Winter has arrived, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s hibernating inside. Check out this month’s exciting round up of events for young and old. There are some tempting events to get you outside and fill your lungs with the brisk winter air, but even if you want to hibernate inside, you can do it in style with a nice glass of wine and a delicious plate of food – enjoy!
GET ACTIVE:
1 June – Mountain Design Adventure Race, Creswick, VIC
If you’ve got a passion for the great outdoors and fitness, check out Mountain Design Adventure Races. It doesn’t matter if you’re not an expert with a map and compass because the series now includes a Magellan Explore course where participants can use a GPS.
What is Mountain Design Adventure Racing?
• A new concept in adventure racing that caters for individuals and teams, from beginner level through to experienced racers.
• A varied course that includes compulsory legs of mountain biking, trail running and trekking, then a choice of adventure legs which can include anything from kayaking, swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, canyoning, tubing, white water rafting, coasteering, abseiling or archery.
• Races include three levels of difficulty:
1. HARDCORE: A longer race for more experienced participants
2. RAW: A shorter event for beginners and those new to map reading
3. MAGELLAN EXPLORE: An event for beginners with GPS navigation
Don’t worry if you miss this race – Mountain Design Adventure Races take place in most states, so check out www.adventureraceaustralia.com.au and www.magellangps.com.au for further details.
8 June – Little Kickers “Kick for Gold” Tote Park, Zetland
Little Kickers is raising funds for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Gold Telethon by hosting a community event focused on soccer activities. Both adults and children will be encouraged to give a gold coin donation to “Kick for Gold” into the Little Kickers goals. There will also face painting and a variety of food on offer – a great event for the family.
Check out the Little Kickers event page on Facebook.
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16 June – MCG Stadium Stomp
Stair walking is one of the best ways to improve your fitness. If you’ve ever walked up a few more flights of stairs than you’re used to, then you’d understand how sore your legs can get! The MCG Stadium Stomp is not for the faint-hearted. It’s Australia’s longest consecutive stair climb challenge – the first event of its kind in Australia. “It is not a competition or a race, but a personal test of stamina and concentration.”
How it works
There are two courses:
Course 1 (half course):
• A complete circuit of the MCG’s Level 1 seating bowl, walking up or down every flight of stairs between the seats on that level until back to the start.
• 1,890 steps (20 minutes to complete).
Course 2 (full course):
• Entrants walk up to Level 4 to complete a second circuit of the MCG; again walking up or down every flight of stairs between the seats on that level until back to the start.
• 7,343 steps (from 45 minutes to more than two hours to complete, depending on fitness levels).
Staggered start times from 8am to 3pm will ensure the stairs won’t become too congested.
Did you know: Climbing a flight of stairs (10 steps) is the equivalent calorie burn of taking 38 steps on level ground, so it’s almost four times as beneficial to take the stairs.
Visit www.stadiumstomp.com.au for entry details.
16 June – Stockland Caloundra Foreshore Fun Run, Qld
Kick-start your Sunday with a picturesque run past some of Queensland’s gorgeous beaches, such as Golden, Bulcock, Kings and Shelly beaches before reaching the finish line by climbing over the Moffat Headland. There’s a 3km and 10km course to cater for all ages and fitness levels – everyone is encouraged to enter. There’s also a prize pool of $500 for first prize, $200 for second and $100 for third, as well as other fun prizes to be won. Check out www.caloundrafunrun.com for entries and more details.
- A FREE 10km walk that connects five different festivals taking place at each of the Surf Clubs of the 5 Lands
- Stunning beach, bush and headland vistas
- Aboriginal ceremony and culture
- Music
- Food
- Artworks
- Gigantic kites
- Whales
- Dance
- Sculptures on the beach
- Craft workshops and much, much more.
This is an unmissable celebration of the culture of five different ethnic communities thriving in this incredible part of Australia.
Find out more at www.5landswalk.com.au
29-30 June – NSW Tough Bloke Challenge, Appin, NSW
Could you climb a 50 metre rope? With a course that sounds like a Steve ‘Commando’ Willis training session, the NSW Tough Bloke Challenge promises a world of pain. The 8km cross-country course features obstacles such as: mud pits, zip-lines, trenches covered with barbed wire, swings, tyre towers, dark concrete tunnels, ice-cold water crossings and many more endurance challenges. The highlight of the event is the 50 metre rope climb – a first in obstacle course race history. There’s $1000 up for grabs for the person who makes it up the rope in the quickest time. The event is open to men and women over 12 years-old, as well as beginners and veterans. Everyone that completes the course will receive a finishers medal. Money raised from the event will go to the McGrath Foundation. Check out www.toughblokechallenge.com.au for more info and to enter, or watch a video on the event here.
