Showmen Productions, also known as comedy (some might say legendary) magicians Justin Williams and Sam Hume, are headed back to their hometown for the first time in two years!! Fresh off the back of a stellar SELL-OUT SEASON at Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2022, they’re bringing their hilarious 18+ magic show aptly named – ‘ADULTS ONLY MAGIC SHOW’ to this years Melbourne International Comedy Festival!
Prepare to be WOW’D out of your comfy red seats in this absolutely jam-packed, adults only spectacular!
Magic duo Sam and Justin have toured the world presenting this unique display of hilariously raucous comedy, mind-bending illusions, stunningly dangerous stunts and just a cheeky hint of nudity for the naughty ones amongst us, and now it’s time to bring the fun to Melbs!
The ADULTS ONLY MAGIC SHOW opens at the famous Spiegeltent, Arts Centre Melbourne from the 13th to the 16th April so you’d best grab your tickets ASAP!
“Quite possibly the Penn & Teller of Australia!” GLAM ADELAIDE★★★★★
“A True Triumph!” ADELAIDE ADVERTISER★★★★
WINNER – Best Magic Show, Adelaide Fringe Weeklies 2021
“A true triumph as two engaging lads deftly build a bond with the audience, going from card tricks & sleight of hand to illusions & escapes!” ADELAIDE ADVERTISER★★★★
After it’s debut season in Melbourne, 2019; the show has gone onto perform at renowned festivals across Australia and the world, including sell-out seasons as apart of FRINGE WORLD, Adelaide Fringe and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the UK. Having completely flipped the script on what you would expect from your typical magic show – replacing the top hats and bunny rabbits with naughty comedy and sex appeal – this is magic like you have never seen before!
“We have painstakingly put together completely original routines, bringing together a range of disciplines to deliver a show that is sure to leave an impression. We guarantee the people of the Edinburgh Fringe have never seen anything like this before!” says Showman, Sam Hume.
“We are talking about Las Vegas quality performance art here. Such is the brilliance of the whole thing. I loved every minute. This is a guaranteed night of entertainment that I couldn’t recommend more highly – without a doubt 5 stars!” Mumble Theatre ★★★★★
“If I could give it more than 5 stars I definitely would!” One4ReviewUK★★★★★
“Magic at its FINEST and FUNNIEST!” FRINGE FEED ★★★★
“Totally blown away… I couldn’t believe my eyes! This duo is a force to be reckoned with!” WEEKEND NOTES ★★★★★
Make sure you get to the Spiegeltent to indulge in this rollicking evening of guaranteed entertainment, with two of the best magicians in the business in a show that will not soon be forgotten!
Please note: this show is restricted to ages 18+
Venue: The Famous Spiegeltent, Arts Centre Melbourne
Time: 09:45pm (08:45pm on Sundays)
Dates: April 13th-16th, 20th-23rd 2023 Auslan Interpreted: Sunday 16th April 2023
Prices: Full Price: $35 on weekends, $29 mid-week; Concession: $33 on weekends, $27 mid-week Previews: $25
Wot? You’ve Not heard of Wotnot Naturals? Well let me tell you, you’ve been missing out! Wotnot is an Australian-owned (and run) company I’ve been a fan of for quite a few years now! (*Their tanning products are the bomb!). In my humble opinion, their latest baby is their ‘wow factor’ product because it provides everything you need to look after your skin in a single, once-daily cream. Yasssss! This is Australia’s first SPF 40, true mineral makeup & collagen serum booster in 1, and you’re gonna love it!
SPF protection in makeup form with some anti-wrinkle protection thrown in, sounds like a dream right? Well, not anymore. I’m all for skincare products that save you time, protect your skin and make you look darn fabulous all in one, so this has fast become a firm fave in my bathroom cabinet.
Hybrid sunscreen/foundation products have been around a little while, and as someone who likes a bit of make up love even on the beach, but is in desperate need of good sun protection too, I’ve tested a fair few. In all honesty I’d begun to think that they were all too sticky, too thick or simply never the right colour. Frustrating or Wot! Well, that was until I got my hands on the WotNot Naturals SPF 40 mineral makeup.
