On 28 January 2017, the Chinese community will celebrate the Chinese New Year.
This year it’s time to welcome in the Year of the Rooster. According to the Chinese Zodiac, if you were born in the Year of the Rooster, good career choices for you include a restaurant owner or a travel writer. We think this probably means the Great Ocean Road is the perfect destination for you!
Melbourne will play host to a large number of Chinese New Year festivals and concerts, but the Great Ocean Road also really comes alive at this time of year. We’re expecting to be very busy at Alkina Lodge, and there’ll be a whole range of festivities and events in the region. Here’s a selection of what’s on:
26 January 2017 – Australia Day Celebrations
Right before Chinese New Year we’ll be celebrating Australia Day, so if you’re here on 26 January you’ll almost certainly be able to take part in some of the celebrations. A Day In the Bay is a free public event on the Apollo Bay foreshore with live music, food and entertainment for all the family. Meanwhile, Australia Day In The Gardens is a similar event that will be taking place in Warnnambool Botanic Gardens.
27 January 2017 – Otway Harvest Trail Summer Festa at the Yards
The Otways are renowned for their gourmet food produce and high quality wineries and breweries. At this special event you’ll be able to taste our local produce, enjoy a local brew or wine and chill out to some live music.
28 January 2017 – Mr Meaner at the Apollo Bay Hotel
Head down to the Apollo Bay Hotel for live music from this fabulous local band. They usually play a great variety of music including Ed Sheeran, Pharrell Williams, the Doobie Brothers, Stevie Wonder, INXS and Lenny Kravitz – just to name a few! The band will perform from 9pm til late and it’s free entry.
27-29 January 2017 – Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Tens of thousands of cyclists and spectators are expected to attend Australia’s ultimate weekend of cycling and entertainment. Whether you’re participating or just watching, this event is sure to be filled with some of the world’s best cycling and a lot of excitement!
Local Cuisine
There are several restaurants within easy reach of Alkina Lodge who serve beautiful seafood and Asian cuisine. Some of these often have special Chinese New Year menus, but we recommend them at any time of year. One of our favourites is Forage on the Foreshore which is located right on the popular Port Campbell beachfront. Also in Port Campbell is the friendly and welcoming Craypot Bistro who have some great seafood options. If you’re looking for authentic Chinese cuisine, then there are several options over in Warrnambool including the Emperors House Chinese Restaurant. And finally, La Bimba is a small restaurant with a view out over Apollo Bay – it’s a little further away but their fresh seafood is worth the drive!
Alternatively, if you’re staying here at Alkina Lodge, our personal chef can create you a special meal including seafood and Asian inspired dishes.
One final thing – if you want to stay on the Great Ocean Road over this period, make sure you book early as it can get very busy.
