Nightide festival hits pause as focus shifts to ferry terminal

QUEENSCLIFF’S annual fire and ice themed winter festival will take a break this year, as the event’s organisers direct their focus towards other projects.

Although Nightide – a winter solstice celebration that has been held for the past two years at the compound surrounding the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal – will not go ahead later this month, festival host Searoad Ferries says the move should be considered a “postponement” rather than a cancellation.

“This was a considered decision, as the event requires significant time and resources to deliver at the high standard our guests and community expect,” Searoad Ferries marketing manager Peter Wallace said.

“We didn’t want to short-change the festival. Nightide deserves our full attention to reach its full potential, and we felt a pause was the most respectful and strategic choice.”

Last year’s Nightide festival brought more than 7,000 people together at the compound surrounding the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal for an evening of live music, activities and a generous fireworks display over the bay. Photo: SUPPLIED

Last year’s event brought more than 7,000 people to Queenscliff for an evening of live music, ice baths, hot saunas and a generous fireworks display over the bay, but with construction on Searoad Ferries’ new $25 million passenger terminal well underway in Sorrento, the celebration has taken a temporary backseat.

“A key factor [in the decision] was our internal capacity – our incredible team is currently focused on the upcoming opening of our new Sorrento terminal, a major milestone we’re working hard to deliver by the end of the year,” Mr Wallace said.

“With so much already in motion, we didn’t want to place additional pressure on our team.”

A render of Searoad Ferries’ $25 million passenger terminal in Sorrento, which is currently under construction and expected to open before the end of the year. Photo: SEAROAD FERRIES

The new terminal, which reached its highest point in construction in March, aims to improve transportation links between Queenscliff and the Mornington Peninsula, with the terminal to boast similar amenities to those on offer at Searoad Ferries’ award-winning Queenscliff terminal, which opened to the public in April 2023.

Mr Wallace said funding, while always a consideration, was not the deciding factor in the Nightide’s postponement this year.

“It’s about timing and focus – allowing us to step back, reassess and come back stronger in 2026. This is not a cancellation, but a postponement.

“Our intention is to return with a refreshed vision and an event that lives up to the strong support we’ve received in previous years.”