JUST DOWN THE ROAD

NEW SOUTH WALES

WOMBOOTA

COHUNA

LEITCHVILLE

GUNBOWER

TORRUMBARRY

PYRAMID HILL LOCKINGTON

ROCHESTER

DENILIQUIN

MATHOURA

BARMAH

MOAMA

MURRAY RIVER

ECHUCA

TONGALA

VICTORIA

KYABRAM

Photo: Charles Sykes

Urban hits the Deni stage

FIVE-TIME ARIA AND FOUR-TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNER KEITH URBAN WILL PERFORM IN DENILIQUIN ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10.

Photo: Evan Agostini

Birds of Tokyo. The concert, at the Deniliquin Festival Site, is part of Urban’s The Speed of Now world tour. It will feature songs from the country singer’s The Speed of Now Part 1 album, including his new single Nightfalls. The judge on Australia’s The Voice will also perform his best-known hits, including One Too Many, The Fighter, Wasted Time, Blue Ain’t Your Colour and Long Hot Summer. Supporting acts will include Birds of Tokyo, GRAACE and Dallas Woods. The Deniliquin concert, and his greater Australian tour, marks the fi rst time Urban will perform live in Australia for more than two years. Organisers are promising audiences a neverbefore-seen state-of-the-art production.

The concert starts at 4.30 pm and tickets are now on sale for $163.05 through Ticketek.

Kick back and relax

WHAT BETTER WAY TO SPEND YOUR WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY THAN AT THE TROTS.

This year the Elmore Pacing Cup will be held on Tuesday, December 22, with a great night of harness racing guaranteed. However, for the second year in a row, the race meet will be held at the Bendigo Harness Racing Club as the Elmore Harness Track undergoes upgrades. The night, which will feature the Elmore Pacing Cup and the Elmore Trotters Cup, will also have live music and entertainment to make sure everyone has a night they will remember. “It’s a perfect night for Christmas parties or other gatherings,” Elmore Harness Racing Club secretary Gary Cooper said. “We’re going to have high-class racing, live music and a courtesy bus bringing guests from Rochester and Elmore to Bendigo.” Because the race meet has been moved to Bendigo, the prize money has been increased — meaning high-quality fi elds and racing. “Up to $10,000 will be on off er for some of the races so we will see some really high-quality horses come and race,” Gary said. “If you are a harness racing fan or are looking for a great way to end the work year, there isn’t a better place to come.”

For more information regarding the courtesy bus, phone Gary Cooper on 0448 855 850. The Bendigo Harness Racing Club is at 646 McIvor Hwy, Junortoun.

This summer’s hotspot

FROM THE GREAT BARRIER REEF TO THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST AND THE TWELVE APOSTLES, AUSTRALIA HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF WORLD-FAMOUS NATURAL LANDMARKS.

Sadly, these well-known sites often overshadow some of the lesser-known spots, many of which deserve some time in the spotlight. One of these forgotten spots is the Gunbower Island Wetlands. Home to a diverse range of waterbirds, wildlife and aquatic plants, the wetland is a nature lover’s dream. Birds such as sea eagles, ibis, spoonbills and herons frequent the wetland, as do kingfishers, parrots and swallows. On a hot summer day, freshwater turtles can be seen sunbathing on logs, and kangaroos, emus and wallabies feed along the banks of the lagoon. For those who like to spend their summer days keeping active, the wetland also features numerous

cycling trails — the 8 km Gum Lagoon Cockatoo Trail being a popular choice. There is also a 5 km canoe trail. The course is marked by yellow buoys and takes about two hours to complete. Camping spots are available for free nearby for those wishing to spend a bit longer than a day trip, with fireplaces also available. This culturally significant wetland is a definite must-do this summer.

The Gunbower Island Wetlands is located inside the Gunbower Island State Forest.

the Gannawarra is a region loaded with natural features ready to explore. Relax on the banks of the Murray River, enjoy water sports on Kerang Lakes, paddle the waterways of Gunbower Island, or reconnect with nature at Koondrook Retreat.

Call Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre on 03 5456 2047 or visit www.thegannawarra.com.au to plan your escape.

@thegannawarra

Country racing still strong

YOU CAN’T CALL YOURSELF A RACING ENTHUSIAST UNLESS YOU HAVE SPENT A DAY AT A COUNTRY RACE MEETING.

Photos: Jason Heidrich Photography

The Moulamein Racing Club is holding its annual race meet on December 10, bringing hundreds of avid racegoers to the picturesque track. It’s the fi rst time the club has hosted the meeting since 2019, and club secretary Katarni Mcglashin said they were ready to welcome back fans. “We have upgraded our pavilion, added new toilet facilities, so it is going to be a much more accessible and well-put-together experience,” Katarni said. “We didn’t want to host the meeting if it wasn’t authentic.” The dirt track, which is set on a relatively untouched rural reserve, features a short 100-metre straight, making it a unique experience for both the horse and spectators. “Each country racing club is special,” Katarni said. “They have their own identity, their own feel, their own set up. We have one of the most picturesque tracks which is set under the box trees, so it’s a really unique experience.” The day, which will see the see the town’s population quadruple, includes a six-race card as well as the highly competitive Fashions on the Field. “The openness of the track allows people to experience the day how they want to,” Katarni said. “They could be having a family’s day out, a ladies’ day, a day with the footy boys or a Christmas party. “No matter what, they will be having a great day.” Food trucks and a bar will be available for visitors.

Moulamein Racing Club is on Moulamein Rd, Moulamein, NSW.

No bull, the rodeo’s back

COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS RIDING BUCKING HORSES AND BULLS WILL WOW THE CROWD AT THE BENDIGO SHOWGROUNDS IN JANUARY.

Organisers hope the Bendigo Rodeo will shake off the COVID-19 restrictions that have plagued the event for the past few years and are expecting a huge turnout. The Cows Kids Hour will be an early feature, which is a chance for local children to show off their skills. At night the main action starts, when the top bull riders from as young as 14 will be holding on for dear life. Nicole McDonald from M5 Rodeo promotions said the rodeo was a major drawcard for Bendigo, with a crowd of more than 3000 fans expected to attend. “We haven’t had proper crowds for a while considering the recent events, but will be expecting a bumper crowd for this,” Nicole said. She said the highlight would be watching the best riders trying to hold onto a bucking bull. “To see [these] athletes hold on to dear life for 30 seconds at most without falling off, it gets the crowd going.” Nicole said the rodeo was also a boost to Bendigo’s economy. “It is a real money maker for the town of Bendigo, and it is important that we have these events to attract people to the great town of Bendigo,” she said.

The rodeo will be held on January 20, and for more information visit: www.m5rodeo.com.au For each ticket sold, $1 will be donated to assist in research for motor neurone disease.

Muster-up some great moo-sic

ARE YOU INTO MUSIC? DO YOU ENJOY THE SOUND OF A WELL-PLAYED HARMONICA? OR THE STRUM OF A PERFECTLY TUNED GUITAR? OR DO YOU JUST LIKE TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE?

If you said yes to any of these questions, you’re going to have an udderly great time at the Girgarre Moosic Muster. The event was first introduced more than a decade ago to help revive Girgarre’s economy and social scene and boy, has it worked. More than 1500 music lovers and skilled players are expected to converge on the small town in January, with the best emerging and established artists in the area taking to the stage. The iconic event not only provides great moo-sic, but it also promotes the joy of making your own music. “It’s the perfect place for those who are starting out, or wish to start out, to come and meet, and learn from, people who have been in the industry for years,” Moosic Muster co-ordinator Jan Smith said. “At its heart, it’s a great community event.”

The Girgarre Moosic Muster will be held from January 4 to 8 in Girgarre.

Sweeten the deal

THE NAME SAYS IT ALL — AT THE BIG STRAWBERRY, THE SWEET RED FRUIT IS THE STAR ATTRACTION.

At Koonoomoo on the Goulburn Valley Hwy, 8 km from Tocumwal and 9 km from Cobram, the Big Strawberry is one of Australia’s iconic ‘big’ landmarks, and tourists come from all over to take a photo of the mammoth fruit. But the Big Strawberry is not just a monument to one of Australia’s favourite fruits. There is also large fully licensed cafe, production room, strawberry patch, giant indoor playground, history room and man-cave memorabilia. For history lovers the memorabilia is an incredible collection of bikes, vintage signs, pinballs and other collectables, plus the Vintage Trail is a route of historical markers and vintage strawberry production machinery. But the star is the strawberry, and at the Big Strawberry it is celebrated in the products, the décor and the menu. Owner Darren Hayes is especially proud that all products are made on site with locally sourced ingredients. Guests can tuck into cafe favourites and desserts inspired by — you guessed it — strawberries. “We have strawberry pancakes, waffles, ice-cream and milkshakes,” Darren said, naming just a few of the items on the menu. For school groups, the Big Strawberry holds lessons in cultivation, propagation and meal inspiration, as well as pest control and the process of getting food from paddock to plate. To burn off all that sweet energy, the Big Strawberry also has two playgrounds to keep the kids entertained while adults can relax over a coffee. And once you have had your fill, you can always take a little bit of the Big Strawberry home with you via the gift shop. Inside you will find strawberry wine, chilli plum sauce, strawberry sauces, jams and merchandise. “The Big Strawberry is a great road trip stopover,” Darren said. “It’s a family business with Australian-made products made on site. “We have awesome service and a great variety of products to choose from.”

The Big Strawberry is open 9 am to 3 pm daily, excluding public holidays.

Natural beauty at wetlandsPhoto: Rene Martens

WINTON WETLANDS IS A HIDDEN GEM OF NATURAL BEAUTY TUCKED AWAY NEAR BENALLA, AND THE PERFECT DAY TRIP FROM ECHUCA-MOAMA.

One of Victoria’s best-kept secrets is home to more than 250 native bird species, 830 plant species, 30 diff erent reptiles and fi ve fi sh species. Spanning more than 8750 hectares, it is the perfect location for sightseeing, birdwatching, walking and cycling. “The wetlands are perfect for those wanting to see nature in its fullest,” a spokesperson for park management said. Winton Wetlands boasts research and preservation of important species such as the growling grass frog, soon to return after being declared extinct in the local area. Park management also conducts a program for long-neck turtles, bred onsite to boost population numbers. “These programs are super important for the wetlands so we can keep those animals that are native to the wetlands in the wetlands for many years to come,” the spokesperson said. Also keep your eyes peeled for the little shrew-like marsupial, the yellow-footed antechinus. After you’ve taken in the sights, the Mokoan Hub and Cafe is the place to grab a bite to eat while you sit back and enjoy the wilderness. The cafe boasts expansive views of the wetlands, with the restaurant off ering up all sorts of treats for kids and adults, including milkshakes, coff ee, cakes and meals.

For more information, go to: wetlands.org.au

Start your engines

DO YOU FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED? DO YOU ENJOY WATCHING FAST CARS DO WHAT THEY DO BEST?

Goulburn Valley Auto Club is hosting a huge night of speedway action in December, with the best drivers in the region hitting the track and burning some rubber. This year, the club will host a raft of events, with the Super Sedans, VSC 1200 Juniors, Open Men’s, Women’s and Juniors battling for top honours. “It’s always a great night,” club secretary Leanne Chalcraft said. “Spectators will get to see some of the best talent in the Goulburn Valley, both young and old. “It’s always such a great night, and I have no doubt this year will be no different.”

The racing will be held at Rushworth Speedway, 9 Mile Rd, Rushworth. Drivers will start their engines at 4 pm on Saturday, December 10, and will race until 10 pm. Admission to the speedway will be $25 for adults, $15 for aged pensioners and $10 for kids aged 12 to 16. All children under the age of 12 will have free entry. Family tickets are also available for $50 for two adults and two kids.

