WHILE Sunraysia has recently experienced our usual beautiful wintery cold snap, the local events calendar is just heating up!
The upcoming Big Balloon Bash Mildura featuring 30 hot-air balloons from across Australia will be amazing, and of course the annual Penrite Hattah Desert Race is just around the corner!
But I want to introduce readers to the Why Not Winter in Wentworth tourism campaign, and a taste of some of the incredible family-friendly events upcoming within the Wentworth Shire.
Next weekend the 10th Wentworth Junction Rally will take place at Junction Park on Cadell Street at Wentworth.
The event will feature a spectacular display of paddleboats and daily cruises, vintage machinery exhibits and demonstrations, markets, community food stalls, and free children’s entertainment.
Head out to Wentworth between 10am and 4pm Saturday and 10am and 3pm Sunday, and in addition to the Rally enjoy the exceptional hospitality of Wentworth’s cafes and pubs, and even indulge in a little retail therapy within the unique shopping precinct.
The following weekend, commencing Saturday, July 13 at 11am is the Smoke on the Water festival hosted within the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, a short drive into NSW from Mildura.
This smoky barbecue extravaganza will feature succulent slow-cooked meats, local produce, food-based vendors, and showcase our flourishing local wine, spirits and beer scene.
The botanic gardens at Mourquong are a great source of pride for the Wentworth Shire community and are fabulous all year round.
But what better reason to come and experience this winter wonderland than to combine it with children’s activities, live music, fireworks, market stalls, cooking demonstrations, and of course, delicious food!
Tickets are available at smokeonthewater.au or search for them on your favourite socials.
Finally, I want to highlight the Why Not Winter in Wentworth campaign that kicks off again following its success last year.
Throughout July and August local businesses have again come together to offer a jam-packed events calendar to take advantage of our perfect climate and winter sun, to encourage locals and visitors to get out and about and enjoy all the attractions the region has to offer.
According to Wentworth Regional Tourism president Brian Beaumont: “Wentworth Shire and surrounds has an abundance of natural and developed attractions, not the least of which includes our rich Indigenous cultural history.
“The calendar of events will commence on July 6 with the Junction Rally and conclude with the Wentworth Show August 24 to 25.
“Additional to these book-end events will be artisan demonstrations, art, textile and photography classes, fishing, golf and bowls competitions, farm gate tours and tastings.”
Head to experiencewentworth.com.au for more info.
