Portlarington
Portarlington is a historic coastal town located on the Bellarine Peninsula, about 30km from Geelong. Nestled on the northernmost tip of the Bellarine Peninsula, the seaside town features gorgeous panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay which includes a spectacular view of the You Yang's and on a clear day the Melbourne city skyline.A scenic drive is along The Esplanade which is a coastal route of around 10 km in length that runs alongside the foreshore between Portarlington and the nearby beach towns of Indented Head and St Leonards. There is also a walking or bicycling track along the same route if you are feeling energetic.
Portlarington
Portarlington is a historic coastal town located on the Bellarine Peninsula, about 30km from Geelong. Nestled on the northernmost tip of the Bellarine Peninsula, the seaside town features gorgeous panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay which includes a spectacular view of the You Yang's and on a clear day the Melbourne city skyline.A scenic drive is along The Esplanade which is a coastal route of around 10 km in length that runs alongside the foreshore between Portarlington and the nearby beach towns of Indented Head and St Leonards. There is also a walking or bicycling track along the same route if you are feeling energetic.
Portarlington
Portarlington is a historic coastal town located on the Bellarine Peninsula, about 30km from Geelong. Nestled on the northernmost tip of the Bellarine Peninsula, the seaside town features gorgeous panoramic views across Port Phillip Bay which includes a spectacular view of the You Yang's and on a clear day the Melbourne city skyline.A scenic drive is along The Esplanade which is a coastal route of around 10 km in length that runs alongside the foreshore between Portarlington and the nearby beach towns of Indented Head and St Leonards. There is also a walking or bicycling track along the same route if you are feeling energetic.
This historical tall ship will head from Melbourne to Portarlington for the week-end with sails around the bay scheduled each day - you may even find a festival musician on board to set a festival mood. Tickets on board.
The Enterprise
This is a marquee on the festival site. We create the feeling of a wine bar. Tables, Chairs, great atmosphere and a bar.
The Village Tavern
This is a seated concert venue in a large community Hall. At times during the week-end the venue is transformed to a Ceili space ( to dance ).
Parks Hall
a short stroll along Brown street to this venue. Host to small concerts and workshops.
St johns Church
Set in the middle of town this historic building will come alive with an interactive installation and in between that you are bound hear the sound of Pipes coming from above.
The Rotunda
A cozy spot amidst bustling market stalls and food vendors. Free music during the day ( non ticketed ) and Sessions ( ticketed ) into the night. Bar, Tables and Chairs - the next best thing to a Celtic Pub. This is a new venue for 2024.
The Session Bar
A walk up Harding street brings you to this warm, quite, medium sized church venue. This has production ( PA ) and hosts some lovely concerts.
St Patrick’s Church
You will find over 70 Markets Stalls and Food Vendors with something to tempt you with, Wander around this area of the festival at your leisure. You will come across a range displays and demonstrations across the festival - highland cattle, hurling, pipe bands, a labyrinth and much more.
Festival Hub
Across the road from the festival site in Newcombe Street this church venue will host acoustic concerts and workshops.
St Andrew’s Church
Our largest marquee on site. This is the lively venue with plenty of high energy and fun. The venue has tables and chairs and a bar,
The Celtic Club
Just near the Rotunda you will find the Club Room. A seated, warm venue hosting concerts ( PA system ) and a range of activities across the week-end.
The Club Room
General Info
Everything you need to know
Festival Info
Everything you need to know
Venue Info
Come explore our vibrant music and activity venues, where energy and creativity come to life! Enjoy live performances, music events, and engaging activities in spaces with stunning acoustics and state-of-the-art sound systems. Whether it's a concert or interactive workshop, each venue offers an unforgettable experience!
The Celtic Club
Our largest marquee on site. This is the lively venue with plenty of high energy and fun. The venue has tables and chairs and a bar,
The Village Tavern
This is a marquee on the festival site. We create the feeling of a wine bar. Tables, Chairs, great atmosphere and a bar.
Parks Hotel
This is a seated concert venue in a large community Hall. At times during the week-end the venue is transformed to a Ceili space ( to dance ).
