National Clydesdale Heavy Horse Festival Werribee – Family Friendly Event at Werribee Park

National Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival Werribee Victoria

National Clydesdale Heavy Horse Festival Werribee – Family Friendly Event at Werribee Park

If you are looking for unique things to do in Werribee, the National Clydesdale Heavy Horse Festival is one of those events that feels genuinely special. Held at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre in Werribee South, this heavy horse festival in Victoria brings together stunning Clydesdale horses, traditional show ring events and a relaxed country atmosphere that is perfect for families.


National Clydesdale Heavy Horse Festival Werribee
Image: West Melbourne And Beyond.

Is the National Clydesdale Heavy Horse Festival in Werribee good for families?

If you have kids, take it from me, mine are 8 and 10 and they are fascinated by anything that is bigger than Dad. The moment a Clydesdale ambles past, there is a chorus of wow, plus about a hundred questions, and honestly I am here for it. Even Tommy my Labrador would be convinced these are the calmest giants on earth. That is exactly why this family friendly event in Werribee works so well for a day out with children.



What to expect at the Werribee heavy horse festival

The festival is held at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre in Werribee South, and it is one of those easy day trips from Melbourne that feels like a proper getaway. You can watch led classes, harness displays and working demonstrations, then wander the trade stalls when you need a break from the rings. For anyone searching for Werribee Park events or a Clydesdale horse show in Victoria, this one has plenty to see across the day.



Why the National Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival in Werribee is worth visiting

My favourite part is the little moments between the action. You will find yourself striking up conversations with exhibitors and spectators like you are old friends, comparing favourite breeds and swapping tips on where to stand for the best view. It is a lovely reminder that events like this are about community as much as competition, which is part of what makes the National Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival in Werribee such a warm and memorable experience.


National Clydesdale Heavy Horse Festival Werribee spectators

Clydesdale Heavy Horse
Image: West Melbourne And Beyond.

Tips for visiting the National Clydesdale Heavy Horse Festival at Werribee Park

If you are planning your visit, keep an eye on the festival schedule and arrive early so you can settle in, grab a snack and pick your viewing spot. Wear comfy shoes, pack hats and water, and build in time for a stroll around the Werribee Park Precinct so the day feels relaxed rather than rushed. It is one of the easiest things to do in Werribee South if you want a festival day that feels organised but still easy going.



Trivia: The National Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival features more than 100 classes in the show ring, covering everything from harness to led and stud stock.


Getting there and bases

National Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival is located at Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre, 170 K Road, Werribee South VIC 3030.


  • Drive times (approx.): Melbourne→Werribee South about 30 mins; Werribee→Werribee South about 10 mins.
  • Good bases: Werribee, with easy access to the Werribee Park Precinct plus plenty of places to eat and stay.
  • Visitor Centres: Werribee Visitor Information Centre, K Road, Werribee South, for maps and local tips.


When

The National Clydesdale Heavy Horse Festival is on 17-18 January 2026.


Cost

An entrance fee applies to enter the National Clydesdale Heavy Horse Festival. Check official websites for up to date entrance fees https://www.clydesdalesvic.org.au/ or https://www.wpnec.com.au.


Official website

Check for event updates and more information here: https://www.wpnec.com.au/


Frequently Asked Questions About the Clydesdale Festival Werribee

When is the National Clydesdale Heavy Horse Festival held?
The festival is typically held in January at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre. Check official websites for exact dates.


Is the festival suitable for kids?
Yes, it is a family friendly event with plenty to see and do, especially for children who love animals.


Do you need tickets?
Yes, entry fees apply. It is best to check official websites for the latest pricing and updates.


Nearby Wineries and Tourist Destinations

While you are here why not visit these other great locations:


  • Point Cook Coastal Park: Coastal walks and birdlife, Point Cook Road, Point Cook VIC.
  • RAAF Museum: Aviation history and aircraft displays, Point Cook Road, Point Cook VIC.
  • Shadowfax Winery: Cellar door dining in the Werribee Park Precinct, K Road, Werribee South VIC.
  • Victoria State Rose Garden: Hundreds of roses next to the mansion, K Road, Werribee South VIC.
  • Werribee Open Range Zoo: Safari style zoo experience, K Road, Werribee South VIC.
  • Werribee Park Mansion: Historic mansion and gardens, K Road, Werribee South VIC.
  • Werribee River Park: Riverside paths and picnic spots, Werribee VIC.
  • Wyndham Harbour: Marina, waterfront dining and walks, Quay Boulevard, Werribee South VIC.
  • You Yangs Regional Park: Granite peaks and great hikes, Turntable Drive, Little River VIC.


Explore Country Victoria - Castlemaine

Explore more of the West. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Castlemaine.


Castlemaine
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond

More Information on Castlemaine



Explore more of Victoria - Kyneton

Kyneton has a number of attractions including many wineries! Plan ahead for your next visit to Central and West Central Victoria.


Kyneton
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond.

Guide to Kyneton: Check out our guide on some of the great things to do in Kyneton.


More Information on Kyneton


Explore more of Victoria - Malmsbury

There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Malmsbury.


Malmsbury
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond

More Information on Malmsbury


Explore more of Victoria - Colac

There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Colac.


Colac
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond

More Information on Colac


Explore more of Victoria - Ballarat

There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Ballarat.


Ballarat
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond

More Information on Ballarat


Explore Country Victoria - Taradale

Explore more of the West. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Taradale. Visit the historic Taradale Viaduct, sample the Taradale Mineral Springs and hike in Mt Alexander Regional Park.


Taradale
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond

More Information on Taradale


Visit Clunes

There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring country Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Clunes.


Top things to do in Clunes
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond

More Information on Clunes


This Weekend in the West

Find out events, markets and festivals this weekend in the West. Bookmark the page for your handy reference.

This Weekend


Find Saturday Markets

Keep searching for another Saturday market in Victoria. Use our search tool here.




Explore Creswick

Explore country Victoria and the West. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Creswick.


Creswick
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond

More Information on Creswick


Visit Bacchus Marsh

There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring country Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Bacchus Marsh.


Top things to do in Bacchus Marsh
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond

More Information on Bacchus Marsh


Visit Lancefield

Keep exploring western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Lancefield.


Lancefield
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond

More Information on Lancefield


Visit Trentham

Keep exploring western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Trentham.


Trentham
Image: West Melbourne and Beyond

More Information on Trentham


Find Sunday Markets

Keep searching for another Sunday market in Victoria. Use our search tool here.





Bushwalks in West Melbourne and Beyond

If the weather is good why not go on a walk in West Melbourne and Beyond. Plan ahead so you leave early enough!


Newport
Williamstown Foreshore Walk
Cherry Lake
Creswick
Trentham
Heathcote

Waterfalls in West Melbourne and Beyond

Why not visit a waterfall in West Melbourne and Beyond.


Phantom Falls
Currawong Falls
Triplet Falls
Mackenzie Falls
Sailors Falls
Lal Lal Falls
You Yangs
Ballarat
Port Fairy
Lake Elizabeth
Lerderderg