Dungog Tea Party Returns for a Delightful Spring Celebration

Dungog Tea Party 

A Weekend of Elegance and Community Spirit

From 10 to 14 September, the charming town of Dungog will host the Dungog Tea Party, a much-loved spring event that brings together locals and visitors for a celebration of community, culture, and creativity. This annual festival has grown into a highlight of the region’s calendar, offering a perfect blend of elegance, entertainment, and family-friendly fun.

Set against Dungog’s picturesque countryside backdrop, the Tea Party provides an opportunity for guests to enjoy a relaxing weekend filled with gardens, live music, and gourmet experiences.

Explore the Best of Dungog

The Dungog Tea Party is more than just a garden gathering. Attendees can stroll through beautifully curated gardens, admire floral displays, and take part in hands-on workshops and demonstrations. From afternoon teas and local produce tastings to live entertainment and artisan markets, there’s something to delight every visitor.

The festival also showcases local artists and craftspeople, providing a unique chance to discover handmade treasures and support the creative community of the region.

Family-Friendly Fun and Festivities

The Dungog Tea Party offers activities for all ages. Children can enjoy interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and garden games, while adults relax with gourmet tastings, wine sampling, and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea.

The event embodies the charm and hospitality of Dungog, creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can connect, celebrate, and make lasting memories.

Plan Your Visit to the Dungog Tea Party

Running from 10 to 14 September, the Dungog Tea Party is the perfect spring escape for families, friends, and garden enthusiasts. With its combination of scenic landscapes, creative workshops, and local cuisine, the festival highlights the best of regional New South Wales and encourages visitors to explore all that Dungog has to offer.

Web: https://www.dungogteaparty.com.au/

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/

DUNGOG FESTIVAL - celebration of film, music and food

The Long Table Dinner at the Dungog Festival

The countdown is on to the 2018 Dungog Festival, with the NSW Government announcing its support of the Upper Hunter’s friendly four-day community event.

Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said the event will be supported by the State’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

“Once again the Dungog Festival will be a celebration of film, music and delicious regional produce, all set in the spectacular Upper Hunter region of NSW and I am delighted that we’re providing a boost to this event through Destination NSW,” Mr Johnsen said.

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said supporting events in regional NSW is a key focus for the Government.

“Our continued support for events provides the perfect opportunity to promote the many wonderful destinations across the State, such as the beautiful Upper Hunter and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to the region this September.”

The 2018 Dungog Festival runs from 28 Sep to 1 Oct, visit dungogfestival.com.au.

DUNGOG FESTIVAL NEXT WEEKEND

The birthplace of Australian cinematic history will come alive during the Dungog Festival, which is set against the backdrop of the picturesque Hunter region at the foot of the Barrington Tops.

Tickets are still available for the 27-30 October event, which will highlight an exciting program of film, culinary events and workshops, and showcase the short film competition finalists.

Events on the program include a magical Long Table Dinner under the stars, the Settlers Gig featuring 80s synth superstars Pseudo Echo, and a Wine Matching Lunch with Christine Manfield.

The Dungog Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

Click here to purchase tickets and see the full program.

DUNGOG FESTIVAL UNVEILS A PROVIDORE’S PARADISE

Dungog Festival organisers have unveiled a sumptuous program of food, film and arts to delight visitors travelling to the picturesque Hunter Valley region for the October 27-30 event.

Dungog’s Dowling Street will be taken over by the popular Long Table Dinner, where guests come together for a communal dining experience that showcases the region’s produce.

The Winemakers Lunch is expected to be a favourite this year. Celebrated chef Christine Manfield will match the Hunter Valley’s finest wines to her culinary creations. Manfield is an advocate for sustainable, quality produce that is a hallmark of Dungog farmers.

Visitors will be able to try and buy Dungog-grown pork, beef, lamb, fruit, vegetables and a regional wine selection at the bustling weekend growers’ market, and workshops offer the chance to try activities like bread baking, sausage making and even craft brewing.

The town will come to life with musical entertainment, night and day on festival stages, including a Saturday night celebration with the party band Enormous Horns.

Dungog Festival is proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

The full program will be released in late August when Gold Pass and Luxury Weekend package tickets go on sale ahead of general ticket sales in September.

Visit the festival website for information on travel and accommodation options, including town glamping and homestays.

Destination Dungog: five reasons why you should visit this October‏

The birthplace of Australian cinematic history, Dungog, will come alive during the Dungog Festival later this week from 22-25 October 2015.