This multi-purpose hybrid works not only as your daily sun protection, but also as your BB cream, anti-aging serum, and mineral make-up too. *I know right! Four products, on your face in one slap! And let me tell you, this ingenious product IS a great sunscreen, IS fab skincare and IS a lasting make up product. It really is! I can honestly say this has the nicest texture of any I’ve had the pleasure of popping on. I love the look and feel on my skin, plus the fact that it really does what it’s supposed to do, rather than being a great SPF and a mediocre makeup. I told you, I’ve tried a few! The most important thing about having one product that covers a lot of bases, is that it’s hugely good for the environment!
“Who has time in their morning routine to apply three different products to get the same result? Wotnot’s mission is to care for people and our planet. All our products are reef-friendly, cruelty-free, made with recycled packaging that is also recyclable, and a percentage of sales goes to Women’s Community Shelters. Our high-quality, environmentally friendly, socially responsible and sustainable products tick all the boxes – and they work. A great skin product that nourishes and protects your skin while knowing you’re making a difference. Wotsnottolove?” WotNot CEO Sinead Roberts
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS ALL-NATURAL ZINC SUNSCREEN + BB CREAM
Flawless coverage PROTECTS AND PERFECTS
✔︎ Lightweight and non-greasy
✔︎ Full mineral makeup
Eco-friendly
✔︎ Zinc oxide shield against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning)
✔︎ Vegan plant collagen – clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
✔︎ Reef-friendly sun protection
✔︎ Toxin-free formula
✔︎ Certified organic ingredients
Benefits of this awesome product include:
✔︎ Zinc oxide active
✔︎ TGA approved
✔︎ Provides broad spectrum protection against UV-A and UV-B
✔︎ No artificial preservative – our preservative is approved by the ACO (Australian Certified Organic) organisation
✔︎ Ideal for people with sensitive skin
✔︎ Beautiful texture, no separation formula and easy to apply
If, like me, you’ve been searching for the perfect broad-spectrum sun cream makes your daily skincare routine so easy and you skin look like something outta a flashy mag, then this is my gift to you!
On Monday we went on an adventure. The kind of adventure we’ve all spent the past two years longing for. The kind of adventure you beam throughout and realise at the end of the day, your smile hasn’t budged an inch. We went flying through the Dandenong Ranges on board the world famous Puffing Billy Railway.
I often wonder what memories my children will have of their childhood. Having moved about a fair bit, I wonder if certain places have felt more like home than others. Have we spent enough time making those moments that will be cherished for years to come? You know the ones. The ones they’ll jump to relive with their children!
With my legs hanging over the side of Puffing Billy, the smoke billowing past and enthusiastic ferns waving us by, I looked across to the children. We were in the throes of life long memory making right there and none of us knew it! We were too busy watching the countryside flying past, waving at dog walkers, pointing out kookaburras and laughing at our feet dangling over the pristinely preserved carriage sides as we crossed trestle bridges and passed long ago landslides.
Since 1900, Australia’s premier preserved steam railway has transported over 11 million passengers through the magnificent landscapes and lush greenery of the Dandenong Ranges, and for more than 100 of those years, Puffing Billy Railway has shared a truly iconic experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world – sitting on the sill of the traditional open-side carriages with your legs hanging out!
Sitting on the sills with your legs ‘overboard’ is a truly magnificent way to travel no matter your age.
“This is a one in a lifetime experience”
We took flight on the 11:15am train from Belgrave and travelled to Lakeside, where the new visitor centre stands proud in amongst the glory of the rainforest, and rightly so! This brand new centre is home to an incredible (spotlessly clean) café, gift shop, local art and the museum which cannot be missed! We loved discovering the steam artefacts and learning about the rich history of Puffing Billy before buying our own body weight in lollies from the gift shop! I quietly wished I had been around in the old days to enjoy First Class and the sumptuous trolley service!
