Flagstaff fun

FAMILIES are making the most of the jam-packed school holiday program at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village.

By Staff Writer

Flagstaff Hill continues to attract a steady stream of visitors across the holiday period, with families such as the Shaw family from Gisborne enjoying the chance to sample a taste of life as a 19th century artillery soldier earlier this week. (Pictures courtesy Warrnambool City Council)

The Shaw family (pictured) from Gisborne were among those who got a taste of life as a 19th century artillery soldier as part of Tuesday’s Garrison dress ups and drills activity.

The Shaws were among a growing contingent of visitors at Flagstaff Hill, with daytime visitation up 28 per cent compared with the same time last year.

Flagstaff Hill service manager Ashley Ansell said that the first two weeks of the year had been very strong.

“The first couple of weeks of January have had that in-between weather where it’s warm enough to get out and about, but not quite a beach day,” he said.

“Flagstaff Hill is perfect for a day like this. There’s plenty to see and do, and the school holiday program adds that extra layer of fun for families.

“The Penguin Protectors Warrnambool sessions with the Maremma dogs have also been very popular this year.”

He said the second half of January could be a great time for locals to visit.

“The second two weeks of January are usually a bit quieter than the first, as visitors from outside the region head back to work,” he said.

“For locals, that makes it a really good window to come in.

“Everyone who lives in the Warrnambool City Council municipality gets free entry, and with our school holiday program running until January 23, there’s still lots of fun on offer.”

As well as the garrison activity, the school holiday program includes storytelling, hands-on crafts, cooking and more.

For more information visit www.flagstaffhill.com.