Hello @FirstName,

It’s finally here! Solstice Search Party is just about the best day of the winter in Warrnambool and we're excited to see you at the event tomorrow!

Here’s everything you need to know.

When and where

Saturday June 29 from 2.30pm to 8.30pm at Lake Pertobe (new venue for 2024).

The line-up:

•   2:30pm - Welcome to Country, Neon Lights turn on and face painting kicks off
•   2:50pm - Evie Mae takes the stage
•   3:55pm - up next… Gabby Steel
•   4:00pm - Be mesmerised by The Illuminates
•   5:00pm - The Red Priestess will light the Fire Effigy
•   5:20pm - Music by Billy Barker
•   6:00pm - Illuminates emerge for a final voyage
•   6:30pm - Headline act Lotte Gallagher
•   7:00pm - The Green Woman wanders
•   7:30pm - Wrapping up with DJ Good Intentions
•   8:30pm - Close

What time are the lights on?

The neon lights will be on for you to explore from 2.30pm until 8.30pm.

What food vendors will be there?

The team from the Fresh Market Warrnambool have an awesome line-up of local food trucks: Bunz, Jets Dumplings, Juns Home Kitchen, Bambino Pizza, Sunbear BBQ, Dutch Pancakes, Belly Bun, Smokin Bool, Twissto, Piccolo Coffee.

Simon’s Waterfront will also be open, and the Beach Kiosk will be staying open late especially for the event.

Council is committed to reducing waste at events. All food vendors will serve food in biodegradable receptacles that can go into the green waste / FOGO bins. Our friends at Piccolo Coffee will offer 50c discount for keep cups.

Can I bring my own food?

Of course! There will be plenty of space to set up a rug and camping chairs, so bring a picnic.

Can I bring my dog?

No, sorry. Dogs aren’t allowed in Lake Pertobe, with the exception of service dogs.

Can I bring alcohol?

No, sorry. This is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event.

Where can I park?

Parking options include Pertobe Road and McGennans carpark. Slightly further afield, but still within about a 500m walk are the Cannon Hill and Flagstaff Hill carparks, the Worm Bay car park, and Jetty Flat Oval.

We are expecting to welcome many people on the night, please be careful when crossing the roads and when making your way around Lake Pertobe in the dark.

Free shuttle bus

A free shuttle bus will operate continuously throughout the event. It will stop at the Lighthouse Theatre, then Flagstaff Hill, and then at the Beach Kiosk (across the road from the event). A loop will take about 20 minutes.

What else should I bring?

We recommend you bring a torch, and dress for the weather! Scarves, beanies, raincoats, umbrellas and gumboots are all recommended!

Can I take photos or videos?

Yes! We encourage to you bring your cameras and phones to capture the magic that is Solstice Search Party.

We would love to see your pictures and footage so please be sure to tag us on social media using the hashtags #solsticesearchparty and #iamwarrnambool

Is Solstice Search Party an accessible event?

Yes. There is accessible parking close to the event, accessible toilets, and step-free access for wheelchairs and prams. Solstice Search Party will be utilising the paths were possible with the event mostly on the grassed areas. Please ensure you bring a torch as the event is in a dark, semi-lit environment.

Is the scavenger hunt still happening?

No it’s not. Numbers for the scavenger hunt had dropped off quite a bit, and we think it’s clear in everyone’s minds that the Solstice Search Party is the main event, and we want to put more of our energy into making that part of the event the best it can be.

Is there a quiet space to chill out from all the activity?

Yes, a sensory-friendly chill out space will be available at Solstice Search Party offering visitors some quiet and calm on event day.

The Chill Zone is a space for people of all ages who have sensory sensitivities, processing differences, or other hidden disabilities. The space provides people with a quiet, safe and supported place to retreat and recharge away from the stress and stimulation of the live event.

The space will include some bean bags as well as some quiet colouring-in activities.

The space will be staffed to assist visitors and their families.

Why wasn’t the event on the actual winter solstice?

With the winter solstice falling a week before the school holidays, we decided to move the event to the following week to make it more accessible and attractive to visitors.

While June 29 has four extra minutes of sunlight than the true winter solstice on June 21, we think the effect will be the same!

Site Map

Here is a map to help plan your night: EVENT SITE MAP

Weather

Please keep an eye on the Warrnambool City Council social media pages for any event or weather updates.

We hope you enjoy this event bought to you by Warrnambool City Council and we look forward to seeing you at Solstice Search Party!

Thank you for registering for @EventName

For further event information check out the frequently asked questions below.

1. What is Solstice Search Party?

Solstice Search Party is a FREE, ticketed community event in Lake Pertobe with live music, art installations, food and so much more!!

This event is proudly brought to you by Warrnambool City Council

2. Is Solstice Search Party ticketed?

Solstice Search Party is a FREE event, please bring your ticket on the night.

3. What time does the Solstice Search Party start /end?

Activities will begin at 2.30pm and conclude 8.30pm

4. What do I bring?

Solstice Search Party is an outdoor night-time event, during winter, so we recommend you dress for the weather. Winter woollies are essential, along with umbrellas, gumboots and even a blanket if you want to rug up!

Camping chairs, picnic mats and weatherproof cushions are recommended if you want to sit and stay for a while!

There'll be a selection of favourite comfort foods and drinks to warm you up! Or, why not pack a picnic of your favourite local treats and bring along with you. Make sure you BYO your own keep cup for hot drinks!

Solstice Search Party is a strictly GLASS FREE event

5. Is it suitable for children?

Yes! This is a family friendly, all ages event but please note, the event takes place at night, so for safety purposes young children must be supervised at all times.

6. Can I take photos or videos?

Yes! We encourage to you bring your cameras and phones to capture the magic that is Solstice Search Party.

We would love to see your pictures and footage so please be sure to tag us on social media using the hashtags #solsticesearchparty & #iamwarrnambool

7. Is Solstice Search Party an accessible event?

Yes. There is accessible parking close to the event, accessible toilets, and step-free access for wheelchairs and prams. Solstice Search Party will be utilising the paths were possible with the event mostly on the grassed areas. Please ensure you bring a torch as the event is in a dark, semi lit environment.

For further information, please contact the Warrnambool City Council’s Events Team – events@warrnambool.vic.gov.au or 5559 4800.

8. Can I attend Solstice Search Party if it’s raining?

The event will proceed unless it is deemed unsafe to do so. Please keep an eye on the weather forecast and come prepared. Any changes to the event will be communicated on the WCC website, social media platforms and via email to ticket holders.

9. Can I bring my dog to Solstice Search Party?

No. As much as we love your fury friends, please leave them at home on this occasion.

If you have an assistance dog, please make sure to bring the required documentation and present it to our team upon arrival.

10. How do I get to Solstice Search Party?

Drive: Free parking is available along Pertobe Road and McGennans Carpark

Cycle: Lake Pertobe is well connected to bike paths and has options available to secure bikes

Free Bus Loop: Get A Bus will be providing a free hop on hop off bus will operate between the hours of 2.00PM - 9.00PM on the night from the following locations:

Flagstaff Hill Carpark
Lighthouse Theatre bus stop
Beach Kiosk

Need further information?

Please contact the Warrnambool City Council’s Events Team events@warrnambool.vic.gov.au or 5559 4800

We hope you enjoy this event bought to you by Warrnambool City Council.