The Melbourne Writers Festival has teamed with the State Library of Victoria to mount an interesting and varied set of events in September commemorating the 150th Anniversary: a performance based on Ray Liversidge's verse novel The Barrier Range, a lecture on discovery by Geoffrey Blainey, and special events at the State Library highlighting the legacy of Burke and Wills in the arts. See the Event Calendar for details of where and when.

On Friday 20 August, the Royal Society of Victoria is holding a Gala Film Night at the National Gallery of Victoria in St Kilda Road. This gala event marks the 150th anniversary of the Departure of the Expedition. Guests will be able to watch the crowds and the camels, hear the cheers, the bands and the speeches, as portrayed in the 1985 film Burke and Wills. Jack Thompson plays Robert O'Hara Burke in one of the greatest roles of his long career, ably supported by Nigel Havers as Wills and Greta Scacchi as Julia Matthews. The film was shot on location, so as the story of the Expedition unfolds viewers will see wonderful footage of the outback and the Gulf country.

Pre-show refreshments from 6pm, during which the film will be introduced by Jack Thompson, who will provide insights intothe making of what was then the biggest budget Australian film ever.

The first event in the Burke and Wills Commemoration Program, held in Castlemaine last week, was sold out well in advance. To avoid missing out on the Film Gala contact the Burke and Wills booking line: Phone 03 8689 9060, or download a booking form and fax to 03 9386 6796, or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Tickets are $80 (plus booking fee).

Shelter from Melbourne's chilly weather by visiting the Muslim Cameleers Exhibition at the Immigration Museum and the Terra Incognita Exhibition at the State Library, or warm up with a Burke and Wills walk. More upcoming events are listed below, or click on the Event Calendar menu item for complete lists.