Tourism

This year’s Man From Snowy River Bush Festival may well be the most successful in terms of numbers judging by the early arrivals in town this week. "We have managed to overcome several turbulent years to be genuinely excited with what we have in front of us in delivering the 2023 festival," said board chair, Cameron Jackson.

Glengallan Homestead these days thrives with visitors, however its long and storied past, including many decades when it was abandoned, has led to some believing it may be haunted ... "People come back to the Heritage Centre after going through the house and tell us stories of how they felt a chill or how they saw someone at a window," Donna Fraser, Chair, Glengallan Homestead Trust explained.

Visitors to Yamba this Easter may be greeted with the same inquisitive looks that have been exciting locals over the past couple of months from a Coastal Emu that has taken up residence in paddocks near Wynyabbie House at Palmers Channel. Social media has been abuzz with sightings and photos of the critically endangered, world’s second tallest bird, which is only found on the NSW North Coast.

We are thrilled to announce one of the SA Wooden Boat Festival's most iconic vessels, the PS Oscar W is back on the water this week and just in time for the launch of the festival’s official program. The final count-down is on towards the 29-30 April South Australian Wooden Boat Festival (SAWBF) weekend.

The members and volunteers at the DownsSteam tourist railway and museum in Toowoomba have a big day planned for Easter Saturday with extra attractions to enhance the experience.

Corryong local, Vicki Kane, has created a YouTube channel titled ‘Hidden History of the Upper Murray’ which delves into past incidents and events in the region ... "With an increase of tourism due to Easter visitors and The Man from Snowy River Festival I wanted to create some clips that told more about the Upper Murray," Vicki said. "We have such a rich history. It took resilience and community spirit to survive in this remote area."

There’s always something happening at the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre ... Last Tuesday, members of the Rolls Royce and Bentley Car Club called in on their way home from a rally in Hahndorf. They spent several hours hearing the stories of the men and women who trained at the Nhill RAAF Base during the ‘40s ... Another mid-week Melbourne visitor was Tania Jacobs, who has been working with the NAHC Board to help with tourism ideas.

Holidaymakers hunting for accommodation over the Easter long weekend and school holidays are urged to book in Lismore and Nimbin for their stay ... “We have a great range of accommodation available around Lismore and Nimbin over the Easter holiday period, ranging from country cottages right through to motel rooms and camping grounds”: Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg.

Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to welcome back the Illuminate festival to the shores of Victoria Park Lake next month. The event creates a full sensory experience, incorporating lights, music and food in a way that celebrates the region and builds Greater Shepparton’s brand as regional Victoria’s abundant, dynamic, cultural capital.

A dedicated push to draw children and young people to enter the Kangaroo Island Easter Art Exhibition has been a huge success, with six times more entrants compared to the 2021 event ... Young entrant, Isla Smith, was asked what inspired her work. "“I did a water colour of Pennington Bay which is one of my favourite beaches. I love the rockpools there,” Isla said.

Are you looking for a novel idea this Easter? How about hunting for a literary gem among more than 200,000 offerings at Lifeline Bookfest Sunshine Coast at Nambour Showgrounds. Division 10 Councillor David Law said a massive range of bargain books would be on sale at the four-day event from Friday, April 7, to Monday, April 10, being held from 9am to 4pm each day.  

Lord Howe Island Board first detected Myrtle Rust recently was on the Island 3rd February 2023 ... On Monday 13th March, the Board held a meeting to discuss the situation and a decision was made to close the Permanent Park Preserve to try stop further spread of the disease ... This sudden decision to close the PPP, which comprises over 70 per cent of the Island, was unprecedented in the history of the Island and took everyone by surprise.

LHIB. The southern walking tracks in the Permanent Park Preserve (PPP) were re-opened on March 31st, after a brief closure in response to the escalating risk of Myrtle rust to the critically endangered ecosystems within that section of the PPP. The entire PPP is now open in full to managed visitation.

From 3 April 2023, all interstate and international visitors will need to purchase a Parks Pass to visit most Territory parks and reserves ... “Territorians do not need to purchase a Parks Pass. This only applies to interstate and international visitors”: Parks and Wildlife Executive Director Sally Egan.

Outback Arts, the Regional Arts Development Organisation for Far West NSW, has launched a brand new interactive website, Creative Country, to showcase and assist travellers and locals discover the art, culture and heritage the region has to offer ... “It’s truly remarkable what this wide, wild outback place has to offer, and Creative Country is the perfect tool to gather this information together": Jamie-Lea Trindall, Executive Director, Outback Arts.

The unique story of Ned Kelly and his gang’s bushranging exploits in the south-western town of Jerilderie, New South Wales, can now be shared around the world with a series of new virtual tours of the town’s historic sites. The theme of the project is ‘Hero or Outlaw?", playing on the polarising effect of the gang and their iconic place in Australian history.

Wet weather may have forced a last-minute venue change, but it was raining talent at the Maclean Bowling Club on March 25 as singers and songwriters from across the region stepped onto the stage and let their vocals and instrumental skills shine during local music festival Clarence Tunes ... A star-studded line up including Isla and Bella, Waiting For Alex, Olivia Hinde, and Kirra Hallam, earned repeated rounds of applause from an appreciative audience, who described the performers as “outstanding”, “awesome”, and “amazing.”

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has confirmed an impeccable line up of 15 Indigenous fashion designers and wearable art makers from across Queensland whose collective response to the 2023 theme ‘Woven’ will tell a powerful story marking 10 years of fashion performances.

The frequent claim by police that it cannot act on street kids unless they are committing a crime does not seem to hold water for the person in the street when they look at Territory legislation ... These issues have been broadly discussed in Alice Springs for years, including in an ongoing campaign by Tourism Central Australia (TCA), representing the region’s economic lifeblood. “If a child is on the street at 2am or even later, they should come under the care of the Government,” says TCA’s CEO, Danial Rochford.

Last weekend the weather was hot but perfect for the tough breed of Heavy Horses at the Allora Showground. This being the second year of running the Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival over two full days. Organisers were thrilled with the crowd of around 5,000 through the gates with Saturday being a huge day.

A clever project that makes it easier for people of all abilities to get out and enjoy the Sunshine Coast way of life, is being expanded ... “The project provides a clear solution for those with disabilities to plan and map their routes and is a comfort to travellers and visitors to our region with mobility issues in identifying where they can get to with ease": Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson.