New Melbourne Art Deco Tour

Melbourne’s art deco architecture has long been a talking point for tourists visiting the city and now visitors can learn more from a noted expert in the field thanks to the new Melbourne Art Deco Architecture tour launched by MELTours. Running monthly on a Sunday, the tour is conducted by Robin Grow, author of the book Melbourne Art Deco and current president of the Melbourne chapter of the Art Deco & Modernism Society, Grow provides a fascinating insight into the history of art deco in the city, its influence on design, construction methods and the history of the occupants of some of Melbourne’s interwar buildings. Melbourne landmarks visited on the tour include the Manchester Unity building on Collins Street and the T&G building on the corner of Collins and Russell Streets.

More information: www.meltours.com.au
Media contact: Jerome Miller, ph: 0407 380969 or Jerome.miller@meltours.com.au

For your weekly chance to win a weekend for two to Melbourne, as well as what’s on and where to go and the latest deals, packages and events, visit playmelbourne.com.au

Cycling accolades for Victoria

While Cadel made his mark on the global cycling stage with his win of the 2011 Tour de France last month, Melbourne and Victoria have likewise taken their place on top of the cycling podium.

Melbourne has been acknowledged as one of the world’s top cycling cities, securing the title of ‘Bike City’ from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) -the international governing body for sports cycling – to become only the second city after Copenhagen to receive the prestigious designation. Criteria for the label include the international standing of the city and its active commitment to develop cycling, such as organisation of cycling events across various disciplines, provision of cycle tracks and other quality facilities.

The announcement coincided with the launch of Victoria’s Cycle Tourism Action Plan 2011-2015 by the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher. The first of its kind in Australia, the plan draws on Victoria’s natural strengths to position Melbourne and Victoria as the premier cycle tourism destination in Australia. 

Melbourne is, as the ‘Bike City’ label suggests, a bike-friendly city: it offers a Metropolitan Trail Network spanning 1,200 kilometres (existing and proposed trails), an extensive network of bike paths, a bike hire scheme and a growing number of cycling tours. The city’s major events calendar also regularly boasts both national and international cycling events with UCI Track Cycling Championships to be held in Melbourne 4-8 April 2012.   

Beyond the city, Victoria’s natural landscapes, varied terrain and climate provide for an almost endless array of cycling options from mountain biking and road cycling to leisurely rail trails, bike paths and cycling events. What’s more, the heady concentration of regional food and wine offerings, quality accommodation and villages scatted throughout the state, mean that you’re never far from a well-brewed coffee, fabulous regional fare or a convivial place to rest up.

Some of the most popular cycling trails include the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail (Wangaratta to Bright); Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail (from outer Melbourne to the Yarra Valley region); Great Southern Rail Trail (Leongatha to Foster), and the Bellarine Peninsula Rail Trail (South Geelong to Queenscliff) - each attracts visitors from near and far to cycle through spectacular scenery dispersed with tempting gourmet delights along the way.

Home turf for the region’s official ambassador, Cadel Evens, the Bellarine Peninsula Geelong and Great Ocean Road offer not only delightful rail trails but also road cycling on Victoria’s most iconic coastal drive, challenging mountain biking in the Great Otway National Park with 40km of purpose-built tracks at Forrest; and numerous popular cycling events. More heart-pumping mountain bike action is to be had at Lysterfield Mountain Bike Park (Yarra Valley) and on the new Goldfields Track.

Victoria hosts a variety of major cycling events that attract local, interstate and international participants, including: the 3 Peaks Challenge, a European-style road cycling event in Victoria’s stunning alpine region – arguably one of the most challenging and rewarding cycling experiences in Australia; the Audax Alpine Classic; the Jayco Herald Sun Tour, Australia’s oldest stage race and the Great Victorian Bike Ride.

The Cycle Tourism Action Plan can be viewed on Tourism Victoria’s corporate website.

Media contact:  Lisa Hunt, Tourism Victoria, email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Wining & Dining Hotspots

Kaffeehaus Vienna – ‘Pop Up’ Viennese coffee house at NGV
NGV has launched a ‘pop up’ coffee house Kaffeehaus Vienna, over the duration of exhibition Vienna: Art and Design (until 9 October).

