Migrate south for spring

Giddy-up, partygoers. Spring Migration is almost here and last minute revellers still have time to get involved with the nine-day festival.
Trialling a new format, this year the festival will weave its way through Victoria’s north-east alpine country, starting in Falls Creek and ending in the festival’s birthplace, Yackandandah.
This gay and lesbian event is a perfect excuse for some fresh air amid some of Victoria’s most picturesque countryside. Best of all, the region is chock-a-block full of wineries, and is home to famous bakeries, charming local towns and some stunning scenery along the way.
The festival’s meandering trail means anyone can join in at any point and take part.
The area is home to some of Victoria’s key wine-makers with certain grapes growing in the area since the 1870s.
Specialising in chardonnays, rieslings and pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon and sparkling shiraz, wine lovers are in for a treat if they are looking for a cellar door bargain.
Don’t miss the key events -” La Luna dance party, the Masquerade Ball at Falls Creek and the original Yackandandah market marking the festival’s end.
The message from festival organiser Gary Hayward is, stay safe and have fun.

Falls Creek
Friday – Monday, August 28-31
If you’re making the trek from Sydney you’ll probably want to relax from the winding drive before hitting the ski slopes.
Don your après-ski wear for some relaxed Friday drinks and entertainment at The Man Hotel with DJ Leroy.
Don’t hit the slopes or schnapps too hard -” Saturday night is the opening event Masquerade Ball at Trackers Mountain Lodge. Bring your masks and dress to impress.  The Man Hotel will hold an alternative event for those wanting a more low-key evening.
Saturday and Sunday are out-and-about snow days. Falls Creek caters for all levels of skiers so there’s no excuse not to hit the slopes.

Lake Hume Resort
Tuesday – Thursday, September 1-3
The next leg winds its way to Lake Hume Resort on the shores of Lake Hume at the top of Victoria. Tuesday night is party night, with an 1980s-inspired Countdown cocktail party. Dress up as your favourite musician or music clip. Classic ’80s tracks will keep you on the dancefloor along with a free glass of champagne on arrival and canapes throughout the night. $45 per person call (02) 6026 4444.
The following day can be whiled away with a Big Breakfast recovery on Wednesday and a winery tour ($30 per person).
If you feel like staying around the resort, Wednesday serves up another BBQ with sausages from around the world before the Rootin’ Tootin’ Risque Raunchy Ranch Party, where, in spite of generally cold weather, minimal clothing is preferred.
On Thursday a buffet lunch will get you back into recovery mode, ready for the fancy dress Spring Olympics in the afternoon.

Albury
Thursday, September 3
With Albury a short drive away, get to know the locals with a trip to Zed Bar in the regional city. Local GLBT community group Hume Phoenix will be there in full force and it will be a chance for the country and the city communities to unite over a few drinks.

Beechworth
Friday – Saturday, September 4-5
Start the day in charming Beechworth and get the brain working with a spot of trivia sponsored by the Country Awareness Network at the Nicholas Hotel from noon.
The key festival event, La Luna Full Moon Dance Party at the La Trobe at Beechworth hotel is on Saturday night and is set to be a big one.
Tibetan monks were on hand for the last festival. Their peace and harmony paved the way for this year’s theme, Uniting the Clans, a chance for the community to get together and celebrate. La Luna will feature DJs and entertainment until 2am, with special guest MC Vanessa Wagner and DJs Miss Eleni and Gazbear, plus Aida and her dancers and The Showbags. Tickets $40, bookings (02) 6027 1114 or visit the festival website.
Yackandandah
Sunday, September 6
End the festival on a high note with the Who’s yer Daddy Father’s Day market, hosted by the Yackandandah Fire Brigade from 9-11am. The market will feature food and arts and crafts stallholders and will raise funds for the Fire Brigade.
Yackandandah is in the foothills of the Stanley State Forest. Surrounded by beautiful forest, it makes the perfect end to a Victorian alpine adventure.

info: It’s not too late to book, for more information visit, www.springmigration.com.au