Lara, Victoria, Australia - Local Attractions and Major Events

Australian International Airshow

Every second year the Australian International Airshow is held at Avalon with static and flying displays by visiting military, commercial and private aircraft from all of Australia and around the world. The next Airshow will be held in March 2011. The airshow usually features RAAF and US Air Force fighter and strike aircraft, the RAAF Roulettes, Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army helicopters, and historic aircraft from World War I and II.

Last updated 21 August 2009

Avalon Raceway

Avalon Raceway holds regular motor race events, attracting visitors from well beyond the local area and hosting blue ribbon status events in the Australian Speedway.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Barwon and Margoneet Prisons

The Barwon and Margoneet Prisons are located 6km from Lara on Bacchus Marsh Road. Barwon Prison holds the classification 'Maximum (Male)' and has a capacity of 272 persons. Margoneet Prison has a capacity of 300 prisoners and provides treatment programs for drug and alcohol issues and sex offending, along with new programs for prisoners with a history of violent offending.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Lara Spring Fair

Replacing the Lara Heritage Festival, the Lara Spring Fair includes variety of entertainment including a spring dance, carnival rides, art and crafts, unique gifts, motorkhana, and antique road show.

Join in the fun and join in the festivities and create new friendships prior to the Christmas season and celebrate the coming of Springtime and the forthcoming new year. Contact Jeff on 0419 822 110 or email smeaton4@netspace.net.au.

Last updated 24 February 2010

Lara Swimming Pool

Lara Swimming Pool provides an outdoor aquatic facility for families, lap swimmers and the general public. Facilities include:

  • 6 lane 50 metre olympic pool
  • Dual mini waterslides into the main pool
  • Childrens' water adventure playground
  • Toddlers' pool
  • Change rooms
  • Lawn areas with shades and park furniture

Opening hours are:

  • Monday - Friday: 6am - 1:30pm
  • Monday - Friday (above 20 degrees, not constantly raining): extended to 6pm
  • Monday - Friday (above 30 degrees): extended to 7pm
  • Saturday - Sunday: midday - 2pm
  • Saturday - Sunday (above 20 degrees, not constantly raining): extended to 5pm
  • Saturday - Sunday (above 30 degrees): 10am to 7pm

Bank St, Lara. Contact 03 5282 1563.

Last updated Oct 2010

Mount Rothwell Conservation and Research Centre

Mount Rothwell Conservation and Research Centre is predator free ecosystem for the management of high conservation value species, involving breeding and research programs in consultation with a number of government wildlife agencies and research organisations. The property consists of old growth woodland, intact granite hills, grassy open woodland and Victorian Volcanic Plains grassland. The property is exclusively managed for the conservation of some of Australia's most threatened faunal species, including the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Brush tailed Rock Wallaby and Eastern Quoll. Education programs are run for schools. 985 Little River – Ripley Road, Little River. PO Box 408 Lara, Victoria, Australia 3212, 0434 295 355.

Last updated 20 February 2008

Serendip Sanctuary

Serendip SanctuaryThe Serendip Sanctuary is a 250 hectare area where 150 different species of birds either breed or visit. It contains open grassy woodlands and wetlands of the volcanic Western Plains. There is a theatrette and activities room, displays, bird hides from which you can view wildlife at close range, and a ranger to point you in the right direction. The sanctuary also provides a picnic area with free undercover electric barbeques. All features and facilities are accessible to people with a disability. The sanctuary is open to the public at no cost including a public barbeque area, however some fees apply to guided tours and the group barbeque area. Located at 100 Windermere Rd, Lara., (03) 5282 1584.

Last updated 20 February 2008

You Yangs Regional Park

The You YangsThe You Yangs are a collection of large rocky hills (or small mountains to some) which lie 4km to the north of Lara, and are part of the You Yangs Regional Park. There is no longer an entry fee. There are a number of gas barbeques and wood fireplace barbeques available. The walk to the summit takes around 40 minutes and has quite a lot of steps, but is achievable for all but the seriously frail. From the peak, you can overlook Lara, Geelong, Corio Bay and the western part of Port Philip Bay, Avalon Airport (although you don't see a lot of the air show from up there unless a jet happens to fly past), Little River, and Melbourne in the distance. Forest Rd North, Lara.

Last updated 20 February 2008