Paddle Steamer Curlip festival

The Curlip on the Snowy Festival
A paddle steamer reborn.

A community celebrates the completion and commissioning of the Paddle Steamer Curlip II. Kick up your heels at the Pioneer Ball on Friday night, then be a part of history in the remaking as PS Curlip II arrives at Marlo on Saturday with a flotilla of wooden boats.

Stroll the foreshore with vintage bicycles, horse and wagon, listen to live music and marvel at fireworks over the water. On Sunday soak up atmosphere of a market day displaying East Gippslands finest, stroll the riverbank and visit the historic Slab Hut and superb collection of fine wood work at the Orbost Exhibition Centre.

Festival Program - click here to download

Friday Nov 28th 2008.

Pioneer Ball,
Orbost,
The renowned Briagolong Bush Dance will get you up and dancing as they call the dances the old fashioned way. A sumptuous supper, some great prizes and lots more fun.

The Pioneer Ball is now booked out

Saturday November 29th 2008

Arrival of Paddle Steamer Curlip II at Marlo Jetty for commissioning ceremony 1 pm..
A magnificent sight as the Curlip comes down the river accompanied by a flotilla of wooden boats, coming alongside the jetty for her commissioning.

Paddle Steamer Curlip II open for inspection
During the afternoon the Curlip will be open for inspection alongside the jetty.

Foreshore Entertainment
Take a ride in a horse and wagon along the foreshore, admire vintage vehicles and bicycles. Watch demonstrations of old time skills or sit back by the foreshore and be entertained by musicians, poets and old time Punch and Judy performances while a spectacular kite display forms a backdrop.

Wilderness Coast Artists Exhibition
Take home a great piece of art from one of the talented local artists.

Sunset performance: The Australian Cotton Club Orchestra
As the sun starts to sink behind the sand hills, take in the big sound of this superb 30’ and 40’s swing jazz big band from the lawns or balcony of the old Marlo Pub, overlooking the estuary.

Fireworks
For the first time ever a fantastic firework display over the waters of the Snowy Estuary after dark. Proudly sponsored by:

Sunday November 30 2008

Market Day , Forest Park Orbost
Pick up a bargain, find some unique craft work and sample the best of East Gippsland in the tree lined Forest Park next to the Snowy River.

Kurnai Warrior Dancers
A celebration of the culture of the indigenous Gunai / Kurnai people of East Gippsland. The dance group includes some of the last initiated men of this culture.

Opening “Talking Wall” Orbost Exhibition Centre and Art Auction.
A collaborative effort of local artists that tells the story of this land from millennia past to present day, with a chance to snap up an art bargain at the auction.

Old Fashioned Games Carnival
Entertainment for the kids without electronics. Run by local school students, there will be knuckles, hopscotch, hoola hoops and lots more. Oodles of prizes and lots of fun!

Self Guided Walk: Snowy River WaterWatch Walk
This 2 km stroll along the river bank and nearby surrounds has 14 interpretive signs that highlight water features including the Snowy River as habitat, Water wheel, Rainforest Centre, Forest Park wetlands, billabong, floodmarker, and water use both European and indigenous.

Horse and Wagon Ride to town
If you missed a ride in the horse and wagon yesterday, hop aboard and imagine yourself doing this 100 years ago.

Where to stay
Go to our Links page to find some local accommodation places to stay.

*Festival program is subject to change without notice.

Other Far East Gippsland Spring Events:
Oct 31 - Nov 2 2008 (Cup Weekend):