The wonderful thing about landing at Lakeside is you have so much at your fingertips to enjoy. If you love exploring the outdoors, this is the place for you, with magnificent walking trails, swimming (during summer), paddle boats on Lake Treganowan and bike hire at COG Bikes . Now that’s an adventure we’re keen on!! Yes! You can jump off the train and on to two wheels. Simply book your trail bike or ebike, collect them once you arrive, and off you go, even deeper into the Dandenong Ranges at your own speed (or that of your fastest child!). I can almost hear the Kookaburras as I type.
‘Combine your Puffing Billy Train Trip or your visit to Emerald Lake Park with bike hire allowing you to explore the surrounds of Emerald Lake Park on the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail that runs along Puffing Billy between Emerald and Gembrook.‘ COG Bike Hire
I know you’re thinking.. Wow! Hungry work!! Well, do not despair! We picked up a delicious picnic at the visitors centre which we devoured. This is a fab option for those of you who, like me, love a picnic if it’s made by someone else. This was mega! We had an Adults picnic for 2 and a Kids picnic for 2 which gave us a feast!! We enjoyed a banquet of baguettes, cakes, brownies, yoghurt, fruit salad, cheesy scrolls and freshly made salad with dressing! We even had some leftovers for the car ride home!
If you’re looking for a school holiday adventure, you’re visiting Melbourne and want a truly Victorian treat, or you’re on the lookout for a Spring time Saturday afternoon activity, you must head to Puffing Billy Railway!
“Roll up, roll up!” The fastest growing family circus spectacular – CIRCUS : The Show – is heading back to Melbourne for an incredible return to the stage, as part of a trailblazing new festival hub right near Queen Victoria market, for Melbourne Fringe 2022! Who’s excited?
CIRCUS is an Australian trailblazer in children’s entertainment featuring world-class illusions, tumbling acrobats, highly skilled jugglers, breath-taking and elegant aerialists, comedy and an endearing clown. The show has received countless 5 star reviews as well as winning the award of Best Children’s Show at Adelaide Fringe.
Following a sell-out debut season at the 2021 Adelaide Fringe, overwhelming demand for tickets at the Melbourne Comedy Festival – which saw the entire 16 performance season sell-out in just two days – PLUS ground-breaking seasons at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide and both Theatre Royal and Princess Theatre in Tasmania – the latest return to Melbourne is bringing with it a star-studded cast that’s simply not to be missed!
For the return Melbourne performances, CIRCUS’s Ringmaster will be played by Magnus Danger Magnus of Showmen Productions – one of Australia’s most prominent touring circus companies (The Greatest Magic Show, Adults Only Magic Show, CIRCUS); while the clowning talents of Simon Wright will be on full display in a range of hilarious stunts including climbing completely inside a gigantic 6FT BALLOON! Simon has just completed an invitation-only residency at the famed Philippe Gaulier clowning school and is one of the most famed clowning talents in Australia!
This season will also star several high-class Melbourne-based performers; including aerialist and hula-hoop extraordinaire, Chelsea Angell, who will be presenting her energetic and unique aerial performances of grace and beauty while keeping everyone fully captivated with hula-hooping tricks you will have to see to believe!
Also joining them is Bavo Delbeke, an urban circus legend from the Norway who brings his energetic experimental style of circus in a completely unique display of basketball juggling which has graced halftime performances at NBA games in the States; alongside one of Australia’s top jugglers – Richard Sullivan – who was trained by the best in the world in Stockholm, Sweden before returning to Australia to star in shows produced by companies including Circus Oz, YUMMY, Circus Trick Tease and now Showmen Productions!