Kaffeehaus Vienna celebrates Viennese coffee culture, which played a pivotal role in the development of the city’s remarkable arts and culture at the turn of the 20th century. Located in the Great Hall with seating for approximately 100 people, the cafe’s menu recreates famous Viennese deserts including sachertorte and strudels laden with double cream as well as savoury lunch items, inspired by traditional Viennese cuisine such as venison pies. The wine list features wines by the highly acclaimed Bertold Salomon of Salomon Estate, located in the Finniss River wine-growing region, South Australia.  Trumer Pills, the iconic Almdudler Limonade, and traditional Austrian iced teas will also be served.

Visitors wanting to make the most of the experience can book in for a specially devised ‘Viennese Inspired Afternoon Tea’ ($35) which includes traditional Viennese cakes and pastries, savouries, sandwiches and tea, which is also available as a package with a ticket to the exhibition ($55).

The Kaffehaus, designed by Meme Interior Designers and Architects, takes influence from the radical designer’s of the period. There are strong design cues from Joseph Hoffman’s monochromatic interiors with particular focus on Cabaret Fledermaus, with the synergies between the brightly adorned walls of Cabaret Fledermaus, and the Leonard French Great Hall stain glass ceiling, providing a natural link.

More information: www.ngv.vic.gov.au/kaffeehausvienna

The Carlton Wine Room
A new upmarket restaurant and wine bar with a contemporary European influence, the Carlton Wine room has opened on Faraday Street in Carlton by business partners Jay Bessell, former general manager of iconic city eatery, Il Solito Posto, Michael Tenace and Connie Capello. 

Matthew Silovic, former sous chef at acclaimed Melbourne restaurant Verge, heads up the kitchen marrying a high-tech approach with fresh seasonal produce. The menu, based around share plates, features dishes such as barigoule artichoke and fennel, smoked beetroot, carrot, roasted onion consume, smoked eel croquettes with sweet corn puree or orange polenta cake with fizzy grapes and caramelised white chocolate ice-cream. The wine list offers an extensive range of drops from around the world, with a strong focus on local and Italian wines. Both full and half glass options are available – with the latter a great ‘small taste’ opportunity for diners wanting to sample a range of varietals.  

With a stylish but low key look from designer Marlowe Cobb (Aesthetica) includes pendant lights by lighting designer Tom Dickson above the staircase, floating pigeons hanging from the ceiling and cool shades of white and blue. The owners show also their affiliation to the Melbourne design community through each specially commissioned recycled Tasmanian Oak tables with Jarrah inlay by local carpenters Gareth Devenish from Organictreeoh and Alan Falconer.

the venue runs over three levels - with the ground floor offering casual dining and a bar, the first level restaurant-style seating on the first level with tables and semi-private booths seating ideal for longer stays and an underground wine cellar doubling as a private dining area seating for up to 12 around a handmade Tuscan rosewood dining table. A fourth level, The Tower Room, is soon to open.
More information: www.thecarltonwineroom.com.au

New Fitzroy wining and dining – Four new hotspots
An abundance of interesting bars and restaurants have opened in Fitzroy in the past year including Huxtable, the Town Hall Hotel, the Kodiak Club, Naked for Satan and the new Attic Bar above Black Pearl, and now there’s even more reason for tourists to linger in this trendy inner city suburb with news of another four new venues launching in recent weeks.

A new addition to the perennially cool Gertrude Street is The Everleigh, an elegant bar created in the style of a 1920s ‘speakeasy’, inspired by New York’s legendary venue Milk & Honey.

Establishing itself as a destination for discerning cocktail drinkers who appreciate finely crafted drinks prepared by knowledgeable staff, The Everleigh specialises in classic cocktails: old fashioned, fizzes and sours reflective of the era are executed superbly while for those who are feeling bit more adventurous, the bar staff can create drinks especially tailored to the individual customer’s palate. The menu also makes use of fresh fruits and juices, fine spirits and hand-cut ice all while promoting an atmosphere of respect and responsible drinking.

The bar’s interior has a polished ‘old school’ charm to it, with refined wooden bar and floors and stylish leather booths to linger in.

