Holiday Events Guide Your local l
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Welcome to Warrnambool
If you’re looking for a classic beachside holiday with all of the amenities of a regional city, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.
I’m obviously a little bit biased, but Warrnambool has to be one of the best places to spend your summer holidays.
But don’t take it from me. If you visit the Surfside Holiday Parks, amongst the visitors from all across Australia you will find a large contingent of locals, camping in their own hometown.
And when you have the beach, the Lake Pertobe adventure playground, the foreshore promenade, Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, the Warrnambool Art Gallery, Thunder Point and a vibrant city centre all within walking distance, it’s easy to see why.
There are so many choices at your fingertips and the best part is, you really can’t go wrong.
Enjoy your visit and I hope to see you again soon.
In winter, we have whales, so you don’t need to wait until next summer for your next getaway.
Western District Newspaper Pty. Ltd. 126 Manifold Street Camperdown Telephone (03) 5593 1888 publisher@warrnamboolweekly.com.au
Cr Ben Blain Mayor Warrnambool City Council
Head to Flagstaff Hill these holidays
IF you’re looking for some family-friendly fun and entertainment these holidays, head to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village.
New Year’s Eve at Flagstaff Hill is one of the best places to be in Warrnambool to see out the new year.
From 5.30pm on December 31 visitors can enjoy a fun, safe, family event.
Relax on the green or on the wharf and listen to live music while enjoying some delicious food and drink.
Soak up the atmosphere before heading to the top of the hill for the best view of the Breakwater fireworks at 9.30pm.
Please note this is a strictly no BYO alcohol and dogs, other than assistance dogs (with supporting credentials), are not allowed.
Live music will be provided throughout the night by Pyper and Dylan, and Gabby Steel.
The fun and entertainment will continue at Flagstaff Hill throughout January, with three ‘Chill on the Hill’ sessions planned.
Gather your family and friends for a relaxing evening of local music, great food and refreshing drinks in Warrnambool’s biggest waterfront beer garden.
Relax on the grass with a picnic rug or chair or chill on the wharf.
If you’re feeling energetic join the Warrnambool Running Club 5km fun run which starts and finishes in the village (register on the day from 5pm for a 6pm start)
‘Chill on the Hill’ will take place from 5pm until 8pm on the following dates:
Wednesday, January 8 – performer, Flo Lindemann. Wednesday, January 15 – performer, Dylan O’Keeffe.
Wednesday, January 22 – performer, Nick Alexander. Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village proudly tells the stories of hundreds of ships, their crewmen and passengers whose lives were claimed by the Shipwreck Coast in the 19th Century.
Visitors to the museum have the opportunity to not
only learn about history, but to experience it in the living museum, and spectacular sound and light shows. The museum and village is open daily from 10am until 5pm (subject to change without notice).
For more information on the nightly shows and admission phone 5559 4600.
Open 10am till close at 11pm All dietary requirements catered for.
Open 10am till 5pm or until strawberries are picked out Closed Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan 1
EGAN STREET, TIMBOON
East Beach
RUNNERS
Action-packed race program at Premier
THE 2024/25 race calendar is yet another exciting one at Premier Speedway, Warrnambool.
Race enthusiasts of all ages will flock to the track after the Christmas break,
with action set to return to the track on
New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025) with Street Stocks and the final round of Sprintcar Speedweek.
Sunday, January 5 is a jam-packed
program with over 100 cars expected for a ‘super Sunday night of racing.
The Pro Speedcar Week series headlines the program, and will be joined by Wingless Sprints and V8 Super Sedans.
The ARB Warrnambool International Sprintcar Carnival is a Sprintcar-only event and will be staged on Sunday, January 19.
January’s big draw crowd – the 2025 Flying Horse Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic – will take place over three days; January 24, 25 and 26.
February will see an all-Sedan spectacular on Saturday, February 8 along with the Australian V8 Dirt Modified
Championship on Friday, February 21.
Race enthusiasts will be treated to a huge event on Saturday, March 15 with the staging of the Victorian Sprintcar Title, Junior Formula 500s and the Vintage Sprintcars.