‘CIRCUS brings together years of experience and skill in the industry. We have some of the most talented family circus performers on the Fringe circuit on board to help teach children the importance of celebrating difference. The show concludes with a powerful message to always embrace your weirdness and never lose sight of your dreams – no matter how wild!’ –CIRCUS producer and performer Sam Hume
“What you have experienced keeps you smiling, wondering and shaking your head long after the show is over!” The Advertiser ★★★★
“This is definitely a winner in family entertainment!” GLAM Adelaide ★★★★★
“A punchy 60-minute fun ride full of thrills, spills, gasps and laughter” The Clothesline ★★★★★
“The Greatest Circus Show Around!” KIDDO Magazine
Showmen Productions – the creative team behind CIRCUS and The Greatest Magic Show! – have toured to the Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Edinburgh Fringes to critically acclaimed reviews and sell-out seasons in all cities.
Make sure you and the fam don’t miss what promises to be one hell of an extravaganza!!!
All the details!
WHERE
Runaway Festival Hub – Near Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent + The Vault
WHEN
Saturday 8 Oct, 11:30am & 3:00pm – The Vault Sunday 9 Oct, 11:30am & 3:00pm – The Vault
Yassss! It’s almost the end of term three and the start of school holidays and that can only mean one thing! It’s time for a trip to Puffing Billy Railway ! It’s the perfect time to get outside, keep the kids moving and exploring, and make family memories that will last a lifetime.
Start your outdoor adventure on board Australia’s favourite steam train as you all dangle your legs from Puffing Billy’s traditional open-side carriages; a truly iconic experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Feel the wind in your hair and watch the trees pass by in front of your feet as the train winds through the most magnificent scenery of the Dandenong Ranges, only one hour from Melbourne. This is truly magnificent and the kids will love it!
From Monday 26th September to Sunday 2nd October, passengers travelling to Lakeside Station will discover a free spring-themed arts and crafts activity zone at the Lakeside Visitor Centre for little ones to enjoy. You can also stop in at the Centre’s free Lakeside Hall Museum, home to a collection of steam artefact displays, including Puffing Billy Railway’s first ever locomotive, 3A, and also see the ‘Animal Tales’ photographic exhibition currently on show from award-winning artist Karen Alsop.
Once you’re all puffed out, take a seat at the Railway Café and choose from a range of tasty treats to indulge in, like satisfyingly crunchy baguettes, sweet and puffy Danishes, delicious beef and chicken burgers or even tender calamari.
The lakeside views are stunning and the perfect spot for a picnic before you take advantage of the various outdoor activities available in Emerald Lake Park. Families can hire a COG Bikes Australia bike and ride through the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail, jump aboard a paddleboat* to play on Lake Treganowan, visit to the Emerald Lake Model Railway & Miniature World* for a look at one of the largest model railways in Australia, or take to one of seven walking tracks through the lush green foliage of the precinct, with plenty more picnic spots along the way.
Pre-book an adult or children’s picnic pack and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding manna gums, tall chestnut and oak trees, and blossoming tree ferns of the forest, before jumping back on board, legs out and all, for the return journey.
Passengers aged between 2 – 15 travelling on Friday 23rd September are encouraged to wear their favourite footy colours to celebrate the AFL Grand Final and redeem a special prize from the Lakeside Visitor Centre gift shop.
Train services available during the school holidays
Monday – Friday
10.00 am Belgrave to Lakeside return
11.15 am Belgrave to Lakeside return
2.15 pm Belgrave to Lakeside return
Saturday – Sunday
10.00 am Belgrave to Lakeside return
11.15 am Belgrave to Gembrook return*
12.20 pm Lakeside to Gembrook return*
12.45 pm Belgrave to Lakeside return
*Leg dangling is not permitted from the Lakeside to Gembrook section of the railway line. *Lakeside Paddle boats and the Emerald Lake Model Railway & Miniature World are operated by separate businesses. Entry fees apply.
About Puffing Billy Railway:
Puffing Billy Railway is Australia’s (and the Wilson’s) favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. The railway, which commenced operation in Australia on December 18, 1900, is a genuine relic of more leisurely days.
