Planning your own event

To apply for an event on the Surf Coast, please complete an online application using the following links:

Online application for events to be held in 2019

Online application for events to be held in 2020

All events held in the Surf Coast Shire or on Great Ocean Road land can be applied for with the same form. For further information regarding the land manager, check the detailed map(PDF, 3MB) .

Approval can take between three and twelve months to be granted. This can vary due to the complexity of your event, the number of permits your event requires, your current management plan and the number of agencies that need to make comment on your plan eg a large event may require road closures or significant traffic management planning.

A variety of permits are likely to be required for events.  The Events Guide provides details of the key permits, however it is the responsibility of event organisers to ensure relevant permits and permissions are obtained. 

Read the Events Guide(DOCX, 551KB)

Events large and small usually need insurance cover to protect both the organiser and event participants. The only instance where you may not require insurance is for a one-off event in a Council-managed community house or hall, where the Surf Coast Shire's own insurance is usually sufficient. However it is still worth checking this, as a large one-off event may still require cover.

The Municipal Association of Victoria website provides helpful information on insuring your event.

See Events Grants Programs for more information on financial assistance for events in Surf Coast Shire.  

Here are some avenues for promoting your event:

• List your event on The Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) - a central content and distribution platform for the Australian tourism industry.  ATDW listings appear on visitvictoria.com and many regional tourism organisation websites. Prepare your image and sales pitch and create an ATDW listing here https://oauth.atdw-online.com.au/login
• Free event listing in Surf Coast Shire Event Calendar
• Promotion on event board signs at town entrances - email lhume@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
• PR exposure and social media activity through Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism .

• Visitor Information Centres can assist you to promote your event
• Provision of maps and guides for event competitors, email tourism@surfcoast.vic.gov.au
• Social media! Make your own Facebook page for your event and start promoting it that way.