Dust off your copy of the iconic Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book and get ready to bake up some nostalgia!

Join us for a fun-filled community Bake Off, hosted at Baillie Hill, celebrating the cakes that defined Australian childhoods. Whether you're tackling the legendary/terrifying Duck Cake, recreating the Swimming Pool Cake, or putting your own spin on your own childhood favourite, everyone is welcome to enter.

Simply choose any cake from the book, bake it, and bring it along for judging (and tasting!). Whether you're a first-time baker or a seasoned cake artist, this event is all about creativity, community, craft and having a laugh along the way.

Entry Categories

🏆 Little Humans – Bakers aged 12 and under
🏆 Medium Humans – Bakers aged 13–17
🏆 Big Humans – Bakers aged 18+
🏆 Best in Show – The (people's choice) standout cake of the day
🏆 Most Delicious – Awarded purely on taste
🏆Nailed it – If you have a bad day in the kitchen, bring it anyway!

Much like the lasagne bake off, there will also be eating tickets, because what's the good of a cake if you have no one to share it with?

$5 from the eater's ticket price will go to support local legends Operation Sunshine.

Come along to admire the creations, cheer on your fellow bakers, and relive the joy of Australia's most beloved birthday cakes. There may be icing mishaps, there will definitely be sprinkles, and there's sure to be a lot of fun.

Entry is open to all ages and abilities. The only rule? Have fun and bring cake!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to follow the recipe/instructions in the book?
Absolutely not! If you want to turn the train into a historically accurate steam train, or Swimming Pool into an 80's Las Vegas hot tub, be our guest. You can also make whatever kind of flavour or cake you like. In fact, if you want to win Most Delicious, I'd almost recommend making something a little more creative!

Nailed It - what's the go?

Nailed It is a self-nominated category - we aren't going to tell anyone that their cake isn't good enough. We love brave people who swing big and give things a go, even if you're not the world's greatest baker! If your cake ends up being a disaster or you drop it in the car park, bring it anyway and bask in the supportive community energy. We'll love you extra!

What do we do while the judging happens?

We have craft tables, a very special colouring in page, and bubble machines! Millie's Acre and Beth's will be slinging coffee for those who have had a late night on the tools.

What about food allergies?

Apologies friend, but we cannot accommodate food allergies at this event. There will be an abundance of gluten, sugar and dairy.

What tickets do I want?

If you're making a cake, select "I'm bringing cake!"

If you are not bringing cake, select "I'm coming to eat!", even if you don't really want to eat.

If you select a cake making ticket and you do not show up with cake, you will be turned away. The VPC's events are popular and sell out, and it's not fair on people who have paid for tickets (particularly our charity partners) if people are just trying to get in the door however they can. Our venues have capacity limits and walk-ins are not always possible. If cost is a barrier for you, please email hello@vicparkcollective.com and we will see what we can arrange.

The VPC Presents: The Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book Bake Off

Choose your tickets

I'm bringing cake! ticket

I'm coming to eat! ticket

Donations

I just want to support Operation Sunshine