Entertainment
15 October, 2024
Herberton turns purple for annual festival
AS the trees change colour and the streets transform into a sea of purple, it’s time to welcome the Jacaranda Festival in Herberton.
This year’s Jacaranda Festival will be held this weekend and brings with it an amazing variety of activities.
The event begins on Saturday when Grace St will close (from William St to John St) from 9am to 3pm for the free Family Fun Day.
Starting at 10am and finishing at 3pm, there’ll be lots to see and do with a treasure hunt at the top of the list.
It’s not just any old treasure hunt though, organisers have gone “high-tech” and you can complete it on your smartphone - there’s also real treasure at the end.
Herberton Mining Museum will also open their doors with the volunteers joining in on the family day fun.
They’re holding a rolling tin panning competition, free guided tours of the Great Northern Mine, interactive displays, glow in the dark minerals, or head along for a self-guided walk.
Set in the historic village town of Herberton, within walking distance of the main street, there’ll be stalls, food trucks, Latin Dancers, Classic Cars Face Painting, Off road Buggy Rides, Steam Train Rides plus more at the Family Fun Day.
Don’t forget about the decorated bike competition – dress yourself and your bike up to take part.
Entries should move to the stage at noon – U9 years and 10-15 years – with awards for first and second in both categories. Judging starts at 12.30pm, with the winner presentations and grand parade to follow shortly afterwards.
There’ll also be live entertainment including a performance from Herberton local schools and bands.
With a change in location, Sunday’s event will take place at Herberton Railway Station at the bottom end of John Street.
The Atherton Herberton Historic Railway will fire up the 1913 Peckett Steam Train for rides from 10am to 2pm.
This year marks the 114th year birthday of the train line and the arrival of the first train in Herberton which will be celebrated on 20 October.
The team at Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway is offering tickets for steam train rides on both Saturday and Sunday; $20 for adults, $10 for children and family tickets will also be available.
Wander through the Railway Museum, take a Railway Workshop Tour, or just enjoy the historic town of Herberton.
During the weekend a number of businesses will open their doors including Historic Village Herberton, Bakerville Tea House, Herberton Jacaranda Cafe, High Grounds Coffee and Royal Hotel Herberton, plus others welcoming all visitors to town.
For more information visit herberton1880.com.au or follow Jacaranda Festival Herberton on Facebook or @jacarandafestivalherberton on Instagram.