Co-owners Lauren Schnell (recently featured in Bon Appétit Magazine and on the Bacardi website as a master mixologist) and Michael Madrusann worked at the original bar and its sister venue Little Branch, and opened The Everleigh with assistance from Milk & Honey’s founder, Sasha Petraske.

Marcello Tummino, founding partner of The European and The Melbourne Supper Club, has opened a new restaurant on Brunwsick Street, Eat, Drink, Man, Woman, with chef Daniel Schelbert (ex-Hare & Grace) at the helm.

Located on the site of the old Retro Café, the spruced-up eatery features fresh, bright décor and a long granite bar where the chefs prepare food on one side and customers spectate on comfortable bar stools on the other. The menu is different enough to draw visitors to the area but also includes a comforting breakfast menu to keep the locals happy. Highlights including Son-in-Law Eggs with peanut salad and charred roti, a Croque Madame jaffle with fried egg, béchamel sauce, BBQ Balinese-style Pork Belly, while a snacks menu kicks in from 3pm with ‘bites’ and ‘spikes’ such as Roasted Bone Marrow and Pickled Shallot, and Sardines and Tomato on Toast.

Meanwhile at the city end of Brunswick Street, a new sustainable coffee house, Slowpoke Espresso, has opened in a small but chic industrial space. Owner Curtis Riddington uses organic and locally sourced produce with the menu including homely soups and stews alongside generously filled grainy sandwiches and Turkish rolls. Coffee is provided by cult New Zealand supplier Coffee Supreme and barista Nick Milwright’s skills ensure the brews live up to Melbourne’s coffee connoisseur standards.

The final new addition to the neighbourhood Mana Bar Melbourne opened its doors at 336 Brunswick Street on July 16, much to the delight of Melbourne’s techno-geek and gaming communities. Similar to its sister venue in Brisbane, the Mana Bar Melbourne offers patrons the intriguing combination of a unique cocktail menu alonside the latest video games. Equipped with seven LCD TV’s in multiple rooms running the latest games on the PlayStation®3 (PS3™), Xbox 360™, and Nintendo Wii™ systems, the bar also features a nightly program of events such as ‘Super Mario Smash Bros Thursdays’ and ‘Geek Movie Trivia’ which has seen queues outside the venue from the very first night.

Bistro Guillaume re-opens at Crown Entertainment Complex
A little bit of France has popped up on Crown’s riverfront dining precinct with the re-opening of celebrated chef Guillaume Brahimi’s Bistro Guillaume in its new position within the Crown Entertainment Complex.

Inspired by traditional French neighbourhood bistros, the reimagined Bistro Guillaume sits in a perfect position between Nobu and Number 8 restaurant and wine bar and, in the style of Parisian bistro, offers great riverfront views with broad outdoor terrace overlooking the Yarra.

The lunch and dinner menus by head chef Graeme McLaughlin (formerly of Sydney’s Quay and Tetsuya’s restaurants) are just as suitable to casual dining as they are to celebrating a special occasion. The French flavours include croque madame, steak frites with béarnaise sauce, half a roasted chicken with Paris mash and chicken jus, and sides like ratatouille, gratin dauphinois and – of course – French fries. Choose from a simplified wine list of 20 carefully selected red and white wines, half from France and the other half from boutique Victorian wineries.

The natural, light-filled space pays homage to French bistros with its warm panelling and mouldings created from rich French oak timber. However, the  restaurant remains distinctly ‘Bistro Guillaume’ thanks to the signatu

For more information: www.bistroguillaume.com.au

For your weekly chance to win a weekend for two to Melbourne, as well as what’s on and where to go and the latest deals, packages and events, visit playmelbourne.com.au

Under the radar

Scarecrow Festival in the Mornington Peninsula Hinterland 
One of the most unusual festivals in regional Victoria, the annual Hinterland Scarecrow Festival in the Mornington Peninsula, is about to celebrate its sixth birthday. Participating operators – including farm-gates, cafes, restaurants, cellar doors, galleries and shops - create and display their own scarecrow for the month of October with visitors being able to discover them through a Scarecrow Trail map made available from visitor information. Operators also offer Scarecrow Specials to encourage visitors to sample, taste and collect gifts as they move along the trail. Special accommodation offers are available for Scarecrow Festival visitors guests who opt to spend two days in the Peninsula during the festivities.

