Solstice Search Party 2025

Embrace the dark and celebrate the longest night of the year at Solstice Search Party.

Now in its fourth year, we are excited to once again invite people of all ages to take part in this free event celebrating winter in Warrnambool and our creative connection to land and raw wild nature. This year’s event will be held in the beautiful Lake Pertobe precinct on the Warrnambool Foreshore!

A fantastic array of live music has been curated by the team at Raglan Presents, with 2023 Triple J Unearthed High finalist Lotte Gallagher to be supported by local acts Pyper & Dylan and Mick Ferguson. We’ll also welcome Andrew McClelland as our brilliant MC and DJ to round out the night.

Fresh Market Warrnambool will be serving you up delights from an array of local food vans.

The Nature Bus is back in 2025. When the sun goes down the owls come out to play. Join The Nature Bus to create your very own Clay Owl… this nature-based craft activity will be a hoot! One Day Studios are also bringing a 'Glow Wall' along for kids and kids-at-heart to create some fun silhouette art. 

Throughout time, Winter Solstice rituals have revolved around fire. In 2025, we welcome back WildHoney Performing Arts to the Solstice Search party team. They invite you to gather around the Fire Effigy, a rustic metal brazier, set with aromatic bushwood and spices. You can dance and participate in a sensory experience and celebration of renewal, joy, and the light’s return with The Phoenix, The Elementals and The Winter Queen.

Lake Pertobe will also be illuminated with an immersive collection of Carla Obrien’s latest neon light installations and some enchanting projections from One Day Studios. You will be able to wander the grounds and experience the lights as the sun goes down and night sets in.

Wondering what's happening and when? Check out our schedule of all the amazing things happening below...
3:00pm - Welcome to Country, Neon Lights turn on, Nature Bus craft activities
3:20pm - Be mesmerised by The Elementals
3.20pm – Pyper & Dylan take the stage
4:20pm – The Elementals emerge for their final voyage
4:45pm – Music by Mick Ferguson
5:30pm - The Phoenix will light the Fire Effigy
6:10pm - Headline act Lotte Gallagher
7:10pm – The Winter Queen wanders
7:30pm - Wrapping up with DJ Andrew McClelland
8:30pm - Close

There’ll be plenty of other enchanting experiences at this year’s Solstice Search Party. Register for your free ticket to stay up to date with the latest event information and any changes to plans due to weather.

This also helps us plan to make this free event the best experience possible for you.

Don’t forget to bring your torch and be prepared for all the elements! Umbrellas, gumboots and a camping chair are recommended!

Solstice Search Party is an all ages, drug and alcohol free event, brought to you by Warrnambool City Council.