Spring in the Dandenong Ranges
The Scent of Flowers, the Sounds of the Birds

What could be better

Enjoy the change of scenery with some fabulous walks, heaps of things to do, sight seeing, some great places to eat and drink, or simply relax. It all adds up to a really special getaway experience. The Puffing Billy Country area has many historic links to the past and retains the unspoiled beauty of natural bushland, majestic forests and mountain fresh air.

What's Happening in the Hills
Here are a few things happening in the Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley which should not be missed, visit these while you are here, or plan to make a special trip and stay for the occasion

Tulip Festival 11th September to 8th October 2008
You can experience more than a million spring flowering bulbs, 65 varieties of tulips, people dressed in Dutch costume, wooden clogs, great food and daily entertainment. Delight in the magic of spring at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival. Tulip Festival Website .

Gembrook Open Gardenfest 12th October 2008
The third Gembrook Gardenfest will take place on Sunday between 10am and 5pm. Five gardens including 4 larger country gardens will be open to the public varying from cottage themes, colorful exotic Rhododendrons and Camellias to waterwise natives. Meet at the CFA Building, Innes Rd Gembrook to purchase a garden pass to all five gardens for just $10 per person. All proceeds to CFA. For a poster on the event click here .

Kids Fun Run with Thomas in Gembrook 16th November 2008
The only Kids fun run with Thomas in the world is for under 12 years old and is getting more and more popular and obviously heaps of fun. For more details and an entry form go to the Kids Fun Run with Thomas Website.

Gembrook Market - Fourth Sunday of every Month
Gembrook Market promotes sustainable living and many of its 90+ stall holders are artisans and craftspeople who have created unique items from recycled materials. Purchase home grown produce including some wonderful gourmet foods. Only an hours drive from Melbourne, soak up the atmosphere of this little country hamlet, walk to shops, parks, tearooms, cafes, and Puffing Billy, it is all on the doorstep! Markets held between 9am and 3pm Gembrook Market Website.

Carols in the Hills
Come and join the Christmas Celebrations in the Hills. Gembrook will be holding its popular annual Carols in the Park in JAC Russell Park next to the Puffing Billy Station Saturday 22 December starting 6.30pm. Or There are the Cockatoo Community Carols by Candlelight Friday 21 December starting 8pm in the Alma Treloar Reserve with A Picnic before. And of course the Emerald Carols By Candlelight Friday 14 December Commencing 8.30pm with the Emerald Village Picnic starting at 5.30pm at Worrel Reserve.

Yarra Valley Grape Grazing - 14th 15th February 2009
The Yarra Valley plays host to a weekend full of fun and frivolity. The Festival spans the Valley taking in 25 wineries, with a focus on beautifully crafted wine, superb food and the deluxe sounds of world-class musicians. Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Website.

Tom Quilty Gold Cup 14th to 21st September 2009
Come and be part of the National Endurance Riding Championship of Australia held at Tonimbuk. More than 4000 Enthusiasts are expected to take part in one way or another. For more information check the Tom Quilty 2009 Website .

Kurth Kiln Heritage Festival 6th April 2008
This once a year event at the historic Charcoal Kiln near Gembrook in the Dandenong Ranges won the 2005 Cardinia Shire Event of the Year award. There are activities planned such as Horse shoeing and Black smithing, Bullock teams, shearing and other entertainment. For more information go to Friends of Kurth Kiln Website.

PAVE Festival (Performing And Visual arts in Emerald) - 4th to 13th April 2008
9 days of live performances, activities, courses, workshops, shows. Planned events include: Art Show, Gemco Theatre Performances, Live Music in Emerald Cafes, Spoken Word and Poetry, Writers Workshop, Cartooning, Photography Competition, Guinness World Record Attempt . PAVE Festival Website.

The Great Train Race - 4th May 2008
Race against Puffing Billy's Big Brother G42 and see if you can beat Australia's world famous veteran steam train, as thousands of runners have previously in this popular annual event. The variety of mountain scenery, the alternating stretches of uphill and downhill winding roads and tracks combine with the sounds of the competing train and several crossings of the Railway to provide an enjoyable challenge for runners of all ages. The Event runs from Belgrave via Selby, Menzies Creek and Clematis to Emerald Lake Puffing Billy Website.

Emerald Winterfest 27th July 2008
This once a year festival in the Main Street of Emerald is full of Family fun and entertainment. Browse the many stalls and visit the famous Emerald Bakery Emerald Winterfest Website.

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