat Begonia Weekend, 6-8 March, 2010 is a weekend full of surprises offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Ballarat Brides brings wedding suppliers from all over Western Victoria together under one roof for the benefit of brides planning their wedding day.


There are 3 fashion parades held throughout the day, 2 from Geelong Bridal House and the 3rd is a selection of gowns taking part in the Fashion Exchange event.


Fashion Exchange is new for 2010 and will provide brides an opportunity to sell there old gowns and for new brides to pick up a bargain in the silent auctions that will be held all day.


The expert's stage at the expo is also new, with experts talking about venue selection, fitness, styling and decorating, relationships and planning your wedding using the internet.


The major door prizes for the day include a holiday, wedding gown and fitness package thanks to Jetset, Geelong Bridal House and Fernwood Ballarat. Their will be many sport prizes drawn throughout the day also, donated from the exhibitors.


Ballarat Brides is proudly brought to you by Mercure Ballarat and Visionary events & marketing.

Sample and buy from over 50 specialist boutique stalls featuring organic fruit, herbs and vegetables, deli style foods including smoked bacon, salami's and olive oil, quality coffee and fine wine, free range poultry, sweets and licorice, just to name a few.


Make a picnic out of your delicious purchases or enjoy a hot latte with your gourmet hot dog. Bring a bike and take a ride around the lake or walk across the road and enjoy the enchanting botanical gardens.


With live music and the backdrop of beautiful Lake Wendouree the Ballarat Lakeside Farmers Market is a must see for all residents and visitors of the Goldfield region.


Market dates for 2009:


* 10th & 31st January

* 14th & 28th February

* 14th & 28th March

* 11th & 25th April

* 9th & 30th May

* 13th & 27th June

* 11th & 25th July

* 8th & 29th August

* 12th & 26th September

* 10th & 31st October

* 14th & 28th November

* 12th & 19th December (is the second & third Saturday due to Christmas)

We're having a party this Easter and everyone is invited!



The Easter weekend will be filled with activities to honour the festival's Past, Present and Future.



The party will get started on Good Friday with Hazeldene's Family Day at Lake Weeroona. The Easter Egg Hunt is always a favourite for young children as they search to find the tastiest Easter treat - chocolate! Kids will be enchanted by the entertainment on stage throughout the day. Adults can stroll around the market, covet the classic cars or be captivated by the art.



Rosalind Park will be a mass of celebration at the festival's official 140th birthday party. There will be loads of party games, fun activities and great entertainment so make sure you come along and wish the Bendigo Easter Festival a very Happy Birthday!



Dance, drums, Lion Teams and 100,000 crackers are all part of the Chinese Spring Festival and the Awakening of the Dragon as Bendigo celebrates its Chinese heritage on Easter Sunday. As the sun sets on a day full of colour and culture, find your place along the road to cheer on the convoy of illuminated floats in the Torchlight Procession concluding with a spectacular fireworks display over the City.



The festivals 140th celebrations will finish with a gorgeous display of colour as Sun Loong makes his 40th appearance in the Gala Parade.



You will take a short journey through the past, present and future of the parade with a wonderful display of floats celebrating Bendigo's rich past and prosperous future.



Bendigo Bank proudly sponsors the Bendigo Easter Festival.

Summer in Bendigo will be alive with enriching experiences for everyone with a fantastic array of cultural, sporting, musical, food and wine and children's events.


The Golden Dragon Museum will be celebrating the Chinese New Year, throughout February 2010. There will be special events a banquet and a traditional Yum Cha luncheon. During the school holidays children will be entertained with workshops and hands on activities.


Bendigo's Summer in the Parks is the free outdoor entertainment program throughout January. Popular events include Moonlight Cinema, open air concerts, and many more outdoor activities for the whole family.


Watch this space for more events in Bendigo this summer!

The Bendigo International Madison is the largest cycling athletic carnival in the world and is held at the Tom Flood Sport Centre. Exciting International cycling with Olympic and world champions competing. Big screen entertainment Sunday evening. Friday night criterium bike race is staged through the city centre. Concludes with Massive Fireworks Display

The 3rd Fiesta celebrates the role of Central Victoria as the focus of Victoria's olive industry. The event features locally grown olives, wine, and food coupled with both jazz and authentic Italian music at the historic Bendigo Pottery.



