World Class Dry Stone Wallers, Carvers & Masons * Spectacular demonstrations * Taster workshops * Tools * Music * Dry Stone Training and Accreditation events * Stone Olympics * Community events * Excursions
This 12-day traditional stone festival has something for everyone, whether you’re a hobbyist, aspiring/professional, simply a stone lover or just coming with someone who is – we’re confident there will be something to interest you in this broad and exciting festival program
Community feature construction @ Herb Garden
Community feature construction: Amateur wallers and carvers can join this team and work with experienced professionals to create a unique dry stone feature for the local community, an interpretation of a local Wiradjuri story, design by David Griffiths
When: 15-23 March
Where: Herb Garden
Included: Snacks and refreshments
Cost: Included activity within the 3, 6 and 10-day pass
Intermediate feature construction @ Wellostone Park
Intermediate feature construction: Intermediate wallers and carvers can join this team and work with experienced professionals creating a challenging, unique dry stone feature.
When: 15-23 March
Where: Wellostone Park
Included: Snacks and refreshments
Cost: Included activity within the 3, 6 and 10-day pass
Advanced feature construction @ Wollstonecraft Manner
Advanced feature construction: Advanced wallers and carvers can join this team and work with experienced professionals to create a traditional stone masterpiece.
When: 15-23 March
Where: Wollstonecraft Manner
Included: Snacks and refreshments
Cost: Included activity within the 3, 6 and 10-day pass
Accreditation Assessment
Features assessments: Present your Advanced or Master level features for assessment.
When: Mon 18 March
Where: Stone of Arc Training Centre
Included: Administration, Tools, Assessment (20% DSWAA subsidy for members)
Excluded: Costs associated with building features at Stone of Arc Training Centre
Cost: $500
Accreditation Timed Tests
Timed tests for all 4 levels of accreditation: Complete your level specific feature in the presence of two DSWA examiners, within a single 7-hour period.
When: Fri 22 March
Where: Stone of Arc Training Centre
Included: Administration, Exam event, Tools, Lunch/Refreshment
Cost: $1300 (20% DSWAA subsidy for members)
Instructor Training
Training for up to 12 participants: DSWA Level 2 or above (prerequisite)
When: 25/26 March
Where: Western Gallery and Stone of Arc Training Centre
Included: Administration, Course Fee, Lunch/Refreshment
Cost: $1170 (10% DSWAA subsidy for members)
Walling Workshops
Walling Workshops will be running throughout the weekend: Come and try your hand at dry stone walling
When: Sat 23 and Sun 24 March
Where: Stone of Arc Training centre
Cost: Included within the Sat, Sun, 3-day, 6-day (2nd lift) and 10-day passes
Carving Workshops
Carving workshops will be running throughout the weekend: Come and try your hand at carving and letter cutting
When: Sat 23 and Sun 24 March
Where: Stone of Arc Training centre
Cost: Included within the Sat, Sun, 3-day, 6-day (2nd lift), and 10-day passes
Masonry Workshops
Masonry workshops will be running throughout the weekend: Come and try your hand at masonry
When: Sat 23 and Sun 24 March
Where: Stone of Arc Training centre
Cost: Included within the Sat, Sun, 3-day, 6-day (2nd lift), and 10-day passes
Competitions
The walling and carving competitions: Test your speed and proficiency on a 4-hour mission to produce 1m of wall, or your speed, skill and creativity with a 7-hour mission to sculpt Aussie flora or fauna from a 200x200mm block
When: Walling: 9am-1pm, Carving: 8am-3pm Sun 24 Mar
Where: Stone of Arc Training centre
Included: Walling and Carving competitions with professional and hobbyist categories, Master judges, cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in both disciplines
Cob Loaf Festival - World Championships
Cob Loaf Festival - World Championships: The cob loaf is a very tasty Australian creation. Watch and taste as this year’s winner is crowned
When: Arvo, Sun March 17, 2024
Where: Cameron Park
Cost: Free
Duende Flamenco Fiesta
Duende Flamenco Fiesta : Passionate Spanish flamenco guitarist, Paco Lara with a distinguished international career in Europe and Australia of more than 30 years, launches his new album DUENDE featuring collaborations with some of Spain’s finest flamenco artists.
