Australia’s oldest and richest footrace the Stawell Gift is among Northern Grampians Shire’s attractions during the Easter school holidays.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said Easter and the April school holidays was a perfect time to visit the municipality. 

“While all roads lead to Stawell at Easter, there are great events throughout the shire, from the Great Western Rodeo on Good Friday, a tennis carnival in St Arnaud and Ozact’s annual performances of Shakespeare at Heatherlie Quarry in Halls Gap,” she said. 

“Halls Gap Primary School will present a market on Easter Sunday and for the art-lovers, throughout the weekend there are exhibitions at Stawell Railway Station Gallery, St Arnaud Raillery Hub, Deep Lead and WAMA Halls Gap. 

“There are harness and horse-racing meets, the Stawell Lions Club Easter Carnival at Cato Park – which features fireworks from 8.30pm on Easter Saturday – and the StawellBiz Easter Extravaganza. 

“The extravaganza, on Easter Saturday from 9am to 2pm, offers a wonderful opportunity for people to reconnect with family and friends and support local traders. 

“The main street will come alive with street performers, local singing group ‘Accidental High Notes’, children’s activities, market stalls, a barbecue, raffles and a visit from the Easter Bunny.” 

Cr Hyslop said a detailed list of events was available on council’s website, www.ngshire.vic.gov.au. 

Stawell Athletic Club will host the three-day Stawell Gift Carnival at Central Park from Easter Saturday to Easter Monday, with plenty of entertainment on and off the track, including Sunday’s 7000-egg Easter egg hunt.

Cr Hyslop said the school holiday fun continued past Easter, with Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre, SSAC, launching its holiday calendar of events. Highlights include a Swim Smart and Stay Safe session with Ambulance Victoria on April 9 – which will teach participants about how to call triple zero in an emergency and stay safe around the water – and a Boogie Bounce session on April 13 from 11.30am to 12.15pm. 

“Other activities include aqua sensory play, pickleball, an SSAC challenge, children’s yoga, stadium games and Dungeons and Dragons,” Cr Hyslop said. 

“The festivities conclude with an all-ages pool party on April 17 from 2pm to 4pm, which is sure to be load of fun. You can visit the centre’s Facebook page for more information.” 

People can register their interest online at https://ngsc.elementorg.com/public-forms/walking-footballregistration-form/ or via a link on the SSAC Facebook page. 

Northern Grampians Libraries’ Stawell and St Arnaud branches will also offer April holiday activities. For more information see council’s website.

The entire April 1, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!