For more information: www.scarecrowfestival.org.au
Media contact: Nelly Shaw,  .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Glee Singing at the Butterfly Club
With the TV series Glee a prime time hit, Glee singing clubs are having a major revival and now, for  those who’ve harboured ambitions of singing beyond the shower, South Melbourne’s Butterfly Club has its own regular Glee Club – and anyone can come. 
Now in its sixth year, the Glee Club is the only sing-a-long-choir in town where there are no solos, microphones and no commitment. Groups of up to 30 people turn up on a Tuesday or Wednesday night from 6.15 – 7.15pm to sing songs, lead by Glee Club hostess Vicki Jacobs, from the 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s. Casual visitors are welcome – no bookings are needed – with a glass of your favourite tipple the ideal accompaniment. The Butterfly Club, located in Banks Street near the South Melbourne Town Hall, is considered one of Melbourne’s quirkiest bars, notable for its remarkable collection of kitsch furnishings and ornaments, cheeky cocktail list and live performance program which includes cutting-edge cabaret, music, theatre, comedy and burlesque.
For more information: www.gleeclubsinging.com / www.thebutterflyclub.com

Two innovative new animal experiences for animal lovers
The Cape Otway Centre for Conservation Ecology is the proud owner of three new Tiger Quolls, as part of a project being undertaken by the centre to assist in quoll conservation.
A close cousin of the extinct Tasmanian Tiger, the quoll is Australia’s largest carnivore marsupial surviving on the mainland but is currently on the endangered animals list. The centre’s quoll program includes training a quoll dog to help sniff out wild quolls in the Otway Ranges region; the collection of a quoll population census; and the safe attachment of GPS/VHS radio collars to Tiger quolls to identify the threats to them in the wild. The three quolls have taken up residence in a special Habitat Sanctuary at the Centre where visitors can see these adorable animals and get involved in conservation efforts.
Back in Melbourne, animal lovers now have the chance to view Orang-utans up close in a new ‘behind the scenes’ experience being offered by Melbourne Zoo. The experience includes a guided visit into the Orang-utan Sanctuary by a keeper, placing toys and treats into a cargo net for the orang-utans to enjoy and an informative keeper’s talk on conservation and the problems facing these animals in the wild. Visitors can also view the animals from a new eight metre high treetop walkway. The new Orang-utan Behind-the-Scenes Experience is available twice a week on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm and costs $100 per person, including Zoo entry.

For more information: www.capeotwaycentre.org, www.zoo.org.au/MelbourneZoo

Broadsheet releases new iPhone app guide to Melbourne
Local online magazine and seasonal print publication Broadsheet Melbourne – considered a must- read by Melbournians with a penchant for the good life - has just launched its first iPhone App. Designed by Studio Round and programmed by Papercloud, the free app gives users access to over 500 profiles of Melbourne's best cafes, restaurants, bars and shops as selected by the Broadsheet editorial team. Described as a ‘little black book for Melbourne’, the stylish new app allows users to search the best destinations in Melbourne based on location, price and themed features such as 'Open Late' or 'Good Date Place'. The listings feature full screen images, opening hours, full address details and write-ups from Broadsheet’s website. In a first for a city guide, the app also features a 'Nearby and Open' option, which allows users to search quickly and easily for places nearby that are, most importantly, open at that time. Restaurant bookings can be made easily at participating restaurants via the Dimmi real-time booking system or by contacting the venue directly via one touch dialling.

Capture all the action with a helmet cam
It’s all about capturing a moment and sharing it with your ‘friends’ on Facebook or Twitter these days so Myrtleford and Bright Information Centres have introduced helmet cameras for those keen to relive all their snow adventures online. Available for hire from either of the Information Centres, anyone looking to hit the slopes this winter can capture all the action and share it with the world.
For more information: www.facebook.com/greatalpinevalleys

For your weekly chance to win a weekend for two to Melbourne, as well as what’s on and where to go and the latest deals, packages and events, visit playmelbourne.com.au

Villages of Victoria - a Guide to Warburton

Warburton, the leafy bush-surrounded village set in the Yarra Valley, is a destination for travellers seeking a relaxing getaway not too far out of the CBD and is a perfect accompaniment to a visit to Victoria’s premier wine region. It is a short one and a half hour drive out of Melbourne and sits on the upper reaches of the Yarra River.

