Markets, egg hunts and festivals: The best Easter events in Western Vic

It's gonna be a cracking Easter.

Well, Easter is coming up, so gather ‘round, for we’ve compiled all the best Easter events in Victoria's Western District.

If you have an event you’d like to submit, or just happen to know about something really cool we might've missed, give us a yell by emailing [email protected] — we’re all ears.

Table of Contents

Easter events in Warrnambool

Easter on the Hill

Flagstaff Hill's Easter tradition returns with an egg hunt activity throughout the maritime village from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. Drop by the Stella Maris Tea Rooms for a fresh hot cross bun and a cuppa while enjoying the historic surrounds. Perfect for a relaxed family outing over the long weekend.

Where: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, Merri Street, Warrnambool

When: Friday, April 18 – Monday, April 21, 10am – 5pm daily

Price: Standard museum entry fees apply ($20 adults, $16 concession, $9.80 children)

Easter Artillery Demonstrations

The Warrnambool Garrison Artillery and Werribee Half Battery Horse Artillery take over Flagstaff Hill on Saturday with impressive historical displays. Catch the morning parade and inspection (10:30am), 80pd RML drill and Martini Henry firing demonstrations (11am), guided fortification tours (11:30am) and the main cannon firing displays (1:30pm). Day concludes with the Whitworth Mountain Gun drill (3pm) and a fireside chat at the Garrison Barracks (4pm).

Where: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, Merri Street, Warrnambool

When: Saturday, April 19, 10:30am – 4pm

Price: $20 adults, $16 concession, $9.80 children (5-15), $52 family

Family Fun Day

Lake Pertobe will transform into Easter central with activities for the whole family courtesy of the Easter Arts Festival. Melbourne puppet troupe 'Elk Puppets' will perform two shows alongside other live music and don’t miss the always-anticipated Easter egg hunt. BBQ and hot cross buns will be available, as well as free tea and coffee.

Where: Lake Pertobe, Pertobe Road, Warrnambool

When: Saturday, April 19, 10am – 3pm

Price: Free

Easter Sunday Fun Skate

Roll into the long weekend with Warrnambool Roller Derby League's Easter-themed skate session at the Showgrounds. Skaters of all skill levels (aged 5+) are welcome, with free skate and protective gear hire available. Dress up in your Easter best for a chance to win prizes for 'Best Dressed,' and try your luck in the raffle. A perfect family-friendly activity to burn off some of those chocolate eggs.

Where: Warrnambool Showgrounds, 331 Koroit Street, Warrnambool

When: Sunday, April 20, 3pm – 5pm

Price: $10 per person plus insurance, raffle tickets $2 each or 3 for $5

Easter Sprintcar Trail, Super Rods & Fireworks

Premier Speedway's season closes with a bang at this Easter Sunday tradition. Catch the final round of the Total Tools Warrnambool Track Championship as drivers battle it out in the Easter Sprintcar Trail. Super Rods will also compete in their Easter Trail finale and JD Race Parts Track Championship closer. The night ends with the always-spectacular fireworks display — a fitting end to the speedway season.

Where: Premier Speedway, 10275 Princes Highway, Allansford

When: Sunday, April 20, 3pm – 10:30pm

Price: Adults $40, concession $35, children 10-15 $15, children 5-9 $10

Easter events in Port Fairy & Koroit

Crafty Kids! Easter bunny workshop

Transform recycled fabric and materials into cute little Easter bunnies in this eco-friendly workshop with Sue McComish. Children will learn basic hand stitching techniques while designing their own unique bunny creations from recycled items. A perfect hands-on activity combining creativity with sustainability for primary schoolers aged 8 and above.

Where: Port Fairy Community House

When: Thursday, April 10, 10am – 11:30am

Price: $10 per child

Port Fairy Easter Basket Making Workshop

The first of two basket making workshops happening in the region on April 11. Children will transform provided craft materials into their own Easter baskets, perfect for the upcoming egg hunts.

Where: Port Fairy Library, 65 Sackville Street, Port Fairy

When: Friday, April 11, 11am – 12pm

Price: Free (bookings essential)

Koroit Easter Basket Making Workshop

Afternoon follow-up to the Port Fairy morning session. If you missed the earlier workshop or Koroit is more convenient, bring the kids to create their own decorated Easter baskets with the same great materials and guidance. 