March 29 is the 360-LS Victorian Sprintcar Championship along with the Super Rod Cup.
The 2024-25 race season will culminate on Sunday, April 20 with the running of the Easter Sprintcar Trail (including the final round of the Warrnambool track championship), Super Rods and the always-popular fireworks display.
For tickets go to www. premierspeedway.com.au.
WEDNESDAY, JAN 1
Speedcars, Wingless Sprints & Super Sedans
SUNDAY, JAN 5
SUNDAY, JAN 19 JAN 24, 25 & 26
Swim between the flags
VISITORS to Warrnambool’s beaches are being urged to swim between the flags this summer to avoid becoming a statistic.
With the launch of Victoria’s volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards summer season in mid-November, the familiar red and yellow flags are now being raised for this critical patrol season.
Last summer saw the highest number of drowning fatalities on record, including the most drownings among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities and young males in coastal settings.
Over 6,000 volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards patrolled for 250,000 hours, performing 850 rescues – a 40 per cent increase on the five-year average.
In light of these alarming statistics, Life Saving Victoria is highlighting an urgent need for water safety awareness, as Victoria faces a critical challenge to reduce these tragic losses.
When heading to the beach make sure you take notice of where the red and yellow flags are flying – and swim between those.
locally produced wines, beers, and spirits, together with quality products from Australia and overseas.
We have the best and biggest range of craft beer in the South West. Limited seating, with charcuterie and cheese platters filled with local produce available in store.
Summer markets a must-see
WITH everything from live music through to locally grown fresh produce and plants, Warrnambool’s outdoor markets are a must-see destination.
Head to Lake Pertobe late on Friday afternoon where you will find a great selection of stalls offering plants, preserves, bread, freshly made and locally produced foods as well as live music from local artists.
Take along a chair or picnic rug and set yourself up on the grass and enjoy a few relaxing hours with family and friends.
Browse the stalls, chat with the creators and tuck into some delicious food and drink – all within the magnificent Lake Pertobe precinct.
The Warrnambool Community Gardens also offer a fabulous range of stalls; the ideal location to grab a special gift or momento of your visit to the region.
2025 Summer Garden Markets
These are held each Wednesday from 3pm until 6.30pm at the Warrnambool Community Garden in Grieve Street on the following dates:
January 10, 17, 24 and 31
February 7, 14, 21 and 28
2025 Summer Night Markets
These are held each Friday at Lake Pertobe, Warrnambool, from 4.30pm-8.30pm on the following dates:
December 27, 2024
January 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2025
Unlock the Adventure with Lockology Escape Room!
Are you ready for the ultimate challenge?
Step into the world of Lockology, where every room is a new adventure waiting to be discovered. Gather your friends, test your wits, and solve mind-bending puzzles to escape before time runs out.
Perfect for team-building, parties, or a thrilling night out. Book your experience today and see if you have what it takes to conquer Lockology!
Unleash your inner detective. Beat the clock. Escape if you can!
ESCAPE FROM WONDERLAND
(for 12+ years)
You and your friends have fallen down a rabbit hole and found yourself in wonderland and now must escape through the mind of Lewis Carol
PIRATES TREASURE CHEST
(for 12 + years with a parent)
You and your friends have managed to board the pirate ship looking for a treasure map - you have one hour to explore the ship, find the treasure map and get out before the pirates return.
ASSYLUM ESCAPE
(for 16 + years)
You and your friends have broken into an asylum and now find yourself trapped in one of the sleeping quarters - you must escape before the shift change in one hour.
School holiday fun for all
ARE you looking for exciting, fun-filled activities these school holidays?
Warrnambool has so much to offer visitors all-year round but when the sun comes out, the action really hots up.
As the temperature climbs why not head to Port Fairy for a spot of surfing?
This is loads of fun and an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. If adventure is more your style, Daktari Surf Warrnambool offers both halfday and full-day dive adventures – leaving you and your family with lasting memories of a great holiday experience.
Feeling energetic? A spot of bike riding may be just the thing.
Café Cycles in Warrnambool offers bikes of all sizes for hire, either a half or full day.
