What's happening in March on the Surf Coast | Bells Beach Backpackers
Did you think that between COVID and summer coming to a close, your chance for a fun-filled beach weekend in Torquay had passed? Oh HELL no! The days may be getting cooler but here on the Surf Coast things are quickly returning to normal and we are pumped for an Autumn filled with activities galore.
Coming up this month in Torquay and along the coast we've got markets, workshops, festivals, comedy shows, plays and (of course!) surf events. If you were looking for an excuse to get your butt down here to enjoy some good vibes at the beach, this is it.
Markets
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
Anglesea Twilight Farmers' Market
When: Friday 5th March & 19th March, 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Anglesea Community Precinct carpark, entrance from 5 McMillan St
What: This market features stalls from local small businesses offering seasonal and sustainably produced food. With live music and plenty of food stalls, it makes for an awesome evening out.
When: Sunday 7th March, 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: Sunday 28th March, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Deans Marsh Reserve, 10 Pennyroyal Valley Rd, Deans Marsh
What: Held in the gorgeous hinterlands 20 minutes from Lorne, the Deans Marsh Market is filled with goodies from local makers, growers and producers, all showcasing the best of the region.
Festivals and Live Music
Aireys Inlet Open Mic Music Festival
When: Friday 12th - Sunday 14th March
Where: Aireys Pub, 45 Great Ocean Rd, Aireys Inlet
What: Get out your biodegradable glitter because festivals are back baby! Aireys Pub is putting on one hell of a free show with 150 acts playing on nine stages across three days. We're excited to see who this year's mystery special guest is - past years have seen Dan Sultan, The Hoodoo Gurus, Tash Sultana and the Pierce Brothers grace the stage.
Instagram: @aireysmusicfest2021
When: Friday 19th March, 7:30 pm
Where: Anglesea Memorial Hall, 1B McMillan St, Anglesea
What: Live music is just what the doctor ordered. The Sound Doctor was created by a group of Surfcoast music lovers passionate about bringing established artists to perform in Anglesea. Friday night's show features Melbourne indie artist Jess Locke and the energetic sounds of Bones and Jones.
Instagram: @thesounddoctor.info
Bomboras live music and cocktails
When: Every Thursday night
Where: Bomboras Pop Up Beach Bar, 48 The Esplanade, Torquay
What: Head down to the beach every Thursday for some live music and cocktails. (It really does what it says on the tin!) The Beach Bar has killer ocean views, relaxed seating and good vibes to enjoy as you listen to local artists.
Instagram: @bomboras_torquay
Surf and Sport
Where: Point Impossible, Torquay
When: Saturday 6th March, 7:00 am
What: The Surfcoast Longboard Club invites members and non members to this festival of women's surfing. Held just before before International Women's Day, it's a day of fun to celebrate female longboard surfers with challenges throughout the day.
Instagram: @surfcoastlongboarders3228
Arts and Entertainment
Where: Lorne Hotel, 176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
When: Saturday 13th March,
What: Comedy royalty Kitty Flanagan is joined by Dave O'Neil and Brad Oakes for a night of laughs at the iconic Lorne pub. Tickets are $40.
Instagram: @lornehotelview
Where: Bells Beach Brewing, Shed 2/22 Baines Crescent, Torquay When: Every Friday night
What: When you can't decide whether to head out on the town or stay in and watch a movie, Bells Beach Brewing has the perfect compromise, with tasty craft beers to boot.
Instagram: @bellsbeachbrewing
Workshops
Where: The Light Box, 2/7-9 Cylinders Drive, Torquay
When: Sunday 21st March, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
What: Fancy trying your hand at sculpting something for your home? This hand building clay workshop with the Castleton Collective is a gorgeous way to get creative and crafty on a Sunday morning. Tickets are $150 which includes firing and glazing four pieces.
Instagram: @castletoncollective
Miniature leather boots workshop
When: Saturday 6th March, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Where: Lorne Community House, 16 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne
What: Ever wanted to make your own shoes? By the end of this workshop you'll go home with all the skills you need to work with leather and whip up your own pair of life-size leather boots. Tickets are $180.
Natural Connections Project 2021
Where: Drol Kar Buddhist Centre, 625 Nortons Rd, Paraparap
When: Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th March, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
What: This weekend workshop held on the grounds of the Buddhist Centre aims to restore a love for the earth and humanity and promote emotional wellbeing in the face of climate change.
Instagram: @drolkarbuddhist
If some of these events caught your eye and you fancy a trip to Torquay, Bells Beach Backpackers has rooms starting from just $26 a night. See you soon!
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.