Events & Festivals

Information added as it comes to hand. regualr events are listed on a 12 month calendar - dates may only become available for these closer to the event. For free listing on this page please email us - webmaster@stonequarry.com.au

Disclaimer: Information correct at time of inclusion. No responsibility taken for any loss or damage incurred in acting on this information. If in doubt, please contact the principals of the events advertised.

EVERY MONTH

Click here to see our website. LIZ VINCENT TOURS Local historian and writer Liz Vincent held her first guided tour of the fascinating history of Picton's past in the mid 1990's. Since then she has been in demand with her historical day tours. Liz offers guide services on your coach seven days visiting some of Picton's most interesting historical sites. At night, things change when Liz runs the very popular ghost tours where the cover of darkness gives an extra interest and excitement to the discovery of Picton's past. Picton was recently nominated in Tim the Yowie Man's book as the most haunted town in Australia. The many thousands of people who have joined a ghost tour since they began in 1997 can vouch for that. The ghost tours are run on Friday and Saturday nights with private tours available Monday to Thursday nights. Some nights the ghost tours are run with a supper, sometimes with a two course meal or just as a tour only. Participants walk the streets hearing many tales of ghostly happenings finishing with a walk through a very haunted disused railway tunnel. Contact Liz by phone 02 4677 2044, email liz@lizvincenttours.com.au or by mail at P.O. Box 111 Picton NSW 2571

Click here to see the Heritage Express website STEAM TRAIN SUNDAY Enjoy one of the largest collections of working steam engines, carriages and freight wagons at the Museum & take a ride on a heritage train on the loop line between Picton & Thirlmere villages. A village market operates at Thirlmere on the same day. Next trains: 6, 20 JUL; 3, 17 AUG; 7, 21 SEP; 5, 19 OCT; 2, 16 NOV For more information phone (02) 4681 8001. See the website for details of fares etc. Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, Barbour Road, Thirlmere

Click here to see the website WOLLONDILLY HERITAGE CENTRE TOURS Tour the Centre and learn about the unique history of the shire with the locals. Open 10.00am to 4.00pm every weekend and Public Holiday. For more information phone: (02) 4657 1796 - email:history@oaksheritagecentre.com Edward Street, The Oaks

Click here to visit our website BARGO BUG RIDE Bargo Bicycle Users Group social ride within the Wollondilly. Starts at various meeting points including Rest A While Reserve, Bargo, near the railway station. Rides on the second Sunday of each month For more information phone (02) 4684 1444 or see the website.

JULY 2008

5 JUL: CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT WIRRIMBIRRA Experience Christmas in winter in the beautiful bushland surrounds of Wirrimbirra Sanctuary.   Traditional Christmas dinner, with lots of fun and prizes throughout the evening, open fire and visit by Santa.  A Wollemi Pine will be raffled on the night, so you could also go home with your own "living Christmas tree".    Cost $25 per person, $10 for kids under 13.  Bookings essential. For more information contact: (02) 4684 1112 Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Remembrance Drive, Bargo.

9 JUL: BACKYARD TO BUSH Taronga Zoo's St George Zoomobile & National Parks presents children with the opportunity to get up close with some native animals a few of which they may have seen in there own backyards! Zoo staff will share stories about the animals and will show children how to safely interact with them. Discovery Rangers will tell the children how they can help look after wildlife in there own backyards, as well as within National Parks and how to live in harmony with nature. Starts: 10am Duration: 2 hours Grade: Easy. Meet: Grassed area in front of car park at Botanical Gardens. Cost: $8.00 per person Picton Botanical Gardens, Regreme Street, Picton

10 JUL: TRACKS AND TRACES A fun morning, discovering and learning about our Native & Feral animals. We will walk around different areas and look for animal tracks and traces, and try to identify who made them. Try your hand at making some animal track and see if the other participants can identify them. A plaster cast of tracks will be made for you to take home. Children must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Starts: 9.30am Duration: 1.5 hours Grade: Easy. Meet: Second car park (Couridjah car park). Cost: Child $8.00 Supervising Adult Free Thirlmere Lakes National Park

Click here to see our website 11, 25 JUL: CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT BELGENNY FARM Enjoy celebrating Christamas in July at the very unique Granary at historic Belgenny Farm, Sth Camden. Christmas dinner menu offers, cash bar available. Commences 6.30pm, bookings essential -payment to be made at time of booking - $60.00 adults $30.00 children (3 - 12yrs) For more information contact: (02) 4655 9651 Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Remembrance Drive, Bargo.

