No images? Click here
In this update
- Free Tourism Business and Event Listings
- From the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre
- What's On in
Rutherglen
Dark Side of Wine
Rutherglen Market
Social media workshop at Ka-Ching Coworking Space
North East Night at The Victoria Hotel
Corowa Freestylers PUBlic Choir at James & Co. Wines
Candlelight Concert at All Saints Estate
Mara Ripani workshops at Woodstock Flour
- From the Chiltern Visitor Information Centre
- What's On in Chiltern
Beechworth's Telegraph author talk with Leo Nette at Chiltern Courthouse
Chiltern Jam Session Weekend
- Industry News and Support
- Indigo Destination Management Plan 2026 - 2036
- Online workshop - Optimise your ATDW listing
- Share your story idea for the upcoming It's A High Country Thing 26/27 campaign
- Tourism North East August Industry Forum - Agritourism
Free Tourism Business & Event Listings
Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW)
AI is now picking up information from our ATDW-fed tourism websites, so it's more important than ever to make sure your ATDW listing is up-to-date and shining.
We can help you get listed for free and significantly boost your online visibility, reaching millions of people (really!) and at no cost.
Why list with ATDW?
You only need to create one FREE listing for your business or event and it will automatically appear on multiple sites and platforms including:
- australia.com
- visitvictoria.com
- victoriashighcountry.com.au
- explorerutherglen.com.au or
- explorechiltern.com.au
- Victoria's High Country App
- Indigo's What's On calendar
Ready to get started? Check out how to create your ATDW profile here. If you need any help, please call, or email us:
Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre
Email: info@explorerutherglen.com.au
Phone: 1800 622 871
From the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre
Hello everyone,
This week, we are celebrating the return of wine sales to the Rutherglen Wine Experience Centre. Following the granting of a Renewable Limited Liquor Licence, visitors to centre will once again be able to purchase wines from local producers, while learning more about the region's rich wine heritage and diverse cellar door experiences.
The steady flow of visitors to the centre over the past fortnight, has included travellers from Sydney, Melbourne, Northern NSW, Ballarat and Canberra seeking maps, local tips and bike hire - even on the cooler, rainy days.
Tickets for Dark Side of Wine are now live. Now in its third year, the festival program is packed with unique and memorable experiences, offering plenty of reasons to venture out and embrace the magic of Rutherglen in August.
Have a wonderful fortnight ahead.
Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre team
What's On in Rutherglen
Dark Side of Wine
Friday 7 through to Sunday 16 August, 2026
Rutherglen comes alive after dark with ten nights of firelight, candlelit experiences and immersive storytelling. Step inside a heritage castle for live performances, uncover a hidden cinema among Muscat barrels, or follow a mystery through atmospheric cellar doors. Indulge in rare back vintages, long-table dining and stargazing in crisp winter vineyards. Experiences are strictly limited and often sell out - tickets are sold individually by each venue.
Rutherglen Market
Lions Park
Douglas Street, Rutherglen
Sunday 12 July
8am - 1pm
Rug up and join the local stallholders at the vibrant Rutherglen Market, where everything is seasonal, regional and beautifully crafted. Held on the second Sunday of every month, this much-loved market brings together a lively mix of stallholders showcasing the very best in fresh produce, artisan goods and local creativity.
Social media workshop at Ka-Ching
Ka-Ching Coworking Space
104 Main Street, Rutherglen
Thursday 16 July
6pm - 8pm
Join the next workshop at Ka-Ching with Luke Morrison to learn all the tips and tricks on how to make great content for your business.
This hands-on session is designed for owners of small to medium size businesses wanting to lift the quality of their content creation, planning and scheduling. This isn't a theory class, you'll be walking away with real skills that you can action ASAP.
Your $70 ticket includes snacks. Get your ticket ASAP as spots are limited.
North East Night at The Victoria Hotel
90 - 94 Main Street, Rutherglen
Thursday 16 July
5.30pm - 8.30pm
Bringing the piano bar experience to Rutherglen, Paul Gibbs sets the tone with live music one Thursday each month from June to September. Settle in as the fires roar and the space comes alive.
Each month, Head Chef Brendan Anderson will curate a menu of specials inspired by a different North East producer, showcasing the region through thoughtfully crafted small plates and pairings.
Corowa Freestylers PUBlic Choir
James & Co. Wines
136 Main Street, Rutherglen
Wednesday 22 July
6.30pm - 8.30pm
Corowa Freestylers is bringing their PUBlic Choir to Rutherglen at James & Co. Wines.
