Outback to Outback
Fundraising tour
If you're looking for a holiday idea this year that also helps to raise money for the Back to Bilpin campaign, then this could be the trip for you. It heads to Queensland to visit the Qantas Museum, the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, cruises the Thompson River, and visits the Australian Outback Spectacular show. The 10-day tour kicks off on April 9, with profits going to the campaign. For details call Peter Minigle on 4571 3025 or 0409 710 771.
Clean up
This weekend
It's time to don some gloves, pick up a bag and help tidy up the Hawkesbury as part of Clean-Up Australia Day. There are already 27 clean up sites registered in the Hawkesbury - 15 community sites, 11 school and youth sites and one business site. For more information about sites and to register your attendance visit www.cleanup.org.au. March 7.
Flannel flowers
Blooming delight
The pink flannel flowers currently proliferating in parts of the Upper Mountains - notable at Narrow Neck in Katoomba - are proving a major drawcard to the area. They are a rarity, needing the double whammy of enough rainfall following a bushfire to bloom. It is believed the last time a similar event occurred at Narrow Neck was the mid-1950s. Take the chance to get out to view them this autumn before they disappear.
True Grit
Obstacle course + This weekend
Do you have what it takes? These courses designed by the Australian Special Forces will take you through 30 obstacles over 10km and 11km courses. You'll tackle The Big Climb, The Wall, Rope Up and No Monkey. Get a team together and see what you can do. It will be tough going. Dargle Farm, March 6, enter at truegrit.com.au
Portraits
Closes this weekend
This year's Blue Mountains Portraits exhibition in Katoomba features the youngest ever artist in its history, as well as a stunning collaboration between artist and subject. The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre exhibition closes on March 7 so this is the last chance to visit it before a new exhibition opens. There's plenty to see.