Click here to see the Heritage Express website 16 JUL: SCHOOL HOLIDAY TRAIN RIDES A school holiday family outing for a steam train ride with a visit to the museum is a step back in time to an era when everyone travelled by train. Nostalgia for older visitors and a novel but educational experience for children. Steam hauled heritage trains also operate on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month between March and November with a 75 minute round trip from Thirlmere to Picton. Steam trains may not operate on fire-ban days, we recommend you ring to check 1st. Phone 4681 8001 for more information. Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, Barbour Road, Thirlmere

18 JUL: MALDON CEMENT WORKS OPEN DAY Explore the workings of Blue Circle Southern Cement factory at Maldon Works, Picton, Open Day. They hold Open Days every two years which offers locals and visitors a chance to learn about the industry and the factory itself from the people who know, the team at the plant themselves. Show bags are available by way of a small gold coin donation which will be given to the Queen Victoria Memorial Home for use by the team in this vital service. Lots of kids activities and rides plus Plant Tours, Vintage Car Displays.There will also be a FREE Bar-B-Que and refreshments plus music by Picton Strings. Open form 10.00am to 2.00pm. Phone 4640 0200. for more information. Maldon Works, Maldon Bridge Road, Picton

AUGUST 2008

5 AUG: BIRD AND BUG DAY Stalls and displays, and, of course, you can browse through the Native Nursery to find that special native plant for your garden. The fabulous Wirrimbirra barbie will be fired up, and the White Waratah Café will have Devonshire Teas and other goodies available for your dining pleasure. Open 10.00am to 3.00pm. For more information contact: (02) 4684 1112 Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Remembrance Drive, Bargo.

SEPTEMBER 2008

Click here to see our website 7 SEP: FATHERS DAY AT BELGENNY FARM A day out for Dad and all the family. Enjoy buffet lunch or dinner at the historic Granary (bookings essential) or pack a picnic. Musical entertainment, craft stalls, animal farmyard nursery, face painting, pony rides plus licensed bar, car and steam engine displays for dad. Open 10.00am - 3.00pm. Admission free. For more information and bookings phone (02) 4655 9651. Belgennny Farm, Camden Park.

20 - 21 SEP: CAMDEN PARK OPEN WEEKEND Camden Park is the large Georgian house built for John and Elizabeth Macarthur in 1835, and is believed to be Australia's oldest private residence occupied by descendants of its founders. The house is two storied stuccoed sandstock brick built on sandstone foundations. It still retains much of its original furniture and fittings and is a wonderful example of the work of colonial architect John Verge. The large garden which surrounds the house is the largest intact 19th century garden in Australia and contains many rare and exotic species, many of which were collected by John Macarthur's son William (1800-1882) who lived at Camden Park. Of particular interest is the Camden Park Camellia (anenomiflora) which is believed to be the oldest surviving camellia in Australia (c1834.) On the open weekend in September the wisteria hedge which borders the eastern verandah is in full bloom and is a magnificent sight. Recent restoration work in the garden has brought back much of the garden's former glory. The house is open for inspection upstairs and down on this weekend. Guides are in each room and visitors may wander through the house and garden at their own pace. Devonshire teas, barbeque, drinks and other refreshments are available in the garden along with plant and gift stalls. Open Sat 20th 12.00noon - 4.00pm; Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm Admission: House Tour (includes entrance to garden): Adults $10.00, Conc./student $8.00; Garden Only $5.00. For more information phone - (02) 4655 8466. Camden Park House, Off Elizabeth Macarthur Avenue, South Camden.

OCTOBER 2008

1 - 30 OCT: FESTIVAL OF THE WHITE WARATAH. A month long festival throughout the Shire highlighting some of the unique attractions and activities in Wollondilly. There are various on-going activities every week during the month, with special activities each weekend. For further information contact Tourism Wollondilly on: (02) 4677 3962.

Click here to see our website 12 OCT: FARM SUNDAY AT BELGENNY FARM A glimpse into life on a working farm. Working dog trials, sheep shearing, music and entertainment, tractor rides, butter-making, cow milking, arts and crafts, woodchopping demonstration, baby farm animals, bee hive display and historic tours of Belgenny Farm. Buffet luncheon at the Granary available (bookings essential). For more information or bookings phone (02) 4655 9651. Belgenny Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, South Camden.

MOWBRAY PARK SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMP Kids (13 - 16 yrs) will enjoy this stay over camp which includes horse riding lessons daily, trail rides, tractor & hay rides, canoeing, billy tea & damper session, farmyard nursery activities. For more information phone (02) 4680 9243 or see our website Mowbray Park, 745 Barkers Lodge Road, Picton

WARRAGAMBA/SILVERDALE COMMUNITY FAIR Local community fair day. Local produce, stalls and fun things for the kids. Open 10.00am to 4.00pm. For more information phone (02) 4774 1273 Warragamba Village

NOVEMBER 2008

9 NOV: FROG DAY AT WIRRIMBIRRA Open day at Wirrimbirra focussin gon nature, flora and fauna - but especially frogs and pond life. Native flora and fauna, environment exhibition, native plant nursery clearance sale, BBQ, spiderman, and wildlife walks. Fun for all the family. Open 10.00am to 3.00pm. Admission free. Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Remembrance Drive, Bargo.