Where: Koroit Library, 102 High Street, Koroit

When: Friday, April 11, 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Price: Free (bookings essential)

Port Fairy Easter Market

The Railway Goods Shed market returns this Easter with all your seasonal favourites. Find fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and unique gifts from familiar faces and new vendors alike. Belfast Lions Club will be serving their reliable scones with cream at Community House, and don't forget to grab a ticket for the crayfish raffle spinning wheel — always a highlight.

Where: 5 Railway Place, Port Fairy

When: Saturday, April 19, 8:30am – 1:00pm

Price: Free entry

Easter events in Portland

Bunny Portraits - Saturday Arts

Portland Library's free drop-in crafting session lets kids create their own bunny portraits just in time for Easter celebrations. No need to book — just turn up and get creative with all materials provided. A perfect weekend activity that won't cost a cent and welcomes crafters of all ages.

Where: Portland Library, 32 Bentinck Street, Portland

When: Saturday, April 12, 2pm – 3:45pm

Price: Free (no bookings required)

Easter at The Royal

The Royal is making Easter a three-day affair this year with activities for the whole family. Let the kids (or yourself) loose in the colouring competition, and enjoy their special Easter menu featuring seasonal favourites. A solid option for those looking to enjoy a meal out over the long weekend without the cooking and cleaning.

Where: The Royal Hotel, 113-119 Percy Street, Portland

When: Friday, April 18 at 12pm – Sunday, April 20 at 11pm

Price: Free entry, menu prices vary

Portland Easter Saturday Market 

Portland's Easter Saturday market returns to the Julia Street laneway. Browse seasonal fresh produce, hot food, and handmade crafts from local vendors. Kids will love the Easter egg hunt while adults can relax and soak up the holiday market atmosphere. 

Where: Julia Street Creative Space Laneway, Portland

When: Saturday, April 19, 9am – 1pm

Price: Free entry

Easter events in Ararat, Moyston & Stawell

Ararat Early Learning Centre Easter Fete

Ararat's first Easter Fete at Gordon Street Oval promises a family evening of Easter activities and games. A community celebration perfect for families with young children looking for some pre-Easter fun.

Where: Gordon Street Oval, 27 Gordon Street, Ararat

When: Tuesday, April 15, 5pm – 7:30pm

Price: Free entry, raffle tickets available for purchase

Easter Paper Craft Workshop

Ararat Library's school holiday program offers kids the chance to create Easter-inspired paper crafts in this free afternoon session. Perfect for primary school-aged children with all materials provided — just bring your creativity. 

Where: Ararat Library, Ararat

When: Wednesday, April 16, 3pm – 4pm

Price: Free (ages 5-12, under 10s must be accompanied by an adult)

Ararat Fire Brigade Good Friday Appeal 

Ararat Fire Brigade's annual door-knock appeal returns for another year supporting the Royal Children's Hospital. Volunteers will gather at the fire station before heading out in buses to collect donations across town. Perfect for families wanting to give back over Easter — walking shoes required, morning tea and lunch provided. 

Where: Ararat Fire Station, 8 Tuson Street, Ararat

When: Friday, April 18, 8:15am registration for 8:45am start

Price: Free to participate (children under 12 require adult supervision)

Moyston Easter Market

Moyston's annual Easter Saturday market returns with local stalls, family activities and the region's best Devonshire teas. The Easter Egg Trail runs all day for the kids, while adults can test their skills at the John Vanderwaal Long Kick Competition (11am, registrations from 9:30am). Enter your garden giants in the Unusual Veggie Competition, and don't miss the raffle draws at 11am and 12:30pm.

Where: Moyston Oval, 1400 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Moyston

When: Saturday, April 19, 9am – 2pm

Price: Free entry

Stawell Easter Extravaganza 

Stawell's main street will be buzzing with Easter cheer at this community-driven event. Browse market stalls, enjoy street performers, and keep the kids entertained with activities throughout the morning. Grab a snack from the BBQ, try your luck in the raffles, and don't miss the Easter Bunny's appearance. A perfect opportunity to support local traders and eateries while catching up with neighbours.

Where: Main Street, Stawell

When: Saturday, April 19, 9am – 1:30pm

Price: Free entry

Easter events in Hamilton

Easter Slime Play Workshops

School holiday fun with a gooey Easter twist. Kids 6+ can join these hands-on workshops to create their own personalised slime with colours, scents, sprinkles and Easter-themed slime mix to take home. Each session runs for 45 minutes with all materials provided. With only 12 spots per session, best to book early online to avoid disappointed little ones.

Where: HIRL, 333 North Boundary Road, Hamilton

When: Tuesday, April 15 – Thursday, April 17. Sessions each day at 10:30am, 11:45am, and 1pm

Price: $20 per child