2008 – Austrian Club, Heidelberg West:
The first Swiss Festival takes place, attended by the Swiss Ambassador and the Australian Swiss Search Dog Association.
2009–2012 – Austrian Club, Heidelberg West:
The festival becomes an annual event, introducing the "We are all SWISS" theme and expanding its program.
2013 – Queensbridge Square, Southbank:
A major milestone as Switzerland Tourism joins as a sponsor, and the festival moves to a larger city venue.
2014 – Queensbridge Square, Southbank:
The festival gains international flair with a Carnival Band (Guggemusig) from Auckland, while Swiss community celebrations expand with participation in Swiss National Day, organised by The Swiss Yodel Choir Matterhorn.
2016 – Queensbridge Square, Southbank:
"Swiss Myths & Legends" becomes the largest festival yet, marking the transition to Swiss Festival Inc., officially recognized as a not-for-profit organisation. This festival also marks the start of our legendary “scavenger hunt”!
2018 – Alliance Française, St. Kilda: A new venue hosts "Do You Speak Swiss?", featuring Swiss cheese tastings, scavenger hunt gift bags, and live performances. A great collaboration is formed between Swiss, German, French and Italian language institutes to deliver a record breaking festival including our brand new “Apres ski” Igloo!
2022 – The Pig and Whistle Tavern, Main Ridge: The first festival after lockdowns moves to a cozy, Alpine-inspired setting, celebrating "Say Cheese... or Chocolate" at Main Ridge / Mornington Peninsula.
2023 – The Pig and Whistle Tavern, Main Ridge: The Swiss Alpine Festival continues with "Alp Alp and Away...", keeping the Swiss spirit alive in the scenic countryside. The lucky wheel is introduced and celebrations welcome a new variety of performers and stallholders.
2025 - SEAWORKS, Williamstown:
We’re back to celebrating all things Swiss closer to the Swiss National Day. Our new location is the perfect mix of heated indoor space and breezy outdoor location. The new theme of “Swiss Inventions and Innovations / Science & Technology” promises to be one of the most capturing ones yet! Besides the usual Food Arena, Market Alley and Kids corner, SF25 will also feature an INNOVATION HUB where you can learn about Innovations from leading Swiss companies first hand. Of course we will have our legendary scavenger hunt and fully filled gift bags will be waiting for you upon completion! The Auckland Guggenmusig will be back for the first time since 2018 and the Pirates’ Tavern will be the perfect place to have a drink and unwind.
To say that we are excited about this one is an understatement!