DECEMBER 2008

JANUARY 2009

3 JAN: PICTON RODEO Held every January: Saddle Bronc, Bare Back, Open Bull Ride, Steer Ride, Poddy Ride. Barbecue, bar and live music make this a country day for the family. Starts 2.00pm. For more information phone (02) 4677 2485. Picton Showground, Menangle Street, Picton.

26 JAN: AUSTRALIA DAY CEREMONIES Annual ceremony and activities to celebrate Australia Day with civic award presentations, and naturalisation of new citizens. Musical entertainment, picnics, and fun day out for the family. Picton Botanical Gardens, Regreme Road, Picton For further information contact Wollondilly Shire Council - 4677 1326

FEBRUARY 2009

REPTILE DAY Educational and family fun day. Guest speakers (Crocodile Hunters) and reptile displays. BBQ and Cafe available, Wallaby Playgroup, Little Kids Play Area, market stalls, Native Plant Nursery. Open 10.00am to 3.00pm. For more information phone 4684 1112. Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Remembrance Drive, Bargo.

MARCH 2009

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY AT WIRRIMBIRRA Volunteers are invited to come along and help clean up at Wirrimbirra on this day. 10.00am to 2.00pm. For more information phone 4684 1112. Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Remembrance Drive, Bargo.

Click here to visit our website THIRLMERE FESTIVAL OF STEAM Annual festival when some 10,000 people visit the village of Thirlmere. The festival is centred around Australia's largest display of historic locomotives, carriages and rail memorabilia at the museum in Thirlmere, with special trips on heritage steam trains on the Old Loop Line, and from Central in Sydney (including 3801). Lots of activities and things to see and do for all the family: steam trains; steam machinery; veteran and vintage cars; Market Stalls; Gala Parade; Live music, rides and more. For more information phone (02) 9744 9999 weekdays, or (02) 4681 8001. NSW Rail Transport Museum, Barbour Road, Thirlmere

APRIL 2009

Click here to visit our website 4 APR: BUNDANOON IS BRIGADOON For one day every year the mythical village of Brigadoon rises from the mists, and Bundanoon in the Southern Highlands become Brigadoon - one of the world's largest Highland Gatherings. Hundreds of pipers and drummers, a street parade, massed bands, Highland Games (toss the caber!), and hundreds of stalls, displays and activities. Bundanoon is Brigadoon normally attracts up to 20,000 visitors from around Australia, and is one of the major events of the Southern Highlands. Not to be missed! Whether you are of Scots ancestry, or looking for one of the most enjoyable and interesting of days out with the family, a trip to Brigadoon (perhaps on the steam train) will be a day to remember. Lots of things to do and see, and heaps of activities for the kids to join in. For more information visit oour website.

WILDNIGHT WALKABOUT Experience the magic of Wirrimbirra at night.  Be treated to a delicious light meal in Wirrimbirra's Café, then join a spotlight tour of the Sanctuary. Prowl the beautiful bushland of Wirrimbirra, the sole remaining part of the area known as the Bargo Brush in colonial times, an impenetrable forest once infested with bushrangers!  Invite your friends, bring your torches, and see who can be first to spot one of the elusive nocturnal creatures that call Wirrimbirra home.  Cost $15 per person, ($5.00 for children under 13). Bookings are essential, phone 4684 1112 or email enquiries@wirrimbirra.com.au Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Remembrance Drive, Bargo.

ANZAC DAY Annual celebrations of one of Australia's most important holidays. Dawn Service at RSL Park, Argyle Street, Picton plus commemorative services and marches in other towns and villages. For more information phone (02) 4684 1222

Click here to see our website HISTORIC TOUR - BELGENNY FARM Almost two centuries old, Belgenny Farm is a unique historical venue just under one hour's drive south-west of Sydney. Historical guided tours are organised by the Friends of Belgenny. Open from 10.00am to 3.00pm with tours at 11.00am and 2.00pm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the historic site. Refreshments are also available. Group bookings can be made by phoning: (02) 4655 9651. Coach groups welcome. Belgennny Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Ave, Camden NSW 2570.

MAY 2009

Click here to see our website MOTHERS DAY AT BELGENNY FARM A day out for Mum and all the family. Enjoy buffet lunch or dinner at the historic Granary (bookings essential) or pack a picnic. Musical entertainment, craft stalls, bush bands, animal farmyard nursery, face painting, pony rides. Open 10.00am - 3.00pm. Admission free. For more information and bookings phone (02) 4655 9651. Belgennny Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Ave, Camden NSW 2570.

WILDLIFE FAIR Hands-on fun for everyone, with shows, displays, activities and plenty of hot and cold food available all day.  Look through the Native Plant Nursery to find that special plant for your garden, or you can purchase your own living dinosaur, a Wollemi Pine.   Gift stall with gifts and souvenirs, including Australian-made soft native animal toys and puppets. Entry free (donations gladly accepted at the gate). For more information contact: (02) 4684 1112 Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Remembrance Drive, Bargo.

JUNE 2008

9 JUN: QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY One of Australia's national holidays. Civic ceremonies held in various towns where national awards are presented to prominent citizens.