Community
19 March, 2025
Popular Port Campbell festival returning
CRAYFEST is returning for its fifth year with a top line-up of live music, seafood, local produce and family activities in Port Campbell this weekend.
Committee president Lee McLeod said there will be plenty of free activities starting with the launch of the Flotsam and Jetsam art exhibition on Friday evening.
“Local restaurants are featuring seafood on their menus over the weekend and the Arts Space is opening its annual art exhibition at 6pm with live music,” she said.
Crayfest activities start on Saturday, March 22 from 9.45am with a Welcome to Country on the foreshore followed by the street parade at 10.30am.
The street parade starts near the Surf Club in Tregea Street and heads around Lord, Morris and Cairns Streets.
Ms McLeod said there is a $500 prize for the best float in the street parade, as well as $200 and $100 for second and third place.
“The street parade is always a lot of fun and a bit of a highlight for the youngsters,” she said.
“It’s not too late to enter a float in the parade.”
From 11am onwards, the focus shifts to the tennis courts area with food stalls and live music featuring 10 Minutes (11.30am), Joe Gardner and the Renovators (12.15pm), The Brewers Band (1.15pm), The Kitchen Rhythm Section (2.15pm), The Joe Cocker Show featuring Jacob Paton-Lee (3pm), and Tank Dilemma (4pm).
Sunday’s program will include a beach treasure hunt at 10am.
Entry to the treasure hunt is free and there are three prizes up for grabs across two age categories (seven years and under, eight-to-12 years).
Free fishing clinics on the pier for ages eight and above start from 10am and run until 2.30pm. Registrations are essential at www.crayfest.com.au.
Sunday’s main event Seas the Day starts from 1pm in the Sunset Room at Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club.
Tickets start from $10 for entry and entertainment or $35 to include a local food platter.
Live music will be by Andrei O’Connor band and drinks will be at bar prices. Tickets are available at www.crayfest.com.au.
Throughout the weekend, crayfish rolls and curries, prawn cocktails, dumplings, calamari, oysters, cheese platters and ice cream will be on the menu, as well as local wine, gin, whisky and cocktails.
Other food options include fish and chips, potato twisters, hot dogs and pizza.
Ms McLeod said entry is free to Crayfest, however patrons are encouraged to bring their own or buy a reusable Crayfest cup for $15.
There is also free all-day parking on the vacant land opposite the police station on Lord Street, which is 50 metres from the festival site.
Ms McLeod encouraged people to make the most of the off-street parking.
“There will be less on-street parking available due to the streetscape works, so we really encourage people to park in the all-day area and walk the short distance,” she said.
Ms McLeod thanked major supporters Corangamite Shire, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Timboon Opportunity Shop, Seafood Industry Victoria and Bendigo Bank, as well as the Gwen & Edna Jones Foundation, AL Lane Foundation and Brodie Foundation.
For more details and a full program visit www.crayfest.com.au or contact Ms McLeod on 0429 872 623.
Read More: Port Campbell, local