Come and participate in workshops on topics such as how to pickle your olives, pruning your olive tree, growing vegetables with minimal water. Enjoy learning cooking secrets from a chef, have a go at playing bocce. Entertainment for adults and kids. Try the Australia's best olives and also the winning olives in the National Table Olives Competition.

The Bendigo Olive & Food Fiesta will showcase many of Australia's best olive growers' produce. To be held at the historic Bendigo Pottery, it will carry a Mediterranean theme.


The event promises to provide a day of fun and entertainment for the whole family. On Sunday 14th March, 2010, the Fiesta will showcase local produce, olive trees will be for sale, local wineries, entertainment with a Mediterranean flavour plus Jazz music, and some great innovative food.


Additionally, workshops are to be held on topics such as pickling olives, what types of trees to grow for different purposes, and cooking demonstrations of Mediterranean style food.

The Bendigo Queer Film Festival will be held on the weekend of the 9th, 10th and 11th of April 2010. Curated and run in partnership with the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, this event is more than just about film. Associated events in 2010 include a Short Bits Film Festival, Art Exhibition, local club night to dance and socialise with Friends Alike Bendigo Central Victoria, Patrons Breakfast and of course the several screenings of international and locally made gay film. Held in Victoria's premier regional city, Bendigo, this event caters to locals, regional and metropolitan guests as well as visitors from interstate and overseas.

The Winegrowers of Bendigo and District invite you to join them in the now traditional vintage festival that is held on Easter Sunday each year in the magnificent Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. With over thirty of our local winegrowers in attendance, this is your opportunity to sample and cellar the best wines the district has to offer.

The Buninyong Farmer's Market is held every third Saturday of each month in the historic gold mining township of Buninyong, 10 kilometres south of Ballarat. Visitors are invited to sample some of the best produce of the region including fine cheeses, delicious gourmet fare, preserves, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as an assortment of fine wines.

The Gold King Festival is held in-and-around the village of Buninyong providing a community-based festival for residents and visitors celebrating the spirit of the Gold King , Henry Joseph Desoza.


The festival showcases village life, affording an opportunity for community and volunteer groups to raise funds. City slickers can join in the fun of some of the old time country favourites; the Billy Cart Derby, Tug of War and Sand Shovelling contests attract good fields. There s plenty of retail therapy to be found at the market and street stalls, with arts, crafts and music.

Castlemaine is just 120km North West of Melbourne and 110 km from the Melbourne International Airport. Castlemaine is a sophisticated central Victorian community nestled between Bendigo and Ballarat. Home to the richest shallow alluvial goldfield the world has ever seen and now renowned for the arts, Castlemaine today is a relaxed 21st century city in a stately 19th century setting.



The Festival is held in autumn, a particularly beautiful season in the region, and has become synonymous with the intimacy, relaxed sophistication, vitality, and open creative spirit which so quintessentially defines the town and the Goldfields region. Broad avenues and mature European gardens fit hand in glove with the primarily Victorian and Edwardian architecture, a haven for artists, tourists and locals.



This richness and diversity is evidenced by the variety of private studios and galleries that display locally produced art works. Around 400 practising artists have made the region their home. History of the Festival Castlemaine State Festival began in 1976 through the vision of Berek Segan AM OBE. It has grown to become Australia s flagship regional arts festival. The Festival preceded any other Victorian arts festivals and has been unique in its scope and diversity, and in its impact on the social and cultural fabric of the Mount Alexander Shire and environs.



The Festival program has encompassed visual arts, music, theatre, opera, and dance and has been a major contributor in connecting people and developing enterprise within the regional community. Many organisations in the community have participated; schools, sporting groups, the local aged care facility, manufacturing and agricultural workers, street rod enthusiasts, musicians, designers, gardeners, heritage specialists, and the myriad of visual artists and artisans who live and work in the district. Each has brought their interests to the Festival, treading pathways to connection, reflection and innovation.

Over 600 sites are regularly booked - runs back-to-back with Horsham.

Caters for mainly car enthusiasts, but will accept bookings for almost anything.





The annual Lions Club of Castlemaine Swap Meet is a one day event that is held at the Camp Reserve, Castlemaine early in April each year.


The oval and grounds are packed with stalls of vintage & veteran car parts, motorcycle parts, tools, collectables & memorabilia.


