September 1, 2022
Packed events calendar to put a spring in your step
The Surf Coast events calendar is springing into action with an impressive range of events for locals and visitors alike, including a pair of elite sporting competitions.
Torquay will host the Victorian Mixed Ultimate Championships (Frisbee) and Great Ocean Road Beach Volleyfest, with both to result in a spike in visitors to the region.
Further down the coast, the inaugural Aireys as a Dark Night Sky Location will see Aireys Inlet shine, while the popular markets calendar has been bolstered by the return of hinterland favourite, Winchelsea Community Market.
Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Libby Stapleton welcomed the diverse events.
“After bidding farewell to winter, now’s the perfect time to spring into events,” she said.
“The Surf Coast is a renowned events destination, and as locals we’re spoilt when it comes to the variety of offerings across the coast and hinterland."
“This year in particular there are unique opportunities as spectators, patrons and participants.”
“If you haven’t already, save surfcoastevents.com.au to your favourites to stay up-to-date with events news and to plan your outings.”
The Great Ocean Road Beach Volleyfest consists of the Volleyball World Pro Beach Tour and Australian Beach Volleyball Tour, featuring the world’s top teams and the country’s premier domestic players respectively.
The event village at Elephant Walk on The Esplanade will be buzzing, with grandstands, entertainment and all the action on the sand from 23 November to 4 December.
“With world-class beach volleyball and entertainment for the whole family, we invite locals to come down to the foreshore to experience 12 days of fun in the sun,” Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee said.
A starry night will be promised at Aireys Inlet as a Dark Night Sky Location – a new event that invites people to take in the beauty and wonder of the coastal hamlet’s night sky on 24 September.
Coordinated by Aireys Inlet and District Association as it aims to receive International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) accreditation, the event will open with three guest speakers. Judith Bailey from the Victorian Chapter of IDA, Gomeroi astrophysicist Krystal de Napoli, and local author Greg Day will share insights on the preservation of the night sky.
Attendees can then travel to a private lot in Aireys Inlet to gaze at the night sky and take part in an ecologist-led walk to observe nocturnal wildlife.
Another spring addition to the events calendar is the Victorian Mixed Ultimate Championships, to be held 3 and 4 September at Banyul Warri-Fields in Torquay. About 300 players from 16 teams will be vying to qualify for the national Ultimate frisbee titles.
In the hinterland, the Winchelsea Market returns on the first Sunday of each month except January.
“It’s a social celebration of all things good - food, family, friends and conversation,” market coordinator Kim Johnson said.
Located at the historic former Winchelsea Shire Hall, the market has indoor and outdoor stalls and a food court. Marketgoers can buy from producers, processors and local artisans, while the Country Women’s Association serves a delicious Devonshire tea.