Celebrate the newly completed Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail
Cycling and nature fans can rejoice in the completion of the $3.5million pedestrian and cyclist bridge linking the Lilydale – Warburton Rail Trail across the Maroondah Highway. Avid cyclists and walkers can take in scenic farmland and bush along the 39-kilometre Centenary Trail which runs along a historic railway line built in 1901.

Local food, nature and wildlife
Warburton is surrounded by beautiful lush forests, making it a perfect destination for outdoor and nature lovers. Pop into the nearby Kookaberry Strawberry Farm for some jams for the picnic or pick your own cherries at Cherryhill Orchards from November to January. Before reaching Warburton, stop by into the boutique Bulong Estate Winery at Yarra Junction and sample a contemporary French seasonal menu or enjoy wine-tasting at its modern cellar door. Some other food and wine stops en route include Seville Hill and Seville Estate, Wild Cattle Creek Estate, Killara Estate, Elmswood Estate and Five Oaks Vineyard.

Warburton has an abundance of native wildlife, and visitors walking on nature trails can delight in spotting the brightly coloured king parrot, the rainbow-hued rosella or listen out for the amazing songs of the ground-dwelling lyrebird which mimic natural and artificial sounds.

Spring welcomes the Melba Festival
Dame Nellie Melba, internationally known as one of the world’s greatest sopranos, grew up in the picturesque Yarra Valley. In October, the region comes alive with a three day festival paying homage to this great Victorian soprano. Expect only the best performances by leading classical and contemporary artists and an array of talented young and upcoming performers at venues around the Yarra Valley.

For more information: go to www.visitvictoria.com/villages
Media contact: Elizabeth Ee, Tourism Victoria, Ph: (03) 9653 9716
or email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Yarra Valley new product update

A series of new and exciting experiences for domestic and international visitors have launched in the Yarra Valley in recent months

Rochford Winery Segway Tour
Rochford Winery, famed for producing premium cool climate wines and its Day on the Green concert series, has teamed up with Segway Victoria to launch Victoria’s first and only Segway Tour around the winery’s extensive grounds.  Priced at $140 per person, the 90 minute tours which run on the weekends and public holidays, provide comprehensive training and take guests through the grapevines along Rochford’s 4WD track.

New Chef’s Table and new Sunday High Teas at Chateau Yering
Over at the iconic Chateau Yering a new Chef’s Table, which can be themed according to diners’ preferences, has just launched at highly acclaimed Eleanore’s Restaurant. Enjoy an exclusive and private dining experience which begins with champagne and canapés in the Drawing Room and is followed by a carefully crafted menu at your table by Executive Chef Matthew McCartney. 
Also new at Chateau Yering is their Sunday High Tea experience, priced at $45 per person, which includes scones served with house-made jam and cream, a selection of ribbon sandwiches and mini cakes, tea and coffee and a glass of sparkling wine. 

New bar at Domaine Chandon
Domaine Chandon, one of the Valley’s biggest wineries, has launched the Chandon Greenpoint Bar – an extension of the 2009 refurbished Greenpoint Brasserie which was designed by award-winning Melbourne interior designers Hecker Guthrie. Greenpoint Bar offers a full range of Chandon sparkling and still wines, a delectable Chandon cocktail and a selection of delicious bar snacks. The winery has also introduced new interactive touch screens to enhance the existing tour route by providing information and little known winemaking facts. 

Eco Award for Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa
For the second time, Yarra Valley’s Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa has taken home the ‘Best Environmental Initiative’ Award at the AHA (VIC) Accommodation Awards for Excellence. The owners and management team have created a low environmental impact accommodation venue with onsite and in-room initiatives as well as a fresh food produce cultivation system on the property.

For more information: www.visitvictoria.com
Media Contact: Elizabeth Ee, Tourism Victoria, (03) 9653 9716
or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Tourism Victoria invites consumers to ‘Play Melbourne’

Tourism Victoria recently launched Play Melbourne, the latest phase of its award-winning Jigsaw campaign.

