In the Rutherglen Weekly

• News from Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre 
  • Tastes of Rutherglen 2025 tickets now on sale
  • Main Street Late Night Christmas Shopping
  • Shop Local Promotion
  • Aqua Aerobics at Rutherglen Pool
  • Studio P4 presents Exploration 
• Chiltern Visitor Information Centre Update
  • Arthur Hull at Star Hotel Barnawartha
• Tourism News
  • Take part in the Tourism Strategy Survey

News from Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre

Hello all,

This week the warm and sunny weather has sparked increased interest in bike rentals and outdoor exploration along our scenic walking tracks. With temperatures expected to rise further next week -  especially on Monday - please don't forget that Rutherglen has a number of Cool Relief Centres providing refuge for people during extreme heat conditions. Click here for a full list of Cool Relief Centres. 

Rutherglen's Main Street has been decked out with Christmas cheer, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the community Christmas decoration committee, who worked alongside volunteers from the local State Emergency Service (SES). It's fantastic to see community spirit and enthusiasm for the holiday season.

We are compiling a comprehensive guide to restaurant, cafe, and winery opening hours during the Christmas and New Year period. Business owners please, please submit your operating hours for the period of Monday 23 December through to Wednesday 1 January 2025 to Nadine Simpson at nadine.simpson@indigoshire.vic.gov.au. This information will be compiled into a convenient handout we will distribute to visitors who drop in to the Rutherglen Information Centre.

Temporary Email Disruption: Our email addresses info@explorerutherglen.com.au and nadine@explorerutherglen.com.au are currently unavailable. For any inquiries, please contact our friendly staff at the Information Centre on 1800 622 871

Wishing everyone a joyful and festive fortnight ahead!

Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre team

Tastes of Rutherglen

Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Tastes of Rutherglen. 

Winemakers of Rutherglen is thrilled to offer a special local's weekend pass at the incredible price of just $10. To unlock this exclusive discount, visit or call either the Rutherglen or Corowa Visitor Information Centres, where friendly staff will provide you with a unique discount code.

• Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre: (02) 6033 6306
• Corowa Visitor Information Centre: (02) 6033 3221 (Please note: Centre closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

Additional event information, including posters and brochures, is available at the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre.

Main Street Late Night Christmas Shopping

Thursday 19 December 
Until 7:30pm

The Main Street traders are extending their hours for late-night shopping, offering a convenient solution for those seeking last-minute gifts. Local shops will remain open until approximately 7:30pm, providing extra time for shoppers to find the perfect present. 

Corowa is also hosting a festive late-night shopping evening on the same date, so why not turn your gift shopping into a fun night out? 

Shop Local in December Promotion

Thursday 19 December 
Until 7:30pm

The Shop Local Promotion is running from now until Monday 23 December, encouraging customers to shop locally for a chance to win a fabulous Christmas hamper filled with goodies from Rutherglen businesses. Participating is easy: 

1. Ask your customers to fill in their name and phone number on the entry forms provided to participating businesses. 

2. Collect their entries in a jar, bowl, or bag at your store. Entries close end of day on Monday 23 December - please drop your entries in to Marion at Pickled Sisters if you can! 

3. The more customers shop locally, the more chances they have to win! 

If you’d like to contribute to the Christmas hamper, please drop off your item(s) at Pickled Sisters, or give Marion a call, and she will happily collect them from you. 0437 359 249

Aqua Aerobics at Rutherglen Pool

Rutherglen Pool
High Street, Rutherglen 

Rutherglen’s popular Aqua Aerobics program is back for another season at the Rutherglen Pool and there’s been a great turn out at the first few sessions.

Join in on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:15pm for the one-hour classes which are ideal for anyone undergoing rehabilitation, looking for resistance training, is pregnant, senior or beginning their fitness journey. Classes are $10 each.

Studio P4 presents Exploration

Studio P4
3 Sheridans Bridge Road, Rutherglen
Now until Sunday 19 January 
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays only
12:00pm - 4:00pm

Local Rutherglen residents Toni Harris and Kerrie Ware present Exploration, an exhibition offering appealing, unique and affordable artworks, including photography and mixed media.

The exhibition begins Sunday 8 December and will open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays through to Sunday 19 January (or by appointment if required). Cash sales only please.

Contact Kerrie Ware via email kezza22@hotmail.com to arrange an appointment outside these hours.

Image credit: Kerrie Ware

Chiltern Visitor Information Centre Update

Hello everyone,

This week we welcomed Nat Ord to Conness Street with her new premises "Nat Ord Studio and Gallery", offering fine art photography, hand-carved spoons and gifts. Situated in the historic Grapevine Hotel, call in and find that special something for someone who has everything. Welcome Nat! 

Secret Baby Squirrel will be popping up at the Lions Kiosk on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 December. Browse a range of gorgeous children's clothing and toys and grab something special for Christmas.

Don’t forget – our team is here to assist you with creating or renewing your Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) website business listing. Once again, Council is subsidising the cost of renewal for your ATDW business listing, normally $295. To receive your promo code or if you need any help, please contact the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre on 02 6033 6306.

Have a fantastic weekend.

Chiltern Visitor Information Centre Team

Arthur Hull at the Star Hotel Barnawartha

Star Hotel Barnawartha
25 High Street, Barnawartha
Sunday 15 December
2:00pm - 5:00pm

Fresh from The Voice Australia's 2024 season, join singer Arthur Hull for a laid back afternoon performing some of his favourite songs, from Billy Joel to Bruno Mars.

Tourism News

Take part in the Tourism Strategy Survey

Council is developing Indigo’s new Tourism Strategy, which will guide the direction and performance of tourism in each of our tourism destinations. Your input is very important and informs the strategic priorities and direction for Indigo and your town for the next 5 - 10 years.  Please hit the button below to share your inputs and priorities. Feedback closes Friday 20 December. This survey is the first step in the process and you will see more opportunities to provide input and insights during 2025.