Experience of times past

By Casey Neill
VISITORS can experience farm life and relive the past at the National Trust’s Australia Day weekend festival at Gulf Station in Yarra Glen.
The annual event attracts more than 5000 visitors.
The weekend will feature live entertainment from Wags the Dog (Saturday) and Captain Feathersword (Sunday), plus folk music, bush poetry, live music, and a variety of demonstrations.
A Kids Fun Zone will include an animal nursery, music, art and craft workshops, story telling, pioneer games and face painting.
Visitors can try their hand at the pioneer skills of whip cracking, woodworking, bread making, milking and cream and butter making.
Gourmet food and wine and a traditional Aussie barbecue will be on offer.
A one-day pass is $15 for adults, $7 for children, and $11 concession. A family pass is $40 for two adults and up to four children.
Two-day passes are $25 for adults, $10 for children, $18 concession and $68 for a family.
Tickets are available on the day, or on the Internet through www.bookyarravalley.com or by phone on 1300 765 584.
Revenue will go to Gulf Station and the National Trust.
The festival is at Gulf Station, 1029 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen. The festivities run from 10am to 8pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
Anyone who would like to volunteer to help out over the weekend can contact Olga Givoye on 9656 9840.