The $14 million national campaign builds on the highly successful It’s Easy to Lose Yourself in Melbourne, andreinforces Melbourne’s reputation as a city of endless possibilities.  The campaign centres on the idea that if you are curious enough to take a chance, you’re bound to discover one of Melbourne’s many treasures.

Complemented by a dedicated microsite and an interactive social media campaign, Play Melbourne is led by a year-long competition which sees Tourism Victoria and key partner Blue Holidays, the holiday program of Virgin Australia, giving away a weekend for two in Melbourne every week for a year.  Of the 52 weekends away, five will be extra special ‘Super Prizes’ which offer money can’t buy experiences.

But there’s a twist – winners need to be ready to travel at the drop of a hat, with the winner drawn on a Wednesday to fly to Melbourne that very Friday.  However, there’s no need to plan, because no matter when you visit Melbourne there’s always something to discover.

With 52 chances to win, consumers can enter the weekly draws at playmelbourne.com.au, the dedicated microsite which offers the latest information on what’s on and where to go in Melbourne.  The site also features frequently updated, rich content designed to inform and educate whilst also offering the latest deals, packages and event information.

Plus, participants have the opportunity to earn bonus competition entries throughout the year, simply by sharing Play Melbourne with their friends via Facebook, Twitter and email.

A Play Melbourne iPhone application will launch soon, and will feature information on the city’s coolest bars, restaurants, events and attractions as well as easy to read maps utilising augmented reality and GPS technology to make exploration even easier.

Play Melbourne is currently running across free-to-air television networks and subscription channels nationally with subsequent rollout including advertising across radio, press and digital channels.  Key target markets for the campaign are Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, with a secondary launch in New Zealand scheduled for 2012.

For more information: playmelbourne.com.au
Media contact:  Christina Atherton, Tourism Victoria, Ph: 02 9287 6503
or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Discover the High Country with Maeve O’Meara

Discover the High Country with Maeve O’Meara
Join Maeve O’Meara from SBS’s popular TV series Italian Food Safari on a five day culinary exploration of Victoria’s High Country. Bringing to life elements of the TV show, the High Country Gourmet Safari celebrates the region’s Italian influences by showcasing its distinctive food and wine offering.

This gourmet experience takes guests on a journey through the King, Oven and Kiewa Valleys where they’ll enjoy welcoming Italian hospitality and culinary delights from Simone’s of Bright, Pizzini Wines, Dal Zotto Wines, EV Olives, Milawa Mustards and Milawa Cheese. They’ll also meet the Italian families who originally settled as tobacco farmers and are now producing stellar Italian varietals such as nebbiolo, sangiovese, pinot grigio and prosecco.

Also included in the trip are a range of ‘money can’t buy experiences’ such as learning to make pasta with Katrina Pizzini, foraging for mushrooms, visiting chestnut and walnut growers, enjoying lunch with Bright chef Patrizia Simone and spending time with three generations of food and wine loving families.

High Country Gourmet Safaris are taking place 23 to 28 October 2011 and 25 to 30 March 2012. Prices start from $2995 per person twin share and include 5 nights luxury accommodation at Lindenwarrah Country House Hotel, coach transfers and meals.

For more information: www.gourmetsafaris.com.au
Media contact: Maeve O’Meara on (02) 8969 6555

Visit artists in studio with new Arts Indulgence Tours in Goldfields

The recent movement of creatively inclined tree-changers to Castlemaine and nearby Maldon has seen the Mt Alexander Shire morph into one of Victoria’s most talked-about new artistic hubs, with a new tour now offering visitors the chance to meet some of the area’s most creative residents.

The Arts Indulgence tour takes visitors to on a ‘behind the scenes’ journey to visit four artists studios in the Castlemaine / Maldon area, with access to most studios exclusive to the tours.  Host Jean Rankin changes the itinerary for each tour with the destinations revealed on the day. Artists participating in the tour work across a range of mediums and include David Frazer (painter/printmaker), Robert Maclaurin (painter), Craig MacDonald (sculptor), Catherine Pilgrim (printmaker), Helen Bodycomb (mosaicist), Phil Elson (ceramicist), Michelle Day (painter), Fiona O'Neill (painter), Liz Caffin (printmaker), Lisa Kennedy (silversmith), Jeff Gardner (printmaker), Gretchen Hillhouse (jewellery designer), Cas Davey (glass artist), Katharina Rapp (painter), Ray Stanyer and Ellen Hansa (sculptors) .

