The nights are getting colder and longer, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Whisk yourself away for a day trip or a weekend getaway to Sorrento, and celebrate the winter solstice. Back for its third year, the Sorrento Solstice Festival attracts over 10,000 people to the coast, where you can heat up with a massive burning effigy on the bay. At the festival, you’ll also find glowing lanterns, live music, DJs, food trucks and more. The Sorrento Solstice Festival will take place on Saturday, June 20, followed by a Solstice Swim on Sunday, June 21. This festival is free to attend!
Sorrento Solstice Festival
Flock to this coastal town in Mornington Peninsula and embrace the wonders of the winter solstice. Head to the foreshore at dusk, and witness Bernie, a 6-metre-tall effigy, get set ablaze at dusk. This fiery spectacle is the highlight of the event, and is believed to be the largest burning effigy in Victoria.
Beyond the burn, you’ll find all sorts of things to do for the whole family. Take part in lantern making, and follow a guided lantern walk along the main road through Sorrento. You’ll also find glowing light projections in the surrounding area.
There will be two stages of live music and DJs for you to check out, featuring local Peninsula artists, as well as exciting roving entertainment, like fire performers. Take part in a silent disco and dance the night away.
If you’d rather slow things down, there will also be sound healing, and a Solstice Zone for reflection. Browse through solstice-themed market stalls, and find fun for the kids with face painting, giant bubbles and more activities.
There will be food trucks across the foreshore, serving up hot food and warm drinks. A licensed bar will also be available. Restaurants and cafes along Sorrento’s main street will also have extended trading hours for the festival.
Stay overnight, and wake up nice and early for the Sorrento Solstice Dawn Swim. Taking place at the Couta Boat Club from 7am, this ticketed event involves an invigorating plunge into Port Phillip Bay. After your cold swim, warm up in the shower, and have some breakfast with coffee.
Key details:
Sorrento Solstice Festival
đź“…Saturday, June 20
đź•’2pm to 9pm, with the effigy burning at approximately 6:30pm
🎫Free! But you can register for a ticket to help the organisers get a sense of numbers.
đź“ŤSorrento Foreshore, 1 Esplanade, Sorrento VIC 3943
Solstice Swim
đź“…Sunday, June 21
đź•’7am to 9am
🎫$30
đź“Ť3154 Point Nepean Rd, Sorrento VIC 3943
Getting there
Sorrento is about a 90 minute drive from Melbourne along the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. Alternatively, you could also hop on the ferry from Queenscliff.
To learn more about the solstice festival, click here.