A public holiday makes for a great excuse for a long weekend.
In Australia, January 26 has very different meanings for different people. For First Nation Australians, the day marks the beginning of colonization and is sometimes called Invasion Day or Survival Day. For recent migrants, January 26 is the day of many citizenship ceremonies across the country. For others, it’s a day around a barbecue with family and friends.
However you choose to spend it, we’ve picked out the best FREE family friendly events and activities in the Pyrenees from the 26 to the 29 January , including events, enjoying nature, places to eat and exhibitions. Check out some of our suggestions below:
Cyril Callister Museum – Did you know that 2023 vegemite will celebrate 100 years since its creation by Chute born chemist Cyril Callister? Beaufort will be celebrating Australia’s favourite spread over the Australia Day long weekend. From the 26th to the 28th January, the Cyril Callister pop up vegemite museum will be open in Servo23 on Neill Street Beaufort. Drop into the museum that celebrates the life and history of a man who changed the way Australia ate.
Beaufort Historic Society – The Beaufort Historical Society will be hosting an Open Day at its headquarters in the historic Courthouse building. Over many years, volunteers have worked to collect and preserve history of Beaufort and surrounding towns and on Saturday 28th January, you will have the opportunity to wonder through the courthouse that has been preserved in its original condition. The main room still has the judge’s bench, jury box and witness stand which makes it easy to imagine the court cases held in the building. Four rooms at the rear of the courthouse are used by the historic society which has original courtroom furniture and interesting artifacts. Expert volunteer locals enjoy providing fascinating historic insights into the history of the building and town. Open to the public on Saturday 28 January, 12pm to 3pm. Admission is free but donations are welcomed.
Live Music at Taltarni – Relax in a beanbag on the lawn or find a possie at the tables on the veranda for an afternoon of outdoor live music, wine tasting, and grazing at Taltarni. This month Chenai Boucher will be performing a soulful rock set where she draws inspiration from great storytellers including Dolly Parton, John Mayer, Jimmy Barnes, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and Pink.
Beaufort Lake – Beaufort Lake provides the perfect location to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Located in the township of Beaufort this man-made lake is great for fishing, water skiing, canoeing and swimming. Pack a picnic and make the most of the great picnic and barbecue facilities. Or grab a bite to eat at one of the fantastic eateries in town.
Nature Walk – Mount Cole, Mount Buangor and Pyrenees State Forest are peppered with inspired tracks celebrating the region’s beauty. The Regions State Parks and Forests have plenty to keep you on the go with an extensive network of bushwalking and Gravel Riding trails. The regions famous Beeripmo Walk guides you through the Mount Cole and Mount Buangor State Parks along winding bush tracks through towering rainforests to hidden waterfalls and fern-filled gullies. Ferntree Falls Nature Walk is an excellent shorter walk. Just 1km long it takes you to the upper reaches of middle creek and past the cascading Ferntree Falls.
Galleries – explore cellar doors hidden inside historic Railway Stations. Beaufort’s Art Trax Gallery is housed at the Beaufort Railway station and displays wonderful pieces of art created by local and regional artists. Beaufort’s neighboring town, Avoca also has a gallery housed in its historic railway precinct where you will find monthly exhibitions by Victoria’s most talented artists. This month you will find Linda Gallus’s exhibition “By a Country Mile” which is filled with amazing paintings of Australian bush landscapes.
Community Celebration – Join Pyrenees Shire Council as they welcome new citizens, as well as acknowledging the outstanding contributions of Pyrenees residents at the Shire’s annual Australia Day Awards. There will be lots of free family activities to keep the kids entertained Jamie & Kim’s mobile zoo, airbrush tattooing, Walk the Walls Parkour, face painting and Furals wood workshop.
Avoca Silo – check out Australia’s first glow in the dark sillo art displaying an image of the Barking Owl which is native to the Pyrenees Ranges. The silo has two separate glow in the dark features that can be experienced after dark. With the nights getting warmer, summer is a great time of year to experience Avoca’s new interactive silo art. Set behind the owl is a Glow in the dark starburst sky. The starburst sky and the owls eyes both glow in the dark when charged by the silo’s installed floodlights.