Winton Wetlands is gearing up for a week full of fun activities.
Wild Week features six days of events, from Monday, November 20 to Saturday, November 25.
Organisers are promising a massive line-up and an unmissable finale.
On Saturday there will be guided walks through the wetlands; wildlife displays, including live turtles; an art exhibition; plenty of fun activities for kids to enjoy, as well as a heavy-duty drone demonstration and a hot air balloon flight across the wetlands, subject to weather and bookings.
During the week, Mokoan Hub and Café will host a special menu for Wild Week, a children’s photo competition is accepting entries, and the 2024 wildlife calendar will also be available to purchase.
On Friday, November 24 at 6pm, you can join the Benalla Art Gallery and artist Mark Dober for the launch of his exhibition ‘Wetlands’, which explores the Winton Wetlands through his large-scale gouache and watercolours in what is an immersive experience.
A garden art installation will also be made during the week by children from local schools as part of the ‘Our Village’ project.
On Saturday, visitors can add plant seeds to this installation before a ‘rain machine’ concludes the project.
Alongside the activities, the festival aims to educate people about the ecological restoration work happening at the wetlands and the different organisations, groups and individuals helping to get things done.
“It’s amazing the way technology and people and skills and passion are all coming together to help drive this major wetland restoration project, making real headway now in restoring what had been a very damaged ecosystem,” Winton Wetlands committee of management chair Dennis O’Brien said.
“Wild Week is a fun event — especially with our public open day — but it has a serious purpose behind it, too. We want to acknowledge and thank all of the people and groups who have been getting on board and giving the project real momentum over the past decade and more.
“We hope lots of people come along on the final day of Wild Week to check out what our partners will have on show, learn a bit, join in some of the fun activities, and even enjoy some of the interesting food and drink offerings that will be on hand. This Saturday from 10am to 2pm, it’s the place to be.”
For more information on the events running throughout Wild Week, head to www.wintonwetlands.org.au/winton-wetlands-wild-week
To RSVP for the opening of Mark Dober’s exhibition opening at the Simpson Gallery, contact the gallery at 5760 2619 or gallery@benalla.vic.gov.au