Based in Marysville, Victoria, The Great Tarmac Rally stands as the pinnacle of tarmac rallying, with many competitors hailing its 260 competitive kilometers as some of the most challenging they’ve ever faced.
The rally kicks off in Marysville and journeys through Cambarville and Cumberland Junction, featuring what many consider the highlight of any rally in Victoria: the Reefton Spur. This 37km stage, with its 95% corner ratio, winds along ridge-crests offering stunning views of the Upper Yarra Catchment Basin, surrounded by alpine forest.
On Sunday, competitors face a new challenge introduced in 2020, as the route extends via Buxton and Taggerty to the popular Eildon-Jamieson Road. This addition brings over 110 new competitive kilometers and six new stages.
As a result, 72% of the event is competitive, with only 98 kilometers of touring.
Immerse yourself in a world of color and fun at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival, where over a million spring flowers bloom and live entertainment fills the air daily—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Experience a dynamic lineup of live music and entertainment, savor delicious foods from around the globe, and partake in fun garden games for all ages. Explore market stalls, hop on a tractor train ride, visit the fairy in her garden, and more!
The tulips are the stars of the show, offering endless photo opportunities. The festival celebrates these blooms with themed days: Turkish Days (honoring the tulip’s origins), Dutch Days (celebrating history and family connections), Food, Wine, and Jazz (a taste of the local area), Rock the Fields (for a rockin’ good time), Children’s Days (featuring celebrity guests), and Irish Weekend (for the craic).
Just under an hour from Melbourne, this unique festival is not to be missed. Dogs on leads are welcome. Bring your camera and capture the magic!
Each spring, CherryHill invites you to experience the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom. This year’s beloved annual event takes place at their 100-acre Coldstream orchard, nestled among the finest wineries in the Yarra Valley along Maroondah Highway.
Cherry trees bloom for only four weeks each year, from late September to early October.
In addition to marveling at the blossoms, CherryHill offers a range of extra experiences, including interactive workshops, High Tea, and a Wine and Dine package in partnership with Rochford Wines. This year, they’re also introducing a new free kids’ hub to keep the little ones entertained, along with many more fun activities.
There’s something for everyone, with different activities and experiences throughout the week:
Monday to Wednesday: Quieter days, perfect for exploring the blossoms and enjoying a peaceful picnic on the grounds.
Thursday to Friday: Wander through the cherry blossoms and browse a craft market featuring up to 50 stalls of local Makers and Creators.
Saturday to Sunday: Enjoy the cherry blossoms in a festive atmosphere with live music, food trucks, and a selection of cherry ice cream and beverages.
Dogs are welcome at Blossom Festival for a small admission fee, with 100% of profits donated to Animal Aid Coldstream.
Online bookings are essential via cherryhill.com.au, with tickets available from early August.
On Saturday, 7 September, the Festival kicks off with two family-friendly events at Emerald Lake Park: a 1.2km Kids Dash and a 5km Family Fun Run/Walk. The familiar sounds of Puffing Billy will inspire participants as they make their way through the course!
Day two, Sunday, 8 September, brings a thrilling challenge as up to 2,500 participants compete in the 13.5km ‘Classic’ Run, racing against two powerful steam locomotives from Belgrave to Emerald.
For those seeking an even greater test of stamina, the 21.1km road and trail Half Marathon awaits. This event promises a rigorous journey through the stunning yet demanding terrain of the Eastern Dandenong Ranges, including an off-road loop through Wrights Forest.
Spectators eager to support the runners can enjoy a memorable ride on the iconic Puffing Billy, with the chance to outpace the racers!
The Festival’s Finish Zone will be set up at the modern Lakeside Visitor Centre within Emerald Lake Park.
It’s a battle of sweat versus steam across the rolling hills of the Dandenong Ranges.
Think you can outrun the train? There’s only one way to find out!
The Bright Autumn Festival unfolds over ten days, exalting in the magnificent autumnal hues and bountiful harvests of Victoria’s Alpine High Country valleys.
The festival will be back again in 2025 from Friday 25th April through till Sunday 4th May 2025. The highlight is the Alan Findlay Memorial Gala Day with a market, music in the streets and a grand parade on Saturday 3rd May 2025.
Other key events of the festival are the Wandi Nut Festival, the Open Gardens, Historical Tours and the Autumn Art Exhibition at the Bright Art Galley.
For more information, visit their website here.
Content: Bright Autumn Festival via Visit Victoria
The Marysville Film Society hosts “Movies in Marysville” on the third Saturday of every month until November, providing a regular cultural event for the community. Held at the Marysville Community Centre in the Tree Fern Room, these screenings feature a diverse selection of films ranging from timeless classics to contemporary hits. Established to promote the appreciation of both Australian and world cinema, the society offers an engaging social atmosphere where film enthusiasts can come together.
21st Sept – The Red Violin
19th Oct – Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid
10th Nov – Ghostbusters
7:30pm Marysville Community Centre, Tree Fern Room.
For more details and updates on the film schedule, visit the Marysville Film Society’s website.
Located in Marysville, Victoria, the Great Tarmac Rally stands as a premier event in tarmac rallying, renowned for its demanding 260 kilometres of competitive stages that many drivers consider among the toughest they’ve ever encountered.
The rally kicks off in Marysville and winds its way through Cambarville and Cumberland Junction, featuring the renowned Reefton Spur. This 37km stretch, celebrated for its 95% corner ratio, offers breathtaking views of the Upper Yarra Catchment Basin as it weaves through the alpine forest, making it a favorite among rally enthusiasts.
On Sunday, competitors face a new test, introduced in 2020, which takes them through Buxton and Taggerty to tackle the Eildon-Jamieson Road. This addition brings over 110 kilometres of fresh competitive terrain and six new stages to the rally.
Overall, 72% of the rally consists of competitive driving, with just 98 kilometres designated for touring.