There are always so many things to do in Sheffield – near Glencoe Country B&B – and the surrounding area. Something to put in your diary for next year is Steamfest, which was held last weekend.

It is held every year on the long weekend in March. History buffs and ‘steampunkers’ gather to enjoy a three-day extravaganza of yesteryear.

Steam trains, machinery, old-timey gadgets, demonstrations, entertainment, food and festivities await the attendee who loves all things nostalgic.

Sponsored by the Redwater Creek Steam and Heritage Society, the festival raises funds for community projects. It is the largest festival of its kind in all of Australia.

What makes SteamFest so exciting and interesting for young and old is that the essence of the event is that almost everything is operational.

Some of the machines date back well into the 1800s, and have been lovingly restored and maintained so that you can see them working and appreciate the ingenuity and engineering skills of generations past.

Also, this means that there are many opportunities for rides, demonstrations, activities and, of course, there is lots of steam and noise at times!

One of the most popular activities at Steamfest is to take a ride on a vintage train, complete with a spirited conductor and the sounds of a good whistle. Children’s train rides on miniature rail are also there to get their ‘woohoo’ going.

Steam engines were the bread and butter of transport long ago and their charm has never faded. The festival showcases both their functionality and artisan appeal in construction and décor.

Wood frames and iron fittings dress the carriages that once traversed the Tasmanian landscape. Not to be outdone by modern technology, these trains have stories to tell.

Dressed in a combination of the historic and scientific (or science fiction!), steampunkers put their fashionista best on display during festival days here in town, as just one of the things to do in Sheffield.

Clothing made in 19th-century Victorian style meets futurism in materials and accoutrements to match, accessorised by gadgets and gizmos unique to all things of this bygone era.

Inventive and entertaining, steampunkers are a creative and whimsical bunch who really love to get involved in the steam rollin’ atmosphere.

Not only will there be stalls of arts and crafts vendors with homemade décor and gift items, but demonstrations by blacksmiths, tailors, woodcrafters and others which were once the most important forms of skilled labour will be presenting their work.

Joining them will be areas where attendees can see how life was managed way back when. Laundry, cooking, spinning, weaving, building and farming are highlighted along with other essential duties of the family.

The pioneering lifestyle is alive and well for three days solid at Steamfest! Performers of folk music and buskers with guitars, accordions and fiddles, vintage cars on display, and children’s shows all add to the theatrics at Steamfest lending spice to an already popular festival.

Also featured are a petting zoo, tractor pulls, dress-and-shoot photo booths, a grand parade held daily and prize awards for various categories of Steamfest performers and program participants.

Local entertainment along with fairground foods, fresh produce, desserts and drinks make this a truly special occasion not to miss.

Another of the numerous things to do in Sheffield, is to visit Lake Barrington – just a short 25-minute drive from Glencoe Guesthouse. Lake Barrington is an artificial lake built on the Forth River in 1969 to provide a head of water for the Devils Gate power station.

The Lake is 20 km long and is the site of a world standard rowing course. In 1990 the World Rowing Championships were held there. The Australian Rowing Championships will be held at Lake Barrington during the last week of March this year.

The Australian Rowing Championships is an annual rowing event that determines Australia’s national rowing champions and facilitates the selection of Australian representative crews for World Championships and the Olympic Games.

It is Australia’s premier regatta, with states, clubs and schools sending their best crews. The Australian Rowing Championships is Australia’s premier rowing event. Quite impressive for one of the things to do in Sheffield.

The week-long event showcases the best of the best at the Australian Open Rowing Championships, Australian Open Schools Rowing Championships and the prestigious King’s and Queen’s Cups Interstate Regatta.

There will be food stalls and your ability to see top rowers that you may not have the opportunity to see in person again. Lake Barrington is an amazing natural environment to watch the rowing, much better than man-made rowing courses.

Also, right next to Lake Barrington is Tazmazia if you need a little break – a fun, full-sized maze.

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