Bales of artistic fun

FOR THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING, TONGALA IS HOSTING THE NOW ICONIC HAY BALE TRAIL.

This year, there will be 20 art installations using hay bales, with Disney characters taking centre stage. The trail, which is about 1 km long, will take visitors around Tongala, with the one-of-a-kind installations situated along the walk. “Not only will visitors see the amazing art, but they will also get to see what Tongala has to offer,” committee leader Rhiannan Brennan said. “Tongala might not be a town a lot of people rush to visit, but we have a lot to show, and this installation gives people a reason to come and check us out. “It’s perfect for families and the elderly, and anyone else who is interested in some unique art.” The concept of the trail started during COVID-19, when of the residents turned their hay bale into Bluey and Bingo from the children’s television show Bluey. “It went viral and got a heap of traction so we thought we could do a few more and make it a Christmas hay bale trail,” Rhiannan said.

The installation will run from Friday, December 2 until January 2023, so there is plenty of time to check it out. For more information, head to the Tongala Hay Bale Trail’s Facebook page.

Just down the road

YOUR JOURNEY DOESN’T HAVE TO END AT THE TOWN LIMITS. YOU’LL FIND PLENTY TO SEE AND DO IN ECHUCA-MOAMA’S SURROUNDING TOWNS.

Mathoura

33 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Mathoura offers visitors the chance to see forest and waterways, as well as the chance to discover the district’s fascinating natural and cultural heritage. Check out the bird observatory, Picnic Point recreation area and the pioneer cemetery. Mathoura Visitor and Business Centre is also a must for wine tasting, buying local jams, honey, art and craft and to learn about Mathoura’s history. The Mathoura Speed Shear is an annual fundraiser for cancer which celebrates the talent of local shearers.

Leitchville

36 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Leitchville is just a short drive from the ecologically significant wildlife site known as Kow Swamp. The swamp is rich in bird and fish life and is water storage for the Torrumbarry irrigation scheme. A picnic area on the east side of the lake is complete with swimming area, toilets and barbecue facilities. More barbecue facilities are available at the north end of the swamp, an area commonly used for fishing. Leitchville is also an RV friendly town.

Kyabram

33 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Situated between Echuca and Shepparton, Kyabram is in the centre of dairy and orchard country. The Kyabram Fauna Park set on 55 hectares showcases over 500 native animals, birds and reptiles in their natural environment. The park also features a cottage built in 1867 for French adventurer Theodore Hazelman.

Pyramid Hill

55 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Pyramid Hill is named after the granite hill that looms out of the countryside. In spring rare wildflowers may be found blooming amongst the rocks and it is a great place to spend an afternoon clambering over the rocks. Other interesting places to visit in the area include Terrick Terrick National Park and Mt Hope, as well as the town’s museum. Terrick Terrick National Park is 20 km south-east of the town and supports more than 200 species of native flora, including many rare and threatened species. Scenic drives take visitors to grasslands, granite outcrops, eucalypt woodlands and historical farming sites.

Deniliquin

54 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Set on the Edward River, Deniliquin offers a variety of activities for visitors, including bushwalking and water sports. The Peppin Heritage and Visitor Information Centre is the ideal starting point. Heritage walks take you past the town’s historic buildings and along the tree-lined river to the Island Sanctuary, where abundant bird life can be seen. Markets are held on the fourth Saturday of each month in the Waring Gardens. Famous for the Deniliquin Ute Muster in October, Deniliquin also celebrates the Sun Festival and rodeo in January.

Torrumbarry

19 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

The Torrumbarry Loch is a great place to spend a few hours. Marvel at the majestic loch or take a wander through the heritage display and information centre nearby. The original weir was replaced in 1996, but major parts have been preserved including the original steel trestles, which were winched out of the river in times of flood. Camping and barbecue facilities are available.

