Marvel, create, discuss and debate at Melbourne's Indigenous Arts Festival
Have you ever seen a ghost net being weaved or heard music made from playing on a gum leaf? At the Melbourne Indigenous Arts Festival, you can experience a wide variety of performance, music, entertainment and art from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives.
There's so much on offer that you'll definitely want to take your time exploring the festival, which is being held from February 5 - 16 in various venues across the Melbourne CBD.
It's sure to be one of the biggest events in Melbourne and is the perfect way to learn a little more about some of the diverse cultures that make up the Australian nation.
If you're looking for holiday accommodation nearby, Mantra has plenty of options to cater for different needs. Enjoy staying right in the heart of the city at Mantra 100 Exhibition which is located just a short walk away from Federation Square and many of the festival's upcoming events.
"On February 8 and 9 you can also catch the ghost net weavers as they create works of art using discarded fishing nets, and even learn how to make your own beautiful craft out of this discarded waste material.
Have a ball learning dance moves with the whole family from Indigenous dance artist Albert David, or listen to the stirring sounds of James Henry's 'All Bells that Ends Well' and Deborah Cheetham's 'Eternal Birrarung' using the Federation Bells.
Gum-leaf player extraordinaire Uncle Herb Patten will be on hand along with didgeridoo player Ron Murray to teach the little ones about Indigenous stories and music, perfect for parents in search of a child-friendly activity.
There's also the Koorioboree to look forward to, where traditional dance groups from around Victoria come together in a cultural gathering of song, dance and ceremony.
On February 8 and 9 you can also catch the ghost net weavers as they create works of art using discarded fishing nets, and even learn how to make your own beautiful craft out of this discarded waste material.
There's plenty of other events and performances to enjoy, so if you're wondering what to do in Melbourne this is a great festival to mark down in your diary.