What’s Happening This Summer On The Great Ocean Road

If you’re travelling down to see us over the summer, you may be interested in reading more about all the sports, beach, music and food events that will be taking place. And if you don’t yet have plans to visit, maybe one of these events will inspire you to book!

Here’s a round-up of some of the not-to-be-missed events coming up soon. And if you like the sound of any of these fabulous events, don’t leave it to the last minute. Book your accommodation online now!

 

Moyneyana Festival

When: 24 December 2017 to 26 January 2018
Where: Port Fairy

This community festival runs from Christmas Eve right through to Australia Day. It will include a New Year’s Eve Parade and fireworks, plus plenty of kids’ activities, live music, and family entertainment throughout the summer. Click here for the full festival programme.

BeachFest

When: 27 December 2017 to 24 January 2018
Where: Warrnambool foreshore

Warrnambool is a relaxed, modern city about an hour and a half’s drive from Alkina Lodge, and is well worth a visit for its fabulous beaches.  Over the summer the foreshore will play host to Beachfest, a wonderful event packed with activities for the whole family. There’ll be live music, beach cricket, a kids acquathon competition, sand sculpting, silent disco walking tours, yoga, drumming workshops, beach volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee and a whole lot more. Find out more here.

Camperdown Car And Bike Show

When: 12 – 14 Jan 2018
Where: Camperdown, VIC

The historic town of Camperdown is about an hour’s drive from Alkina Lodge, and this year they’ll be hosting their first ever Car & Bike Show. It looks set to be a great weekend! There’ll be Friday night car-themed movies including “Cars” and “Deuce of Spades” , live music at the Hampden Hotel, trade stalls, a Saturday night street cruise and a scenic Sunday day cruise to the Timboon Distillery.

The Camperdown Cup

When: 20 January 2018
Where: Camperdown, VIC

Camperdown looks set to be a very busy town this January! Following on from the Car & Bike show, the 20 January will see the famous Camperdown Cup, held at the local turf club. This year is extra special as the club is celebrating 150 years of racing. It’s sure to be a great day out! Click here for tickets and event information.

Shakespeare in the Great Outdoors

When: 20 – 28 January 2018
Where: Loch Ard Gorge

Don’t miss the chance to watch some iconic theatre in an iconic location! Pack a cushion, a blanket or warm jacket, some drinks & snacks  and head down to the beautiful Loch Ard Gorge to watch one of William Shakespeare’s greatest plays. The Tempest will be performed on 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 January 2018. Click here to find out more.

Apollo Bay Seafood Festival

When: 16-18 February 2018
Where: Apollo Bay Harbour

About an hour’s drive from Alkina Lodge you’ll find the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay. This fabulous annual foodie event celebrates everything to do with seafood. You can meet the local fishermen, take part in a cooking workshop or a casting competition, watch food demonstrations or just sit back and devour some tasty fish & chips while you enjoy some live music. Foodies will not want to miss this event! Visit their website for more information.

Otway Odyssey

When: 24-25 February 2018
Where: Forrest, VIC

This is one of Australia’s most highly respected off-road biking events. There are races to suit everyone, including a Grommets section for kids under 8 yrs, a 30m Rookie Race,  the full 100km mountain bike race and more. For supporters, there’ll be food, drinks, entertainment and activities at the start and finish lines. Get all the details on their website.

Seafood

 

Where To Stay

Luxury accommodation is available at Alkina Lodge (+61 3 8899 7426 ; alkinalodge.com.au ), an architecturally designed lodge set in over 100 acres of native bushland.  The lodge is about 15 minutes drive from the 12 Apostles. Prices start from $297.50 per person per night (based on twin share occupancy and excluding flights).

Getting There

The Great Ocean Road is located in Victoria and stretches for 243 kms, starting at Torquay and ending near Warrnambool. How to get there depends on which part of the Great Ocean Road you’d like to visit. However, the most famous sights such as the 12 Apostles and Port Campbell National Park are located 275 kms west of Melbourne, approximately a 4 hour drive along the Great Ocean Road.