The historic steam train ran regularly in the Victorian mountain district and was built to serve at the turn of the century to transport goods and passengers throughout the district. The railway travels 24kms through the forests and fern gullies of the picturesque Dandenong Ranges to Emerald Lake Park and Gembrook – the original terminus of the line – and is one of only two survivors of five experimental narrow-gauge lines used to develop rural areas in Victoria during the early 1900s.
Over the next four days, this globally recognised fair will showcase works from 40 Australian and international galleries, featuring a variety of both emerging and established artists.
Affordable Art Fair is a great day out for the whole family, Mini Monets will be able to get hands on in interactive workshops at the Children’s Art Studio with free entry for those under the age of 16 when accompanied by an adult.
If you’re keen to get arty at home, you can download The (super fun) Affordable Art Fair kids’ activity packs here. Perfect for your little creatives!
Art aficionados will be able to browse and buy artworks, have their prized pieces wrapped onsite, and discover something new each day with all works rotated as they sell. A myriad of art forms will be available including painting, sculpture, installation, photography and limited-edition prints. With prices starting at $100 and capping at $10,000, there will be something to suit every taste, space and spend.
Helping to springboard the careers of emerging artists, exhibiting galleries include the Young Talent Victoria exhibition which will offer five local creatives under the age of 35 the chance to exhibit and sell new works to an excited and engaged audience. All artists are handpicked by Fair organisers with the aim of building their profiles and ultimately securing them representation by galleries and museums.
Dates and opening hours: • Thursday 1 September 2022, 12pm – 5pm (VIP preview) • Thursday 1 September 2022, 5pm – 9pm (Opening Night) • Friday 2 September 2022, 10am – 8pm • Saturday 3 September 2022, 10am – 5pm • Sunday 4 September 2022, 10am – 5pm Location: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (enter Door 17) Instagram: @affordableartfairau Facebook: @affordableartfairau
Exciting news today that none other than Shane Crawford is about to make his musical theatre debut in the role of the Pharaoh in the Australian premiere new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! Yes! You read that right! It’s time to get excited!!
Tim Lawson in association with Michael Harrison and The Really Useful Group are thrilled to announce that AFL legend, Shane Crawford will star exclusively as the Pharaoh, in this dazzling new production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, for the strictly limited Melbourne season.
Shane will join an all-star Australian cast that includes Euan Fistrovic Doidge (Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen of the Desert) as Joseph, and Paulini (The Bodyguard, Australian Idol)as The Narrator. Enjoyed by over 30 million people worldwide, this reimagined, feel-good musical is sure to enchant new audiences and longstanding fans alike.
Shane Crawford will play the Pharaoh. Photo Credit – Chris Pavlich Photography
Shane Crawford has a truly diverse and remarkable career which includes his decorated AFL career, his wide-ranging television background, as an author and for his work as an ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia. This will be Shane’s first role in a major theatre production, adding to an already impressive career.
“To be offered an opportunity like this is amazing. I have done so many different things in my sporting and media career, but I have never performed in a musical, and I can’t wait! To be given the chance to be on stage, working with so many talented performers, entertaining an audience will be a huge buzz. Playing the role of the Pharaoh in this new production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is going to be fun – and a little daunting. Bring on the rehearsals!” Shane Crawford
THE AUSTRALIAN CAST
Shane Crawfordis one of the AFL’s most marketable players, with a successful 16-year career at Hawthorn Football Club, he is one of the few players who has made a seamless transition into life in the media. The charismatic premiership player has demonstrated a range of talent that has won him many fans, with his quick wit, empathy with a wide audience, and natural ease on camera.
Having had a long association with Channel Nine as a key member of the Footy Show, Shane has been a presenter on the Today Show, Sport Sundayand Postcards. In addition, Shane joined the fifth season of Australian Ninja Warrior 2021sharing the hosting and sideline commentary duties.
In 2019, Shane appeared in I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!on the Ten Network and exited the Jungle in third place.
