What's happening in April on the Surf Coast | Bells Beach Backpackers
If you're heading down to Torquay this April, you're in for a real good'n! There are so many ripping events happening this month. Whether you're an artsy soul or surf and sport is more your jam, there really is something for every sort happening along the Surf Coast. Oh, and did we mention FOOD? We've got you foodies covered with pizza and movie nights plus a couple of local markets. You're welcome!
Arts and entertainment
When: Friday 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th April from 7.00 pm
Where: Blackman's Brewery, 26 Bell St, Torquay
What: Every Friday night in April, Blackman's will be transformed into a luxury cinema experience, complete with ultra comfy deck chairs and squishy bean bags. Your ticket also gets you a pizza and a pint of craft beer, what better way to spend an evening? The lineup includes the absolute classics Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Dazed and Confused, Super Troopers and Pulp Fiction.
Instagram: @blackmansbrewery
@jayhickeyart
When: 2 - 18 April, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
Where: Colac, Cororooke, Gellibrand, Forrest, Beech Forest, Apollo Bay, Birregurra and Lavers Hill
What: Although not strictly on the Surf Coast, this art trail is worth the road trip. The trail includes an art expo in Colac and open studios all around the area. Check out the map and pop in to visit all your favourite local artists and admire their work.
Instagram: @colacotwayartstrail
When: Mon-Sat 10.00 am - 7.00 pm, Sun 10.00 am - 5.00 pm (everyday until 16 May 2021)
Where: Geelong Gallery, Little Malop Street, Geelong
What: Geelong born street artist Rone is returning to his hometown to put on a show at the Geelong Gallery. The exhibit will showcase Rone's career, from his early beginnings through to his incredibly beautiful, large scale art installations which transform abandoned buildings.
Instagram: @r_o_n_e & @geelonggallery
Le Petite Atelier Wine Art Class
When: Friday 23 April, 6.30 - 8.30 pm
Where: The Light Box Torquay, Unit 2/7 Cylinders Drive, Torquay
What: Forget fine art - this is wine art. Be still our hearts. At this boozy evening of art, you don't need to be the best painter. You just need to be willing to have a crack at it and unleash your inner creative genius. You bring the wine, Le Petite Atelier will bring the paint and good vibes.
Instagram: @lepetitateliertorquay
Sports
Bolt Blowers Invitational at Bells Beach
When: Saturday 3rd April from 8.30 am
Where: Bells Beach
What: A day of surfing AND raising mental health awareness? Sign us up! Bolt Blowers is an annual charity surf competition to raise awareness of mental health and funds towards local mental health community-based programs. Come along to watch some seriously good surfing complete with a barbecue, coffee and a DJ spinning tracks to get the good vibes flowing. Instagram: @boltblowers
Great Ocean and Otway Classic Ride
When: 24 April, 7.00 am - 3.00 pm
Where: The Esplanade Torquay
What: Pedal your way through some of the prettiest vistas on the Great Ocean Road, past rolling farmlands and historic country townships. Starting and finishing right here in Torquay, you can choose from 60 kilometres, 145 kilometres or 200 kilometre - depending on how comfortable and speedy you are on two wheels!
Instagram: @greatoceanclassicride
Markets
When: Sunday 4 April, 9.00 am - 1.00 pm
Where: Aireys Inlet Community Hall, 6 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet
What: The Aireys Inlet Market champions all things local, homemade, homegrown, recycled and vintage. Partly indoors and partly outdoors, it has a quirky array of crafts and more.
Instagram: @aireysinlet_market
When: Every Saturday, 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Surf Coast Shire car park, 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay
What: Every weekend local growers and producers congregate for your classic farmers' market. Shop for your fruit and veggies, have a coffee while you browse or find a spot on the lawn for a fresh, delicious lunch.
Instagram: @torquayfarmersmarket
Need somewhere to stay while you enjoy all this goodness? Stay at Bells Beach Backpackers in Torquay on the Surf Coast from just $30 a night.
Written by Rachel Wagner.
Bells Beach Backpackers Content Writer.
CONNECT WITH US: @bellsbeachbackpackers
Rachel Wagner is a freelance producer who writes about the good things in life - travel, culture, creativity and how to tread lightly on our Earth along the way.
She previously flexed her creative muscles as a Podcast Producer for the Mamamia Women’s Network before she gave up the desk life to travel the world. Over the past three years Rachel has found her home in Melbourne, Scotland, England, Mount Buller and the Bellarine Peninsula. And now? Torquay baby!
Her top travel tip is not to be afraid of exploring a new place alone. You’ll be amazed at how many locals and other travellers you meet along the way, plus you’ll never have to say no to a spur of the moment adventure.