Pictured above: CS Gallery, 193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs
If you and the family are looking for something different to do on the weekends, try exploring the local arts scene around Westwood. There are rotating exhibitions at CS Gallery, Melton Library and Melton Civic Centre, and The Bowery Theatre in St Albans hosts a range of shows for adults and families alike!
These are some of the upcoming shows and exhibitions:
Conversations with Birds
This art exhibition by local artist Naomi Leeder captures the unique personalities of a range of our beloved native birds, as observed through her home studio.
Take the kids and see if you can spot any familiar birds from your home garden or local parks and reserves in this vibrant collection of artworks, with its focus on bright colours and textures that highlight the key features of a variety of birds.
The exhibition is running from now until the end of July, and entry is free!
Melton Civic Centre, 232 High Street, Melton
I Am Nature
I Am Nature is an immersive show for children aged 2–6, inspired by native animals and the natural environment. In this narrated journey of discovery, the artists will guide you through songs, movement, and an interactive installation, designed to stimulate your child’s creativity and imagination, and develop respect and care for the natural environment.
There are five 45-minute sessions to choose from and a family ticket is $5:
Saturday 17 June, 10.30am and 1pm
Sunday 18 June, 10.30am and 1pm
Tuesday 20 June, 12pm
The Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans
She Will
Opening Tuesday 20 June, She Will is a visual art exhibition that aims to honour and pay homage to women from the South Sudanese community within Melbourne.
Local emerging artist Nanchok Santino Chol uses her interest in the use of digital archives to amplify identities, lived experiences and cultures, with the aim to foster understanding of the refugee experience and the growth of the vibrant and diverse South Sudanese community in Melbourne’s West.
Melton Library and Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton
Adventure Park Winter Glow
If you’re looking for school holiday inspiration, look no further than Winter Glow at Adventure Park in Geelong. Kids will fall in love with this winter wonderland, which includes snow, rides, epic light installations, fire twirling and ice sculpting displays, plus some winter food favourites such as roasted marshmallows and hot chocolates (there’s also mulled wine for the adults!).
- Adventure Park Geelong: 1hr 25min from Westwood
Friday 16 June – Sunday 16 July
adventurepark.com.au/winterglow
Winter Sounds Daylesford
Winter Sounds is a music festival spread across one weekend and a variety of extraordinary spaces, from the beautiful St Peter’s Church to the town halls of Daylesford, Glenlyon and Clunes, the Bullarto Bush Hall and aboard the Spa Country Railway. The talented lineup includes Mo’ju, Gareth Liddiard, Jen Cloher, Tex Perkins & Matt Walker, Adalita, and more.
- Daylesford and surrounds: 1 hour from Westwood
Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 August
wintersounds.com.au
Weekend Markets
There’s no better way to spend a sunny winter morning than wandering a Sunday market with your hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee. The Eynesbury Market is on every fourth Sunday with a wide range of stalls from farmers and produce growers, along with artisan craft stalls and food vendors.
If you want to make a day trip of it, the Daylesford Sunday Market runs every week and you can also book a train ride on a restored vintage train at the Daylesford Spa Country Railway.
- Eynesbury Sunday Market: 25min from Westwood
eynesburyfarmersmarket.com.au - Daylesford Sunday Market: 1 hour from Westwood
daylesfordsundaymarket.com.au
Wineries & Breweries
There are several wineries within a half hour’s drive of Westwood, perfect for a weekend lunch with friends and family. Witchmount Estate offers casual dining and grazing at their cellar door or a full menu at their on-site restaurant, while Arundel Farm Estate offers an a la carte or two-course menu for weekend lunches. Russo Estate is a great pick for a Friday night with an Italian menu and $10 cocktails, plus live acoustic music on select Friday nights in winter.
If you want a break from vino, head to the family-friendly Round Rock Taphouse for snacks, burgers, pizzas and more, with local beers on tap.
- Witchmount Estate: 8min from Westwood
witchmountestate.com.au - Arundel Farm Estate: 20min from Westwood
arundelfarmestate.com.au - Russo Estate: 11min from Westwood
russoestate.com.au - Round Rock Taphouse: 8 min from Westwood
rrtaphouse.com.au
