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Annual Events
Every year, the Yarra Valley is home to an eclectic collection of festivals and events. From colourful community festivals with that country feel, to live outdoor music concerts featuring big name artists, to fast paced rallies that appeal to every motor enthusiast – there really is something for everyone in the Yarra Valley where the seasons often dictate the timing of events throughout the year...
The fine weather in Summer brings many a music fan to the Yarra Valley with the Rochford Summer Concert Series. Australian and International past performers include; The Whitlams, Vika and Linda Bull, Ross Wilson, Monique Brumby, Casey Chambers, Pete Murray, Nora Jones, Jewel, Joe Cocker, John Fogerty and Chris Isaak. Rochfords makes for the perfect concert venue. Revelers can bring a picnic, kick back on the lawn and enjoy the outdoor shows in the beautiful surrounds of the Yarra Valley. Possibly the most anticipated event on the calendar coincides with the beginning of Vintage. It is, of course, the famous Grape Grazing Festival. Every year, this celebration of all the finer things in life, takes place mid-February. Attracting thousands of guests each year, Grape Grazing appeals to connoisseurs, foodies and those out for a good time with friends. Spend the day visiting wineries with their finest on display, where mouth-watering food is married perfectly with wine.
The Yarra Valley is particularly stunning in Autumn. The change of the seasons is obvious when the spectacular colours of the deciduous vines and trees begin to transform the countryside into a myriad of autumnal reds, oranges and yellows. Against the back drop of greens and blues of the eucalypts on the nearby mountains, the sight is simply breathtaking. It is during this time, the Yarra Valley becomes home to the Longest Lunch as a part of the famous Melbourne Food and Wine Festival which attracts lovers of good food and good wines from all over! Yering Farm holds its annual Scarecrows Easter Gala enhancing the Yarra Valley’s “Fun Factor” for children of all ages. In late March, the township of Yarra Glen and its surrounds celebrate the life of one of Australia’s greatest performers, Dame Nellie Melba, with an exciting mix of cultural, creative and family events during the Melba Festival. Every year, in the first weekend of May, Kellybrook Winery in Wonga Park welcomes hundreds of visitors excited by the promise of another sensational day out at the Kellybrook Cider Festival. The Kelly family is always delighted to share their deliciously fresh apple juice, sparkling cider, methode champenoise cider, apple brandy and, of course, Kellybrook wines. As the weather begins to cool, the Dandenong Ranges rises to the occasion when thousands of eager runners take on Australia’s favourite steam engine, Puffing Billy, during the Great Train Race in May.
It may be cool during Winter in the Yarra Valley, but the unrivalled beauty of the region more than compensates. Fresh mornings make for perfect ballooning weather, one of the most popular activities in the Yarra Valley. Warburton is showcased during its Winterfest, an exciting event with something for everyone. From food lovers to families, there is something to electrify and satisfy at Winterfest. The Winter Solstice is celebrated with the fine food, wine and music in the intimate, family-orientated environment of the Shortest Lunch, held at many of the boutique Smaller Wineries in the Yarra Valley. Yarra Track Winery is home to the Vintage Sports Car Rally, held in June. Visitors have the chance to witness magnificent sports cars of the 1920's and 1930's motor up and down slopes, around trees and pegs, with immense skill. June also sees the arrival of winemakers from across Australia, who bring their finest to Yering Station for the “ Seize the Wine Charity Auction”, which raises money for Oncology and Haematology Department at the Royal Children’s Hospital, whose aim is to achieve a 100% cure rate for children with cancer. Since inception in 1998, the Charity Auction has raised over $500,000 towards this cause and continues to be a very popular event.
As the weather begins to warm, the Yarra Valley blooms during Spring. Many of the wonderfully inspiring private gardens open to the public. The Spring Floral Display at the National Rhododendron Gardens at Olinda attract Green-thumbs from across the Victoria and Australia. Tesselaar's Tulip Festival is held during September and October in Silvan. wtih feature days throughout the Festival, it is sure to please every visitor. For motor enthusiasts, Spring is the season for the ever-popular NGK Rally of Melbourne based a the Yarra Glen Racing Centre and running throughout the forests of Toolangi, Marysville & Healesville. For something a little more subdued, Shedfest, which takes places at the wineries along the Warburton Highway, will definately entice. The owners will welcome you to their "sheds" for a festival of food, entertainment and, of course, great wine.
There really is something for everyone. And, of course, there is no possible way to describe all of the marvelous events that take place in the 'Valley. Every week and every season, there are craft and farmer's markets, live music, exhibitions and special community events for you to explore.
...There are many extraordinary secrets in this magical region, just waiting for you to discover them...
Please refer to the What's On section, found in the menu on the left, for upcoming events.
For a current events calendar please contact:
Yarra Valley Visitor Information Centre
The Old Courthouse
Harker Street
HEALESVILLE
VIC 3777
Phone: + 61 3 5962 2600
Fax: + 61 3 5962 2040
Email: info@visityarravalley.com.au
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