Shane is an ambassador for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). In 2010, Crawf – as he is affectionately known – completed an amazing feat to make Aussies proud, walking from Adelaide to Melbourne to raise money and awareness for BCNA. That’s What I’m Walkin’ About lasted 12 days, raised $620,000, and saw Shane run back onto The Footy Show set through streets lined with supporters dressed in pink. In 2013, Shane raised more than $1.3 million for BCNA after riding 3,600 kilometres from Melbourne to Perth in 22 days on his marathon Tour de Crawf. Shane is also an ambassador for Just Like Jack.
Euan Fistrovic Doidge as Joseph. Photo Credit – Chris Pavlich Photography
Euan Fistrovic Doidge is well known to Australian audiences having starred as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever, Felicia in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and as Marius in Les Misérables. He was the youngest ever nominee for the ‘Helpmann Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical’ for his performance in A Chorus Line. Euan has also appeared in many other musicals including Fun Home, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Pippin, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde and Grease. In 2014 Euan released his debut album Let It Sing. Euan is currently appearing in the national tour of Cruel Intentions.
Paulini as The Narrator from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Credit – Chris Pavlich Photography
Fijian born songstress Paulini rose to fame through the first season of Australian Idol, making it through to the final four. Post Idol Paulini rose to the top of the Australian ARIA Charts with her debut Platinum album ‘One Determined Heart’ and her Platinum smash single ‘Angel Eyes’, both hitting the #1 spot and receiving Aria Number 1 Chart Awards.
Paulini went on to become a part of the chart-topping group the Young Divas, who had two top 10 albums and two top 10 singles. On the stage Paulini played the lead role as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard Musical, was a lead vocalist in Saturday Night Fever, and played Dionne in the 50th Anniversary of Hair the Musical. Paulini returned to television in 2019 in the hit show The Masked Singer, and more recently appeared on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, where fans fell in love with her again for her voice and sincerity.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Released as a concept album in 1969, the stage version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals. The multi-award-winning show, which began life as a small-scale school concert, has been performed hundreds of times in over 80 countries worldwide. The show features songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door to Me, Jacob and Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go Go Go Joseph.
Told entirely through song with the help of The Narrator, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat follows the story of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his eleven brothers. After being sold into slavery by the brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled showman, the Pharaoh. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s famine, he becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man and eventually reunites with his family.
“A rip-roaring Joseph for the 21st century” – The Sun, UK
“This is a dream of a production. Go, go, go” – The Stage, UK
“A musical firing on all cylinders . . every performance oozespersonality and mischief” – The Guardian, UK
Most recently the Pharaoh has been played by Jason Donovan in this production at the London Palladium and he can still be seen in the role on the current UK tour of the production.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. The production is directed by Laurence Connor (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock), choreographed by Joann M Hunter (School of Rock), with music supervision by John Rigby. The creative team includes Morgan Large (Set and Costume Designer), Ben Cracknell (Lighting Designer), Gareth Owen (Sound Designer) and Richard Mawbey (Hair, Wigs & Makeup Design).
In Melbourne from November, playing at the Regent Theatre, for a strictly limited season.
“What a blast … triumphantly reborn”–Evening Standard, London
Get excited Dog Lovers as the southern hemisphere’s largest doggy-dedicated event returns to Sydneythis upcoming weekend (Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th August) at the Sydney Showground.
One of the pandemic’s surprise legacies has been the unprecedented surge in pet ownership, soaring more than 60% since 2019. In terms of paws on the floor, an estimated 30.4 million furry friends are currently keeping owners company across the country, including one million new dogs welcomed into Aussie homes in the last two years*.
With so many new pet owners across the country, the return of the award-winning Dog Lovers Show to Sydney Showground this winter – headlined by Australia’s beloved TV vet Dr Chris Brown – couldn’t be better timed.