When: 7.30pm Sat 16 March
Where: Wellington Civic Centre
Adult: $40
Concession: $35
St. Patricks wall-off
St Patricks wall-off: Construction of a large pint of Guinness, outside one of the oldest pubs in Australia
When: 10am - late, Sun 17 March
Where: The Lion of Waterloo, Montefiores
Cost: Included within the 6-day (1st lift) and 10-day passes
Brewarrina
Day trip to Brewarrina, NSW: Meet with Ngemba Traditional Owners, take a tour of the oldest dry stone constructions on the planet – the 40,000yr old fish traps, have a wander, some lunch at Muddy Waters café and return
When: Wed 20 March – Full day
Where: Brewarrina, NSW
Included: Transport, Cultural tour, Lunch, Refreshments
By bus: 6am-8pm with 3hrs in Brewarrina - $350
By plane: 8.30am-6pm with 3hrs in Brewarrina - $880
Minimum group numbers required
Kayaking
Guided kayak tour: Journey down the river taking in the incredible wildlife (mixed river conditions - basic skills required)
When: Wed 20 March – Full day
Where: Macquarie River, Wellington to Ponto falls
Included: Guided tour, Kayak, equipment, insurance, pre-ordered lunch/refreshments
Cost: $175
Minimum group numbers required
Caving
Guided cave tours: Wellington Caves is a natural wonder of ancient and diverse landscapes, where you can see fossils, coral reefs, megafauna, and Aboriginal stories. Be astounded by the largest crystal stalactite in the southern hemisphere
When: 9.30-3pm, Wed 20 March
Where: Wellington Caves, 101 Caves Road, Apsley
Included: 1hr Guided tour
Cost: $29.50 adult, $27.00 concession
Artyfarty
Sip and create amongst the stones: Bring your sense of adventure and artistic flair to this fun filled event. You will be inspired by the dry stone creations and magnificent surrounds of the Wellington Valley
When: Thu 21 March
Where: Stone of Arc Training Centre
Included: An experienced painting tutor, canvas, easel, paint & brushes
Cost: $60 per person - BYO alcoholic beverage
Golf
Wellington Public Golf Course: Play on one of the prettiest public courses in NSW. There is a pro shop at the 19th hole and Great Australian Stone Festival patrons get to hire clubs for free, with golf carts available for hire.
When: Available every day from daybreak, until dusk
Where: Caves Road, Apsley
Included: Golf clubs
Cost: $20 for 9 holes, $30 for 18 holes
To book: Marie Cornish 0407 458 413
Swimming
Swimming: Cool off and relax in Wellingtons open-air Olympic swimming pool
When: Wed 20 March
Where: Wellington Aquatic Centre
Cost: Included within the 6 and 10-day passes
Walking
Walking: Join a guided tour of the Mount Arthur reserve (reasonable fitness required)
When: 7am Wed 20 March
Where: Mount Arthur
Cost: Included within the 6 and 10-day passes
Festival Opening Ceremony & Speakers
Festival Opening Ceremony: Join together to learn, share and celebrate
When: Fri 22 March
Where: Stone of Arc Training centre
Included: Welcome to Country and cultural smoking ceremony, speakers, rock n roll band, food stalls, dance party
Cost: Included within the Friday, 3-day, 6-day (2nd lift) and 10-day passes
Stone Olympics
The Stone Olympic competitions: Test your speed, aim, fitness, skill and humour at the inaugural Stone Olympic events:
Sisyphus sprint, Stone & spoon races, Stone the Crows, Stone skimming
When: Sat 23 and Sun 24 March
Where: Glenrock river paddock
Included: Lots of fun, timed and scored events with novelty prizes
Cost: Included within all day passes (excluding 6-day First lift and Friday pass)
Stone Feast
Moonlit Alfresco dining event: Relax and enjoy an intimate dining experience amongst the stone and eucalypts. Three courses of local produce, regional beers and wines to delight your taste buds and live music in the background (over 18’s only).