Now in its second year, the three-day festival will showcase an exciting program of film, culinary events and workshops in the country town of Dungog, situated in the picturesque Hunter region at the foot of the Barrington Tops.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said, “The Hunter is one of Australia’s most-loved destinations offering World-Heritage listed national parks, stunning scenery and historic country towns like Dungog, offering the perfect location for a NSW short break this spring.”

“Coordinated by the people of Dungog, the Dungog Festival is an outstanding example of the resilience of the community coming together and giving something back to those affected by the floods. With a world-class program of films and events, the festival is the perfect time to discover this character-filled town and show your support.”

NSW Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Stuart Ayres said, “The Dungog Festival is a fantastic event and I encourage everyone to visit the festival and also see what else this wonderful region has to offer.

“The NSW Government is proud to support the Festival through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, which showcases the picturesque town of Dungog and its fantastic local talent, produce and wares to visitors.”

Highlight events on the program include a magical Long Table Dinner under the stars, a Starry Night Concert featuring ARIA award-winning Paul Mac and several new release features and shorts from around the world including US documentary Muppet History 101, co-curated by late Muppets head writer Jerry Juhl.

Five reasons why you should visit Dungog this October:

1. Cinematic history: 

Did you know that Dungog is home to the oldest purpose-built cinema in Australia? The Spanish Mission styled James Theatrewas once the social hub of the town and has seen many a film screening, ball and dance in its time. Still in operation, the community-run theatre provides the perfect vintage cinema experience to enjoy a premiere during the festival

2. Wilderness hideaways: 

Positioned at the foothills of the Barrington Tops, Dungog is the perfect place to go bush for a few days with a range of cabins and accommodation options helping you get back to nature. Located just out of Dungog, Bluegums Cabins is situated within 180 acres of bushland , giving you ample space to explore neighbouring Chichester Dam

3. Barrington is tops: 

Covering more than 83,000 hectares the World-Heritage listed Barrington Tops National Parks is truly an unspoilt wilderness with subtropical rainforest, ancient beech forests and subalpine woodlands. During the festival weekend, pack a picnic and explore the 90-minute self-guided Blue Gum loop trail offering stunning vistas, blue gums and perfect picnic spots

4. Local producers: 

In Dungog you can bake your own bread and eat it too! Located on the Williams River Fosterton Farm produces biodynamic sourdough bread. Head to the farm to enjoy a farm tour or partake in a traditional bread making class or olive oil appreciation workshop with local olive growers Bunna Bunoo during the festival

5. Sleep under the stars: 

Take in some fresh Dungog country air and enjoy the freedom of sleeping under the stars by pitching up a tent during the festival. Whether you like to camp or glamp, three camping options will be available during the festival to help you get into the spirit. Home to several camping grounds and caravan parks, Dungog offers a great selection of caravan and camping options all year around. 

For more information on Dungog and the Dungog Festival please go to www.visitnsw.com

Get the Feel and Taste of Korea at one of the Traditional Markets of Seoul

Dongdaemun Market

When travelling there’s no better place to go to get a taste of local life than visiting the local market.  This is true in the Korean capital of Seoul where you can discover the real life of Koreans – the older generations manning their stands, ajummas (middle-aged Korean women) hunting for bargains, and groups of young ladies giggling and having fun.

The biggest and most popular markets in Seoul are the Dongdaemun Market visited mostly by the young and fashionable and Namdaemun Market which has an almost overwhelming variety of goods.  Also worth a visit are the Gwangjang Market popular for its ‘food market’ and the Gyeongdong Market which is full of medicinal herbs.

For the true Korean market connoisseur, there’s also the large Noryangjin Fish Market and the 24-hour Garak Market, bustling with vendors and customers all year round. Whether you need to do some serious shopping or just want to look around, a visit to one of these Korean marketplaces is a lot of fun. 

Korean traditional crafts

With a history of 600 years, Namdaemun Market is a well-established market that offers over 1,700 different kinds of products including clothes, ceramics, household goods, accessories, jewelry, kitchen items, electronic goods, wedding goods, stationery, regional specialties and imported products. Though the market is generally lauded for its vast selection and affordable prices, it is particularly well-known for its traditional crafts (which make great souvenirs) and its eyeglasses district. At the glasses section of the Namdaemun Market customers can find a wide selection of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses sold at half the price of those in other retail stores.

