The Barwon Heads Festival of the Sea dates back to the year 2000 and is one of the best community events in the greater Geelong region. The festival celebrates Barwon Head’s unique link with the sea and natural landscapes, its environment, history and tranquil lifestyle. Held over a weekend in late March each year the festival brings together a huge array of family fun with the highlight being the duck race.
The ducks are actually cute little yellow plastic ducks which are sponsored for charity and compete for some great prizes. Hundreds of ducks are let loose in the river and race with the river currents. The event is a huge crowd favourite. The duck race usually happens on the Sunday which is the biggest day of the event.
Like many of our great events the traditional landowners the Wathaurong play a major role in the weekend’s activities with a welcoming ceremony. This celebration leads way to many other fantastic events which also touch base with the local area and environment including some fascinating guided walks and tours and a series of environmentally sustainable stalls and information. One novel idea will is the Veggie Swap Market where visitors can swap their overstocked home grown vegies for a different variety.
Other exciting events include arts and crafts, markets, gourmet and local food and event pony rides which are the delight to every child. Many of the local businesses get in on the festivities with special stalls and plenty of alfresco dining.
For music lovers there are several stages with performers entertaining all weekend to enjoy over something to eat or a drink.
The main activities take place on the Barwon Heads foreshore close to the bridge, get there early to secure your duck for the big race on Sunday afternoon.. goodluck!
For the next Barwon Heads Festival of the Sea visit the Intown Events Calendar for March.