Cohuna

44 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Cohuna is a peaceful town overlooking the picturesque Gunbower Creek, close to Gunbower Island’s attractions including fishing, boating, canoeing, birdwatching, four-wheel driving and walking tracks. The Gateway Information Centre in the middle of town is an ideal place to discover the area. During the first weekend of March the community hosts the Cohuna Bridge to Bridge — a weekend of great family activity including a half marathon, walk, cycling and running events, to raise money for the hospital. The Cohuna Golf Course is the home course of PGA Tour star Stuart Appleby and the big Cohuna Festival in November is a five a day celebration of the town.

Tongala

21 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Tongala was settled by squatters in the 1840s and irrigation ensured the success of this intensive little dairying community. In the township, a series of murals depict the evolution of the dairy industry and groundwater issues. Other murals give an insight into the armed forces, while a monument pays tribute to the Australian Light Horse, and an avenue of honour recalls those who lost their life in the Armoured Corp in Vietnam.

Gunbower

29 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Gunbower is the gateway to Australia’s largest inland island and significant wildlife sanctuary, Gunbower Island. The island is home to protected populations of kangaroos, emus, goannas, possums, snakes and 160 different species of birds. It is an idyllic location for camping, canoeing and a spot of bushwalking or bird watching. The running of the Gunbower Gold Cup in October is a picnic race day out for all the family. Make sure you visit the stunning new mural on the wall of the Gunbower Hotel.

Barmah

31 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Barmah is the gateway to the World Heritage listed Barmah National Park which, with the Moira State Park, forms the largest red gum forest in the world. A forest drive from Barmah heads off along River Rd, which is two-wheel drive friendly, but dusty when dry. Kingfisher Wetland Cruises allows people to see the ecology and history of the forest, with some trees estimated to be more than 300 years old and more than 40 m high, the birdlife and its habitats and the Aboriginal significance of the area.

Lockington

33 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Lockington is a small country town in the heart of farming country. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in the landscaped park areas, take a walk following the self-guided heritage walk or choose a route past the mural in the pavilion, the rose garden and Lions flower clock. The Lockington and District Living Heritage Complex is open Sunday afternoons or by appointment if you are looking for a trip down memory lane, while enjoying friendly hospitality.

Womboota

29 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Follow the Perricoota Rd tourist drive to Womboota, a quaint little village settled in the 1870s. Discover the charm and character of the old cottages, churches and other historic buildings such as the Womboota Hall. Enjoy wine and mead tasting or browse through local art and pottery at Womboota’s Old School Winery and Cellar Door Pottery. Explore the Womboota Arboretum, which showcases many species of drought-resistant district plants from the Riverina plains.

Rushworth

53 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Rushworth is a historic gold mining town, steeped in well preserved history and nostalgia. Great views from the fire lookout at Growlers Hill encompass Waranga Basin, Rushworth Forest and the Goulburn Valley. Waranga Basin, to the north-east of the town, is a tourist drawcard providing opportunities for boating, fishing and camping, while south of Rushworth is Whroo Historic Reserve, which represents the remnants of what was once a thriving gold mining town of 1000 people and 139 buildings.

Rochester

23 MINUTES FROM ECHUCA

Part of the Silo Art Trail with a larger than life azure kingfisher and squirrel glider, this resilient little town is home to many great things including the Rochester Sports Museum containing personal memorabilia from Sir Hubert Opperman’s sporting and political life, Iddles Lane, a handful of historical buildings and more. A life size Oppy bronze statue is situated in Moore Street alongside many colourful and interesting murals created by artists during the annual Mural Festival each March. The murals have become pride of place for the Rochester community. A free event for the public each March, come along to watch the artists at work. For a full map of where to find the murals visit

rochestermuralfest.com.au

Acknowledging the contribution and sacrifice Australian service men and women made during in war, Rochester and Elmore District Health Service Entrance features two sculptures modelled on a World War II soldier and nurse. A heritage walk from the main bridge to the red brick bridge takes in the old sale yards bull ring, the old water tower and shire hall, while the western bank of the Campaspe River has been set aside as a passive recreation reserve. The Campaspe Weir can be reached by travelling south on the Northern Hwy toward Elmore and turning left on to a gravel road after 9 km.