1-30 June – The Great Calorie Drive, Zumba Fitness
This month you can use your Zumba workouts to not only burn calories, but also donate them. Zumba Fitness (the largest dance-fitness company in the world) has committed to “donate the equivalent of the average amount of calories burned per class (750 calories, for up to three classes) to Feeding America and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)…Zumba Fitness is challenging the world to donate 2.6 billion calories that will equate to 3.5 million meals (based on the typical meal size) toward hunger-relief efforts”. Get involved today by visiting www.greatcaloriedrive.com.
WINE AND DINE:
8 June – Rekorderlig Cider ‘Efter Ski’, Thredbo
If you’re heading off to Thredbo for the long weekend, keep an eye out for Rekorderlig Cider’s brand new winter experience, ‘Efter Ski’ at Thredbo Alpine Village. Efter Ski commences on 8 June and runs until 8 September at Thredbo Alpine Hotel. The Alpine Hotel Pool will be heated (just like a Scandinavian natural spring) and will be the main location for Beautifully Swedish Hot Pool Parties with DJ’s throughout the weekend. Bring your swimmers and Rekorderlig will supply the towels, and of course, the cider. Make sure you try Rekorderlig’s Winter Cider, which is a blend of fresh apples infused with warming cinnamon spice and vanilla – perfect with the warm cinnamon scrolls that will also be on offer. We could think of worse ways to relax after a day on the slopes… Check out www.rekorderlig.com for more info.
9-10 June – McLaren Vale BankSA Sea and Vines Food & Wine Festival with De Lisio Wines, Visitor Information Centre
If you’re in South Australia over the June long weekend, don’t miss the McLaren Vale BankSA Sea and Vines Food & Wine Festival. De Lisio Wines will be hosting several food and wine sessions for breakfast, lunch and afternoon meals, accompanied with their wines. Local Adelaide band, Harry and the Hitmen will also by playing as you relax and enjoy your food and wine experience. Specialty dishes include: Fruit salad – with fresh seasonal fruits in a vanilla bean syrup served with blueberry yogurt $7.00 (breakfast), spiced salt & pepper squid with steak fries & fresh chive aioli $11.00, wagyu Beef & stout pies with a creamy skordalia mash $11.00 and sticky date pudding with caramel sauce, brandy custard and double cream $7.00. If you can’t make the Sunday sessions or you want to do it all again on Monday, head back to the visitor centre for more food, wine and fun. Adelaide rock ‘n roll band, The Blue Comets will be your musical entertainment on Monday, from 11am-4pm.
Check out http: www.mclarenvale.info and De Lisio’s Facebook page.
14 June – Winter Wonderland at Zuri, Brisbane
Zuri’s signature cocktails featuring Tequila Patron or Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey will keep you feeling toasty and warm this winter. Order a winter cocktail with these signature spirits and you go into the draw to win a Chemical Storm Snowboard worth $650. Get cosy on Zuri’s leather coaches and enjoy free entry all night from 5pm or warm yourself up on the dance floor with live DJs until late. Check out www.zuri.com.au for more.
16 June – 60 Years of Italian Flavour @ Enoteca Sileno, Lygon St, Melbourne
Melbourne’s iconic Italian institution, Enoteca Sileno is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. To mark this special occasion, they invite you to join them at their Lygon Street store for an Italian-style culinary extravaganza. There will be product tastings and demonstrations from 10am-4pm and best of all, it’s FREE! Probably best not to make dinner plans that day. Check out www.enoteca.com.au for venue details.
22 June – Central Coast Craft Beer & Cider Festival, Kincumber, Central Coast NSW
Not many people could pass up a good old-fashioned craft beer and cider festival, especially when they have 18 brewers offering 84 beers and ciders. Visitors can look forward to local favourites such as Six String’s brews. Live entertainment, raffles and giveaways will all kick off at 11am. Get the low-down here: www.visitcentralcoast.com.au/events/this-year/craft-beer-and-cider-festival
ART FIX:
21 June – City Evolutions, Newcastle
City Evolutions is a contemporary art project that will see “heritage listed buildings, historic townhouses and colonial terraces along Newcastle’s oldest street brought to life through colourful cinematography, lavish light ups and interactive installations”. Visitors can enjoy the magical ambience of interactive projections on ten sites around Watt Street from sunset until 10pm each evening. City Evolutions will initially run for twelve months and installations will be updated on a regular basis. The official launch of City Evolutions will take place from 5pm Friday 21 June 2013 at Watt Street, Newcastle East and will include a ceremony, music, food, street performances and more. Check out www.cityevolutions.com for more details.
