NEWS
A great variety of changes will happen for 2011 to cover a range of age groups and interests.
This year's major features are:
Carlton United Breweries (CUB) Clydesdale Team will featured on Saturday only this year.
The marriage of Clydesdales with brewing goes back to the gold rush days of Australia in the1850s. The Clydesdales delivered beer from the breweries to customers as well as to rail stations for country distribution. Stables were a key part of any new brewery built in the 1800s.
At the peak of its horsepower the Carlton Brewery in Victoria had 200 horses. In the old days the horses would go all the way to Frankston – 41 km – with loads of beer without changing teams. By the 1930s there were 60 Clydesdales in the stables.
Publicans used to welcome the horses and feed them apples and sweets. Teams of fours and pairs pulled loads of 41 18-gallon barrels. One man would be expected to drive the wagon and unload the barrels. The Carlton Draught Clydesdales represent the strength, spirit and pride of Australia's brewing heritage. Even when the horses ceased to deliver beer in 1952, Carlton & United Breweries maintained teams for promotional work.
Thomas the Tank Engine will return to this years rally. Thomas is known and loved the world over by the young and young at heart. There will be plenty of opportunities to take a photo with Thomas, hear him steam, whistle blow, and there will be giveaways for the children.
In its other life this steam train is known as Klondyke, a 3'6" steam locomotive ex-Pioneer Mill QLD. The only sugar mill to run 3'6" gauge. Klondyke is normally kept at the Bellarine Peninsula Railway but was hired to the Abt Wilderness Railway, Tasmania, during 2000 and became the first steam locomotive to work at that location after restoration of the Abt Railway. This will be the second year for the Echuca steam rally to transport a full size steam loco on site to have in steam over the weekend.
Thomas appears with thanks to the Bellarine Peninsula Railway in Queenscliff, Victoria. The Bellarine Peninsula Railway, near Geelong is home to an impressive collection of 3'6" locomotives and carriages giving passengers the chance to ride and see heritage steam and diesel trains from every state operating on a line dating back to 1878.
Download - footplate experience
FREE SHUTTLE BUSES
This year free shuttle buses will run from three locations, so park your cars and take your family on an adventure day!!!
Buses will be departing hourly from three locations:
1/ Echuca Train Station
2/ Echuca Moama Visitor Information Centre
3/ Bridge Hotel, Port of Echuca
Return journeys will be on the half hour.
Two Grand Parades Daily at NEW TIMES
We have a variation of two grand parades each day to entertain every spectator.
Saturday will behold the major Grand Parades at a NEW time.
1pm - the Clan Macleod Pipe Band will clear the Main Arena, followed by the famous Carlton United Brewery Clydesdale team – Saturday only
These will be followed by Steam Engines and Rollers, then the Tractors & Cars
3pm – will then show the spectacular Horse Drawn Implements, Vehicles and Log Buggy in the Horse Arena
Sunday will be at differing times as another tradition takes place
2.30pm - will show the spectacular Horse Drawn Implements, Vehicles and Log Buggy in the Horse Arena.
3.00pm Burning Down of the Dunny – Sunday only – Main Arena
The Fire Museum of Victoria generously donate their famous Steamer to our event every year. You will see firsthand how the Steamer was used to put out fires in days gone by. This is a crowd favourite and will be certainly worth the wait.
3.15pm the Parade of these majestic moving implements, Steam Engines and Rollers, then the Tractors & Cars in the Main Arena
Whip Industries on Saturday only –these favourites will be on for one day only – they will provide entertainment and fun for all age groups as we watch the fantastic stunts from the Whip Industries – a thrill for young and old!
Performing their breath taking, adrenalin rushing routines aboard 50cc motorbikes. The riders launch their bikes in the air using purpose built jump ramps to perform their awe inspiring tricks and flips all while jumping within a foot of each other, 15 foot up in the air. The show wil have you holding your breath at times and wanting more.
SteamRail Victoria – Sunday Only
What a treat for everyone - Steam Rail Victoria will also have the real K Class Steam locomotive arriving at Echuca Railway Station at the early hour of 6.15am. The locomotive is doing a weekend trip from Melbourne to Swan Hill on the Saturday and then overnight in Bendigo where it will redirect to Echuca for the Sunday.
Whilst here in Echuca it will be operating train rides during the day until it departs for its return to Melbourne. You'll be able to view its splendour at the Echuca Train Station. One of the pickup points for the Steam Rally shuttle buses. www.steamrail.com.au
Military and Scout Displays
Experience the military camp and for the first time the 1st Emerald Scout group camping in true heritage style. Understand how our men camped in these historical times and also see the 1st Emerald Scouts constructing gadgets throughout the day using traditional pioneering methods.
Vintage Car Club
This year's vintage cars club are on display in the Main Arena over the weekend. Its members have vehicles that meet the criteria of being a minimum of 50 years old. These beautifully restored and treasured vehicles are a sight to see.
Other Events – happening daily
Storybook Farm – John Bury
An educational and entertaining performance, Storybook relives our early settlement and in particular focuses on the History of Echuca and Murray River. This is one of the finest story tellers around.
Singing Farmer – David Rockliffe
Entertaining from the Camp Cooking and Country Kitchen area you will hear David's magnificent voice.
David is available to sing at agricultural days, nursing homes, hostels and wherever people look for clean musical entertainment
Extra features:
• Whip Industries Mini bike displays on Saturday only
• Fast and Furious action of the Midland Axeman
• Tractor Pull
• Blacksmith demonstrations
• Blade shearing and other traditional rural skills
• Craft, collectables and farmers market
• Clan Macleod Pipe Band
• Echuca Federal Band
Children's Entertainment
• Face painting
• Pony Rides
• Animal farms
• Miniature railways (small cost) riding action all day long overlooking the scenic Campaspe River
• Variety of food and drink outlets
Taking a step back in time provides all those old world charm that we rarely see today. A fantastic combination of the old and new will ensure that no one goes hungry.
Choose from:
• Country Kitchen specializing in Devonshire Scones and Billy Tea,
• Camp cooking - old time stew and damper,
• Hot potato man – a real favourite,
• Varieties of hot and cold food for the whole family through the park.
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