Every June, the Sorrento Foreshore becomes the setting for one of Victoria's most distinctive winter events. The Sorrento Solstice Festival is a two-day free community festival marking the winter solstice, presented by the Sorrento Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are free.

Saturday 20 June: Fire and Energy

The first day is the festival at full light. A dedicated Family Zone offers activities for younger children throughout the day, while the Solstice Zone brings fire art, light installations and atmospheric programming to life as the evening draws in. Roaming performers move through the crowd from afternoon into night. Food stalls and artisan market traders line the foreshore, and live music runs across the day. The evening builds to its centrepiece: the ignition of Bernie, a six-metre handcrafted effigy set alight against the winter sky above Port Phillip Bay. It is one of the most dramatic free events in Victoria.

Sunday 21 June: The Dawn Swim

Sunday opens at the water's edge. The Dawn Swim invites participants to mark the solstice in the bay at first light, a tradition that has become its own quiet centrepiece for those who return for it. Attendees are welcome to warm showers and a hot breakfast at the Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club.

The foreshore setting, free entry and program designed with families at its heart make the Sorrento Solstice Festival a genuine winter destination event on the Peninsula.

For further details please click 'More Information'.