Step into a lively and welcoming atmosphere and experience the joy of singing as part of a public choir. Whether you're a seasoned vocalist or simply love a good tune, you’ll be guided through learning a song together, before joining in on a couple of well-known favourites.
Entry is $10 per person at the door, with all proceeds going to Corowa Freestylers to continue to help community wellbeing through music.
Candlelight Concert at All Saints Estate
All Saints Estate
205 All Saints Road, Wahgunyah
Friday 7 August
5pm - 7.30pm
Seventeen Rutherglen wineries unite at All Saints Estate for a spectacular opening night of candlelight, music and premium wine experiences. Wander illuminated gardens, meet the makers and enjoy a curated street-style tasting before a live string quartet performs beneath the stars in a sea of candles. Set within the estate’s historic surrounds, this immersive evening blends world-class wine with a magical winter atmosphere. Launching ten nights of Dark Side of Wine, this flagship event is set to be a standout.
Mara Ripani workshops at Woodstock Flour
Pasta workshop and dinner with Mara Ripani
Saturday 8 August
4pm - 8pm
Join Woodstock Flour for a delicious, hands on pasta workshop with Mara Ripani. Mara is the effervescent teacher and facilitator behind Village Dreaming permaculture farm and cooking school in Blampied.
The workshop will finish with a delicious meal, a glass of local wine and Italian folk music. Pasta will be made with Woodstock Flour's organic, stoneground and freshly milled flours. Tickets are $150 per person.
Sourdough demo and author talk with Mara Ripani
Sunday 9 August
10am - 11.30am
The Baker's Percentage by Mara Ripani is a formula developed by bread bakers to allow them to create any bread. From a pure white sourdough to a hundred per cent whole wheat loaf. The book intertwines practical bread-baking know-how with stories from the author.
Tea, coffee and a delicious morning tea will be provided. Mara's book and Woodstock Flour's organic, stoneground flour will be available to purchase.
Tickets are $20 per person for admission only, or $60 per person for admission and a signed copy of The Baker's Percentage.
From the Chiltern Visitor Information Centre
Hello everyone,
It's great to see the sun shining again. The week of wet weather has seen the local waterfalls putting on quite the display, Lake Anderson is full again and the water birds are very happy.
Shannen & Steve's All Sports Bar & Grill has been attracting plenty of attention during the FIFA World Cup, quickly becoming a popular spot to catch the action. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal or drink, spend time with friends and family, and watch matches on the big screen. If you’re looking for somewhere to soak up the atmosphere, it’s well worth a visit.
Don’t forget, the information centre team is here to assist you to create or renew your Explore Chiltern business listing. Your listing on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) appears on our own Explore Chiltern website, as well as the official tourism pages for Victoria’s High Country and Visit Victoria. Just one listing on ATDW can help you reach an audience of millions. Please join us to help make Chiltern’s online presence richer and our town a must-visit destination.
Once again, your listing is totally free as Council is subsidising the cost of renewal (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 wonderful fortnight ahead.
The Chiltern Visitor Information Centre team
What's On in Chiltern
Beechworth's Telegraph author talk with Leo Nette
Chiltern Courthouse
58 Main Street, Chiltern
Saturday 11 July
2pm - 4pm
Join Leo Nette as he discusses his book Beechworth's Telegraph.
Discover how the telegraph transformed colonial Australia by linking goldfield towns and connecting our remote continent to the world.
Leo reveals the pivotal role of the Beechworth Telegraph Station, which marked the dawn of Australia’s modern telecommunications era.
Afternoon tea supplied. Gold coin donation appreciated. Please contact Lois Hotson to book on hotson@westnet.com.au or 0457 262 358.
Chiltern Jam Session Weekend
Saturday 18 July to Sunday 19 July
Chiltern comes alive with a vibrant weekend of jam sessions, open mic performances, pub choir and poetry readings. Musicians of all levels are invited to join the relaxed drop-in sessions or take the stage at the open mic, with venues across town offering a welcoming space to play and connect.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to share favourite tunes, showcase original work, enjoy great food and company, or simply sit back and take in the atmosphere. Between sessions, visitors can explore local businesses and enjoy the colourful yarn bombing along the Main Street.
