&loadtext=2009 Tooborac Rabbit Ramble
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October

Call to rabbit lovers everywhere: the annual Tooborac Rabbit Ramble is being held on the weekend of October 24-25.

On Saturday, McIvor Estate, Shelmerdine Vineyards and the much loved old bluestone Tooborac Hotel will be offering a variety of delicious rabbit dishes to try matched with local wines and beers. Two complimentary shuttle buses will be on hand to transport guests between venues, or, for the more energetic, a walk between McIvor Estate and Shelmerdine taking in the magnificent countryside and old gold diggings will depart from each respective venue at 2pm. Those wanting to participate on the walk can register on the day.

A rabbit-themed pottery competition will also be held on the Saturday at the Tooborac hall. The competition is being organised by renown potter Laura Windmill and will be judged by local sculptor David Maughan. Afternoon tea will be available from 2pm to 4pm, courtesy of the Tooborac Primary School.

Sunday features the rabbit cook-off where keen cooks can submit a rabbit dish which will be judged by three eminent judges (just like Master Chef!). This community event, sponsored by McIvor Landcare, is held at the Tooborac Hall and it is where you get to show off your culinary prowess. Entries are scored on presentation, taste, texture and imagination (the X factor) with the winner receiving $100 and an engraved chef’s knife.

Non-competing visitors can also attend the cook-off. At the conclusion of judging everybody sits down to share the delicious entries at communal tables. Visitors are required to bring a picnic lunch and because the event has grown enormously in popularity, visitors to the cook-off must book in advance. Judging starts at 11am. Lunch is from 12.30pm. The cost to enter a dish is $25 (which admits two people to the cook-off) and non-competing guests are welcome at $5 per person (payable on the day). Children under 12 years old are admitted free. Proceeds from the day will be donated to a local charity.

For more information or to book contact:

Cellar and Store, 105 High Street,
Heathcote. Ph: 5433 2204

Tooborac Hotel, 5115 Northern Highway,
Tooborac. Ph: 5433 5201

Shelmerdine Vineyards, Lancefield Road,
Tooborac. Ph: 54335188

McIvor Estate, 80 Tooborac-Baynton Road,
Tooborac. Ph: 5433 5266

For accommodation enquiries contact the Heathcote Visitor Information Centre on
5433 3121 or visit www.heathcote.org.au.