Great Ocean Road Events and Festivals

The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, has iconic beauty and beaches but is also a hub of public events and festivals. From music and food festivals to cultural and sporting events, this stretch of land of the Eastern Maar & Gunditjmara is where locals and visitors can experience the region’s history, reconciliation and community. Here, we’ll look at some of the best festivals along the Great Ocean Road for anyone looking to connect with the local culture.

Festivals along the Ocean Road

Apollo Bay Music Festival

In the coastal town of Apollo Bay the Apollo Bay Music Festival features local and international talent across blues, folk and jazz. This family friendly event often runs alongside the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival and has a range of music and food stalls where visitors can experience the community’s grassroots vibe. Blues bands and local talent are a highlight of the festival which is one of Apollo Bay’s many festivals.

Port Fairy Folk Festival

One of the biggest events on the Great Ocean Road, the Port Fairy Folk Festival attracts thousands to the picturesque town of Port Fairy each March. This 4 day festival of folk music features a bunch of bands across blues, roots and world music, set in Port Fairy’s historic streets. This popular festival has family activities and is a celebration of music and tradition where you can connect with folk culture in a beachy way.

Surf Coast Century

The Surf Coast Century is an exhilarating ocean water swim and ultramarathon event, drawing endurance athletes to the iconic Great Ocean Road, stretching from Anglesea to Torquay. This remarkable event invites participants to immerse themselves in the stunning coastal and bushland terrain of the region. Beyond the ultramarathon, it features thrilling water swim races and vibrant community activities, offering families and adventure seekers the perfect opportunity to tour Great Ocean Road while embracing a day filled with fitness, excitement, and fun.

Warrnambool May Racing Carnival

The Warrnambool May Racing Carnival is a large community and commercial event and one of Victoria’s biggest social events. Horse racing enthusiasts and fashionistas come together for high energy races and a rich history. The event features the iconic steeplechase, Fashions on the Field and social events that celebrate Australian horse racing tradition. This 3 day festival is one of Warrnambool’s biggest town events combining competition and celebration in one social event.

Lorne Sculpture Biennale

In the beautiful coastal town of Lorne, the Lorne Sculpture Biennale is a multi-arts festival that brings the community together through the visual arts. Sculptors from all over Australia exhibit their work along Lorne’s coastline, lighthouses, landscapes and creativity. Held every 2 years, the Biennale is a council run community event funded to celebrate art, community, and the environment.

Falls Festival

In Lorne’s country surrounds, Falls Festival is a fun festival to ring in the New Year with top music, camping and a beach vibe. One of Australia’s biggest music festivals, this multi-day camping event brings locals and visitors together in the race course of Lorne to party, socialise and dance in a festival that embodies the laid-back spirit of coastal towns along the Great Ocean Road.

Otway Oktoberfest

At Otway Estate in the Otway Ranges, Otway Oktoberfest is a celebration of all things Bavarian, locally brewed beers and live music. This community event has traditional German food, craft beer and blues bands and is an authentic Oktoberfest experience in the middle of Australia’s Otway Odyssey trails. The event is family and adult friendly so is popular with locals and visitors during October’s festival season.

Seasonal Events and Local Markets

The Great Ocean Road has a range of festivals and seasonal events that showcase the season and the community.

Summer

Anglesea Twilight Market

During the warmer months the Anglesea Twilight Market has stalls of handmade crafts, gourmet food and artisan goods. A council supported market popular with locals and visitors to browse and enjoy live music and family activities. The market has a great atmosphere and is right near the coast so is a must visit for anyone looking for a special event with local flair, community and coastal charm.

Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach

The Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach is one of the world’s top surfing events, and each Easter, it attracts the best surfers from around the globe to Victoria’s coast. As part of the World Surf League Championship Tour, the Rip Curl Pro combines high-octane competition with a fun surfing festival atmosphere, celebrating Australia’s surfing heritage. Visitors can watch the action, cheer on their favourite surfers and enjoy food stalls and activities around Bells Beach. This event is not only a celebration of surfing but also a showcase of the Great Ocean Road as a major outdoor sports and adventure destination.

Winter Events

WinterWild Festival in Apollo Bay

Held in Apollo Bay, WinterWild is a community driven festival that celebrates the wild beauty of winter by the coast. With art installations, music, fire performances and immersive experiences this multi day festival is an inclusive event that brings out the creative side of the Apollo Bay coastal community.

Whale Watching Season

Winter along the Great Ocean Road is also whale-watching season. Southern right whales and humpbacks are in the area, with the best viewing spots in Warrnambool and Portland. Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and families come to see these magnificent creatures up close. Many local operators offer guided tours and boat trips to help you engage with the region’s marine life in a responsible and eco-friendly way.