Each tour runs four hours from 10am and includes a guide, transport, coffee as well as a light lunch, featuring fine local produce and wine, at one of the studios visited.

Arts Indulgence Tours take place on the last Sunday of every month or other days by arrangement.  The all-inclusive tour costs $60 per head. 

More information: www.artsindulgencetours.com.au
Media contact: Denise Button 0413 563404

Outdoor sculpture trails a growing tourism attraction

Eye-catching outdoor sculpture trails are the latest attraction for cultural tourists keen to seek out a walking experience with a difference, and there’s plenty available for art lovers both in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Regional Victoria

The Lorne Sculpture exhibition (Great Ocean Road)
Once a year, the Great Ocean Road coastline becomes the backdrop for one of the most scenic sculpture walks in Victoria – the Lorne Sculpture Exhibition (October 15 to November 6, 2011). An annual competition which sees a series of major sculptural works and installations created by prominent Australian artists, this year’s event will feature 40 works created in response to the Lorne environment installed along Lorne’s Foreshore Walk. A further 20 or so smaller works will appear in the Lorne shop windows. A companion program of events runs alongside the exhibition including guided tours of the foreshore; the Lorne Sculpturscape, where artistic teams of up to 20 create a site-specific work over one day; nightly projections of video works, workshops and meet-the-artists seminars.

Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove (Mornington Peninsula) - the grounds of this notable winery doubles as a picturesque outdoor gallery, with art works embracing all aspects of the vineyard, from the orchard and olive groves to the herb garden and wetlands. Curated by Neil Williams, many of the works are past acquisitions from the Montalto Sculpture Prize which runs annually.

Mildura City Centre (Murray)
Mildura has long been considered a creative centre in regional Victoria. One of the most significant events in the town’s artistic history was the Mildura Sculptural Triennial, a national competition which was held between 1961 and 1988, and attracted many acclaimed sculptors and artists to the city. The many sculptures located in the grounds of the Mildura Arts Centre (currently closed for redevelopment) and dotted throughout the city are an enduring and notable reminder of that legacy.   Opposite the Mildura Arts Centre is the Sculpture Park, where you can view the famous One Sun, One Earth, One Peace sculpture, part of a network of similar pieces around the world. At the equinox the sun casts a shadow through the sculptures at successive times all over the world. A sculpture trail, which outlines the locations of key artworks, is currently in development.

McClelland Gallery and Scuplture Park (Mornington Peninsula)
Set in 16 hectares of bush and landscaped gardens 4 kms east of Frankston, the McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park is Victoria’s largest public gallery attracting thousands of visitors each year. Home of the biennial McClelland Sculpture Survey and Award for contemporary outdoor sculpture, McClelland’s outdoor sculpture collection includes over 70 works by prominent Australian sculptors such as Inge King, Lenton Parr, Clement Meadmore along with recent acquisitions including Rick Amor, Peter Corlett, Robert Owen, Lisa Roet and Ken Unsworth.

Melbourne:

Sculpture Park at Heide Museum of Modern Art
Located approximately 30 minutes drive from the Melbourne CBD, the Heide Museum of Modern Art is a unique synthesis of indoor and outdoor environments, a place of modern and contemporary art and design, with a rich and colourful art heritage and social history. Heide’s gardens, which include its notable Sculpture Park, are a great place to take a sunny weekend stroll. There are over 30 beautiful sculptures to discover, from the top of the slope near Heide 1 down to the banks of the Yarra River.

Werribee Mansion Sculpture Walk: The grounds of the historic Werribee Mansion contain a collection of contemporary works, all finalists or winners in the Helen Lempriere National Sculpture Prize that ran from 2000 – 2008. The works appear by surprise amongst bushland, in trees, framing paddocks or with The Mansion’s grand Victorian architecture as a backdrop. 

For more information:
www.lornesculpture.com, www.montalto.com.au, www.visitmildura.com.au, www.mcclellandgallery.com; www.heide.com.au, www.lancemore.com.au/mansion

Media contact: Danielle Poulos, Tourism Victoria Ph: (03) 9653 9773
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