Events
Time your walk to coincide with some of the great events taking place along the Surf Coast Walk.
The Surf Coast region has a rich calendar of events across the entire year. There are a number of annual events that connect to the Surf Coast Walk which are listed below.
Some events, especially trail runs and fun runs, use sections of the Surf Coast Walk. Other events are best viewed or accessed from the Surf Coast Walk because it's so convenient.
Annual events
Torquay parkrun
Every Saturday 8am
A free, weekly, 5km timed run. Open to everyone, safe and easy to take part in. From Fisherman's Beach in Torquay.
Local Markets
Regularly September to June
There are regular markets from September to June each year in Aireys Inlet, Anglesea and Torquay. Combine a walk with a browse at the market.
Torquay Nightjar Festival
Thursday nights in January
Step inside the wonderland that is the Nightjar Festival!
Bells Bash Cliff Run
January: Jan Juc
Run the glorious cliff tracks from the Jan Juc Surf Club to Bells Beach.
Danger 1000 Ocean Swim
January: Torquay
Swim 500m to 2.5km in the Danger Ocean Swim Series at Torquay Front Beach.
Jim Wall Iron Man
January: Fairhaven
The oldest iron man race in Australia. Athletes travel from all over Australia to compete in this prestigious race
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
January: Torquay
Families and surfers pause to watch the colourful peloton of elite cyclists charge into the first sprint and gather at one of the spectator Cheer Sites.
Great Ocean Paddle
February: Anglesea
A weekend of sun, sand and stories with an epic ocean paddle race along the iconic Victorian Surf Coast.
Torquay Motor Show
February: Torquay
A family friendly "show and shine" car show on the Torquay Esplanade.
Aireys Inlet Open Mic Music Festival
March: Aireys Inlet
A free local music festival with a creative vibe where music lovers can gather on the coast and appreciate talented musicians and their music
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
Easter Weekend: Bells Beach
The famous Bells Beach hosts world champion surfers for an Australian leg of the WSL World Tour Event.
The Drop Music Festival
Easter: Torquay
A national touring festival that follows the waves, celebrates local music, good food, art and beautiful natural surroundings.
Kids Adventure Outdoors (KAOS)
April: Anglesea
THE weekend adventure festival for families with kids aged from 3 to 13 years to explore and take part in an exciting range of outdoor and nature activities.
Surf Coast Trek
April: Aireys Inlet to Torquay
A 40km fundraising walk along the Surf Coast Walk from Aireys Inlet to Torquay.
ANZAC Day Dawn Service
April: Torquay
Pay your respects to past and present Army troops at the Point Danger Torquay Dawn Service, followed by a gunfire breakfast.
Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles
May: Bells Beach
A 3 day gathering of the top 32 indigenous surfers from across Australia on the traditional land of the Wada Wurrung people at Bells Beach.
Love Winter in Aireys
June: Aireys Inlet
A series of arts & cultural events held every weekend throughout June.
Surf Coast Trail Marathon
June: Torquay to Fairhaven
A trail run following the entire route of the Surf Coast Walk. Marathon or half-marathon distances.
Surf Coast Century
September: Anglesea
Ultra trail running at its best. A magical 100km and 50km trail run journey along the surf coast and wildflower hinterland.
The Trail Running Series
September: Anglesea
A range of trail running distances from 22km to 2.5km (kids) on the same weekend as the Surf Coast Century.
Angair Wildflower & Art Show
September: Anglesea
Guided walks and bus tours into the internationally significant heathland to see indigenous flowers in their natural habitat.
Surf Coast Kite Festival
October: Torquay
Come and fly a kite at this FREE community event with face painting, kite making, fun kids activities and KITES!
The Impossible Paddle
November: Torquay to Barwon Heads
An open ocean paddle for kayaks and SUPs from Torquay to Barwon Heads. The Surf Coast Walk is a great vantage point to watch the first half of the race.
Surf Coast Afterglow Trail Run
November: Torquay
The funnest, brightest, most lycra-clad twilight trail run on the coast. Distances of 5km to 21km.
Anglesea Roo Run
December: Anglesea
An Anglesea trail run for serious runners, recreational runners and teams, kids under 12 and physically challenged kids and young adults the fun and incentive of family friendly competition.
Rock 2 Ramp Swim
December: Anglesea
An open ocean swim from the Anglesea Main Beach with distances from 100m (kids) to 2.5km.