What’s on in Geelong: 2025 Australia Day long weekend
Hot weather, numerous festivals and roadworks: it’s likely to be a busy long weekend in Geelong, which means it’s best to plan ahead. SEE WHAT’S ON.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the region for the last long weekend of summer, with the Barwon Regatta and the Festival of Sails just two of numerous events running.
With temperatures expected to reach 26C on Saturday, 25C on Sunday, and as high as 39C on Monday, it is likely to be a busy one along the coast.
Planned roadworks will also be continuing on the West Gate through the weekend and until March 8.
And with major delays expected, it’s best to plan ahead.
Here’s our guide of the long weekend’s events.
Lorne Market
The long weekend will kick off on Saturday with a the balmy 25C day — perfect conditions for the crowds planning to attend the Lorne Market along the Lorne Foreshore, Mountjoy Parade, from 9am to 3pm.
144th Barwon Regatta
Closer to Geelong, school crews and rowing clubs from near and far will gather at the Barwon River to kick off the 2025 Barwon Regatta.
The two day event will see more than 1750 athletes participate and has capacity for 2844 onlookers.
With school clubs and rowing clubs taking part, attendees will travel from Melbourne and beyond to participate in the iconic annual event.
Festival of Sails
Along the waterfront, the freeFestival of Sailswill run Saturday, Sunday and Monday with thousands visiting to enjoy sailing, live music, food, entertainment and more.
The Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race — the oldest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere — kicks off the celebration each year.
At the festival, the Learn to Sail program has already had more than 520 participants sign up, making it the largest Learn to Sail program Australia has ever seen.
The Festival of Sails has brought visitors to Geelong since 1844 and has become the Southern Hemisphere’s largest annual sailing festival, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each January.
This year more than 30 bands will perform over three stages.
The event will also feature food trucks, live broadcast, emerging artist series, workshops, fireworks, a RAAF aerial show and more.
Pilk Purriyn
At sunrise on Sunday morning, from 5.30am to 7am, anyone can attend Pilk Purriyn at Cosy Corner, Torquay.
The truth-telling event, beginning with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, will be presented by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with Surf Coast Shire Council and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.
Airey’s Inlet Market
Later that day, Airey’s Inlet market at the Airey's Hall from 9am to 1pm will host more than 60 stall holders and is likely to be popular.
Australia Day Portarlington
On Sunday and Monday, Portarlington Community Information Booth is hosting its annual Australia Day Portarlington event from 9am to 4.30pm.
The free community celebration includes an annual dog parade, an egg and bacon sandwich giveaway, face-painting and live music at the rotunda on Newcombe St.
On Monday, Portarlington and St Leonards RSL are holding a members and guest BBQ and Portarlington Bowls Club will hold social bowls.
The Australia Day Picnic
The Australia Day Picnic at Connewarre Wetland Centre is a free event this Sunday from 10am to 4pm, at 605 Lake Rd.
Enjoy wildlife-spotting, stroll along well-maintained walking trails and more, as the community gathering will celebrate Australia’s diverse culture and natural beauty with activities that promote reflection, respect, celebration of diversity and live music and a barbecue.
Rippleside Park Free Children’s Fun Day
From 11am Sunday, Rippleside Park Free Children’s Fun Day will be held at 42 Bell Parade, with performances and displays including a flag-raising ceremony, the national anthem, Geelong Scottish Dancers and a thrilling emergency services fire extinguisher competition.
Torquay Hotel, Barwon Heads Hotel and Grovedale Hotel
Local publican Joel Taylor, the owner of hotels in Torquay, Barwon Heads and Grovedale, has confirmed the three venues will operate “as normal” on Sunday.
Barwon Heads Cricket v Footy T20
Barwon Heads Football Club and Barwon Heads Cricket Club lock horns in their annual T20 clash.
Fox Sports commentator Mark Howard expected to play for his local cricket club in the contest, while a very familiar Cat is set to be a special guest for the footy club.
The event kicks off with a women’s game at 3.30pm on Sunday followed by a men’s match starting at 5.30pm, with money going towards the two Barwon Heads sporting clubs.
Bendigo Bank — Community Bank Barwon Heads will also donate $1000 to the winner’s charity of choice.
The Belmont Hotel
The Belmont Hotel will operate as normal, hosting its weekly summer rooftop Sunday session, with $10 cocktails and pints all day and live music from 4-7pm.
The Sporting Globe
On Saturday, The Sporting Globe in Geelong will be airing Triple j’s Hottest 100 followed by the tennis.
On Sunday its Australia Day “Great Southern Sesh” will kick off from 12pm.
Elephant and Castle Hotel
Elephant and Castle Hotel in East Geelong will be hosting an Australia Day event featuring live music on Sunday from 3.30pm until 6.30pm.
Hygeia - Rock the Bay
To finish off the Australia Day long weekend, party rock band IMPAKT will be bringing the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s high energy hits to the new 37m catamaran the Hygeia as it cruises around Corio Bay.
The 18+ event will be boarding from 7pm and returning at 10.30pm, promising great views and great music.
Extreme Heat Impacts services
For those planning a trip on the public holiday, The Surf Coast Shire is warning there will be several facilities closures and changes to Council services due to the extreme heat.
In line with the Country Fire Authority’s (CFA) declaration of an Extreme fire danger day for Monday 27 January, there will be several facilities closures and changes to Council services.
Council employees and contractors will not work or travel in fire risk zones at the highest risk times, meaning Anglesea Landfill will open 5am-10am, Anglesea Transfer Station will open 9-10am and Anglesea Re-sale Shed will be closed.
Lorne and Winchelsea Transfer Stations will also be closed.
Bin collection will be impacted in Lorne and Deans Marsh as well as areas outside Torquay and Winchelsea.
Lorne and Anglesea visitor information centres will be closed, with services accessible from the Torquay Visitor Information Centre.
More Coverage
Originally published as What’s on in Geelong: 2025 Australia Day long weekend
Alleged artist behind ‘Pam the bird’ arrested
Police have arrested a man who they allege is behind a series of high profile graffiti attacks, including one atop the Mercer St silos in Geelong. SEE THE VIDEO.
Queenscliffe reconciliation plan officially on hold
The Borough of Queenscliffe council has voted 4-1 in favour of putting its reconciliation plan on hold, while signage that would have acknowledged the traditional owners has also been shelved.
Shame, disgust, nightmares: Victim describes life following rape
A victim has described feeling “chronically distressed” since he was raped, as a court heard the perpetrator had “excellent” prospects for rehabilitation.
Grieving dad’s ‘horrible’ TAC experience
A Geelong father whose daughter was tragically killed in a car accident last year has slammed what he says is a bureaucratic minefield when trying to access compensation.
WTF: Festival of Fines, Little Malop ‘investigation’, ace seats, apology
This week’s edition takes a look at City Hall’s penchant of issuing parking fines on big weekends, the “investigation” into a Little Malop St structure, and Richard Marles’ break from the campaign trail. Oh, and we issue an apology to an Australian rock legend.
Surgeon who caused fatal crash should stay out of jail: Lawyer
A Geelong heart surgeon should be barred from jail despite causing a fatal crash, a court has heard.