Day 3 - Mortlake
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Monday 1 December 2008
Mortlake the self-titled `olivine capital' of Australia - The olivine capital claim stems from the fact that Mortlake has Australia largest deposits of the quartz which the Mount Shadwell quarry produces in the form of sparkling green crystals used both for jewellery and in constructionsits.
The town sits at the base of Mount Shadwell, one of numerous scoria volcanoes found in the Western District. In the late 1870s an area of tea tree swamp was drained and established as the Mortlake Botanical Gardens. The gardens once totalled around 50 acres and were described as a "charming rural retreat standing in the very centre of town".
The area now contains several sporting areas and this is where we will be setting up camp for the Great Victorian Bike Ride.
On the first Saturday of January hundreds of buskers descend on the town to compete for $10,000 in prize money and to entertain up to 25,000 visitors with their acts. The Busker Festival also includes markets, show-jumping, Irish dancing and a variety of sports events.
During the Great Vic, thousands of cyclists will descend on the town for the Great Vic!
What the Mortlake Community have planned for the Ride
- Musical in main street and Market Square
- Main Street display – Food and Craft Stalls
- Historical Society will conduct tours
- Bowls Club - Bare Foot bowls/bar facilities
- Trivia Night hosted by Apex Club
- Under 18 year entertainment at Mortlake P-12 college
- Musicians in both hotels