In this update 

• News from Yackandandah Visitor Information Centre
• What's On in Yack
  • Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham at Yackandandah Public Hall
  • Yackandandah Lions Club Market
  • Tom Waters and Geoff Achison at Star Hotel
  • Backwoods Distilling Co Fourth Birthday
  • Colin Buchanan at Star Hotel
• News from Beechworth Visitor Information Centre
• What's On in Beechworth  
  • Valentine's Weekend Degustation at The Farm Restaurant, Glenbosch Wine Estate
  • The Smith & Western Jury and Hana & Jessie-Lee's Bad Habits
  • Beechworth Farmers Market
  • Spring Ditch
  • Weathercraft Wines Pop-Up at Vino Bar
• Tourism News
  • Regional Events Fund - Stream 2 
  • Tourism North East's February Forum

• Local Business Group Links

From Yackandandah Visitor Information Centre

Hello Yackandandah, 

Please join us in wishing Gary and Samm all the best as they announce their goodbye from The Guard. Over the last two and a half years, they've been a source of delicious treats, early morning pick-me-ups, and a warm, welcoming space for the community to come together. Their final day of trading will be Friday 28 February, so make sure to stop by for one last fix before then. 

Congratulations to Backwoods Distilling Co for officially racking up four years at their distillery door! To mark the occasion, join the celebration on Saturday 22 February with live music, great food, and of course, fabulous drinks that will keep everyone in good spirits!

The 28th Yackandandah Folk Festival is just over a month away. We're in for an incredible weekend, with performances from talented local, national, and international musicians. It’s a huge event for our town and a vibrant reminder of what an amazing host the Yackandandah community truly is.

If your business is not featured on the official Yackandandah website, please reach out and speak to us about your inclusion - it’s free of charge! Our team is here to assist you with creating or renewing your Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) website business listing. If you need any help, please contact the centre on (02) 6027 1988 or info@exploreyackandandah.com.au

Have a wonderful fortnight. 

The Yackandandah Visitor Information Centre Team

What's On in Yack

Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham

Yackandandah Public Hall
36 High Street, Yackandandah
Saturday 15 February 
7:00pm

Don’t miss folk/country duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham live in concert. Known for their down to earth style and world-class musicianship, this intimate performance is sure to stir your heart and inspire joy. Be among the first to hear new songs off their forthcoming album, along with fan favourites from their Golden Guitar-winning album Birdsong, and their ARIA-nominated debut album The Song Club.

Yackandandah Lions Club Market

13 Wellsford Street, Yackandandah
Sunday 16 February 
9:00am - 1:00pm

Come and enjoy a selection of the region's finest produce and products ranging from olives, hand crafted soaps and candles to wines, plants, clothing, jewellery and more.

Proudly facilitated by the Yackandandah Lions Club, be sure to grab a bacon and egg roll from their volunteer-run barbeque while you are there.

Tom Waters and Geoff Achison

Star Hotel
30 High Street, Yackandandah
Friday 21 February 
7:00pm - 10:00pm

UK saxophone prodigy Tom Waters and iconic Australian guitarist Geoff Achison join forces to present a unique showcase of blues, country, rock and funky jazz. Both artists bring their own catalogues of original music to the project and will play them alongside some classic blues and roots gems in a celebration of their amazing musical talents.

Backwoods Distilling Co Fourth Birthday

Backwoods Distilling Co
6 Turntable Lane, Yackandandah
Saturday 22 February 
4:00pm - 7:00pm

Four years ago, Backwoods Distilling Co opened its distillery door in Yackandandah. Since then, the team has welcomed thousands of visitors, shared countless stories and drinks, and become part of the fabric of Yack. So - they're throwing a birthday party to celebrate this milestone, and you’re invited!

• Live music by Matt Sier (4:00pm - 7:00pm)
• Tu Vietnamese food truck (4:00pm until sold out)
• Special margarita-style cocktails for World Margarita Day

Come raise a glass and toast to four incredible years in the heart of Yackandandah. 

Colin Buchanan

Star Hotel
30 High Street, Yackandandah
Friday 28 February 
7:30pm - 9:45pm

Colin Buchanan takes songs from his five-time Golden Guitar nominated album "Memory Town" out for a series of intimate concerts across Australia. With nine Golden Guitars, ARIA and APRA awards to his name, along with his Country Music Roll of Renown induction, Colin brings his songs and storytelling to the people and places of the bush that have been his inspiration.

From Beechworth Visitor Information Centre

Hello Beechworth, 

Congratulations to Beechworth Honey co-founder Jodie Goldsworthy on being appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM). Discover more about her fascinating journey here.

Last Street Brewery (formally Billsons) is kicking off its exciting new chapter (and name!) with great success. The historic brewery remains open daily from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, while the restaurant and bar are ready to welcome you and your guests Thursday through Monday, also from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.

The autumn events season is just around the corner for our vibrant region!