St Patrick's Church
A walk up Harding street brings you to this warm, quite, medium sized church venue. This has production ( PA ) and hosts some lovely concerts.
St Johns Church
a short stroll along Brown street to this venue. Host to small concerts and workshops.
The Rotunda
Set in the middle of town this historic building will come alive with an interactive installation and in between that you are bound hear the sound of Pipes coming from above.
The Session Bar
A cozy spot amidst bustling market stalls and food vendors. Free music during the day ( non ticketed ) and Sessions ( ticketed ) into the night. Bar, Tables and Chairs - the next best thing to a Celtic Pub. This is a new venue for 2024.
The Club Room
Just near the Rotunda you will find the Club Room. A seated, warm venue hosting concerts ( PA system ) and a range of activities across the week-end.
St Andrews Church
Across the road from the festival site in Newcombe Street this church venue will host acoustic concerts and workshops.
Festival Hub
You will find over 70 Markets Stalls and Food Vendors with something to tempt you with, Wander around this area of the festival at your leisure. You will come across a range displays and demonstrations across the festival - highland cattle, hurling, pipe bands, a labyrinth and much more.
The Enterprise
This historical tall ship will head from Melbourne to Portarlington for the week-end with sails around the bay scheduled each day - you may even find a festival musician on board to set a festival mood. Tickets on board.
Accommodation
Portarlington, a charming bayside town, offers the perfect backdrop for your festival experience.
Conveniently located, Portarlington is just a 30-minute drive from Geelong or a short
20-minute trip from the Queenscliff ferry terminal.
Ways to Stay by the Bay
Portarlington provides a variety of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget. From a beachfront caravan park, glamping and holiday rentals.
Book early to secure festival accommodation for your winter getaway.
Please see festival camping packages and ferry packages on our ticket page.
You can sleep under the stars in ultimate luxury in our 5m bell tents with super comfortable queen or single beds and base, luxury bedding and furnishings, rugs, towels, wine and chocolate, esky, kettle, mugs, tea and coffee and some nice little extras too.Located at Portarlington Holiday Park.
FAQ's
Our first tickets will go on sale in December - just in time for Christmas shopping!
Absolutely. There will be a range of activities on offer including workshops, concerts, dancing and lots more.
Yes, day/night tickets will be on Sale on 1st May - unless the festival is sold out.
When you buy your ticket or receive your festival wristband at the ticket marquee you will be given our official full-colour glossy. The program will be on the website in the lead up week of the festival.
At approximately 3pm. It may be the final day, but Monday’s program will still be jam-packed; the markets and food stalls will all be there until the end!
Being a volunteer is not only a great way to see go to the festival, it’s also the opportunity to be part of an amazing team. Applications will be open soon.
Yes, clearly defined around site.
Yes. Feel free to wander around the market stalls and enjoy an array of entertainment throughout the site and the town.
Portarlington and surrounding region provides a large selection of accommodation, from camping grounds and onsite cabins. Bellarine Visitor Information on 1800 755 611. There are plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets. From deluxe spa retreats and luxury bed and breakfasts, through to holiday rentals and camping.
No, but there are plenty of camping sites at Bellarine Bayside Holiday Park on the Portarlington foreshore.
No, seating is provided and all the venues are heated and undercover. The festival has a range of large and small venues scattered around the town and within walking distance.
No, all our venues are undercover and heated for your comfort. We Celts know a thing or two about managing winter weather.
Bar ticket booths in both venues, eftpos machines, cash sales in Session bar and tickets can be used in all venues.
Anyone needing a companion card please contact us directly at tickets@nationalcelticfestival.com.
Coming over from Melbourne? Take advantage of our ticket packages with Searoad Ferries and Port Phillip Ferries. Driving ? Portarlington is 1hr 20 mins drive from Melbourne. Buses and Trains also available - Geelong is the closest city to the festival.
Shuttle Bus
A convenient shuttle bus will be available exclusively for ticketed patrons throughout the festival weekend.
The shuttle will operate between the caravan parks at either end of the town, with an optional stop at St Patrick’s Church venue upon request—just let the driver know.
Each loop takes approximately 30 minutes and runs continuously during the designated service hours.
Hop on and enjoy a hassle-free way to explore the festival!
