TRAVEL BULLETIN
ALL THE LATEST 4X4 NEWS AND EVENTS
AS state borders continue to open and close, events that were postponed or in doubt are coming back online, so it’s time to get out and about to enjoy this great land and support the communities. The situation is still fluid and things are changing all the time, so please check with event organisers before locking in your plans.
WIDE OPEN SPACES
This one might not be for everyone, but it’s held in one of the great spots of Central Australia. The Ross River Resort in the stunning East Macdonnell Ranges, an hour’s drive east of Alice Springs, plays host to the Wide Open Space Festival over three days from April 30 to May 2.
WOS has a diverse line-up of music, art and workshops, showcasing local acts and culture. Inspired by desert culture (traditional and contemporary) and the ancient landscape, WOS celebrates the creativity, connection and the irrepressible human spirit!
Find info and tickets at http://wideopenspace.net.au; http://rossriverresort.com.au
1770 FESTIVAL
On May 24, 1770, the crew of the HM Bark Endeavour, captained by Lt James Cook, stepped ashore near what is now known as the town of Seventeen Seventy, Qld.
Now, almost 251 years later, the folks from Seventeen Seventy and Agnes Water will showcase what you can experience in this beautiful part of the world in a 17-day festival from May 6 to 31.
The festival includes street parades, a re-enactment of Cook’s landing, car shows, sporting events, beach parties and performances by traditional owners of the land. For more information, log on www.visitagnes1770.com.au/1770-festival-2
FINKE DESERT RACE
The Finke Desert Race on June 11 to 14 is more than just a motor race, it’s a true outback experience as thousands of spectators camp in the red dirt alongside the 250km racetrack to watch more than 600 bikes and 100 cars race their way to Finke and back.
Race week kicks off in Alice Springs on Thursday night with a street party where you can mix with some of the racers and their machines, with scrutineering at the track on Friday night.
Racing starts with the prologue held near the start line on Saturday before the racers head south on Sunday, returning on Monday. See www.finkedesertrace.com.au
MT ISA MINES RODEO
If the feature on The Isa in this magazine (page 88) whets your appetite to travel there, then a great time to visit is for the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo on August 12 to 15.
This is where the romance of the outback meets the grit of a mining town, with the Southern Hemisphere’s largest rodeo and Australia’s richest prize pool attracting some 750 competitors from across Australia and the globe. Competitors compete in the famous red-dirt arena over four days of rodeo action, including live entertainment, street party, outback market and food stalls, and live Rodeo Rock Concerts. Visit www.isarodeo.com.au
LIGHTNING RIDGE OPAL FESTIVAL
The Lightning Ridge Opal Festival is on from July 28 to 31 and includes the Opal Queen Ball, Opal & Gem Expo, a trade show, and a Jewellery Competition. Attracting some 4000 people, it is the largest on the Australian opal events circuit. Jewellers, buyers, wholesalers, miners, rock hounds, lapidary enthusiasts and interested travellers are invited to experience the best of Lightning Ridge with spectacular jewellery, collectables and great deals.
Lightning Ridge is in farwestern NSW and home to the rare black opal. See www. lightningridgeopalfestival.com.au