BOOK A TABLE
VICTORIA Oakridge Restaurant Co-executive chefs Matt Stone and Jo Barrett are renowned for their innovative food and dedication to sustainability. Vegetables and herbs are sourced from two large kitchen gardens or local producers, cutting food miles and creating vibrant food with a sense of place. On Saturday June 1st, the chefs team up with Melbourne charcuterie expert and cookbook author PJ Booth for a special event, the Pinot, Poultry & PJ Booth Dinner, for which Matt and Jo have created a special menu comprising rich, hearty game bird dishes. Bookings are essential for the dinner, which costs $140 per person for four courses and matched Oakridge wines. The restaurant is open for lunch Thursday to Monday. 864 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream. (03) 9738 9900; oakridgewines.com.au
SA
Seed Winehouse + Kitchen In 2014, chef Guy Parkinson and his partner Candice Leighton transformed a neighbourhood Chinese restaurant into one of the Clare Valley’s most popular eateries. Housed in an old stone mill, the bistro serves contemporary Italian food that showcases the best of local produce. Seed Kitchen offers a five-course tasting menu, which includes dishes such as salt-baked Boston Bay pork belly with apple, pear and blood plum, and burnt fig with cardamom custard and pistachio. Open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday. 308 Main North Road, Clare. (08) 8842 2323; seed.kitchen
NSW
Balahdhurr: A Lasting Impression, June 23rd–july 21st Cowra Regional Art Gallery hosts this touring exhibition by Artback NT in association with the Buku-larrnggay Mulka Centre. Yolngu artists share stories of Indigenous culture and history through linocuts, screenprints, etchings and lithography. Admission free. Tuesday to Saturday 10am–4pm. Sunday 2pm–4pm. 77 Darling Street, Cowra. (02) 6340 2190; cowraartgallery.com.au
Iandra Castle Open Day, June 9th Explore the imposing Mount Oriel Homestead and surrounding gardens at Iandra Station in the state’s Central West. Built in 1908, the grand two-storey house features spires, high verandahs and leadlight windows, which resulted in locals referring to it as Iandra Castle. 10am–4pm. Adults $15, children $5. 870 Iandra Road, Greenethorpe. (02) 6383 9241; iandracastle.com.au
Echuca Steam Rally, June 8th–9th This annual event includes displays of working steam engines, rollers and wagons, model steam engines and locomotives, horse-drawn farm equipment and vehicles, and vintage cars and motorcycles. 9am–4.30pm. Adults $22, children $7. Rotary Park, Rose Street, Echuca. 0438 576 639; echucasteamrally.com.au
NT
Barunga Festival, June 7th–9th Now in its 34th year, this celebration of Indigenous culture attracts up to 4000 people to the Barunga Community near Katherine. Live music and traditional dance, bush medicine, basket weaving and bush tucker workshops are on offer. Entry starts at $5 for children, $50 for the weekend including camping. Bagala Road, Barunga. (08) 8941 8066; barungafestival.com.au
QUEENSLAND
Ag-grow, June 20th–22nd Emerald in central Queensland has been the venue for this agricultural event for 30 years. Aside from the trade show, there’s also Working Dog Trials and horse and bull sales. Entry is $10 for adults, and free for children and pension-card holders. 26089 Capricorn Highway, Emerald. (07) 4982 4244; aggrow.com.au
Relish Food and Wine Festival, June 1st A celebration of the Fraser Coast’s food scene, with live music, workshops, river cruises and cooking demonstrations by chef Matt Golinksi. General admission starts at $10 for adults and $8 for children. 10am–5pm. Mary River Parklands, Wharf Street, Maryborough. (07) 4196 9600; relishfrasercoast.com.au
Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, June 29th–july 7th Just an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, this
beautiful and productive region plays host to more than 90 events, including farm tours and various culinary experiences held between Canungra, Beaudesert, Boonah, Tamborine and Kalbar. Some events require booking. (07) 5540 5111; eatlocalweek.com.au
SA
Melrose Fat Tyre Festival, June 8th–9th Bring the family to Melrose, the southern gateway of the Flinders Ranges, for a weekend of mountain biking, food, music, entertainment and much more. Weekend tickets $35 for adults and $25 for kids. 0412 038 994; bikemelrose.com.au
Ikara Gourmet Wine and Food Weekend, June 14th–16th Stay in the luxury of Ikara Safari Camp surrounded by the spectacular Flinders Ranges. Meet the winemakers from Tomfoolery Wines and enjoy a selection of their wines matched with a five-course menu. From $499 per person twin share. 1800 805 802; wilpenapound.com.au
Carrick Hill Garden Tour, June 27th Explore the formal garden at the former home of wealthy merchant family of Bill Hayward . You’ll hear about the
80 years of history, the plantings and the Haywards’ staff. 46 Carrick Hill Drive, Springfield. (08) 8433 1700; carrickhill.sa.gov.au
TASMANIA
Bay of Fires Winter Arts Festival, June 8th–10th Experience the spectacular scenery of Tasmania’s east coast on the Arts Trail, visiting artists in their studios. Other highlights include art exhibitions, live music, workshops and an arts market. 0402 217 412; bayoffireswinterartsfestival.com.au
Dark Mofo, June 6th–23rd Inspired by rituals of the winter solstice, MONA’S annual festival includes art, performance, music and food around Hobart. Highlights include the Winter Feast on the waterside docks, talks and panel discussions as part of Dark and Dangerous Thoughts, and the Solstice Swim in the Derwent. (03) 6277 9900; darkmofo.net.au
WA
The Drop Festival, June 1st Taking place alongside the Margaret River Pro, this all-ages music festival at Barnard Park in Busselton is supported by Triple J and the World Surf League. The >