Mega program launched

Naracoorte’s MegaFest emerges from COVID restrictions for huge 2022

For the first time since its inception in 2019, the 2022 MegaFest will boast a full ‘mega’ program of events over three days from November 11-13.

The inaugural event in 2019 was a huge success, but the 2020 event was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute due to COVID-19 restrictions, and last year’s event was scaled back due to ongoing COVID-19 challenges with only the trail runs going ahead.

This year, however, planning is well underway to make a real weekend of it in Naracoorte for the MegaFest, with fun activities and events for all ages.

Hosted by Naracoorte Lucindale Council in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia and Forestry SA, the MegaFest is all about celebrating the incredibly unique Naracoorte Caves.

The World Heritage listed Naracoorte Caves are globally significant and provide a unique window into biodiversity and climate – and we’re privileged to have them in our own backyard. The inaugural MegaFest celebrated 50 years since the discovery of the world-famous fossil beds at the Naracoorte Caves and 25 years since the Caves were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

This year, the MegaFest weekend will kick off with a free ‘Mega Night of Science’ at the Naracoorte Town Hall on Friday. November 11, coordinated by the University of Adelaide.

On Saturday, November 12, internationally-acclaimed violinist Jonathon Glonek will be joined by German/American violinist Heidi Von Bernewitz to present a dazzling program of powerful works in duo recital in the stunning Blanche Cave at 7.30pm. Tickets are $45 – to book, go to www.trybooking.com/CCRWU.

This year’s MegaFest will culminate on Sunday, November 13, with a massive full-day program at the Caves, kicking off with the MegaFest trail runs from 8am. In addition to the 5km, 15km and 23km trail runs held in the past, trail running enthusiasts can this year enter a 43km ‘Ultra- Narathon’, which will involve completing the three courses back to back, technically making it an ultra-marathon. To register, go to https://megafest.com.au/

At 10am and 11am, world- renowned singing palaeontologist Professor Flint will present ‘Dancing with Diprotodons!’ in Blanche Cave.

A delightful musical adventure into Naracoorte’s prehistoric past, ‘Dancing with Diprotodons!’ will be an experience for the whole family to enjoy. Tickets are free but bookings are essential due to the limited space in Blanche Cave – go to www.trybooking.com/CDHRP There will be free entry to the Bat Observation Centre at the Caves Mega program launched all day on Sunday from 10.30am- 4pm, and the Southern Bent-wing Bat Recovery Team will hold two free talks in the centre at 11.30am and 1pm.

At 10am-4pm, the University of Adelaide will host free activities in and around the fossil lab at the Caves – meet the palaeontologists, check out displays, make a clay diprotodon and bat, and enjoy megafauna colouring in and chalkboard activities.

At 2.30pm, violinist Jonathon Glonek will return to Blanche Cave to play solo Bach – tickets are $45 – to book, go to www.trybooking.com/CCRXU

There will be plenty of food on offer throughout the day on Sunday, including, of course, at the fabulous Caves Cafe, and the Wrattonbully Wine Region Association will have a pop-up stand.

Young local musicians will also play on the Caves Cafe deck in the afternoon, so bring along your picnic blankets and chairs and make a day of it.

For more information about the 2022 MegaFest, go to the event’s website at https://megafest.com.au/ and follow the MegaFest Facebook page for regular updates at https://www.facebook.com/NaracoorteMegaFest