When: 7pm Sat 23 March
Where: Stone of Arc Training centre
Included: Food, beer, wine and entertainment
Cost: $120pp
Yoga/Tai Chi
Yoga and Tai Chi: Start your day with Yoga or Tai Chi on the lawn
When: 8.30-9am, 16-24 March (starting with Tai Chi, alternating daily)
Where: Stone of Arc Training Centre
Included: Session delivered by Tharpa Choeling Buddhist Centre, Wellington
Cost: Included within the 6 and 10-day and weekend passes
Massage
Massage: Book yourself a relaxing massage
When: Any day
Where: Stone of Arc Training Centre
Cost: TBC
Camping
Camping options: Field camping available for caravans, motorhomes, tents and swags, basic facilities - showers, toilets, small camp kitchen (no dogs)When: Thu 14 to Wed 27 March Where: Stone of Arc paddock Cost: $40 nightly/per site
Parking
Parking options: Park with ease at the main event site and off-site construction
When: Thu 14 to Wed 27 March
Where: Stone of Arc training centre
Cost: Free
Party time - ONE NIGHT ONLY
Renowned Melbourne DJ Joey Lightbulb will be flying in to ignite the festival with his myriad musical genres and enticing charm. Dance first, ask questions later.
When: Fri 22 March, 8-til-late
Where: The Farm
Cost: Included within the 10, 6 day (second lift), 3 day and Friday passes
Live music event
Local legends The Stones to play classic hits and modern country, live!
When: Sat 23 March, 2pm - 5ish
Where: Main festival centre
Cost: Included within the 10, 6 day (second lift), 3 day and Saturday passes
Alan Rhodes, UK Master Waller - Confirmed
From Whitworth in the Pennine Hills of Lancashire, Alan has over 30 years experience. He is a master craftsman, instructor assessor and award-winning artisan from the UK, coming over especially for the Stone festival.
Alan is passionate about keeping walling a living craft, being especially keen to support projects that remove barriers to learning and reach out to all sections of the community.
Peter Isherwood, UK Master Waller - Confirmed
From Lancashire in England, Peter has 35yrs of experience, almost 30 of those as master craftsman, instructor and assessor and he’s coming over especially for the Stone festival.
Peter is a trustee of the Dry Stone Walling Association (DSWA) and plays an integral part in encouraging young people into walling by such means as the bursary traineeships that commenced in 2017. He’s travelled around the world walling and enjoys nothing more than building sculptures with stone.
David Griffiths, UK Master Waller & Designer - Confirmed as Designer
Renowned master craftsman, designer and carver, David Griffiths generosity and influence is felt far and wide across the dry stone world. Author of In there somewhere and teacher to many, David has designed a vast array of exemplary dry stone exhibits and features, including one of the worlds largest displays of dry stone works, at Shibden Hall in Halifax, UK.
David is collaborating with local Wiradjuri leaders and the skilled teams, to develop at least two of the designs that will be built during the festival.
Geoff Duggan, AU Master Waller - Confirmed
As well as being a master craftsman, examiner and instructor, Geoff also has a great deal of expertise in urban horticulture, permaculture, structural landscaping, AutoCad Drafting and design.
For two decades, Geoff was instrumental in the design, construction and development of the Mount Annan and Sydney Botanic Gardens and also consulted on the Laos and Vietnam National Parks planning networks.
Ryan Johnson James, UK Sculptor - Confirmed
Ryan graduated from Plymouth University with a degree in fine art. Working as a sculptor, Ryan's work is inspired and influenced by history, industry and the natural environment. He tries to work with reclaimed or local stone wherever possible and is passionate about traditional crafts, teaching others how to carve using traditional methods.
