Love dogs? When you’re not hanging out at a dog-friendly cafe, or staying overnight at a pet-friendly hotel, rush over to a charming seaside village for an adorable annual tradition. Drive 3.5 hours away from Melbourne to Port Fairy, and watch sausage dogs scamper across a footy oval in the delightful Dachshund Dash. This beloved event is part of Port Fairy Winter Weekends, and will take place on Sunday June 8.
Dachshund Dash at Port Fairy Winter Weekends
This hilarious dog race is one of the most popular events on the Port Fairy Winter Weekend program. Watch these sweet puppies rush their little legs across the town’s footy oval. This flagship event is so popular, that it even made the news in Germany!
If you think your dachshund would be a good fit, why don’t you register them for the race? Entries are capped at 100 dogs across three age categories. Dogs are split between those under two years, those over two years, and those over eight. Registrations close at midnight on June 1, or when they reach the 100-dog limit. Entry is $15 per dog.
If you’re simply spectating, you’ll be sure to have a barrel of laughs as you watch the chaos unfold. Gates open at 12:30pm, and the first heat starts at 2pm. Find it at the Port Fairy Gardens Oval, with entry off Griffiths St. Entry is just a gold coin donation, and there will be food trucks and drinks on site if you’re feeling peckish.
Port Fairy Winter Weekends
While you’re there, stick around for the festival, Port Fairy Winter Weekends. Taking place over the King’s Birthday long weekend, from June 6 to 9, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in this pretty town. Look forward to an opening night party, markets, exhibitions, ghost tours, a Paint Your Pooch workshop and much more. See the full program here.
Then, explore the Great Ocean Road and keep an eye out for whales.