Dongdaemun Market started long ago as a traditional open-air market. In the 1970s, the market became the heart of the Korean textile industry that drove the country's economic growth.  In subsequent years,  it further developed to become the centre of Korea's wholesale and retail fashion industries. In recent years it has attracted a number of large-scale fashion shopping malls that have further transformed Dongdaemun into a major shopping area.

Sampling rice cakes

The market is a must-visit destination for anyone who has a keen interest in fashion and/or dreams of making it big in the Korean or international fashion world. In addition to international name brands, you’ll be able to purchase unique creations from today’s Korean fashion leaders and young designers on their way up. Though the market is open throughout the day, the night market is particularly popular with people coming from all over the country to shop from late evening to early morning. If you’re lucky enough, you may even be able to catch one of the various fashion shows and festivals held in the market area.

Gwangjang Market was selected by visitors to Korea as their favourite market.  Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market established in Korea back in 1905 and is popular today with Koreans and visitors alike.  Besides its traditional Korean dress (hanbok shops) it is very well known for its ‘food market’.   The endless line of food vendors all along the market pathways is quite unique and Koreans and visitors line up waiting to experience each vendor’s mouthwatering delights. The market serves popular comfort foods like bindaetteok (Korean-style pancake made of ground mung beans, pork or beef, and kimchi).

Namdaemun Market

The Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is the nation's largest wholesale fish market and boasts a history of more than eighty years. Though the market is open and busy 24 hours a day, the already bustling marketplace really picks up around dawn when the fish auctions begin. The market is connected to Noryangjin Station (subway line 1) by a bridge, meaning that even first-time visitors to Seoul shouldn’t have any trouble finding their way around.

So, the next time you visit Seoul make sure you spend some time in one of the traditional markets of Seoul to enjoy a real feel and taste of traditional Korea.  Further information on the traditional markets of Seoul and around the country can be found on the official tourism website for Korea:  www.visitkorea.or.kr

Dungog Film Festival 2012

This weekend, apart from being the start of the NSW school holidays, is  when the annual Dungog Film Festival takes place.

Each year the Dungog Film Festival selects outstanding Australian films for exhibition from hundreds of submissions. More than 9,000 people attend screenings in 2011. In addition to discovering filmmaking's newest talent through the Festival's program of documentary, dramatic, and short films, Festival-goers experience live script reads, master classes with leading filmmakers and industry figures, nightly parties celebrating Australia film, and more. 

This year a suite of powerful documentary premieres, compelling new feature films, our legendary Aussie Shorts programs and a screen legend in conversation about her career defining role.  From classics to the cutting edge, works in progress to world premieres, the 2012 Dungog Film Festival program as it all.

The street parade was held today, with a Red Dog theme. Residents joined in  the parade with their own red dog or other pet pooch where the apparently incorruptible local celebrity resident Roy Bean judged Best Red Dog and Best Dog, in the sub category 'A Class of their Own'.

In addition to the canine contingent there were 100 members of the local police force marching to celebrate 150 years of the NSW State Police Force, the oldest police force in Australia, 50 members of the Singleton Town Band, marching children, floats, decorated push bikes and the greatest representation of Ukuleles ever seen in Dungog.

Tomorrow, Sunday July 1, there will be a feature direct from the edit suite, a feast of outstanding new shorts alongside a swag of sessions, forums and kooky cinema celebrations from Dungog locals.

Even on a weekend when the Film Festival is not on, Dungog is a delightful country town to visit and escape the rat race of the city. There are plenty of overnight accommodation options to choose from, and many cafes, restaurants, clubs and pubs to dine at. 

Bus Trip to Dungog Railway Centenary 2011

A bus trip is being organised to attend the Centenary of the railway coming to Dungog. The bus will leave Aberdeen Valley fair at 8am on Saturday 13 August 2011, arriving at 10am in time to see the street parade and Grand Opening. Cost of the return bus trip is $30 . People can book by phoning the Aberdeen Information Centre on 6543 8457.

The 15th August 2011 commemorates 100 years since the arrival of the railway in Dungog. Dungog Historical Society has chosen Saturday 13th August 2011 as the date of the celebrations.

There will be displays of model trains, train sounds and train stories. People can:-

• watch the tiger moth plane race the steam train
• see the edwardian fashion parade
• listen to bush poets
• markets, vintage cars, vintage trucks
• have a horse and carriage ride
• see the CWA quilt, tapestry andpetit point display
• watch shingle splitters and wood turners
• watch the re-enactment of the trail arriving into Dungog
• demos and so much more.

