Port MacDonnell’s Bay Festival returns for a day of fun and flavour

Join the party at Port Macdonnell

Port MacDonnell’s famous Bay Festival is returning on February 22, bringing the vibrant beachfront alive with action-packed fun for all ages.

At South Australia’s southernmost town, the Limestone Coast’s Rock Lobster Capital will kick the much-awaited party off with an epic line-up of market stalls, street performers, roving musicians and live music creating a buzzing coastal community fair vibe.

Triple M’s Ewan Grant will make a special appearance, along with local celeb Jay the Cray, and there’s a whole heap of super fun activity zones. Hang five on a mechanical surfboard, bag a catch on the fishing simulator, try a bungee run, and take some new tricks home from a free circus skills workshop.

While the kids are happy showing off their cutely painted faces and dancing to the tunes of the energetic Junkyard Beats band, the adults can feast their senses on the food!  With a stack of food trucks to choose from, the star of the show will no doubt be the local seafood flavours, starting with fresh lobster, abalone, and squid. Pair your meal with local wines, craft brews, or a cheeky Sinkhole Gin cocktail, and top it off with a delicious spread of sweet treats.

Celebrate Port MacDonnell’s natural and cultural heritage

Port MacDonnell isn’t just a pretty coastal town – it’s also a scientifically significant area with the world’s greatest diversity of seaweed and a rich Boandik history. Festival-goers can join Boandik Elder Uncle Ken Jones for a shoreline tour, exploring Indigenous stories and the wonders of bush tucker. For kids, Uncle Ken’s seaside adventure provides hands-on fun, learning about shells, sea creatures, and a whole heap more.

Scientists and artists from Holdfast Limestone Coast Inc. will guide workshops exploring the ecological and artistic significance of seaweed. From seaweed art to kelp ecology talks, these activities highlight Port Mac’s unique marine ecosystem and its vital role in supporting the local fishing industry.

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences

For the more adventurous, why not experience this stunning slice of South Australia from above with a Scenic helicopter ride over The Bay? With breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and rugged coastline this is a fabulous opportunity to see this beautiful coastal town from a whole new perspective. For something more grounded, try a horse-drawn carriage tour or join chef Kirby Shearing for a one-of-a-kind culinary evening at Customs House, showcasing regional produce and Indigenous ingredients.

Round out your Festival experience with a twist as Medium Rhiannon Rose holds a special session, offering insights and connections that might just leave you speechless! But if this isn’t up your alley, unwind on the foreshore and enjoy buskers, a dazzling light installation, and a spectacular Bay sunset, or head to Cape Northumberland for a chance to spot the elusive Aurora Australis.

A Festival with heart