One of the largest swap meets in the Southern Hemisphere!

Celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Golden Dragon Museum. Special events will include a Chinese Processional Costume Parade, a banquet and a traditional Yum Cha luncheon.


The Chinese Processional Costume Parade will be held from 5.30pm on Sunday 14th February, showcasing one of the world's most stunning collections. The collection housed at the Golden Dragon Museum comprises of processional costumes acquired since the 1880's. The costumes and their accessories draw on Chinese folk law, legends and Chinese history. Learn more about these costumes and see the exquisite textiles up close.



There will be two sittings for Chinese New Year Yum Cha on Sunday 14th February. It is customary to eat dumplings in the New Year. Our variety of steamed and fried Chinese Dim Sum, special dishes and delicacies will tantalise your tastebuds. The traditional Lion dances and fire crackers will bring good fortune to all.



Bendigo's Chinese heritage is rich. The gold rush of the 1850s saw many thousands of Chinese arrive in Bendigo. Within ten years the Chinese miners and merchants made up 20per cent of the Bendigo population at that time. This legacy is celebrated in modern Bendigo.

Enjoy all the color and atmosphere at our Christmas Party Raceday. Take the pressure off and make the most of the season to be jolly and book a package that suits you and your crew. The day has something for everyone with FREE children's activities, FREE barbeques for use and even a special visit from SANTA. A range of packages to choose from . For bookings and further information contact the club.

Get your friends, family or work colleagues together for your Christmas Party at one of country Victoria's most magnificent racecourses. Celebrate with plenty of Christmas cheer at this twilight meeting. A fantastic way to celebrate the end of the busy working year and a great way to kick off the christmas period.

The Ballarat Cancer Research Centre (BCRC) has a vision to unlock the cancer riddle through innovative cancer research. The Centre relies heavily on fundraising activities to support and attract the best minds in cancer research to work in Ballarat.


This is the third year of the Come to Life Ballarat Cycle Classic. It will be held on Sunday 21st February 2010 at Lake Wendouree, Ballarat.


There are three challenges to suit all standards:

The Mt Buninyong Classic, a 85km or 100km road ride incorporates the Australian National Road Championship Course at Mt Buninyong and the Yankee Flat Classic, a 50km road ride. All rides start and finish at Lake Wendouree. The Lake Wendouree Classic is a 2.5 hour team relay event circumnavigating Lake Wendouree.


Teams of up to 12 can enter with the challenge to complete the most number of laps in the 2.5 hours. Supporting the event at the start finish area at Lake Wendouree will be family entertainment with quality food and beverages available. In recognition of this event, a cycling jersey has been sponsored and designed and is included in the entry fee of AUD75.

Buda Historic Home & Garden is one of the great heritage assets of the Goldfields region. Buda was built in 1861 and from 1863 was the home of noted silversmith Ernest Leviny and his family. Complete with the family's art and craft collections, furnishings and domestic effects. The gracious historic home that is surrounded by one of the most important large 19th century suburban gardens surviving in Victoria, was home to a remarkably creative Leviny family for a period of 118 years from 1863.


As textiles were a keen interest to the Leviny girls this has inspired the instigation two years ago of the inaugural Contemporary Textile Award which now is a biennial event. A new open section has been introduced "Inspired by Buda" where entries must reflect some aspect of Buda Historic Home & Garden, the theme of all the other sections is Gold.


Expressions of interest are being taken from February 2010. For entry details and a registration form please contact Jacqui at Buda on 03 5472 1032, email admin@budacastlemaine.org or visit our website.

Our 39th year features the Cornish theme "Welcome Back Cousin Jack" and includes Family History, Displays, Tours, Meet the Cornish, Cornish Language Classes, Cornish Heritage Lectures, Bardic Ceremony, Cornish Dance Class, Festival Dinner, Cornish Church Service, Plaque unveiling of memorial for Lt. William J. Symons VC (Eaglehawk s only VC recipient)and local activities include art/ flower shows, debutante ball, cycling criterium, half marathon road race, schools' relay, gala fair, street procession, Free Sunday Family Fun and Cultural Festival, Pet Parade, Literary competition, brass solo contest, variety concert, trivia garden tours and astronomy viewing.