Enjoy a fantastic day with lots of things to see and do for all ages.

For people wanting to make their own way to the Celebration, further information about the days activities can be obtained from Deirdre Briscombe on 4992 3268 or dbriscombe@bigpond.com

Dungog Movie Festival - The Worlds Biggest Festival of Australian Films

The Dungog Film Festival, established by award winning filmmakers, Allanah Zitserman and Stavros Kazantzidis, is a world class film event set in an Australian country location of the township of Dungog. It is expected that the towns population of 2,000 people will swell to 10,000 people for the Festival.

Every May over four glorious autumn days the usually sleepy town of Dungog turns into Australia's movie Mecca. Visitors flock from all over the country to this picturesque location to immerse themselves in the very best of Australian cinema and get up-close and personal with filmmakers and actors.

The dynamic festival program combines a smorgasbord of new Australian features, restored masterpieces, thought-provoking documentaries, cutting edge shorts, premiere television, with an inspirational education sidebar.

By hosting the biggest celebration of Australian films in the world, the Dungog Film Festival has become a key national event, a fusion of city and country and the ultimate mini-break with a culture hit.

The Film Festival is a four-day event held in the quintessentially country town of Dungog in the Hunter Valley region of NSW. It is the biggest celebration of Australian film in the world. The Film Festival was kicked into gear in 2007 by talented AFI award-winning filmmakers Allanah Zitserman and Stavros Kazantzidis whose accolades include “Love and Other Catastrophes” and “Russian Doll”. The festival has grown from 1500 people attending in 2007 to about 7000 last year.

“DFF is a world class four day event, celebrating Australian films at four screening locations showcasing new Australian screen content, honouring leading Australian filmmakers and revisiting Australian movie classics, in a non-competitive environment,” said festival director Allanah Zitserman.

This year's DFF will include the world premiere of ten feature films, including the premieres of Nick McGee’s “Frank and Jerry”, the documentary “An Imprint in Time” and the Hunter Valley-shot The Forgotten Men – a short film staring Jack Thompson based on an old R.M.Williams campfire story

In total, there will be 194 screenings- 12 features, 16 documentaries, four TV sneak previews, and 159 short films, and – for the first time – digital content.

The first Australian/Chinese co-production The Dragon Pearl, starring Sam Neill, will also have its NSW premiere – following the national premiere at February’s Adelaide Film Festival. The film tells the story of a young boy travels to China to visit his father on a dig, and with the help of a new Chinese friend, discovers a real-life, but benevolent dragon.

The NSW Minister for the Arts, George Souris highlighted NSW’s position within the national cinematic output (47 per cent of the national total), as well as his own status as an avid Dungog-ian. “I actually have a full collection of the t-shirts, and I treasure it,” confessed the MP to a receptive audience. “They’re going to be a collectors item: I leave the labels on, leave the plastic covering on, because nothing can beat the slogan that captured my imagination from day one – Done-Cannes, Done-Sundance, Dungog.”

The festival films are shown in various venues in Dungog, including the Dungog Cinema. The Dungog Cinema is the oldest still operating purpose-built cinema in Australia. Originally the site was used for an open air theatre which opened in 1913. Under the control of James Stuart (hence the name James Theatre) by 1914 it had been roofed and in 1930 it underwent extensive reconstruction (the screen went from the north end to the south) and was equipped for talkies at that time. Seating was for 650, although the front section was flat floored and the seating was not fixed, allowing for dances, etc. A large stage, dressing rooms and supper room were also provided. It is believed the Spanish-style facade was added to the building in the 1930's rebuild. In the 1980's the local council acquired the building as a community centre and the cinema operation continued under Ken Reeve until his retirement in November 2007.Architecturally it is historic for being one of only four Spanish Mission cinema facades in the state. The auditorium, although painted in recent times, retains the simplicity of a cinema built in a small country town during the Great Depression.

The Festival commences with the Opening Night Gala Film 6pm Thursday 26 May 2011. The Festival runs until the Closing Night Gala Film and Party 6pm Sunday 29 May 2011. The festival includes gala events, parties and the local Main Street Parade. Screenwriter and playwright David Williamson (Gallipoli) and composers Lisa Gerrard and Michael Yezerski will also be running Masterclasses over the weekend.

For more information see the website:-  http://www.dungogfilmfestival.org/