If the weather is too warm for outdoor adventures, or the skies are looking a little overcast, why not head to ‘The Bowl’ for some ten-pin bowling action and uncover your family’s champion?
As this venue is extremely popular over the holidays, make sure to book early.
Capitol Cinemas is where you will find the latest movies – and some extremely tasty fresh popcorn.
With so much to see and do across Warrnambool these holidays you and your family will take home some special, lasting memories to treasure.
Warrnambool City Council also has a ‘what’s on’ site on its webpage or simply scan the QR code on front page for further information.
CITY BOWLS CLUB
Looking for a cool place to hang
Come
Board games
Dungeons and Dragons
Miniatures and paints
Open 12 noon until 10pm ~ Wednesday to Sunday 153 Fairy St, Warrnambool 0431 815 616
5562 7362
Ozone Carpark
Rear of 164 Timor Street
Find us in the carpark behind the Capitol Cinema
See you at the theatre
From my desk at the Lighthouse Theatre I can see the bustle of the Liebig and Timor streets roundabout.
If I walk out the door for just a few minutes I am greeted by the magnificent coastline from Cannon Hill.
There are so many colourful and descriptive words to describe both the magnificent Lighthouse Theatre, and the wonder that is Warrnambool.
Our theatre, I believe, is the flagship performing arts centre of the great southwest coast.
It’s a vital cultural icon that presents world-class entertainment.
It’s a hub for community ingenuity and engagement.
Lighthouse Theatre has been your home of the arts for decades, and now it is also mine.
I am still delighted each day by the vibrancy of this town and its breathtaking scenery.
Thankyou for having me Warrnambool.
I can proudly say that Lighthouse Theatre Season 2025 is a bridge between the old and the new.
It is true in the literal sense that part of the season was put together by the Lighthouse’s outgoing manager Xavier
Dannock (to whom I owe the deepest of thanks) and the remainder I introduced myself.
It is also true that the ‘bridge between old and new’ is also an accurate descript of the works themselves.
From perennial classics like Bell Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Julie’ to the vibrant voices of Task York’s ‘Happy Hour’ and ‘Aunty’ by Beat Entertainment.
From stalwarts of the library shelves such as ‘Imagine,’ ‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ and George Orwell’s ‘1984’ through to ‘The Librarian,’ a hilarious family circus show about libraries themselves.
The 2025 program also includes stories told by our world’s oldest culture, represented by beautiful First Nations shows ‘Saltbush’ and ‘Meerta.’
The stunning piece of contemporary performance that is ‘Prism’ – by Warrnambool’s very own Find Your Voice Collective – is also on the program for 2025.
Sculpted with care to delight and entertain audiences, Lighthouse Theatre Season 2025 has something for everyone.
See you at the theatre.
Meg Deyell Service manager Lighthouse Theatre
Warrnambool Showgrounds
Koroit St, Warrnambool
Saturday 28 December:
Inflatables, Spin Art, Face painting by Colour Angel, Photo Booth, Warrnambool Calisthenics, Junior Greyhound Handler
Monday 30 December:
Inflatables, Plaster Painting, Face painting by Colour Angel, Physipole, Magic by The Amazing Mr Twist, Junior Greyhound Handler
Thursday 2 January:
Inflatables, Balloon Twisting, Taylor Swift Tribute Show (4.30pm), Face Painting, Kelly Sport, Junior Greyhound Handler
Saturday 4 January:
Inflatables, Jamie & Kim’s Mobile Zoo, Bucking Bull, Photo Booth, Face Painting by Colour Angel, Junior Greyhound Handler
Calendar of Events
Wednesday, December 25
Christmas Day …. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas
Thursday, December 26
Enjoy the carnival atmosphere at Lake Pertobe
Friday, December 27
Lake Pertobe – Summer Night Markets, 4.30pm-8.30pm
Warrnambool Breakwater, Viaduct Road - Warrnambool Tri Club
Criterion 5pm-6pm
Port Fairy – Fiddlers Green, live music
Warrnambool beach, Pertobe Road – learn to surf lessons, 11am1pm
Saturday, December 28
Warrnambool Greyhounds Seaside Festival (runs until January 4)
Greyhound racing, entertainment and loads of family-friendly fun
Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club, Pertobe Road – Victorian Junior Grasscourt Championship (Dec 28-31)
Lake Pertobe – Warrnambool and District Drag Racing Association ‘Show and Shine’ 10am-2pm
Sunday, December 29
Port Fairy movie marathon in Bank Street 4pm-10pm
Monday, December 30
Port Fairy – bike decorating day 10am-2pm
Lake Pertobe Fair
Story town Christmas hunt
Tuesday, December 31
Flagstaff Hill – New Year’s Eve on the Hill, 5.30pm-9.30pm
Warrnambool breakwater – New Year’s Eve fireworks from 9.30pm
Warrnambool racecourse – Woodford Cup, 11am-5pm
A relaxing day of country racing, fun and community connection.
