.jpg?auto=format,compress&w=728&h=486&fit=crop)
Okay, the playlist is made, the car is packed and the road trip is well and truly in full swing. Now, what if we said this was a road trip with National Heritage listed, other-worldly views, beaches and stretching your legs comes in the form of what's guaranteed to be the most stunning rainforest hike of your life?
Forget your boring usual route, the Great Ocean Road is not only the road trip of a lifetime but a goldmine for music and cultural events organisers. That's right, the gang has caught on, and now there's not only a string of must-see sights along the south-eastern coast of Australia but an abundance of things to do along the way.
Here are the best music and cultural events to attend on your next trip to Victoria.
White Night
Originally conceived in Paris in about 2002, White Night is the one night a year that museums and public and private art galleries fling open their doors for free for the public to explore. You can find this festival in Geelong, where the night is lit up with vibrant visual art, music, light projections and family fun. It’s pretty impossible to not be able to find something up your alley– there are seriously THAT many venues and exhibitions to explore, which you can check out here.
DETAILS
When: October 8 2022
Where: Geelong, Victoria.
Find out more here.
Queenscliff Music Festival
One thing about us, we love a good three-dayer of a festy. Throw in on-site camping? Oh, we are so there. Queenscliff Music Festival is all of this and more, and not even two hours away from Melbourne. Baker Boy is headlining this year and they even have glamping available through twilight glamping (you know the ones... those cool canvas bell tents). Accompanied minors are allowed entry too, so rope in your younger sibling for some true debauchery. Tickets are sure to evaporate, so head over here to secure them.
DETAILS
When: 25, 26, and 27 November 2022
Where: Queenscliffe, Victoria.
Find out more here.
Meredith Music Festival
A worthy three-hour drive from Melbourne sits a gum tree oasis that just so happens to be home to Meredith Music Festival—a glorious three-day ode to laid-back vibes, good times and even better music. This year is set to skyrocket with a stellar lineup featuring performers like Tkay Maidza, Caribou, Yothu Yindi, Courtney Barnett and The Comet Is Coming set to take to stage at the Supernatural Amphitheatre. Aside from the music, you can expect massage tents, tai chi classes, massive laser sky shows, the Meredith Eye (huge Ferris wheel), and an outdoor cinema nestled among the manna gums. There’s of course a wonderland of camping (six main camping grounds to be exact) and The Rochester where you can score your own furnished room or an XL converted shipping container with all the creature comforts. The best bit? It's BYO booze. These get snapped up at the speed of light so be sure to head over here to secure your spot and tickets.
DETAILS
When: 9, 10 and 11 December 2022
Where: Meredith, Victoria.
Find out more here.
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Surf Competition
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Surf Competition is the red carpet for Pro surfers—the likes of Kelly Slater, Lisa Andersen, Steph Gilmore and Mick Fanning have all taken home a title (or four) from this iconic comp. It’s a showcase of the best surfers in the world, battling it out in some of the most prime surfing conditions known to man. Sign up to Club Rip Curl and not only can you get a pic with the most prestigious trophy in the business (the iconic actual bell) and this year you could even enter a comp to win a surf with Mick Fanning. There are also community events on surrounding the comp and beachside entertainment from DJs and performers alike.
DETAILS
When: 10-20 April 2023
Where: Bells Beach Torquay, Victoria.
Find out more here.
Port Fairy Folk Festival
The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that is the Great Ocean Road is well and truly Port Fairy. Aside from having a name straight out of a Shirley Barber book, this little town is actually a fishing village AND home to the Port Fairy Folk Fest. Expect community markets, interactive workshops, forums, themed concerts and showcases, theatre, film, writers programs, roving performances, handmade crafts, great food and family-friendly fun. The masses FLOCK for this festival so be sure to book your accommodation and secure tickets well in advance which you can do here.
DETAILS
When: 10th - 13th of March 2023
Where: Port Fairy Victoria.
Find out more here.
National Celtic Festival
Vibed The Lord Of The Rings soundtrack? Well, look no further than the National Celtic Festival in Portarlington—a three-day long celebration of all things Celtic and folky. Pull up to get the best of varying worlds with festival housing music, dance and theatre acts, visual arts, community gathering ceremonies and rituals, buskers and roving performances. Plus, there's even a kids' program. Meander your way through the venues in town and eat your way right through the Village Tavern, Celtic Club and Celtic Markets.
DETAILS
When: 9th - 12th of June 2023
Where: Portarlington, Victoria.
Find out more here.
Blues Train
Score tickets to the Blues Train and experience a mini music festival on a steam train travelling along the Bellarine Railway. The train stops at about four stops for refilling your cup, quick toilet runs and hopping on different carriages to see four different and fabulous acts. You’ll also score a blues-inspired dinner and a pic with the actual train at the end.
DETAILS
When: Various dates year-round
Where: Queenscliff, Victoria.
Find out more here.
Safe to say there are plenty of reasons to lock in a trip down to Victoria's Great Ocean Road, Geelong, and The Bellarine. To find out more and to start planning your trip, click here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Great Ocean Road Tourism and Tourism Geelong & The Bellarine and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.