Events
Please list your events on ATDW so they appear on this calendar. Your event will also appear on:
explorerutherglen.com.au
explorechiltern.com.au
victoriashighcountry.com.au
visitvictoria.com
If you require assistance, the Rutherglen Visitor Information Centre staff are happy to help.
Saturday 11 July - Beechworth's Telegraph author talk with Leo Nette
Sunday 12 July - Rutherglen Market
Thursday 16 July - Social media workshop at Ka-Ching Coworking Space
Thursday 16 July - North East Night at The Victoria Hotel
Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 July - Chiltern Jam Session Weekend
Tuesday 21 July - Neighbourhood Night at Grace
Wednesday 22 July - Corowa Freestylers PUBlic Choir at James & Co. Wines
Sunday 26 July - Roast for a Reason at The Victoria Hotel
Friday 31 July - Super Tuscan Friday at James & Co. Wines
Saturday 1 August - Music on the Murray at St Leonards Vineyard
Saturday 1 August - All Saints Estate Museum Dinner at KIN
Friday 7 to Sunday 16 August - Dark Side of Wine
Friday 7 August - Candlelight Concert at All Saints Estate
Friday 7 August - Chiltern Jam Night at Posh Plonk
Saturday 8 August - Mara Ripani pasta workshop and dinner at Woodstock Flour
Saturday 8 August - Legend and Lore Fireside Dinner at Lake Moodemere Estate
Sunday 9 August - Mara Ripani sourdough demo and author talk at Woodstock Flour
Sunday 9 August - Secret Cinema at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate
Friday 14 August - Legacy Dinner at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate
Saturday 15 August - L.J. Dinner at Jones Winery
Saturday 15 August - Dark and Perfect: A Century of Fortified at All Saints Estate
Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August - Chiltern Antiques Fair
Industry News and Support
Destination Management Plan 2026 - 2036
The Indigo Destination Management Plan 2026 - 2036 (DMP36) was adopted by Council on 30 June 2026. The DMP36 moves beyond traditional tourism management, towards a holistic regenerative approach. Guided by a triple bottom line framework, the DMP36 balances economic prosperity, community wellbeing and environmental stewardship. It aims to create a visitor economy that actively supports local communities, protects and restores the natural environment, and strengthens a resilient Indigo economy.
At the centre of the Plan is the Green Gold Rush vision, reimagining the historic concept of a gold rush by shifting the focus from extraction to regeneration and giving back. By 2036, Indigo Shire aims to be recognised as a national leader in regenerative tourism, with the visitor economy contributing $2.5 billion between 2026 and 2036 and catalysing $150 million in targeted regenerative investment.
The Plan, which has been in development since 2024, included extensive engagement across community members, businesses, advisory groups and regional partners, alongside subject matter experts and peer review. This process has ensured community, cultural, environmental and economic factors are carefully considered, while recognising the need to prepare for future challenges such as climate change, infrastructure demand and visitor capacity.
Online Workshop - Optimise your ATDW listing
Optimise your Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) listing to maximise the benefits. A polished listing ensures you stand out on Visit Victoria, Victoria’s High Country, and the Victoria's High Country App, while simultaneously boosting your SEO and driving direct traffic to your site.
Beyond digital reach, an updated listing is your ticket to leveraging Tourism North East’s marketing and PR opportunities, as well as securing your status as a Ride High Country Preferred business.
To learn more, check out ATDW's Comprehensive Guide to Profile Optimisation, or register for TNE's free online workshop on Tuesday 23 July.
Got a great High Country story? Share it!
Following two successful years of Tourism North East's “It’s a High Country Thing" campaign, planning for the 2026/27 season is underway – and they want your business to feature in it.
The team are looking for fresh, vibrant and unconventional story ideas that bring Victoria’s High Country to life. If your business has a unique product or offering, or you have a collaborative concept idea that showcases a destination, TNE want to hear from you.
Submit your idea via the link and help show everyone how we do things here in the High Country.
Don't miss out – applications close on Friday 31 July 2026.
Register for TNE's August Industry Forum on Agritourism
Join Tourism North East on Tuesday 4 August for the next online Industry Forum, featuring special guest speaker Kate Shilling, Agritourism Project Manager at Tourism Australia.
Working at the vital intersection of agriculture, tourism, and regional development, Kate has played a key role in growing visitor experiences that deeply connect travellers with regional communities, local producers and landscapes.
This session is an invaluable opportunity for High Country operators to gain expert insights into advancing agritourism opportunities and tapping into the future of Australia’s visitor economy.
