In the twelve years since its inception the ChillOut Festival has become the largest regional GLBT festival in Australia. Held annually on the Labor Day long weekend in Daylesford Victoria, festivities include a Carnival Day, Dance Party and a Street Parade.
When it started in 1997, ChillOut was a one-day event held at a winery with 10 stalls and 50 to 100 visitors. The 2009 festival spanned three days, attracted over 25,000 people and almost 100 stalls registered at Carnival Day. With steady growth in attendance each year, numbers are expected to rise again for 2010.
In a major coup for the 2010 festival, the Hepburn Shire Council, Tourism Victoria and Daylesford Macedon Ranges Tourism have all provided substantial funding, adding to ChillOut and Daylesford’s reputation as an ideal GLBT tourist destination.
The theme for next year’s ChillOut Festival is 2010: A Bush Odyssey and organisers are planning a bumper line-up of entertainment.
‘This year’s theme is reflective of the journey of adventure coming to ChillOut is, and the journey of adventure and progress we’re taking as we go into future ChillOut festivals,’ said ChillOut president, Adam Wright.
A full guide to the ChillOut 2010 festivities will be available on the official website in coming months; the website also has handy maps and directions.
www.chilloutfestival.com.au
Daylesford:
Daylesford is 110km north-west of Melbourne and is usually an 80 to 90 minute drive. The surrounding area is renowned for the mineral waters that flow from its 72 natural springs- the highest concentration of mineral springs in the country- and as such is home to may spas and retreats.
The town was founded during the late 19th century gold boom by Swiss and Italian miners and their influence can still be seen in the charming European architecture. Daylesford keeps in touch with its early roots by hosting an annual Swiss Italian Festa.
Its picturesque setting in the forests of the Macedon Ranges has also attracted a large artistic population, so the town and surrounding areas has plenty of artist’s workshops and galleries. Daylesford’s gaining popularity as a tourist destination has led to an improvement to the types and quality of restaurant options in the town and there are now several fine-dining establishments that offer a menu of fresh local produce.
www.visitdaylesford.com.au
Where to stay:
Holyrood House – This charming country residence is set in historic gardens right in the heart of Daylesford and is proudly gay-owned. Its restaurant offers both Malaysian and Western cuisine and a variety of local Spa Country Wines. Places are limited and fill up quickly around the time of the festival, so book early.
www.holyrood-house.com.au
Gay and Lesbian Accommodation Victoria Inc (GALA) – This site provides links to a range of gay and lesbian owned and operated properties in regional Victoria, including Daylesford and surrounds. Accommodation ranges from traditional Bed and Breakfast in the host’s home, to fully self contained cottages with breakfast provisions.
www.galavic.com
Lake House – On the picturesque Lake Daylesford, this luxury hotel has waterfront rooms and suites, award-winning restaurant and day spa. Packages are available that combine accommodation with spa treatment or tours.
www.lakehouse.com.au
Daylesford Victoria Caravan Park – If camping is your thing or you are on a tight budget, the caravan park has both camping facilities and cabins, barbeque and laundry. It’s close to the town centre and Lake Daylesford.
Email enquiries to: dayvicpark@bigpond.com
Things to do:
– Visit Hepburn Springs Mineral Springs Reserve just north of the Daylesford township where you can taste the various mineral formulations straight from the pump. Mt Franklin is also a short drive from Daylesford and is the source of Australia’s best selling bottled water.
– Take the Historic Village Walk which meanders past historical miners’ cottages, Edwardian, Victorian and Art Deco houses. A map available from the Daylesford Visitor Information Centre in the main township outlines the route and gives a brief explanation of the sights.
– Get a massage, hydrotherapy treatment, beauty treatment or ‘wellness’ treatment at the lavish Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. Established in 1895, the spa is an icon in the area.
– Have a picnic at Hanging Rock! Made famous by the Australian novel and movie about the disappearance of a group of school girls and their teacher on 1901, the rock is steeped in legend and said to be haunted. It is an easy drive east from Daylesford and maps are available from the Visitor Information Centre.
– Visit the Chocolate Mill 7km north of Daylesford. All products are made on site from natural ingredients by the owners, who are originally from Perth.
– If you love lavender, Lavendula Swiss/Italian Farm is a must-see. They offer seasonal European cuisine made from products grown on the farm and a host of lavender-related products such as lavender lemonade, lavender champagne and lavender scones.
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