HOME | Crayfest

Welcome to Crayfest

Be part of our annual community festival showcasing local music, art, food and drink in Port Campbell’s stunning natural environment.

We acknowledge the Kirrae Wurrong peopple of the Eastern Maar nation the original owners and custodians of the lands around Port Campbell. Their name for Port Campbell was Purroitchihoorrong meaning 'Spirit voice that mocks you'.

We pay our respects to all First Nations peoples past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuous connection to country, community and culture.

The weekend.

Street parade

The street parade is a crowd favourite. Find your spot along Lord or Tregea Streets, settle in and watch the colour and fun unfold. From Nippers and cray boats, to bagpipes, Loch Ard peacocks, rusty eels, pirates, rabbits and Ms Crayfest (who will it be in 2026?). But don’t stop there. Here’s your chance to tick ‘enter a street parade’ off your bucket list. It’s free to enter and you could win $500 for the best float – judged by the wonderful folk from Timboon Opportunity Shop (TOPs).

Food + drink

Not only does the Southern Ocean produce wild rock lobster and abalone – the surrounding hinterland and prime dairy country is home to gourmet cheeses, ice cream, berries, duck, beef, fudge, beer, whisky and wine. Most of the local 12 Apostles Food Artisans can be found at Crayfest. Stay tuned while we confirm stallholders for Crayfest 2026.
Over the weekend, Port Campbell restaurants feature a special seafood dish on their menus. Make sure you make a reservation to avoid disappointment. Or you may just feel like fish and chips on our fabulous foreshore? Careful of those pesky seagulls.
Waves
12 Rocks
REAL
Grassroots
Port Campbell Hotel
Barrels Bar
Sow + Piglets
Café on Lord

Music + Art

Our band line-up is a mix of local, emerging, quirky and rocking. We’ll have you chilling in your chair and then up on your feet before the end of the day. Stay tuned for full program details in January. Each year, local artists display their works at a Flotsam + Jetsam themed exhibition in the Port Campbell Arts Space.

Fishing Education Clinic

The Victorian Fishing Authorities (VFA), will be conducting free fishing clinics on Sunday for people from 8 years old to mature, on the Port Campbell pier. The clinics will run for an hour, starting at 10.00am, 11.00am, 12.00pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm for a maximum of 15 children per group. Fishing rods and bait will be supplied by the VFA, with Education Officers conducting the clinics and educating people on everything fishing.

TICKETS

Community

Crayfest is a not-for-profit celebration of community and very much a team effort. The eight-member committee is run entirely by volunteers and the event funded by grants and sponsorship.
We wish to thank those involved in bringing Crayfest to life:
Corangamite Shire
Victorian Fisheries Authority
Timboon Opportunity Shop (TOPs)
Bendigo Bank
Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club
Timboon Lions Club
Port Campbell Sustainable Group
Timboon Men’s Shed
Port Campbell CFA / SES / CERT
Port Campbell Arts Space
Wannon Water
Timboon & District Kindergarten
Timboon P12 School
Western District Newspapers
Port Campbell Police

Beach treasure hunt

The beach treasure hunt run Sunday morning is a Port Campbell institution. We call this our Annual Resilience Builder – where kids get to dig in the hope of finding something… and quite commonly find nothing. Kids who are lucky enough to find a token go in the draw for three major prizes (drawn on the day). The treasure hunt is free for kids up to 12 years of age

LINE UP

Music Line Up.

2026 Music Line Up

JAGR

JAGR are a dynamic live band known for delivering high-energy performances packed with crowd favourites and iconic anthems. Blending classic Aussie hits with timeless rock singalongs, they create an atmosphere that’s equal parts nostalgia, energy and connection.

With tight musicianship and commanding vocals, JAGR bring a polished, professional show built to engage audiences of all ages.

MUDCATS

The Mudcats first fired up in 1987, tearing into the local scene with a raw, soulful blues sound. After calling it a day in 1991, the band members stayed close — playing, touring, and sharpening their craft across other blues outfits. In 2016, the spark reignited. The Mudcats returned to the stage with the same spirit, the same swagger, and a line‑up strengthened by drummer Barry Galbraith and vocalist/guitarist John Hudson.

The Mudcats deliver blues with grit, groove, and a whole lot of heart. They’re a band of lifelong players who love the music, love the crowd, and bring every room to life.

Band Members

Marco Goldsmith — Vocals / Guitar

After the original Mudcats era, Marco launched Marco Goldsmith’s Blue Heat, a band that quickly became one of Australia’s premier blues acts. Blue Heat toured nationally, won Best Australian Blues Album (1995) and Australian Blues Band of the Year (1997), and even supported the legendary B.B. King.

Barry Galbraith — Drums

A cornerstone of the Warrnambool music scene, and a founding member of Blue Heat. Barry has built a reputation as a rock‑solid drummer and respected tutor. His feel, finesse, and firepower drive The Mudcats’ rhythm section.

Brad Harrison — Saxophone

A founding Mudcat, Brad’s first band was the beginning of a long journey through blues, soul, and roots music. He became the saxophonist for Blue Heat and has since played with countless acts. Brad’s sharp ear and instinctive phrasing make him the band’s secret weapon — he can slot into any groove and lift it higher.

John Hudson — Vocals / Guitar

One of Australia’s most versatile guitarists, John brings more than 30 years of stage experience to The Mudcats. Recently, he has toured with iconic singer‑songwriter Shane Howard (Goanna). John’s voice, tone, and musicality add a powerful new dimension to the band.

Larry Lawson — Bass

Larry has been holding down the low end since 1980 and remains the original Mudcats bassist. A long‑time contributor to the Warrnambool scene, he has played in numerous local bands and even sat in with groups in New York and Las Vegas. His steady, unshakeable groove anchors the band’s sound.

THE MOJO PROJECT

Celebrate the swamp of lizard rock with interpretations of deep cut Doors, Beatles, and Hendrix tunes led by Lex Bond and his Lizard disciples Brendan Thomson, Csaba the Boom Factory and David Downing.

“Love Them Madly”

JACOB PATON-LEE BAND

Described as the lovechild of Mick Jagger & Tina Turner and following from sold-out sets at the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Lighthouse Theatre, Jacob Paton-Lee is back by popular demand and ready to rock Crayfest backed by his live band. Following his captivating 2025 Crayfest rendition of Joe Cocker's 'Mad Dogs & Englishmen', JPL brings his favourite ever tunes to Port Campbell in 2026.

Having recently graced Melbourne's iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl performing with the Find Your Voice Collective alongside the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Jacob closed the show to standing ovations & the largest live stream in MSO history.

JPL's reputation as Australia's most exciting young vocalist needs to be felt to be believed. See you at Crayfest on the 21st March 2026!

TWENTY2FOUR

TBA