A summer glow looks good on Werribee. The region knows how to show off its snazzy mansion, picnic-perfect parkland and Open Range Zoo at their best in the summer air. Check out this awesome calendar of Werribee events perfect for families in the summer holidays and beyond.
Werribee Open Range Zoo Village Market
In the style of an African village, this market is held at the zoo on the first Saturday of the month from November through to April, 10.30am to 3pm. Watch South Sudanese Yirol dancers in their traditional costumes, participate in an Ethiopian coffee ceremony, taste test specialty Sudanese tea and peruse stalls of African fabrics, beadwork, sandals and more. Joining the relaxed, cheery communal vibes is free with general admission to the zoo. And for the icing on the cake, kids under 16 go free on weekends
Enjoy the colour and company at the zoo’s Village Markets. Credit: Werribee Open Range Zoo
Sunset Safari, Werribee Open Range Zoo
Stick around at the zoo for an Africa-inspired sunset safari. Every Saturday and Sunday evening until March 8th 2020, you can tag along with an expert guide who will take you up close to southern white rhinos, giraffes and zebras. Afterwards, eat the lion’s share of the jungle treats on offer at Meerkat Bistro, while you watch drum and dance performances. Tickets cost $109 for adults and $71 for children aged 1 to 15 years. This is one for the bucket list, or perhaps an extra-special Christmas present.
Catch a glimpse of a giraffe or two on safari. Credit: Werribee Open Range Zoo
So Frenchy So Chic Festival
Play like a Parisian and enjoy the Francophile fun of this celebration of French music, wine and cuisine, the classiest of Werribee events. Grab a French picnic hamper and recline in style in the charming grounds of the Werribee Mansion on Sunday 12th January 2020. The 2020 artist line-up features French favourites Corine, Tété and Lou Doillan. A festival ticket costs $92.56 for adults, $53.21 for teens and is free for children 12 and under.
Relax in the sun at the So Frenchy So Chic Festival. Credit: Liz Sunshine
Summer Heritage Fruit Tree Festival
Green thumbs will gather in force at Werribee Park Heritage Orchard on Sunday 1st March, 10am to 3pm. A garden party with a difference, this niche festival includes tours of the orchard, grafting demonstrations and the chance to buy some lovely fruit trees for your own yard. Even if you aren’t a budding (pun intended) horticulturalist, you’ll love the live music, food stalls and fresh air. Entry is free, with a gold coin donation for parking.
Australian Offshore Powerboat Championships
Do you have a need? For speed? Mix it up and head to Wyndham Harbour for something completely different. Spectators are welcome at the opening of the 2020 Offshore Superboat Championships, which will include three superboat champ races and two local club races. The boats get up to speeds of 200 km/h, which is pretty impressive to witness. The races are held across the weekend of Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th of April.
Werribee Mansion Run
Just as you start to puff and feel your muscles burn, look up at the stunning Werribee Mansion. The castle-like grounds are a lovely setting for this all-ages, all-levels run event on Sunday 26th April. Die-hards can enter the half-marathon or the 10 kilometre track, but there is also a 6km run/walk event and a 1.2km Kids Dash. Register online here.
Enjoy the great outdoors in Werribee this summer, with festivals and events galore. Credit: Liz Sunshine
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Best weekend getaways from Melbourne
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Sophie is a die-hard pasta lover, beach-goer and theatre fanatic hit hard with the travel bug. When exploring new places, Sophie loves straying from the beaten path and chatting with locals about the best places to grab a bite to eat.