Events & Festivals
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Information added as it comes to hand. Regular 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 steam engines, carriages and freight wagons at the Museum & take a ride on a heritage train on the loop line between Buxton & Thirlmere villages on the first and third Sunday from March to November. A village market operates at Thirlmere on the third Sunday of the month. 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 2010

Click here to see our website 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 JUL: CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT CAMDEN VALLEY INN Celebrate Christmas in July every Driday night in the Conservatory. 2 course traditional Christmas buffet including live entertainment from Patrick Brady, (formerly from the Irish Drovers) for only $35 per person. 290 Remembrance Drive, Camden Park, NSW 2570 Phone: (02) 4655 8413 - Fax: (02) 4655 7147 - email: enquiries@camdenvalleyinn.com.au

Click here to see the Heritage Express website 4, 7, 11, 14, 18 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 first. Phone 4681 8001 for more information. Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, Barbour Road, Thirlmere

Click here to see our website 9, 23 JUL: CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT BELGENNY FARM Enjoy celebrating Christmas in July at the very unique Granary at historic Belgenny Farm, South Camden. Christmas dinner menu offers, cash bar available. Commences 6.30pm, bookings essential -payment to be made at time of booking. For more information contact: (02) 4654 6800. Belgennny Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Ave, Camden 2570.

Click here to see the Heritage Express website 17, 18 JUL: DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Two days of activities with a full sized Thomas the Tank Engine. Steam train rides, explore the Museum, kids' activities. For more information and bookings phone (02) 9379 1110. See the website for timetable, details of fares etc. Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, Barbour Road, Thirlmere

24 JUL: F4 SUBARU SERIES ENDURANCE RACES Spectators are welcome to watch the experts in full race mode. Snack bar & viewing platform. 8hr race begins at 8.00m For more information phone (02) 4677 3330 Picton Karting Track, 200 Picton Road, Picton

AUGUST 2010

1 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.

21 AUG: F4 SUBARU RACE Spectators are welcome to watch the experts in full race mode. Snack bar & viewing platform. 8hr race begins at 8.00m For more information phone (02) 4677 3330 Picton Karting Track, 200 Picton Road, Picton

SEPTEMBER 2010

Click here to see the Heritage Express website 18, 19 SEP: DAY OUT WITH THOMAS Two days of activities with a full sized Thomas the Tank Engine. Steam train rides, explore the Museum, kids' activities. For more information and bookings phone (02) 9379 1110. See the website for timetable, details of fares etc. Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, Barbour Road, Thirlmere

F4 SERIES ENDURANCE RACES Spectators are welcome to watch the experts in full race mode. Snack bar & viewing platform. 8hr race begins at 8.00m For more information phone (02) 4677 3330 Picton Karting Track, 200 Picton Road, Picton

Click here to see our website 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) 4654 6800. Belgennny Farm, Camden Park.

COUNTRY FAIR - TAHMOOR Wollondilly Anglican College 7th Annual Country Fair will feature an auction, amusement rides, a reptile display, side show games, face painting, show bags and pony rides. A wide variety of food will be available including an Aussie bbq, international food stall, fairy floss, cakes, milkshakes and hot dogs to satisfy every taste. If your looking for a bargain, there will be a variety of stalls selling everything from jewellery to knitwear and more. There will be displays through the day and live bands. Open from 10.00am - 4.00pm. For further information phone 4684 2577 Wollondilly Anglican College, Remembrance Drive. Tahmoor

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. For more information phone - (02) 4655 8466. Camden Park House, Off Elizabeth Macarthur Avenue, South Camden.

OCTOBER 2010

F4 SERIES ENDURANCE RACES Spectators are welcome to watch the experts in full race mode. Snack bar & viewing platform. 8hr race begins at 8.00m For more information phone (02) 4677 3330 Picton Karting Track, 200 Picton Road, Picton

Visit our website MOWBRAY PARK SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMP Kids (8 - 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

10 - 11 OCT: PICTON SHOW. All the fun of a true old fashioned country show - equestrian activities, pavillion exhibits, poultry & cattle, wood chop, ute muster rides and displays. Admission $12 Adults, $7 Pensioners/school children (children under 5 free) $35 Family Pass. For further information phone 4677 2485, email secretary@pictonshow.com.au Picton Showgrounds, Picton

Click here to see our website 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) 4654 6800. Belgenny Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, South Camden.