Railway Place, Port Fairy – New Year’s Eve parade from 7pm, fireworks 9.30pm
Wednesday, January 1
Premier Speedway Warrnambool – get ready for a night of race action, with gates open at 3pm and on-track action from 6pm
Thursday, January 2
Fiddlers Green, Port Fairy – family-friendly bush dance from 5pm
Friday, January 3
Warrnambool Breakwater, Viaduct Road - Shipwreck Coast Fishing Classic (Jan 3-5), all day Lake Pertobe – Summer Night Markets, 4.30pm-8.30pm
Saturday, January 4
Lake Pertobe – Warrnambool Park Run, 5km run/walk from 8am Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool – Holiday Actors presents ‘Spamalot’, 7.30pm-10pm (performances on Jan 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10)
Sunday, January 5
Premier Speedway, Warrnambool – Sprintcar Speedweek Round 5 / Street Stocks Gates open 3pm, on-track action from 5pm
Wednesday, January 8
Fiddlers Green, Port Fairy – Button Bonanza 10am, Port Fairy Cornhole Bag Toss 11am
Warrnambool Cemetery – cemetery walks from 6pm
Friday, January 10
Fiddlers Green, Port Fairy – Youth Open Mic night from 5pm Lake Pertobe, Warrnambool – Summer Night Markets from 4pm
Saturday, January 18
Orford Vintage Rally – Southern Vintage Engine and Tractor Pull Association, Jan 18-19
Friday, January 24
Premier Speedway Warrnambool – Night one of the 2025 Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic (Jan 24-26).
SQUIRT’S ACTIVITY PAGE
ANSWER: 4 Missing a spot in right eye
Do fish ever go on holidays? No, they’re always in school!
What do you call a witch on a beach? A sand-witch!
What did the ocean say to the beach?
It didn’t say anything. Instead, it just waved!
What part of the fish weighs the most? The scales!
What do you call a snowman in Australia? A puddle!
What do you get when you combine an elephant with a fish? Swimming trunks!
Why do fish like to eat worms? Because they get hooked on them!
Why don’t oysters share their pearls? Because they’re shellfish! What do ghosts like to eat in the summer? I-Scream!
Visitors to the region are spoilt for choice
WHEN it comes to food and entertainment options in and around Warrnambool, the choices are endless.
High quality, local produce is celebrated in many of the town’s restaurants, bars and bistros.
Whether you’re looking for romantic candlelit dinners or a family-friendly, paper-wrapped fish and chip meal by the ocean, there is something for all tastes and budgets.
The district’s cafes, restaurants, bars and bistros match the finest you can find in many major cities with a wide array of options.
Several local restaurants showcase the area’s locally gathered seafood and locally-grown fresh produce.
These include wineries overlooking vineyard estates and eateries with breath-taking views of the ocean and its surrounds.
In addition to its many cafes and restaurants, the Warrnambool district also offers an array of businesses offering fine foods to take home.
These include delicatessens, bakeries, butchers, seafood outlets and fruiterers.
Today’s guide highlights many of the family-friendly restaurants and eateries that are on your doorstep including Grape and Barley, Bundy’s Bar and Bites, Peppers Pizza, Warrnambool RSL, Red Spoon Thai and much more.
For a feed at the park or beach, visit East Beach Fish and Chips or Charlies on East for great food at family-friendly prices.
