Brace yourself for a three-day extravaganza of music, art, food, and fire as WinterWild descends upon the untamed beauty of Apollo Bay from the 25th to the 27th of August. This unique event, held on Gadubanud Country, promises to immerse visitors in the dark mystery of the Otways while offering an array of captivating performances, delectable feasts, inspiring art, and engaging masterclasses.
WinterWild has become a highly anticipated annual gathering, drawing thousands of enthusiastic revellers to Apollo Bay each August. Nestled between turbulent seas and majestic rainforests, this vibrant event invites attendees to embrace the allure of winter by indulging in a myriad of sensory experiences.
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These are some of the highlights.
Friday 25th August
The festival kicks off with a heartfelt Welcome to Country by the Eastern Marr Aboriginal Corporation, followed by free performances from RidzyRay, a talented rapper representing the Wemba-Wemba community, along with other contemporary First Nations artists.
The music continues to resonate at the Apollo Bay Mechanics Institute Hall with the electrifying presence of Jen Cloher, a songwriter and performer hailing from Ngāpuhi & Ngāti Kahu. Jen’s rock-infused melodies, brimming with a tense and terse energy, offer a glimpse into the world of eternal misfits. Joining her on stage will be the disco-infused space-pop project Zoë Fox and the Rocket Clocks, the beloved singer-songwriter Sid O’Neil, and the soulful indie-jazz ensemble Outtatime.
For a night of nostalgia and musical prowess, head to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse, where the re-formed ’80s legends Inked Factor will captivate the audience with their distinctive blend of post-punk and prog-surf rock.
Saturday 26th August
Indulge your senses with The Wild Feast at the Apollo Bay Foreshore, where you can savour a cosy meal around roaring fire pits against the backdrop of the ocean. From paella brimming with vegetables to slow-smoked meats, fresh pasta, and renowned local seafood, the feast promises to satiate every palate. Warm your hands with a mulled wine or explore the offerings of local craft beers from Otway brewers Prickly Moses, along with cocktails from the Apollo Bay Gin Distillery. As you relish the culinary delights, Leslie D. King and the Trembling Shakes will set the mood with their soul-soaked rock’n’roll, accompanied by a lineup of very special guests. Don’t miss the festival’s signature outdoor performance, The DogWatch, taking place after sunset.
For those looking to refine their culinary skills, the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse offers a not-to-be-missed Low and Slow BBQ Masterclass. This day-long workshop will delve into BBQ cooking methods, fire and temperature management, meat trimming, and immersive cooking demonstrations. Delight in the mouthwatering array of dishes, including brisket, lamb shoulder, pork ribs, and reverse-seared steak.
WinterWild also offers opportunities for self-reflection and rejuvenation. Engage in ice bathing and breath workshops with Mark Kluwer, a protégé of Wim Hof, and discover the transformative power within. Additionally, Dani Cullen, a local practitioner, will conduct her renowned healing qigong classes in the refreshing ocean air.
As night falls, surrender to the allure of the satanic gospel experience brought to you by Dane Blacklock & the Preacher’s Daughter at the Apollo Bay Mechanics Institute Hall. This wickedly mesmerizing aural and visual extravaganza will ignite your senses, inviting you to explore the desires of the flesh. Joining them on stage is s p o r e s, offering a blend of lazy disco, spectres of doom, and noise punk. Immerse yourself in the hypnotic heavy riffs, dreamy licks, dirty basslines, and driving drumbeats of Otways psychedelic trio MELT.
Bid farewell to winter with MoonGarden at the Apollo Bay Sailing Club. Dance under a starlit sky beside the raging ocean as some of Australia’s best alternative electronic artists take the stage. Headlined by Harvey Sutherland (DJ Set), with Milo Eastwood and Post Percy, this electrifying experience will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Sunday 27th August
Begin your day with the surreal and captivating Dawn Chorus: The Midnight Horrors, a tour of the birds of Apollo Bay, both living and mythical, at dawn. Let The Midnight Horrors guide you through an arcane and entirely un-educational bird walk through the town.
For those seeking a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Apollo Bay’s finest producers, the Meet the Maker Masterclasses with Hello Coffee and Apollo Bay Distillery are not to be missed. Engage your senses as you explore and sample a range of delicious drinks.
To culminate the weekend on a sublime note, acclaimed concert pianist Estelle Shircore Barker, who spent her formative years in Apollo Bay and is soon embarking on studies under the esteemed Nikolai Demidenko in Europe, will grace an intimate house setting with a performance on the grand piano.
WinterWild invites you to discover the darker side of Apollo Bay, to witness the town as the locals experience it during the off-season: intense, wild, and raw. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary event and prepare to be captivated by the sacred and the profane this August.
The Specifics:
What: WinterWild
When: 25 to 26 August
Where: Apollo Bay, various locations
For the full WinterWild program, visit winterwild.com.au.