Ryan, who is coming over from the UK especially for Stone Festival, has also worked as head stonemason on several large-scale barn conversions, including a finalist for Grand Designs. With his knowledge of building, stonemasonry and the arts, he is capable of creating unique standalone sculptures as well as integrating them into construction projects.
Simon Lumb, UK Master of many things – Confirmed
Simon, a colourful dairy farmer from Halifax in West Yorkshire, has been walling and carving stone for 50 years.
His wife and four sons are also wallers. His farm atop a hill, full of walls, stone, tools and enchantment, with Simon's vast array of impeccable traditional skills, humour, passion and imagination visible at every turn.
Winning awards for both his full size and amazing miniature dry stone walls, his knowledge of stone is endless and his artistry, fascinating.
Jack McCallum, Waller and Carver - Confirmed
Jack McCallum is a professional dry stone waller from Yorkshire, England. He's also a celebrated artist, stone carver and fine letter cutter. Graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in 2016 with a degree in Sculpture and a passion for stone, Jack furthered his training at the prestigious stone sculpture school, Berufsfachschule für Steinbearbeitung in Lass, Italy.
Jack went on to establish McCallum's Carvery, then teamed up with Stone of Arc in 2022 and has since worked on numerous dry walling and carving commissions across Australia.
Ken Hutchinson, AU Carver - Confirmed
Ken, from Cowra in NSW, believes working in stone is like working with the bones of the country and he’s worked with it since he ground his first stone axe in the creek bed of the farm where he grew up, west of Cowra.
Ken is mostly self-taught and primarily works with marble, granite and quartzite, undertaking public and private commissions, with public works in Bathurst, Cowra, Maroochydore, Ashfield and Warwick in Queensland, to name a few.
Ken also runs highly popular beginner workshops using South Australian coralline limestone, with a love of the symposium aspect of sculpture and belief that sharing the skills makes the sculpture world go round.
Emma Knowles, AU/UK Advanced Waller and Instructor - Confirmed
Emma, founder of the Stone of Arc dry stone training centre in Wellington NSW (the festivals main venue for 2024), is Australia’s only Advanced level dry stone waller and instructor, a corporate and professional member of the DSWA, the current president of the Dry Stone Walls Association of Australia (DSWAA) and co-convener of the Women’s International Stone Alliance (WISA).
In hosting the Great Australian Stone festival, Emma hopes to develop Australia’s dry stone community through the sharing of knowledge and skill at all levels, the enjoyment of collaborative creativity and the opportunities for skill recognition, as well as improved trade standards and profile.
There’ll be several features to work on during the festival, all requiring different levels of skill, from novice to master. We've worked with landholders, council and the Wiradjuri community to identify appropriate sites, that hold stories which have informed the designs.
Designs
Cultural stories are the theme of the GAS festival 2024, changing ourselves and our landscape through design and the sharing of traditional skills, in the company others with a passion for stone. Leaving behind a legacy that tells the stories of this place with sensitivity, recognition and humour.
Public space features
Wellostone park
Wiradjuri elders have lead the public space features design process, sharing stories of the land with an international group of renowned designers who’ve worked collaboratively to capture this knowledge within a unique, practical and informative stone creation that includes new seating areas for Cameron park.
Herb Garden
This construction will form a boundary wall in Bell Park, telling the stories of the Binjang people of the Wiradjuri nation through a series of inset stone carvings.
Wollstonecraft manner
At the main festival site, the Stone of Arc Dry Stone training centre, skilled professionals will work on panels of a dry stone courtyard which will include; a tall archway with flared base and cobbled sunken pathway, gothic bee boles, port holes, pillars and herringbone panels.
Just for the craic
St Patrick’s day occurs during the festival, so to honour the fine stone festivals of Ireland, we’ll be spending the day creating a large pint of Guinness outside one of the oldest pubs in Australia, the fabulous Lion of Waterloo (whilst sampling some vitamin G).