With a range of fantastic events coming up over the next few months, mark your calendars, secure your tickets, and ready your tourism businesses to harness high visitation. Please reach out if you are an accommodation provider with availabilities - we anticipate lots of enquiries.

• Saturday 1 March: Spring Ditch!
• Friday 21 - Sunday 23 March: The High Country Hop
• Friday 21 - Sunday 23 March: The Yackandandah Folk Festival
• Friday 4 - Sunday 6 April: Beechworth Granite Classic
• Friday 18 - Monday 21 April: Beechworth Golden Horseshoes Festival

If your tourism business is not featured on the official Beechworth website, please reach out and speak to us about your inclusion - it’s free of charge! Contact us at the Visitor Information Centre on info@explorebeechworth.com.au 1300 366 321 and don’t forget to download the Victoria's High Country App

Take care, 

The Beechworth Visitor Information Centre Team

What's On in Beechworth

Valentine's Weekend Seven Course Degustation

Glenbosch Wine Estate
1036 Beechworth-Wangaratta Road, Beechworth
Friday 14 and Saturday 15 February

Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with an exclusive seven course degustation at Glenbosch Wine Estate?

Join in for two unforgettable nights where Chef Chris will take you on a culinary journey, perfectly paired with exceptional wines and spirits.

Limited seats available - book now (it's almost here!) - to make this Valentine's Day truly special.

The Smith & Western Jury / Hana & Jessie-Lee's Bad Habits

Tanswells Hotel
50 Ford Street, Beechworth
Saturday 22 February
8:00pm

The Smith & Western Jury is a Melbourne/Naarm-based four-piece, currently showcasing their unmistakable sound via The Devil Knows Where I Sleep Summer Tour 2025.

The tour follows their recently released debut album, Hotel Texas, which was named ABC Country's Album of the Week. Blending Americana and traditional country influences, Hotel Texas has received widespread praise for its raw authenticity and heartfelt emotion.

Supporting them in Beechworth will be Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits. Entry is free. 

Beechworth Farmers Market

Christ Church
Corner of Ford and Church Streets, Beechworth
Saturday 1 March 
8:00am - 12:00pm

The Beechworth Farmers Market is held on the first Saturday of every month and specialises in a great variety of fresh, local produce.

Come by and have a chat with passionate growers and producers of the region, pick up some fresh local produce or grab a bite to eat from one of the many food stalls.

Spring Ditch

Stanley Sports Ground
Pioneer Road, Stanley
Saturday 1 March

Spring Ditch is a perfect day of family fun, food and music with friends, nestled in the shade of regal gum trees. 

Musical guests this year are afrobeat all-stars Afrobiotics, the dreamy psych vibes of Magic Bean Guillotine, rollicking rock and bad ass blues with Minnie & The Moonrakers, high energy dynamos Lucey and young and powerful local singer-songwriter Samara Bright. Legendary local party engineer DJ Jane Doe will also be spinning the decks, and silver-tongued MC John Walker will keep everyone up to date and entertained. 

A huge range of old school events and activities are on offer for the whole family, including Kid’s Olympics, Highland Games, Wellbeing, Chainsaw Art, Cricket and Tennis, Arts and Craft, Competitions, Memorabilia, Roving Performer Tully and so much more. 

A shuttle bus from Beechworth to Stanley and back will run regularly throughout the day.

Weathercraft Wines Pop-Up at Vino Bar

Vino Bar
40 Ford Street, Beechworth
Thursdays and Fridays until 28 February 2025
11:00am - 4:00pm

Join Weathercraft winemaker Raquel Jones for a seated tasting at Vino Bar, every Thursday and Friday over the summer months. 

Paid tastings of either four or five wines are available, please click the button below for further details.

Walk-ins are welcome (you may be asked to wait if tables are occupied). Book your seat to avoid waiting or missing out.

Industry Support

Regional Events Fund - Stream 2

The Regional Events Fund (REF) has been established to attract and support events held in regional Victoria that bring visitors from outside the region, create job opportunities and contribute to the local visitor economy.

The REF provides grants of up to $500,000 to eligible entities with the aim of:

• increasing economic benefits by driving visitation from outside the region, and the State, and extending length of stay and yield
• showcasing Victoria's key regional tourism attributes and building Victoria's reputation as an events destination
• delivering strong benefits to the host region's community
• developing a sustainable calendar of regional events.

Applications close on Friday 28 March 2025.

Register now for Tourism North East's February Forum

Via Zoom
Tuesday 18 February 
10:00am - 11:30am

Join the team from Tourism North East for their first Industry Forum of 2025.

Hear from Tourism North East CEO, Bess Nolan-Cook, about current and emerging trends of tourism consumer behaviour in Victoria’s High Country.

You can take part in a group chat about the summer of 24/25 and get an update on what is coming up at Tourism North East in 2025.

Local Business Groups