Port Campbell’s Crayfest attracts crowd of 2,000 for crustacean degustation
Now in its fifth year, the seaside festival celebrating the town’s cray industry is quickly becoming a major regional drawcard.
Zara Cuthbertson
March 24, 2026
Port Campbell was shell-shocked in the best way possible over the weekend, as about 2,000 people rolled into town for Crayfest’s biggest celebration yet.
“From the numbers point of view and just the general joy that was felt, the crowds and weather, I would say it was probably one of our best ever,” festival president Lee McLeod told the Brolga.
What is it? Crayfest has been running since 2021, born from local pride in the seaside village’s rich cray fishing history and seafood.
Over Saturday and Sunday, attendees enjoyed cooking demonstrations, a street parade, seafood tastings, live music, fishing clinics and kids activities.
“It’s probably first and foremost a celebration of the community, the people that live here, all our volunteers, our connection to the ocean and the wonderful food we have here, our producers of high quality food and beverages,” McLeod said.
“So we put all that together, along with artists, visual arts as well as musical arts, and it makes for a great weekend. It’s a good injection for the community.”
Image credits: Alexandra Phillips Photography