We’re already a week into October, and you know what that means? Oktoberfest! The popular German-born festival is always a much-loved social event that encourages great times to be had with your friends – as well as some biers and food. Whilst the original festival in Munich takes place over two weeks from late September to early October, other countries – including Australia – are more lenient with those dates. There are a number of locations where you and your friends can celebrate Oktoberfest from now till the end of the month and Melbourne On The Move are here to supply you with our top five picks. Like with any large event, you’ll want to make sure you’ve organised an efficient coach hire service to get you and your mates too and from the festivities – so you don’t have to worry about it during the day!
1. Oktoberfest in the Gardens
First on our list is a one-day festival that is held on the 19th of October that deals with everything related to Oktoberfest! Oktoberfest in the Gardens is held at the Melbourne Showgrounds and features a myriad of authentic German food stalls, roving entertainment, silent discos and an enormous beer hall. They also have two different music stages and a third dealing entirely with competitions that run throughout the day.
Dressing up is heavily encouraged on the day and they even have discount codes for costumes so you can get your traditional Munich dirndl and lederhosen in time for the show. Oktoberfest in the Gardens is a ticketed event and last year’s event sold out!
2. Oktoberfest at the Munich Brauhaus
Owned by the Rockpool Dining Group, the Munich Brauhaus is one of Melbourne’s most beloved German beer and dining halls. With an impressive selection of German beers on tap and bottled as well as traditional German foods, it’s no surprise that they host an epic Oktoberfest party!
Their epic Oktoberfest package features a:
- Giant salted pretzel;
- Stein of German Beer;
- German main dish;
- Shot of Schnapps; and
- Dessert.
Be sure to book in advance though as you can bet that the place fills up during October.
3. Oktoberfest Oz
Another ticketed festival – but this time with multiple locations. Oktoberfest Oz is held in St Kilda, Greater Geelong, Mornington and Bendigo. The festival boasts an impressive line-up of activities such as stein powerlifting, amusement rides and games, a virtual cinema and a limbo competition.
They also have a silent disco and four different stages and sections covering traditional German music, local artists, deep/house/techno and R&B music – so there’s something for everybody to enjoy. Like any other Oktoberfest event, dressing up is heavily encouraged. There will also be a plethora of traditional food and beverage options available – as well as some not so traditional options.
4. German Club Tivoli
This Windsor-based German club hosts their Oktoberfest party on the 12th of October. It features an impressive line-up including oompah bands and yodellers – as well as performing Oktoberfest girls and other special guests. An array of traditional German meats and food will be on the menu all day and there are heaps of competitions and prizes to be won.
This Oktoberfest experience is on a smaller scale compared to the others and also encourages families to attend with clown performers and face paintings running throughout the day. It also boasts a much cheaper entry than the others whilst still including a beer stein. It is also important to note that children under 12 get in for free.
5. Yarra Valley Oktoberfest
This Oktoberfest experience seems to be slightly more refined than the others. Taking place in the beautiful Yarra Valley, this festival features a host of both German and local craft beers – plus an additional beer that is being specially crafted for the festival. They also feature an extensive wine and cocktail list.
The festival was created by siblings Mel and Brent Jansen as a passion project. They’re also working to eliminate single-use plastics by using bio-degradable cups. Each tickets booking fee also goes towards Oz Harvest and feeding disadvantaged school kids around Australia. Yarra Valley Oktoberfest takes place on the 26th of October.
Looking to hire a coach?
If you’re looking at heading to one of these exciting Oktoberfest events, then make sure you hire a coach to get you and your mates too and from the location. Melbourne On The Move boasts an impressive fleet comfortable busses as well as knowledgeable and professional drivers. Our coach hire services are just what you need to have the best Oktoberfest you can.
If you would like to know more about our coach hire services, then please give us a call on 1300 558 686. Alternatively, you can also fill out the enquiry form on our website.