“Anyone who loves dogs deeply and wants to better understand their pets will be rewarded by attending the Sydney Dog Lovers Show this August. The timing is perfect to provide thousands of ‘pandemic pet parents’ with trusted, reliable information from the country’s most trusted pet experts. Many new dog owners had been thinking of welcoming a new pup and the pandemic gave them the time to be actively present at home to ‘on-board’ the pooch they have dreamed of for so long.” Show Founder and CEO, Jason Humphris
Over one jam-packed weekend, you can meet and interact with over 800 beautiful dogs, representing more than 100 breeds. (That’s a lotta doggies) The Show’s iconic program has been re-invigorated to cater for a new wave of new dog owners with essential tips on training, nutrition, separation anxiety, puppy proofing, canine mental health and overall wellbeing.
For the first time since 2018, Dr Chris Brown will return to the Sydney Dog Lovers Show presenting inspirational and educational talks twice daily. Joining Dr Chris Brown in his Sydney hometown is iconic TV vet, Dr Katrina Warren, who will be presenting live demonstrations in the Vitapet Arena with animal training extraordinaire Kelly Gill and The Wonderdogs – who are set to ast-hound onlookers with a slew of new tricks. Crowds will also be wowed by the new ‘K9 Ninja Championships‘ show which will see dogs work their way through a wild obstacle course hosted by Big Brother star, Dave Graham.
So what’s on at the show?
Over 30 free educational talks will be hosted each day across the PETstock Stage and PETspot Ask-The-Breeder Stage, by some of Australia’s leading dog and animal experts including Lara Shannon and Rose Horton.
Some of the nation’s biggest canine social media stars will strut their stuff on the PETstock Stage red carpet, while the NSW Police Force Dog and Mounted Command present an awe-inspiring live demonstration each day.
Outside, the crowd-favourite Black Hawk DockDogs will make a splash with Big Air, Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieval competitions as a team of talented canines launch themselves off a raised dock and into a 100,000-litre pool.
Meanwhile, the remarkable pups at Australian Working Dog Rescuewill soar to new heights in the Extreme High Jump competition and herd real-life sheep in the Sheepdog Speed Trials.
Visitors keen to take a break from all the action can unwind in the Pet House Pat A-Pooch Zone, providing a safe and comfortable space to get up close and ‘pawsonal’ with dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Budding pet owners can meet dozens of pups looking for fur-ever homes in the PETstock Adoption Zone, with an A-Z of breeds to explore throughout the massive PETspot Breed Showcase.
From dog-friendly clothing to puppy retreats and bespoke kennels, Australia’s biggest canine supermarket will boast stacks of new products and exclusive show specials. Those looking to strengthen their paw-renting knowledge will also have access to the country’s leading emergency vets and nurses at the SASH stand, offering tips for raising happy and healthy pets.
Future fur-parents can discover the best breed to suit their home and lifestyle in the Bow Wow Meow Perfect Match Zone with dozens of giant Breed Information Posters and a free ‘K9 matching’ survey.
Kids can channel their favourite breed in the Animal Welfare League’s new Kids Zone with Free Doggy Face Painting and the chance to snap show memories in the new Glitter Selfie Wall.
Victoria’s iconic steam railway presents a must-see travelling light show spectacular this winter.
Get rugged up in your warmest winter woollies these school holidays and experience the magic of Puffing Billy Railway at night with the Train of Lights; a mesmerising train travelling light show and the first of its kind in Australia!
From Friday 24th June – Sunday 10th July 2022, the Train of Lights will take passengers on a return journey that departs from Lakeside Station to Gembrook, immersing guests in bright colours, hypnotic patterns, and native wild animal projections that leap from open-side carriages and onto the passing dark Wright Forest, historic timber trestle bridges, and open rolling hills of the Gembrook countryside.
Partnering up with acclaimed lighting specialists, Resolution X (White Night, VAMFF), this special evening experience is the perfect way to view the Dandenong Ranges from a different dimension as the passing forest and open farmlands transform into a Technicolor feast for the eyes.
With the journey beginning at Lakeside, passengers will have the chance to explore the new Lakeside Visitor Centre and all its state-of-the-art amenities, including the Puffing Billy Railway Lakeside Hall museum, licensed Railway Café, and unique gift shop.
