Latest news with #NationalCelticFolkFestival
Time Out
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
All aboard! The First Timers Club is inviting you on a private heritage train journey to Ballarat
Here at Time Out Melbourne, our mission is to encourage people to get out and explore the wonderful city that we live in. But we also understand it can be pretty daunting to put yourself out there and try something different – especially if you don't always have a support crew to join you on new adventures. That's where the First Timers Club comes in. Founded in 2016 by three Melbourne-based friends who just wanted to try new things and inject some spontaneity back into their lives, it has blossomed into a welcoming and inclusive social space, where people can make authentic, meaningful connections while having fun doing an activity that brings them joy. Those activities have included everything from dragon boating and boot scootin' classes to collaging workshops and heading to an AFLW game. And this year, in partnership with Visit Victoria, the First Timers Club has hosted two very special events that were curated specifically to explore different regional areas and showcase things happening outside of the city. The first one was to Portarlington for the National Celtic Folk Festival (which included dancing, live music and sword fighting – yes, really), while the second was to Phillip Island for the Island Whale Festival (unfortunately no actual whales were spotted, but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm). Both events sold out within hours, with 85 per cent of people attending by themselves. And now we can reveal that the third edition of the Visit Victoria and First Timers Club collab is taking place on Saturday, August 24, and will give attendees the opportunity to take a ride on a heritage train heading to Ballarat for the International Foto Biennale. The Retro Rail Revival will begin at Southern Cross Station, where you'll board a beautifully restored Spirited Rails Tour Train that boasts carriages dating back to 1906. On the almost four-hour journey (aka the perfect amount of time to get to know your new travel buddies) you'll enjoy a two-course lunch in the historic dining car and drinks by Aunty Jacks and Eastern Peake. Upon arrival in Ballarat, it's straight into an exclusive bespoke tour of the Biennale to see works by both local and international photographers. Wholesome, right? 'This is the perfect chance for young people to embrace a sense of nostalgia and enjoy meaningful moments,' said First Timers Club co-founder, Penny Jordan. 'We're thrilled to be working with Visit Victoria, and this journey will provide a little bit of magic along with a refreshing change of pace.' Feeling inspired to attend? You're probably not alone – new research conducted by Visit Victoria revealed 79 per cent of people would travel to a new destination for an event of interest. So, what are you waiting for? Bookings for the Retro Rail Revival just opened here. And trust us when we say it's going to sell out very quickly. If you're keen to find out more about the First Timers Club, head to the website.
The Age
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
How to stretch your stay in Geelong and the Bellarine — and why you'd want to
The cooler weather may have arrived at Portarlington, but the upcoming National Celtic Folk Festival is sure to heat things up. Over the June long weekend, the charming seaside town will come alive with music, markets, session bars and warming open fires in celebration of all things Celtic. The annual event brings an energy like no other — and it's just one of many reasons to visit Geelong and the Bellarine this winter. For the epicureans, the Tastes of Greater Geelong festival will showcase the very best of the region's hospitality scene. The month-long event, which runs from June 20 to July 20, will see venues throughout Greater Geelong excite your tastebuds with special menus, bespoke tasting trails and pop-up restaurants. Come August 30, art enthusiasts will want to make their way to the esteemed Geelong Gallery, which will play host to the Archibald Prize 2025 exhibition until November 9. If music by the sea is more your vibe, head a little further south to the Queenscliff Music Festival. Taking place over three days from November 28 to November 30, this beloved coastal event will transform the Bellarine into a thriving hub of live gigs, local food and family friendly fun. Whether you're in town for the culture or the coast, one thing's for sure — you won't want to simply pass through. From the buzzing cityscapes to the unforgettable scenery, Geelong and the Bellarine offer plenty of ways to turn your day trip into a full-blown escape. Here's how. Flavours worth travelling for An easy hour's drive southwest from Melbourne, Geelong and the Bellarine are home to some of the best dining experiences in the country. You'll need more than a day to sample the goods, but you can make a decent start in Little Malop Street thanks to its treasure trove of laidback cafes, bustling bars and top-notch brunch spots. Get your caffeine fix from Cartel Coffee Roasters, stock up on fresh pastries and wood-fired sourdough at Paddock Bakery, then indulge in some pre-dinner tipples on the leafy rooftop at The Arborist.
