Cottage by the Sea Annual Fair 2026
December 27, 2025
On Saturday January 10, 2026, from 9am–2pm, Cottage by the Sea will host its Annual Fair at 29 Flinders Street in Queenscliff.
The Annual Fair is Cottage’s longest-running fundraiser, with records of the century-long event dating back to 1910.
“Cottage’s Annual Fair is the most iconic event on our fundraising calendar. It’s a special day for our community, but it’s also supported by our community,” shares Adam Wake, Cottage by the Sea CEO.
“As a non-government funded children’s charity, we rely on fundraising and philanthropy to operate. With the new Riptide Cottage enabling us to welcome an additional 700+ each year, every dollar raised at the Fair will directly support children experiencing vulnerability,” continues Adam.
“The new Riptide facility, the namesake of the well-known song by Vance Joy who stayed here as a child, will be the best facility of its kind in the country serving the children that we do,” says Adam.
Cottage’s Annual Fair is the most iconic event on our fundraising calendar. It’s a special day for our community, but it’s also supported by our community.
Adam Wake, CEO Cottage by the Sea
There will be a range of different stalls at the Annual Fair – from fresh produce to a BBQ lunch, barista coffee, homemade cakes, jams and Devonshire tea. The Fair will also include pop-up market stalls including plants donated by Van Loon’s Nursery, clothing and second-hand books. The Harvey family and Harvey’s of Highton have been supporting the Fair for more than 20 years, donating the fresh fruit and vegetables for sale.
In celebration of the upcoming launch of Cottage’s new Riptide facility, supporters will also be invited to join our Riptide Green Brick appeal. For a donation of $200, Cottage will recognise supporters with an original green brick from the Riptide rebuild that includes a plaque with their name. The Riptide Green Bricks will be laid in the Cottage grounds. These tributes supporting the Cottage vision will be available for purchase at the Annual Fair and on our website.
Cottage by the Sea Branch members, Board members, volunteers, staff, supporters and the community all contribute to the Fair’s success.
Entry to the Annual Fair is by donation. We invite everyone to bring their family and friends to enjoy the day together. All funds raised will go directly to our life-changing children’s programs so that we can give more children a break at Cottage by the Sea in 2026.