Ticketholders wanting to make a day of it can visit the Emerald Lake Park precinct early to enjoy the photographic art exhibition, Animal Tales, inside the visitor centre, before stopping in at the Railway Café for some dinner ahead of their Train of Lights trip.
Once arriving at Gembrook Station, passengers will enjoy a 55-minute stopover, where they can warm up by the open fire with a hot chocolate and other winter warmers and capture a quintessential selfie of the lit-up train and station.
Pairing Puffing Billy Railway’s iconic whistle with a rainbow of dazzling lights that play on the surrounding scenery, the Train of Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all to enjoy.
For those parents looking to keep the kids busy throughout the day during the mid-year break, Puffing Billy Railway’s general excursion trains depart daily from Belgrave to Menzies Creek and Belgrave to Lakeside. With two daily services on offer, passengers can choose to visit the Menzies Creek Museum or stop and enjoy the Lakeside Visitor Centre, Emerald Lake Park, and the many outdoor activities in the surrounding precinct, including hiring a bike and taking to the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail, or jumping in the paddleboats on Lake Treganowan for a peddle around the lake.
Here’s a little more about Puffing Billy Railway:
Puffing Billy Railway is Australia’s favourite steam train and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. The railway, which commenced operation in Australia on December 18, 1900, is a genuine relic of more leisurely days.
The historic steam train ran regularly in the Victorian mountain district and was built to serve at the turn of the century to transport goods and passengers throughout the district. The railway travels 24kms through the forests and fern gullies of the picturesque Dandenong Ranges to Emerald Lake Park and Gembrook – the original terminus of the line – and is one of only two survivors of five experimental narrow-gauge lines used to develop rural areas in Victoria during the early 1900s.
Look out folks, an awesome, activity-based experience is already underway at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne and if you’re not Ninja fast you’re gonna miss out!
Until the 25th April uber Ninja, mentor and leader, Master Wu, is opening the doors to his exclusive Ninja Training Camp as he looks to train and recruit a new crew to join his Ninja team.
LEGO® NINJAGO® is under threat and Master Wu needs more Ninjas than ever to help save LEGO® NINJAGO® from the evil forces that threaten it’s very existence. Young Ninjas can enroll to attend LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne, join the Ninja Training Camp and level up their Ninja skills to master the six Ninja virtues – courage, balance, honesty, generosity, curiosity and wisdom.
Your kids are going to have so much fun as they adventure through a series of exciting challenges! The new recruits will be taken on a journey to prove their Ninja skills and make it into Master Wu’s elite team of Ninja:
Level Up BALANCE – Make your own Ninja stop motion video
Level Up HONESTY – Make a pledge to be truthful
Level Up GENEROSITY – Build a unique gift for Master Wu
Level Up CURIOSITY – Join the Ninja hunt and search MINILAND for our missing Ninjas
Level Up WISDOM – Show quick thinking and play our Ninja Bingo
“The journey to Ninja mastery continues, and we are excited to bring Master Wu’s Training Camp to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne. Focusing on the six Ninja virtues – courage, balance, generosity, curiosity, honesty and wisdom – the children will be immersed in a real-life LEGO® NINJAGO® master class, an exciting Training Camp Experience, helping to train the body, heart and mind and to help save LEGO® NINJAGO® from looming threat. We can’t wait to open the doors to our Master Wu Training Camp and inspire kids to experience the values that LEGO NINJAGO represents and create some fun memories at the same time.” ” General Manager Katie Isaac.
Take your kids to this exclusive event and see them revel in an engaging, enjoyable and rewarding experience that will leave them bursting with a fantastic sense of accomplishment. They will earn a Ninja certificate, a Ninja headband, and a virtual gift from Master Wu. Plus, as part of the entry into the LEGO® NINJAGO® experience, guests can go on to enjoy everything else within the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre too. We’re IN!!!! Who’s coming??
The Wilsons of Oz 