For family fun you can not beat a day at the Ballarat Family Fun Race Day. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ and take in the race day action. Features of the day include pony rides, jumping castle, face painting and live entertainment. Great fun for the whole family .. we look forward to seeing you there!

First held in 1975, the Fryerstown Annual Antique Fair is now one of the largest in Australia. This wonderful country fair, which is reminiscent of English fairs, is extremely well known and popular, drawing about 30,000 people to a small rural town with a population of around 120. The proceeds of the fair go to the upkeep of the Fryerstown Historic Hall.

Saturday and Sunday market with an emphasis on apples. Entertainment is also provided, including Harcourt Idol Competition, Saturday Street Parade, and Dancing in the Street on Saturday Night. A Fun Run and Pet Parade and Ferret Races will be held on Sunday together with the Market. Art Show open all weekend.

Australia's premier steam rally event. The Association has a 38 acre site and is home to one of the largest gatherings of historic machinery in Australia. The site is also the home of 46 individually operated engine sheds displaying their private collections of various engines and machinery.


The rally never fails to impress with the collection of home and visitor exhibits. Lake Goldsmith is unique on the Australian Rally scene in that it has permanent sheds owned by club members which house their magnificent toys.

Campdrafting is Australia's own horse sport that has been in existence since the late 1800s, originating on the vast northern cattle runs. The best combination of control, riding skills, cattle sense, speed and a completed course plus a dash of good luck usually scores the highest points on the day.

This year Maldon celebrate its 133rd Easter Fair making it the oldest Fair in Australia is full of exciting things for all generations includes the Great Aussie Scone bake, Open Air Church Service, Hole in One, Tug of War, Gold Panning, The Easter Parade and much more. a fun day out for the whole family.

The Marybourough and District Agricultural Society are proud to host the sixth Summer Horse Show at the Carisbrook Trotting Complex. The horse exhibition includes two open rings, two breed, standardbred ring and a Harness Ring. Riders from this event check out their competition for the season so there is sure to be some competitive action. Come on get those horses working again ready for the shows later in the year.

The Maryborough Highland Gathering is conducted at Princes Park in Maryborough each year and is Australia's oldest continuous sporting contest, first held in 1857.


This one-day event celebrates the Scottish and Australian cultures. Activities include athletics events and the Maryborough Gift, highland dancing, highland pipe bands, brass bands, highland games, Australian Sheaf Tossing, concert bands, penny-farthing cycling, a street parade, an evening concert and a fireworks display.


The children will be entertained with amusements and carnival activities all day.

This event is held over the Labour Day long weekend at Hard Hill Tourist Reserve in Wedderburn.


Saturday 6th March

7am Breakfast & Registration. All participants must be registered and are restricted to an 11 inch coil or equivalent.

7.45am Competitors briefing

8am-3pm Token hunt - all tokens found are to be handed in by 4pm Saturday. Rules & Regulations must be adhered to.

9am Easy Mix Radio Ten - 71 Monster Town Garage Sale

Obtain map from Hard Hill tourist reserve or Loddon visitor information centre.

10am detector demonstrations - These demonstrations are to introduce beginners to prospecting. Run every 2 hours until 4pm.

11am-4pm Gold Panning.

Local Attractions: Street Stalls (Saturday only), Food & Drinks available, Children's Activities.Saturday evening - 8pm live entertainment and minor draws for competitors in Detector Jamboree (must be on site to win).


Sunday 7th March

7am Breakfast & Registration

7.45am Competitors briefing

8am-1pm Token hunt - all tokens found are to be handed in by 1pm Sunday. Rules & regulations must be adhered to.

9am Easy Mix Radio Ten - 71 Monster Town Garage Sale.

9.30am Registration for Inglewood & Districts Bendigo Bank Junior Gold Panning Competition AUD5.00 per child.

10am Detector demonstrations - These demonstrations are to introduce beginners to prospecting. Run every 2 hours until 2pm.

10am-1pm Inglewood & Districts Community Bendigo Bank Junior Gold Panning Competition 8 to 10 yrs, 11 to 13 yrs and 14 to 16 yrs. 1st, 2nd & 3rd trophies for each age group.

2pm-3pm Detector Jamboree token draws

Gold Nugget to the value of AUD200

Followed by Major Draw sponsored by Minelab GPX - 4500 valued at AUD6000 (Must be on site to win detector, coil tek mayor prizes and the gold nugget).

