Conference of the Birds
art-walk
Saturday 23rd May 2026
Taking Flight
A FREE art-walk & festival along the Boolarra - Mirboo North Rail Trail to 'The Meadows'
Conference of the Birds is a community-based event inspired by the artistic talents & community spirit of the people of Latrobe Valley & South Gippsland.
The art-walk explores country, survival & belonging created in collaboration with First Nations peoples, artists & the broader community & celebrates the beautiful bird-life on lands we call home.
Saturday 23rd May
Railway Park Grandridge Rail-Trail entrance Boolarra
2:30pm The Art-walk begins
5:30 - 7pm Concert & Bonfire at the Meadows
The Journey begins by Gathering in Railway Park, then walkers set off on The Quest to the First Nations' ceremony circle for Welcoming. Afterwards the audience follow the rail trail towards The Meadows.
On their way, walkers pass thro 7 mysterious Valleys past art installations & performances before reaching The Meadows for live music, dance, story & a bonfire. Special Guest Musicians:
Kavisha Mazzella, Penelope Swales, Mpathsoul & Invy Horn Jam
Food trucks will sell warm food & drinks at The Meadows.
Walkers should rug up well, bring a torch & something to sit on.
ACCESSIBILITY
The Rail Trail is suitable for wheel chairs & mobility scooters
A shuttle Bus will be available for people with mobility
& access needs - registrations are essential.
Each Valley after The Quest offers a performance that is roughly 5 - 8 mins in length & will be repeated over a 30min timeslot - travel on to the next valley once you have seen 1 cycle. Times are approximate.
2:30 - 2:40 The Gathering & storytelling
2:45 - 3:20 Valley of the Quest
3:30 - 4pm Valley of Love
3:45 - 4:15 Valley of Astonishment & Bewilderment
4:00 - 4:30 Valley of Detachment
4:25 - 4:55 Valley of Poverty & Nothingness
4:45 - 5:15 Valley of Insight into Mystery
5:00 - 5:30 Arrival @ Valley of Harmony & Unity
Sponsors
The Walk
Expect the Unexpected!
The walk starts in Railway Park at 2:30pm
Wear good walking shoes, rug up well, bring a torch & something to sit on.
Along the trail you will find installations, Performance Art, Visual Art, Sound, Dance & more.
Choose your own pace
You have a minimum of 2 hours to walk the trail before the performance at the Meadows - so choose your own pace.
The trail is suitable for wheelchairs, prams & mobility scooters with only some small inclines.
At the Meadows
-
CFA Sausage Sizzle,
-
BCDG Koffee Kart
-
Gippsland Hot Potatoes
-
Porta loos
-
all abilities gazebo
Find your spot near the sand circle, huddle up to a fire pit & listen to some live music
The finale performance will then go for approximately 40mins before the bonfire is lit.
After the bonfire has safely settled the audience can gather closer for warmth & dance to the music.
On the way back to Boolarra, the pathway will be transformed, but BYO TORCH!
What to Bring
1. A torch - or mobile phone with torch app. is essential
2. Dress WARMLY - May is very very chilly.
3. Blanket, mat or camp chairs to sit on.
4. A Water Bottle
5. Good walking shoes - the trail is a bush trail.
Mobility needs
There will be special shuttle busses traveling from Railway Park to the Meadows for those who need assistance with mobility. Please register for a place on the shuttle - so we know how many people to expect. Shuttle Buses will also take you back to Railway Park after the event - departing around 7:45pm
Please Note: The Rail Trail is a bush trail & the Meadows is open grassland which is a little uneven under foot. While all care will be taken to prevent trips & spills - please watch your feet & beware of uneven surfaces.