Now a yearly tradition, Opera at The Channon is a black tie event set in the stunning hills of far northern New South Wales. It happens only once a year, but in The Channon it is rather startling. Around town the usual scene is hippies with dreadlocks and farmers with their dogs, but towards the end of July the suits move in - men in black and white, women in opulent fur - and the Queensland Opera.
About 20 km from Nimbin, and 18km from Lismore, The Channon is a tiny township once best known for its monthly markets and beautiful bush, that was until high brow culture came along.
It all began a few years ago when four friends, chatting after a good meal, were discussing the past weekend where they had all attended an opera. The group began to think how wonderful it would be to bring a similar event to the North Coast. Things progressed, and they started searching for a good venue, and settled on the beautiful village of The Channon - put the seats in Coronation Park with its natural amphitheatre, had a local farmer offer one of his paddocks as a car park, let The Channon School P & C take on the role of waiters, and the Bush Fire Brigade direct traffic. Perfect.
All Rotarians, the four, got their local club to host the event, and it becomes a reality, every July/August.
Opera at The Channon is a formal affair with patrons invited to shake out the furs and dust off the tuxedos. And the indulgence begins straight away. On entry guests are presented with a glass of champagne, and led to the feast. The silver-service luncheon, cooked by local chefs, is served under a marquee with magnificent valley and mountain views. Being in the heart of macadamia country has a strong influence on the menu. A fine selection of red and white Australian wines is also part of the occasion.
After dinner, patrons wander down to the al fresco theatre where the inimitable John Colwill will host a stunning concert of favourites from opera and musical theatre performed by the stars of Opera Queensland's Young Artist Program. The Channon village becomes involved as groups of locals gather to relax on their verandahs, the music echoing through the village.
But there is a lot more to this charming town than a once a year opera. The Channon village has tea rooms, craft shops, galleries, markets and the historic Buttery Tavern (originally a butter factory), and also it is the starting point for a rainforest walk in the spectacular Protestor Falls on Terania Creek Road.
The region is also known for its strong artistic community - the local markets offer an amazing array of locally made goods. The Channon Markets, on the second Sunday of each month, have long been legendary on the North Coast, bringing people from far and wide. Visitors go as much for the amazing variety of hand-crafted goods as for the atmosphere. The alternative crowd from the hills all converge for the markets, offering tarot reading, crystal healing, massage, live music, lots of food, juice and coffee stalls, and an amazing parade of interesting and eccentric looking people.
The Channon is the gateway to the rainforest, with the southern edges of the World Heritage listed Nightcap National Park only 15km out of town. The southern Terania Creek entrance features slabs of magnificent subtropical rainforest, and enormous brush box trees thought to be up to 1,500 years old. To get to the Terania Creek Picnic Area head onto Terania Creek Road (unsealed, narrow and rough for large vehicles), and after a 10 km trip, the road leads to a picnic area. At the picnic area there leads of a 1.4 km return walk to Protestors Falls, set amidst beautiful rainforest featuring dense thickets of bangalow palms. The falls were named after the protestors who carried on an anti-logging campaign here in the late 1970s and early 1980s which led to the declaration of the national park in 1983.
Nearby Nimbin is also quite an adventure. But all around are great roads for just driving, and checking out the beautiful local scenery and culture.
More information:
For more information on Opera in The Channon, call (02) 6627 4444, or contact the Rotary Club of Lismore Central. During the festival a bus service runs from Byron Bay through the coastal villages and then out to The Channon via Lismore.
Note: All proceeds from the concert will assist the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter and combined Rotary Charities.
Spend a night at one of the Peppers' properties and enjoy a complimentary breakfast when you book with your NRMA Member Card. Find out more...
4WD