Stalls, Food & Drinks available, Local Attractions, No BYO Alcohol, No glass, & Dogs must be on a leash.

Share in the spirit of this traditional day. Featuring 2-Up, Mt Avoca wines, gourmet food stalls, live music, and free kids' entertainment. Enjoy all that Country Racing in Avoca has to offer. Marquee and entertainment packages available.

A New Years Eve party fully sponsored by the local supermarket MAXI IGA. The event includes free face painting, free gifts from our spinning wheel, children's rides, fire twirlers, Lions barbecue, the Castlemaine Pipe Band and live entertainment, plus a spectacular fireworks show at midnight. Come along and join in the count down.

Now in its 15th year and directed by its founder, Sergio de Pieri, the Organs of the Ballarat Goldfields festival brings some of Australia's finest classical musicians, singers instrumentalists and ensembles, and some international musicians to perform in the beautiful heritage churches and halls of the central highlands goldfields. Last January, musicians included the Interpreti Veneziani and Trio Leonardo from Venice and Michele Benuzzi from Milan.


Twenty two one hour recitals are held over ten days each January with the audience having time to explore the region, share picnics, a barbecue festival breakfasts and a festival dinner. The heritage pipe organs of the region are used as a central theme in the festival. Each year, festival attendances have grown and audiences who have come for a day or weekend once have returned the following years for the whole festival. Repeat recitals are pre planned when smaller venues are used.


Please visit our website for further information and a copy of the program.

The Grand National Eisteddfod is the largest and longest running in Australasia. Featuring over 10,000 competitors annually in sixteen different disciplines of performing arts which expand across the categories of music, dance, speech, calisthenics and drama.




The Royal South Street annual Eisteddfod is run primarily by volunteers. Its members and friends give generously of their spare time to encourage enjoyment and excellence in the performing arts. We do this by way of competition, festival, concert, publicity, and even guest speakers. We aim to help aspiring Australians from three year olds to adults. The Society is the longest operating competition in Australia.

To coincide with the Anniversary of the Creswick Mine Disaster of 1882, Australia's favourite outdoor museum, Sovereign Hill, will unveil a completely new underground mine exhibit, Trapped -a multi-sensory experience telling the story of the disaster that took place in the New Australasian No 2 Mine in Creswick almost 130 years ago.



Trapped uses innovative technologies to tell this dramatic story in Victoria's goldmining history. The disaster that struck Creswick in December 1882 was characterised by remarkable bravery, of love and loss, and the resilience of goldfields communities in the face of tragedy.



Extraordinary efforts to rescue the trapped men were unsuccessful. Twenty-two men were lost-still one of the biggest mining disasters in Australia's mining history.



The Trapped experience at Sovereign Hill incorporates storytelling technology using sound, projection, an innovative use of reflective surfaces, and special effects that recreate the moment of disaster, the valiant rescue efforts, the stoicism of the townsfolk, and the aftermath of disaster.



The Trapped underground mine tour begins with Sovereign Hill's Inclined Tramway experience which takes visitors underground. The Trapped experience is approximately 20 minutes duration.



Trapped is offered every 30 minutes and departs from the Quartz mine entry. Bookings are essential.



There is a swag of other favourite activities which are sure to keep families of all ages entertained. Visitors can come and explore a magical frozen world or grab a partner for a bush dance, create colourful dipped candles, watch a blacksmith shoe a horse, and pan for real gold!

SpringFest Market Sunday is "Ballarat's Biggest One Day Event" attracting over 300 stallholders and more than 15,000 visitors.Held on the foreshore of Lake Wendouree the market boasts a huge variety of stalls for everyone with art, craft, jewellery, clothing, plants, giftware, food & wine and entertainment.


Visitors to Market Sunday can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the 6km of walking tracks and take in all that the stallholders have on display. There is lots of entertainment and activities for the children and loads of catering available on site.


Special attractions could include a car show, emergency services display, live music and more.


Bring along your reusable shopping bags.

Talbot Farmers' Market runs on the third Sunday every month from 9am-2pm at Scandinavian Crescent and Camp Street, Talbot. Seasonal produce direct from farm to consumer, fine delicacies, local wine, home-grown fruit, vegetables and live music. Visit the town hall market where you will also find crafts and treasures.


