A Month in the Country
Whether you’re stomping grapes or enjoying poetry by Banjo Patterson, there’s plenty on this month.
VICTORIA
Art in the Vines, until February 23rd There’s still time to catch this intriguing installation at Hanging Rock Winery. Titled Sculpture in Motion and created by 15 world-class artists, it incorporates a series of kinetic sculptures that depend on motion for effect. Free entry. 10am–5pm. Hanging Rock Winery and Vineyard, 88 Jim Road, Newham, hangingrock.com.au
Meeniyan Garlic Festival, February 15th Celebrate the flavour and health benefits of this bodacious bulb at this award-winning community event in South Gippsland. Learn how to grow it, then visit some of the 150 stalls selling everything from arts and crafts to cheese, beer and numerous garlic-laced delicacies (including ice-cream!). Adults $10, children free. 9am–4pm. Meeniyan Recreation Reserve, Hanily Street, Meeniyan, meeniyangarlicfestival.com.au
Melbourne Begonia Society Show, February 22nd–23rd Begonia enthusiasts will find their tribe here at an event that aims to stimulate interest in this beguiling plant species. Get tips from fellow growers then choose one (or several) from the wide range of leaf shapes, patterns and colours available for sale. BYO bags for purchases. Adults $5,concession $3. Saturday 10am–4pm, Sunday 10am–3pm. Moorabbin Senior Citizens Club, 964 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin, 0404 817 449, (03) 9758 6642, melbournebegoniasociety.com
QUEENSLAND
Agnes Blues, Roots and Rock Festival, February 21st–23rd Head north to get a taste of the ‘deep south’ at this annual three-day event held at the coastal town of 1770, about 130 kilometres from Gladstone. Acts range from legendary Australian guitarist Jeff Lang to ukulele-based ensemble Gypsy Rumble. Adult three-day tickets $154,
children under 14 free with an adult. SES Grounds, Captain Cook Drive, 1770, agnesbluesandroots.com.au
Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, February 28th–march 8th Now in its 53rd year, this popular biennial festival attracts thousands of visitors to Queensland’s granite belt. Active types can enjoy the grape crushing, join a fun run, test their bike endurance or take their golf clubs for a swing. Those who prefer more leisurely pursuits can enjoy busking championships, relax at the Food and Wine Fiesta or book for the Italian Banquet, plus much more. Various venues and events. appleandgrape.org
ACT
Enlighten Festival, February 28th –March 15th The nation’s capital is set to shine for this 17-day festival of culture and creativity. Get up early to see colourful hot-air balloons fill the
skies, then stay up late to marvel at the architectural illumination projections on iconic buildings such as Parliament House and the National Library of Australia. Many ACT attractions will open their doors after dark or join locals as they celebrate Canberra’s 107th birthday in Commonwealth Park on March 9th. Various venues and events. enlightencanberra.com
NSW
Grape Stomp Day, February 9th
As long as the harvest is not impacted by drought, this annual event at Bago Maze and Winery is the place to be for some toe-squelching fun. Teams of two compete to see who can stomp the most juice out of 10 kilograms of grapes in 60 seconds, with the winners added to the honour board at the cellar door. There will be live music and you can bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn after you find your way out of the largest
hedge maze in the Southern Hemisphere. Adults $10, children $5 (under 5 free). Milligans Road, Wauchope, (02) 6585 7099, bago.com.au
Banjo Patterson Australia Poetry Festival, February 15th–23rd Celebrate the birthplace and work of Australia’s ultimate bush bard at this week-long festival in Orange. Grab your matilda (swag) and waltz your way from twilight barbecues and damper-making classes to poetry recitals and markets. Various events and venues. orange360.com.au
Inland Sea of Sound Festival, February 28th–29th Missy Higgins is leading the impressive line-up
at this festival of music, arts and culture held on the summit of Wahluu — Bathurst’s famous Mount Panorama. You can also catch Killing Heidi, a spine-tingling welcome by Wiradyuri performers, singer Karen Knowles, and a 14-piece ensemble. Weekend adult ticket $120, children under
12 free but must have a ticket. inlandseaofsound.com.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Chill Fest Willunga, February 8th–9th There will be cooking demonstrations, plant sales and chilli products galore at this festival. You can then ‘chill out’ with some live music, washed down with an icy cold beer, wine or sangria. >
Adults $5, children under 16 free. 10am–4pm. 7 Main Road, Willunga Hill. chillifest.com.au
Taste the Limestone Coast Festival, February 8th An annual showcase of the best local wineries and food vendors from around the Limestone Coast region. There will also be kids’ entertainment and music. Make a weekend of it by frocking up for the Naracoorte Cup Race Day on Sunday. Festival tickets from $15. 11am–8pm. 95 Smith Street, Naracoorte, facebook. com/tastefestivalnaracoorte
TASMANIA
Party in the Paddock, February 6th–8th Now in its eighth year, this festival near Launceston has a reputation for attracting some of Australia’s biggest music acts. This year’s event includes Matt Corby, Dune Rats and Sneaky Sound System, and will incorporate themes relating to indigenous culture and global warming. Tickets start at $89. The Paddock, Watery Plains Road, White Hills, partyinthepaddockfestival.com.au
Evandale Village Fair and National Penny Farthing Championships, February 22nd This iconic event has attracted penny farthing enthusiasts from around the world since 1983. Watch as riders put these big-wheel wonders to the test in races ranging from the fastest to the slowest (guess
which one is harder!). There will also be market stalls, street entertainers, dancing and children’s activities. Adults $12, children under 16 free. 10am–4pm. In the streets of Evandale, evandalevillagefair.com
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Upper Reach Twilight Concerts, February 8th and 29th, and March 14th and 21st Enjoy an elegant summer twilight concert to celebrate the Swan Valley harvest and vintage at Upper Reach winery on the north-eastern fringes of Perth. Tuck into a picnic as the sun sets over the vines or indulge in the concert menu at Riverbrook Restaurant. Adults $40, children $20 (under 5 free). Gates open at 5.45pm. 77 Memorial Avenue, Baskerville, upperreach.com.au
South West Craft Beer Festival, February 15th Head to the heart of Busselton for 120 brews from more than 20 craft brewers. Not a fan of the froth? You can also enjoy local wines and cider, plus gourmet food and live music. Over 18 years only; tickets $20 (includes middy cup). 11am–6pm. Signal Park, 6 Marine Terrace, Busselton, swbeerfest.com.au