Champion Axemen Return for Crank-Up (Warburton Rail Trail VIC)

The excitement and nostalgia of the woodchop competition will again feature at Yarra Junction’s annual Crank-up at the Upper Yarra Museum at the start of April.

Volunteers from the Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society have put together a diverse andexciting event to cater for different age groups and interests. Many of the activities pay tribute to Upper Yarra history but particularly to the timber industry.

The competition woodchop events (Sunday, April 7) will feature some of Australia’s top axemen including current and former world champions. The return of top quality festival-based woodchop revives an important ‘story’ of local history. Demonstration woodchop events will be held on Saturday, April 6.

Other attractions include the traditional Yarra Valley Machinery Preservation Society machines (after which the event was named over 30 years ago) the fascinating chain saw carving, the stately draught horses, timber trucks, vintage tractors, demonstration workshops (blacksmiths, shingle-making, wood turning) and powerful steam engines.

Collectors will display their wares and community groups will be strongly represented. Food (Cranky snacks including hamburgers, sausages, Gladysdale pies, fruit, Devonshire teas, ) and drinks will be available including beer from the Sam Knott shanty pub.

Items may be purchased from various stalls ranging from Red Cross crafts and blacksmith–forged products to books (especially those with local authors or content) and gems and crystals. Information booths (VicForest, Habitat Tree) will also be on site to assist visitors.

Children have not been forgotten with the installation of an outside children’s play area and a new children’s room on the platform. Plus pony and donkey rides and a car jumping castle with ice-cream, fairy floss and sweets to lick and enjoy.

Last but not least, the centrepiece of the festival; the restored, reorganised and revamped Upper Yarra Museum.

Crank-up: April 6-7. Ph. 59672167 Facebook-Upper Yarra Museum,

Entry: $10 adults; $4 children under 15.

All income is used to further improve and preserve this all volunteer-managed community asset.

For information about the Warbuton Rail Trial, please see our Trail Description.