A variety of stalls including fine wines, fussily fed and cured meats, cheese, fruit liqueurs, freshly baked bread, preserves, honey, seedlings, chooks, pigs, stock feed, flowers, eggs, home-grown and organic fruit and vegetables and live music.


With 70 stalls in total, Talbot Farmers' Market produce includes;

Organic Vegies, Seasonal Fruit, Cheese, Honey, Tomatoes , Olives, Flaxseed Oils, Fruit, Finely Brewed Beer, Wine, Almonds, Cakes, Muesli, Pistachios, Dressings, Breads, Pastries, Native Plants, Mulch, Fruit Trees, Pet Foods, Olive Oil Soap, Lavender Products, Composting Worms, Large Black Pigs, Ducks, Chooks and much more.


Talbot is between Clunes and Maryborough and is the southern gateway to the central Victorian goldfields. It is less than two hours from Melbourne, 40 minutes from Ballarat and 30 minutes from Avoca.


Explore gold rush architecture and mysterious winding streets, to find the old railway station and its myriad mysteries of railway memorabilia and drought tolerant succulents, and visit Slightly Bent Books. You could have a super Sunday roast at the Court House Hotel.


Pop into Fanny's Flat vintage clothing and Corridor Art Gallery behind London House for more information.

A fabulous event showcasing the wonderful array of gourmet food & wine from the Goldfields and across central Victoria.


Following on from the renowned Ballarat Wine Show, the "Taste" event will boast more than 50 exhibitors offering samples, tastings and sales.


Exhibits include; a broad selection of award winning wineries, fudge and sweet treats, baked goods, olives, oils and preserves, sauces, relishes, a selection of cheeses, gourmet meats and much more.


Information sessions with exhibitors sharing tips and hints for the best uses of their produce and cooking demonstrations performed by renowned local chefs will be a new highlight to the 2010 event.


Ample off street parking and only AUD2 entry per person make this an affordable and safe event for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to bring along your reusable shopping bags as we're sure you won't be able to resist at least some of the treats on display.

An exhibition celebrating the decade that was the 80s.



Some historical highlights (for those of us who remember that decade) - The Cold War ended, Charles married Diana, the compact disc was born, Disco was out, Punk and New Wave were in, and hair was high. The Atari 2600 and Commodore 64 home computer connected us to the technological age and Pac Man, Donkey Kong and Galaga videogames were released. MTV heralded the birth of serious music videos and Bob Geldof asked us to help 'Feed the World' through Band Aid and then Live Aid. Gordon Gecko told us "Greed was good" then the world was rocked by AIDS.



Artistic movements included Post Modernism, Neo-Expressionism, Neo-Geo and Neo-Pop. It was also the decade that saw an increase in the popularity of printmaking and the rise in the number of art schools and enrolments. Art embraced 'the now' and popular culture and highlighted political and social issues of the time.



Drawn from the collection, The 80s will transport you 'Back to the Future' with the decade that never really went away.

The first Total Girl Tournament was held in March 2005 and has since become an annual event. With help from its sponsor, Total Girl Magazine, who have provided extensive support in marketing and promotion, parents and friends of girls football were able to put together a plan for an all girl tournament.


In 2005, 380 girls participated in the tournament, in 2006, 800 players, 20071000 and 2008 saw 1200 girls participate. For 2009 there are plans for more than 1,400 participants to be involved in the tournament.


The grading of teams is done to make sure there is a balanced competition and to ensure further participation throughout the year.


There is a tournament expo/market, tournament show bags, player appearances by heroes such as the Matilda's and Melbourne Victory players and ongoing activities over the weekend which means the girls and their families have an experience they will never forget.


The tournament site is themed with pink goals and footballs and the girls are encouraged to dress colourfully and celebrate just being girls and having fun. The Total Girl Tournament is the only all girls tournament in Australia open to players of all skill levels.


This tournament has enabled players of all abilities to participate in sport in a fun and non threatening environment, thus encouraging the girls to continue participating in future sporting activities.


The objective of the tournament is to give the best football experience for girls which in turn would increase participation by girls in football.


The Total Girl Tournament is scheduled pre-season so teams can use the tournament as a recruiting tool.


Over the past three years, the Tournament has achieved all outcomes and strengthened relationships throughout the community.