Visit the Warragamba community website WARRAGAMBA DAM FEST Performing arts, car & bike shows, stalls, rides and special events such as sky diving. The Warragamba Dam precinct is a perfect setting for this event and offers a wide variety of attractions for all ages including the Warragamba Dam Viewing Platform, Skate Park, Recreational areas, shops and amenities. Open 10.00am to 4.00pm. For stall applications, sponsorship, entertainers, entry forms or to register as a volunteer please contact Leanne on 47741273 or email wsnc@bigpond.com Warragamba Dam Precinct, Warragamba

NOVEMBER 2010

F4 SERIES ENDURANCE RACES Spectators are welcome to watch the experts in full race mode. Snack bar & viewing platform. 8hr race begins at 8.00m For more information phone (02) 4677 3330 Picton Karting Track, 200 Picton Road, Picton

FROG DAY AT WIRRIMBIRRA Open day at Wirrimbirra focussing on 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 2010

CHRISTMAS FUN @ THE OAKS The Oaks shops will be open for late night trading for GREAT SAVINGS and market stalls will also be there on the night, including the Mechanical Bull and Temporary Tattooist. The Oaks Hotel will also be having a band playing and the Christmas Tree will Light Up as soon as the sun goes down. Held from 5.00pm to 10.00pm (Santa arrives at 6.00pm). All enquiries phone 0413 397 558 John St, The Oaks

CAROLS BY THE TREE Come to Carols by The Tree in Picton Town Square - starts 6.00pm Picton Town Square, Picton

A BUSH CHRISTMAS An evening of Australian Christmas songs & country music featuring the Wollondilly Country Music Club at Wirrimbirra Sanctuary. carols with the Wollondilly Country Music Club in a true-blue Aussie celebration of Christmas.     Santa arrives for the children, hot and cold food, giant Christmas Raffle. Entrance by donation. Commences 7.00pm, bookings essential - phone (02) 4684 1112. Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, 3105 Remembrance Driveway, Bargo

25 DEC: CHRISTMAS DAY AT BELGENNY FARM Christmas Day is held each year at Belgenny Farm with Christmas buffet lunch menu. Cost $70 for adults, $53 for children (3-12 years). Bookings are essential - last booking Friday 21/12/07. Full payment to be made at time of booking. For bookings and information phone (02) 4654 6800. Belgenny Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Avenue, Camden NSW 2570

JANUARY 2011

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. Gates open from 12.00noon and rodeo commences at 2.00pm. For more information phone (02) 4677 2485. Picton Showground, Menangle Street, Picton.

Visit our website MOWBRAY PARK SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMP Kids (8 - 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

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. For further information contact Wollondilly Shire Council - 4677 1326 Picton Botanical Gardens, Regreme Road, Picton

FEBRUARY 2011

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 2011

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

F4 SUBARU RACES Spectators are welcome to watch the experts in full race mode. Snack bar & viewing platform. 8hr race begins at 8.00m For more information phone (02) 4677 3330 Picton Karting Track, 200 Picton Road, Picton

APRIL 2010

Click here to visit our website 2 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 our website.

Click here to see the Heritage Express website 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. Travel on a steam hauled heritage train, visit the museum, bring a picnic. See the website or phone 4681 8001 for more information. Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, Barbour Road, Thirlmere

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. Commences 7.00pm. Bookings essential. For more information contact: (02) 4684 1112 Wirrimbirra Sanctuary, Remembrance Drive, Bargo.

APPIN MASSACRE MEMORIAL CEREMONY An annual event to remember the Dharawal people killed in the massacre of 1816. Held from 12.00noon and 3.30pm. A free sausage sizzle lunch will be provided. Please note: The ceremony involves a short walk. Please wear appropriate footwear, hats, sunscreen and bring a bottle of water with you. As the site has limited seating - bring your own fold up chairs. For more information phone (02) 9603 6854 Cataract Dam Picnic Area, Baden Powell Drive, Appin

F4 SERIES ENDURANCE RACES Spectators are welcome to watch the experts in full race mode. Snack bar & viewing platform. 8hr race begins at 8.00m For more information phone (02) 4677 3330 Picton Karting Track, 200 Picton Road, Picton

25 APR: 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

MAY 2011

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) 4654 6800. Belgennny Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Ave, Camden NSW 2570.

Visit our website MOTHERS DAY AT THE INN Pamper mum with lunch in the gardens, entertainment, kids' activities and prizes to be won at the historic Camden Valley Inn. Special gift packages for a weekend getaway for mum also available. For bookings phone 4655 8413. 290 Remembrance Drive, Camden Park, NSW 2570 Phone: (02) 4655 8413 - Fax: (02) 4655 7147 - email: enquiries@camdenvalleyinn.com.au

F4 SERIES ENDURANCE RACES Spectators are welcome to watch the experts in full race mode. Snack bar & viewing platform. For more information phone (02) 4677 3330 Picton Karting Track, 200 Picton Road, Picton

JUNE 2011

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

F4 SERIES ENDURANCE RACES Spectators are welcome to watch the experts in full race mode. Snack bar & viewing platform. 2 only 3hr races begin at 4.00pm For more information phone (02) 4677 3330 Picton Karting Track, 200 Picton Road, Picton