Autumn in Loddon Valley

Published on 21 February 2020

With mild, sunny days and cool, star-filled evenings, autumn is the perfect time to explore the beautiful Loddon Valley. With an abundance of special events adding extra activity to the year-round attractions of the pristine and untarnished natural environment, and the ecological, Aboriginal, architectural and historical sites waiting to be uncovered, there is so much to enjoy.

On March 1, the Boort Pacing Cup is a fun and colourful day hosted by the oldest continuous trotting club in Australia.

The weekend of March 7-8 is the Minelab Detector Jamboree. This family-friendly event focuses on detector skills and gold panning, two talents that will come in handy in this region rich with goldfields history.

March 21 celebrates the Centenary of Australia’s First Official Air Derby – back in 1920 Serpentine was the starting point for Australia’s first official air race and 100 years later there will be memorabilia and celebrations aplenty. March 21 is also the date of the annual Pyramid Hill Fiesta. With games, karaoke, a boodle feast and more, the Fiesta is fun for the whole family.

For over 30 years the annual Women On Farms Gathering has highlighted and connected rural women and their advances in farming. This year’s Gathering will be in Inglewood over March 27-29 and is a wonderful way for farming women to share and support one another.

Classic car lovers will look forward to seeing everything from early 1900s roadsters through to models from the 70s on March 28 at The Eddington Vintage Sports Car Club Sprints.

Easter Monday celebrates 150 years of the Rheola Charity Carnival, offering entertainment for the whole family.

The annual Bridgewater’s Mother’s Day Classic will be held on May 10 and offers courses for walkers and runners in aid of breast cancer research.

Star-gazers and photographers in particular will enjoy the spectacular vistas and open landscapes of the region. Stunning sunsets and sunrises flank the ‘Dark Sky Place’ – skies with very little light pollution and a landscape offering stars visible from the horizon.

Those simply seeking the beauty of nature will find it in spades, from the peaks of Kooyoora State Park to the point where the curve of the earth is visible. Enjoy camping or a picnic amidst 460 million-year-old granite outcrops that offer 360-degree views; or make the most of the many rivers, lakes, creeks and reservoirs by fishing for golden perch or Murray cod, or paddling peacefully with a self-guided canoe tour. Hike or cycle along bushland trails, and through the picturesque historic villages, appreciating the tranquillity and magic of this beautiful region during a wonderful time of year.

For more information about Loddon Valley, contact the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5494 3489 or www.visitloddonvalley.com.au