Sandy Santa to return to the Bellarine

THE man in the big red suit is swapping the snow in favour of the beach again this festive season.

This November and December, Sandy Santa will provide locals with the opportunity to have memorable pictures taken with Santa Claus in between palm trees and surfboards on the beach in Ocean Grove.

The Christmas tradition has been running to great success over the past three years by local couple Reife and Darcee Braun.

More than 430 families turned out last year in the lead up to Christmas to get their picture taken.

This year, their best friends Peter and Lauren Davis will be taking on the mantle of bringing the festive spirit.

Mr Davis said excitement was at an all-time high for what is sure to be a busy and fun filled time ahead.

“We’re beyond excited to be bringing this memorable coastal family tradition back again for 2025 and beyond. It’s an absolute blessing being gifted this opportunity by our best friends Reife and Darcee.

“As local teachers, we’ve spent a lot of our time surrounded by kids, so creating something that brings families together in such a joyful way feels really special.”

With last year bringing triple the number of customers as the first year, the local couple will be running the program over six successive weekends rather than the three it has been in the past.

“For us, it’s a Christmas photo that actually feels like our Aussie summer vacations to Ocean Grove,” Mr Davis added.

“Barefoot in the sand, sun on your skin, and now, Santa by the sea. It’s easygoing, beachside magic you just can’t capture in a shopping centre.

“We love seeing families relax, laugh and just be themselves out there. It’s a memory that feels real, warm, joyful, and perfectly Australian.”

Sandy Santa will be located at RAAFS Beach South – the first car park on the right after you come over the bridge from Barwon Heads.

For more information and bookings, head to sandysanta.square.site/