Over 30,000 people flock to Portarlington for the January Mussel Festival, which promotes the region’s thriving mussel industry. It’s a great opportunity to sample award-winning local produce. In addition to the countless food and drink stalls, there are also kids’ activities, live performances and cooking demonstrations.
Date: Saturday 10 January 2015
Location: Newcombe St, Portarlington
In early March, the Wallington Primary School puts on a fair to showcase the Bellarine Peninsula’s delicious local strawberries. Visit the many food stalls to purchase pancakes, smoothies and pavlovas, or roam the fairground for rides, jumping castles and live music.
Date: Sunday 1 March 2015
Location: Wallington Primary School, 610 Wallington Rd, Wallington
The Apple Fair is an annual twilight event held by the Ocean Grove Primary School during the Labour Day long weekend. There are homemade treats, carnival rides, live bands and market stalls. Entry is by gold coin donation.
Date: Friday 6 March 2015
Location: 21-23 Draper Street, Ocean Grove
This rural show is another big event on the Portarlington calendar. Drawcards include livestock exhibits, carnival rides, baby animal farms, showbags and pony rides. The one-day event is held during the Labour Day weekend in March.
Date: Sunday 8 March 2015
Location: Portarlington Recreation Reserve, Cnr Sproat St and Boat Rd, Portarlington
This unique cultural festival is held during March and celebrates Barwon Heads’ relationship with the sea. Fun activities include skate competitions, live acts, jumping castles and animal farms, though the most popular event is by far the rubber duck race down the Barwon River.
Date: 13-15 March 2015* (confirm closer to date)
Location: Barwon Heads Hall, 79 Hitchcock Ave, Barwon Heads
The Sea of Words is a literary festival held every year during May. Authors from around Australia descend on Queenscliff to talk about their craft and attend book signings.
Date: May (confirm closer to date)
Location: Queenscliff Library, 55 Hesse Street, Queenscliff
This 3-day festival is Australia’s largest celebration of Celtic music and culture. Head to Portarlington during June for traditional dancing and music. There are also workshops teaching everything from Gaelic poetry to bagpipes.
Date: 5-8 June 2015
Location: Portarlington
This 3-day music festival is one of Queenscliff’s most popular events. Held annually on the last weekend of November, it attracts over 900 local and international music acts. Past performers have included John Butler Trio, The Living End and Missy Higgins.
Date: 28-30 November 2014
Location: Princess Park, Queenscliff
Every year hundreds of swimmers take part in the Rip View Swim Classic, which is considered one of the best open water races in Victoria. The 1.4km race takes place in late December, and acts as a major fundraiser for the Point Lonsdale Life Saving Club.
Date: Sunday 28 December 2014
Location: Point Lonsdale Beach
The Point Lonsdale Market boasts over 150 indoor and outdoor stalls. Everything from the jams to the baked goods and the crafts is homemade or home grown. The market can be found at Point Lonsdale Primary School on the second Sunday of the month.
Date: Second Sunday of the month
Location: Point Lonsdale Primary School, 22 Bowen Rd, Point Lonsdale
This boutique market is held on the last Sunday of the month from September to May. Head along to Lower Princess Park, listen to some live music and browse stalls selling fresh produce, homemade crafts, plants, clothes and linen.
Date: Last Sunday of the month, September to May
Location: Lower Princess Park, Queenscliff
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