A Festival to Taste, Live and Feel

A daring Surf Coast community is set to give the coastal calendar a bold shake-up at a time of year when local towns traditionally ‘turn out the lights.’

The Aireys Inlet Tourism and Traders Association (AITTA) is planning to breathe new life into the region’s social and events diary for late autumn and early winter, with an unprecedented line-up of events and activities.

AITTA President Michael Lawrey has announced a festival of amazing cultural and taste experiences under the title of Sense-ational Aireys.

“We’re going to give visitors an attack on the senses,” Lawrey says.
“We want visitors to soak up the atmosphere of Aireys. We would like everyone to taste Aireys, to breathe Aireys, to feel it, and live it. That is why Aireys is Sense-ational.”

The Aireys Inlet Tourism and Traders Association is highlighting the town’s businesses, services, and dazzling opportunities for visitors to the iconic Surf Coast.

Starting on Friday, May 29 and leading into the school holidays in late June, Sense-ational Aireys includes themed lunches and dinners, along with a range of lived experiences and events. These include a health and wellness seminar, lighthouse tours, art sessions, a speakers’ panel, film events, a writers’ workshop, and a variety of cultural and culinary happenings.

Renowned television and radio personality George Donikian will be the guest speaker at the opening dinner on Friday, May 29, 2026. Over the weekend, he will share his passion for food, coffee, community, and the cultural tapestry that makes Aireys a special destination. He will also launch a festival of artworks at the Eagles Nest Gallery and visit the Aireys Inlet Community Garden.

The long weekend promises something for everyone. An all-day seminar on Saturday, June 6 will offer visitors the opportunity to meet wellness and health practitioners providing a wide range of natural and holistic therapies and services.

The following day, visitors will be entertained by French performer and gendarme Jean Claude, as he ‘cycles’ his way through the town with cheerful greetings of Bonjour, wielding “great authority” (and a few baguettes as well) with a comedic, classic French flair.

The renowned Aireys Inlet Market will be at its autumnal best across the weekends, and Great Ocean Road Mini Golf will be open for the whole family.

A panel discussion on the afternoon of Saturday, June 13 will feature former Western Bulldogs AFL great Luke Darcy, much-loved comedian and actor Glenn Robbins, Rita Incerti, and former sports journalist and author Neil Kearney, all speaking about their passion for Aireys Inlet.

The diversity of attractions and experiences across each weekend will appeal to a variety of senses—taste, smell, touch, and feel.