Regional events not to miss this February
- Written by Victorian Government
Venture to a new pocket of Victoria either in a day trip or better yet make a weekend out it. Celebrate regional produce, live music and creativity, all while surrounded by the beauty the nature has to offer.
Over four weeks in February, Geelong will be immersed in the magical atmosphere of live music, roving performers, buskers and culinary delights. Discover many emerging designers or maybe you will find yourself in the depths of 'dessert lane'. If chilling out is more your speed, dust off the picnic rug, listen to the talented live musicians on the main stage and indulge in some of the region’s best boutique crafted beers and wine. Every Friday throughout February. Location: Johnstone Park, 24-28 Gheringhap Street, Geelong (approx. 75 minutes from Melbourne)
Irresistible Ice Cream Festival
The end of summer as we are well aware, does not always mean the end of hot days and what better way to cool down than to chill out at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery annual Ice Cream Festival. Ice cream lovers will be able to indulge in a suite of 144 different artisan flavours crafted by their team of talented Chocolatiers. 12 new flavours will be introduced every day for you to try – old time favourites, classic combinations as well as interesting exotic creations all made fresh daily using only the finest quality ingredients. You can also try your ice cream on a pizza, a hot chocolate ice cream float and a host of other decadent desserts in the newly renovated cafe. 13-23 February. Location: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, 35 Old Healesville Road, Yarra Glen (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes from Melbourne)
Over three days of oysters, prawns, wine and sustainability talks on the Great Ocean Road, head to Apollo Bay for a truly unique and memorable pescatarian experience with perfect sea views. A highlight of the event is picking your own fresh seafood from the morning’s catch, direct from the fishermen at an off the boat seafood market. 14-16 February. Location: Apollo Bay Harbour, Trafalgar Street, Apollo Bay (approx. 2 hour 45 minutes)
The Riverboats Music Festival returns in 2020 with its signature combination of world class live music and family-friendly vibes, all within the superb natural surrounds of Echuca's Aquatic Reserve. Enjoy incredible performances by Bernard Fanning, Kate Miller-Heidke, Something for Kate, Troy Cassar-Daley, Archie Roach, Dyson Stringer Cloher, Robert Forster, Bob Evans, Mama Kin Spender, Ainslie Wills, Horns of Leroy featuring Thando, Matt Joe Gow and Jess Locke, with Festival MC Brian Nankervis. With historic paddlesteamers meandering past the festival all weekend and located just two and a half hours north of Melbourne, it’s the ideal time to head for a weekend by the river. 14-16 February. Location: Aquatic Reserve, Heygarth Street, Echuca (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)
Recently voted Australia's most popular regional craft beer festival, this family friendly festival is filled with Australia's leading craft beer brewers, a great range of live bands, children's activities, many gourmet food trucks and craft beer master classes. A boulevard of brewers will offer a kaleidoscope of tastes and flavours – take your pick from over 200 different brews from across Australia and regional award-winning wines. 15 Feb. Location: North Gardens Lake Wendouree, Corner Zoo and Nursery Drives, Lake Wendouree (approx. 1 hour 25 minutes)
Join some of the country’s leading garlic experts at the Garlic Institute and learn about growing garlic, the many varieties and the health benefits of garlic. Taste and purchase Gippsland's best garlic, wine, cheese, produce, dairy, beer, garlic ice-cream and art and crafts and don’t forget to pack some mints for afterwards. 15 February. Location: Meeniyan Recreation Reserve, Hanily Street, Meeniyan (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)
Following a sensational 16-week season in New York, the internationally acclaimed theatrical event celebrating the genius, music and phenomenon of John Lennon by renowned Australian actor/musician John Waters and esteemed singer/pianist Stewart D’Arrietta, Lennon: Through a Glass Onion is a part concert and part biography, reveals the essence of the life and astonishing talent of one of the most admired icons of the past century. Throughout the evening, journey through his story as you relish his songs including “Imagine,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Revolution,” “Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds,” “All You Need is Love,” “Come Together,” “Help,” “Working Class Hero,” “Mother,” “Jealous Guy,” and more. 21 February. Location: Kyneton Town Hall, 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton (approx. 1 hour)
An integral part of a visit to Montalto is wandering through the Sculpture Trail so what better time to head to the winner of the 18th year of Montalto Sculpture Prize is announced. The Acquisitive Sculpture Prize is among the most valuable private sculpture prizes in Australia and 2020 marks its 18th year. The Sculpture Trail collection takes in 30+ pieces joined from February through to end of August by the annual Montalto Sculpture Prize Exhibition of Finalists. 23 February. Location: Montalto, 33 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes)
Returning to one of the country’s most picturesque locations, the Grampians Music Festival is kicking off a brand-new decade, showcasing independent up-and-coming Australian artists, craft food and drink. Get away with friends for the weekend to celebrate the Australian music community and dance the weekend away. 28-29 February. Location: The Valley Floor, 7 Valley Drive, Halls Gap (approx. 3 hours)
Paynesville Classic Boat Rally
This event is deemed to be the biggest classic boat festival, promising to deliver a spectacular collection of over 300 classic boats on water, ranging from Tall Ships, to sailing vessels, classic motor boats, skiffs, fishing boats, small crafts and more. On land the trailered boats make a fantastic display of classic wooden, fiberglass and rowing boats. Rooftop dinghies will line the foreshore and music, entertainments and maritime stall holders will await your discovery. 28 Feb – 1 March. Location: Paynesville Foreshore, Esplanade, Paynesville (approx. 4 hours)
Take a walk on the WILD side as you journey on a sand safari where you will see elephants, monkeys, whales and more, brought to life through incredible sand sculptures. 18 Australian and International sculptors have put in over 5,000 hours and use 700 tonnes of sand to craft these life-sized sculpted masterpieces that span across the earth’s seven continents. Uncover the secrets in the sand and solve the puzzles to find out how we can all help these endangered animals. Until 26 April. Location: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, 1019 Ventnor Road, Summerlands (2 hours 30 minutes)
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