Warrnambool and nearby Port Fairy and Koroit offer an endless amount of places to stay and visit.
Tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation – whether you’re looking for caravan parks, cabins, hotels or even a bed and breakfast, there is something to suit all needs and budgets.
Take the time to explore the region and enjoy your stay – who knows where your travels may take you.
Wildlife Encounters in the heart of Cudgee
ARE you looking for some family-friendly fun these holidays?
Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters is an intimate wildlife park which sits just a short drive from Warrnambool at Cudgee.
With cockatoos, kangaroos, koalas, dingoes and even ringtail possums, the park is home to a wide variety of animals.
The friendly staff are always on hand to offer information and knowledge about the animals in their care and are happy to teach you how to feed and pet these well-loved creatures.
Every visit to this park is a memorable one, with both the young and the young at
heart sure to take home some wonderful memories.
There are many experiences on offer, including feeding kangaroos, meeting koalas, encountering dingos, cuddling marsupials, hugging wombats and much more.
For added convenience, the park is wheelchair accessible and there is also a picnic area and barbecue facilities.
If you’re looking for a special venue for an upcoming birthday party or event, the park can also accommodate your needs.
Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters can be found at 21 Trotters Lane Cudgee.
Road Peterborough
ESTATE | TITLES ISSUED
Banking is our business, Community is our purpose
Banking on Moyneyana Festival
Moyneyana
Festival, Port Fairy ~ 24 December 2024 to 16 January 2025
If there is one thing you can bank on each year, it is Port Fairy’s annual Moyneyana Festival.
Now in its 77th year, this year’s program will run from December 24 –January 16, 2025.
Community Bank Port Fairy and District is a proud supporter of the iconic festival, which includes the timehonoured New Year’s Eve procession and a host of free activities to entertain visitors and locals throughout the duration of the program.
The Community Bank has been a strong supporter of the festival since opening for business 10 years ago and recently ‘inked in’ a further three-year deal to continue its sponsorship.
Community Bank chairman Damian Gleeson believes the sponsorship reaffirms the bank’s commitment to continue to support local organisations and events for the benefit of the community.
Moyneyana Festival co-ordinator Naomi Harman has fond childhood memories of attending the New Year’s Eve parade with her siblings and parents.
“We looked forward to it so much each year; it was a lot of fun,” she said.
Naomi put her hand up post Covid to help keep the festival alive and this year has again been instrumental in putting together a variety of activities, with the focus on entertainment for young families.
The festival program (which has activities each day) kicks off on Christmas Eve with Carols and Craft on the Fiddlers Green between 5pm and 7pm.
On New Year’s Eve the parade will start at 7pm and will do two circuits this year.
Good Faces 4 Radio will perform at Fiddlers Green from 9pm until midnight, with fireworks at 9.30pm and midnight.
Festival volunteer Rob Clark was born in Port Fairy and left in 1974.
In 2015 he returned to spend his retirement in his hometown with family and friends.
In recent years the festival committee has struggled to find volunteers to help organise and run the program.
Having witnessed first-hand the delight on the faces of children as they watched and took part in previous New Year’s Eve parades, Rob was prompted to “pitch in and help” rebuild the festival.
He gathered a cohort to invigorate the parade and refresh the decorations, in particular the Christmas tree which is affixed to the Lecture Hall wall at Fiddlers Green.
A project group has been busy seeking support from local businesses and organisations from around the town and across the district.
Community Bank company secretary Ashley King said the responses for support had been very pleasing and were greatly appreciated.
“The responses highlighted just how important this event is to the town,” he said.
Moyne Shire Council is also a strong supporter of the Moyneyana Festival, as is the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Festival chairman Bruce Leishman believes Moyneyana is a wonderful community event, with a history spanning over seven decades.
“The Folk Festival is proud to support all community events in the district,” he said.
“It looks like organisers have assembled a fabulous program for locals and visitors and I wish the project group well.”
This year’s program is available on the Moyneyana Festival facebook page.
For more information contact Naomi Harman at Moyneyana Festival moyneyanafestival@gmail.com
Need help with the costs of
Moyneyana Festival co-ordinator Naomi Harman
