Willinga Park Opens for Music and Family Days
Willinga Park has announced its August to December 2025 event program. A season of live music, art, food and family-friendly experiences set within one of the South Coast’s most remarkable destinations.
Known for its award-winning architecture, expansive native and exotic botanic gardens and one of the largest private sculpture collections in Australia, Willinga Park offers a rare blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and community spirit. All of this is set within a thoughtfully designed 2,600-acre property.
Willinga Park was created by Terry Snow with a singular vision. To build something truly remarkable and create a wonderful environment for people to enjoy. Every detail from the world-class architecture to the sculpture-lined paths and considered open spaces was designed to bring people together. What began as a personal project has become a destination. A place for people to connect, explore and appreciate.
That same vision underpins the 2025 events season. With a growing calendar of live music, sculpture walks, family days and signature equestrian competitions, Willinga Park is continuing to welcome more people through its gates and offering new ways to experience the property.
“Willinga Park was never built to be a hidden treasure. It was built to be remarkable and to be shared,” says Managing Director Nick McDonald-Crowley. “This season of events is about creating space for people to connect, celebrate and experience everything that makes this place so special.”
“Everything we’ve built here from the sculpture gardens to the arenas was designed with intention,” McDonald-Crowley continues. “Opening our gates like this is part of that vision. To create a place that welcomes people in and reflects many of the values of the South Coast community.”
The calendar blends returning favourites with new additions. Sculptures, Sips & Sounds returns as a monthly Saturday series, building on the success of its inaugural event in 2024. Entry is free, with live music and a relaxed, community-day atmosphere. Visitors are invited to explore Willinga Park at their own pace — from the sculpture trail and botanic gardens to the striking architecture and open landscapes.
The first in the 2025 Sculptures, Sips & Sounds series will take place on Saturday 30 August and will feature guided sculpture walk tours led by acclaimed artist Philip Spelman. Known for his large-scale steel works and contribution to contemporary Australian sculpture, Philip has been invited to open the series as both a featured artist and a guide whose work exemplifies the relationship between sculpture and landscape that defines the Willinga Park collection.
A selection of his works will be on display, offering visitors the chance to engage more deeply with his approach to form, space and material. Three major pieces will remain at Willinga Park until January 2026 — Scent will be positioned outdoors within the landscape, while Venus and Medusa will be exhibited inside The Stables Restaurant.
Alongside the sculpture walks, guests can enjoy live music by Roddy Reason, relax with food and drinks from the Bunker Café and Bar, or board the bus loop to explore the property’s art, architecture and open spaces at their own pace.
The Sculptures, Sips & Sounds series will continue monthly, with each event offering live music, access to the sculpture trail, and the chance to explore the gardens and grounds at your own pace. September will feature music by Moondog, October welcomes Val Moogz, November features Alex Clarke and December rounds out the year with Glenn Whitehall.
Father’s Day: Burgers and Beats returns to Willinga Park on Sunday 7 September. This relaxed, family-friendly event has something for everyone. Following a huge turnout in 2023, this year’s celebration will feature expanded kids’ activities, live music, food trucks and service from the Bunker Café and Bar. With plenty of space to unwind and explore, it’s set to be one of the season’s most popular days.
At the heart of the season is Jumping@Willinga. One of the Park’s signature annual events, returning from 18 to 21 September. For the first time, Jumping@Willinga will be free to attend. This opens the gates to a broader audience and invites all to share in this spectacular four-day event.
Held on Willinga Park’s state-of-the-art outdoor arena, the program includes the Willinga Park World Cup Qualifier (CSI1-W), the final round of the Trans-Tasman Test Series for Young Rider and Senior Teams, along with classes for Children, Juniors, Young Riders, Amateurs, Futurity, Mini Prix and the Grand Prix. The Spectacular Classes will take place on Saturday and Sunday, making it the perfect weekend destination for both long-time fans and first-time visitors.
New for 2025, Willinga Park will host its first-ever Melbourne Cup Luncheon on Tuesday 4 November. A natural addition to the venue’s growing calendar of shared celebrations. As Australia’s most iconic racing event, Melbourne Cup holds a special significance for a property deeply rooted in equestrian excellence. The day will feature a two-course gourmet lunch, sweepstakes, Fashions on the Field and live music by All The Fuss. Tickets are limited and bookings are essential.
Willinga Park’s event program continues to support and celebrate the South Coast community. From showcasing local musicians to creating welcoming spaces for families to connect and explore, each event reflects the spirit of the region. Whether attending a guided sculpture walk, enjoying live music or simply taking in the scenery, visitors are invited to experience the creativity, culture and connection that define the South Coast.
With a full calendar ahead, Willinga Park is creating more opportunities for people to visit, return and experience the property in different ways. Whether it’s your first time or a familiar favourite, each event offers something unique — shaped by the place and shared with the community.
For more information, please visit www.willingapark.com.au.