BE ENTERTAINED:
15 June – Around the World in 80 Questions Trivia Night Challenge, Terrey Hills, Sydney
f you’re a Trivia Guru, don’t miss the German International School’s Around the World in 80 Questions Trivia Night Challenge. Participants can expect questions such as:
• What is the only word in the English language that is spelled with three consecutive sets of double letters?
• Where would you find the sea of tranquility?
Brush up on your general knowledge – it’s for a good cause as the school is trying to raise funds to upgrade their sporting equipment. Bookings are essential at www.germanschoolsydney.com
28 June – Children’s Promise End of Tax Year Party, Byron Bay
Join the Children’s Promise team as they see out this FY2012/2013 in style with a fun evening that will include an auction and more to raise money for this very worthy cause. Visit www.childrenspromise.org for more details.
FAIRS AND SHOWS:
8-10 June – The Toy and Game Expo, Sydney Olympic Park
It doesn’t matter if you’re 5 or 105 – you’re going to love The Toy and Game Expo this Queen’s Birthday long weekend. Highlights include:
• The world’s largest ball of Play-Doh (weighing around 250kg) that the kids can help create
• Nerf N-Strike Elite Battle Arena
• Lego or Play-Doh pits
• The Australian Boardgaming Championships
• The world’s largest jigsaw that you can help put together
There will be toys for girls and boys and kids of all ages – from latest releases to classic favourites.
Money raised from the event will go towards the Spinal Injury Support Program at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Buy tickets online and find out more at www.toyandgameexpo.com.au
13-16 June – Sydney Fair
Art Deco, Art Modern, 20th Century and Retro are some of the gorgeous eras that will be showcased at the Sydney Fair this month. If you love high-quality vintage products, including: furniture, art and posters, sculpture, glass and ceramics, jewellery and vintage couture, then get yourself over to Byron Kennedy Hall at Moore Park. In addition to the treasure-trove of rare and collectable pieces for sale, there will also be a fashion parade and a jazz party. The Sydney Fair offers a rare opportunity to access lots of specialty exhibitors that don’t usually appear at fairs. Check out www.thesydneyfair.com.au
for more details.
LEARN:
7-10 June – MindBodySpirit Festival, Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre
If your mind, body or spirit needs a bit of TLC, head to the MindBodySpirit festival in Melbourne this coming long weekend. Visitors can look forward to speakers, performers, seminars and workshops as well as a bunch of really cool stands and an abundance of inspiring people. Barbara Gabogrecan, author of new book, Thank God I Had a Stroke is an aforementioned inspiring person. Following a stroke, further tests revealed that Barbara had a brain tumour. Following surgery, Barbara was told to expect an extensive recovery in hospital – up to 3 months. Barbara was home on day 7. The state of Barbara’s mind was the reason behind her quick recovery, suggested the medical team working with her.
Barbara’s road to recovery was not an entirely smooth one. She now has Alexia without Agraphia, which means that she can’t read – although she can still write. This new challenge presented Barbara with the opportunity “to boost my spirit and to show myself that I can do whatever I want to, regardless of my disabilities – I just had to figure out ‘how’”.
Writing a book certainly stretched Barbara and she recalls, “It was more difficult than I expected as every page I wrote my husband had to read it back to me so that I was sure that I had actually said what I intended to”. Determination and perseverance paid off in the end and Barbara has now published her book. She will be signing copies at the festival, so make sure you stop by Stand A48 and say hi. Visit www.mbsfestival.com.au
for more festival information.
22 June – Shine Sydney’s Monks, Millionaires and Money, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Shine Sydney’s Monks, Millionaires and Money event might just change your life. This event promises to “change the way you think about creating money, wealth and abundance in your life”. A group of inspiring entrepreneurs will share their stories and cover topics such as:
● How to avoid the common traps that stop the flow of money
● How to create a new relationship with money
● Experiencing the innate connection between love and money
● How to become an attractor field for money
● Engaging in empowering conversations
Check out www.shinesydney.com.au for tickets and more info.
