First introduced a decade ago, the Santa Cave has become a centrepiece of the Port Broughton Christmas Festival, welcoming families to experience the magic of Christmas and enjoy a free family photo with Santa.
Council took over organising the Christmas Festival in 2020 following the folding of the Port Broughton Progress Association committee. In continuing the event, Council sought to preserve the traditions established by the former committee and recognise the years of hard work and community spirit that helped make the festival a much-loved local occasion.
In recent years, the Santa Cave has attracted national attention for its Silent Santa sensory session, which provides children with autism and sensory processing needs an opportunity to meet Santa in a quieter, sensory-adjusted environment. The initiative has helped make the Christmas tradition more accessible to families and has included a visit from the Minister for Autism.
Mayor Leonie Kerley said the Santa Cave’s 10-year milestone is an opportunity to recognise the community effort behind a tradition that has become an important part of Christmas in Port Broughton.
“The Santa Cave has become something families look forward to each Christmas, and reaching 10 years is a wonderful milestone,” Mayor Kerley said.
The 2026 Port Broughton Christmas Festival will feature a full afternoon and evening of festivities, with the Street Party running from 4pm to 8.30pm, the Christmas Pageant at 6pm and Santa Cave from 7pm, including a free family photo with Santa.
Christmas Carols will begin at 8.30pm, ahead of the official Lighting of the Tree at 9pm.
Community groups, businesses, families and individuals are encouraged to take part in the Christmas Pageant by entering a float or joining the procession dressed as a favourite character, clown or superhero.
Pageant registration forms are available online or from the Port Broughton Council office. Registrations close Friday, 4 December.
Santa Cave visits for local schools
Local schools are invited to book an end-of-year activity at the Port Broughton Santa Cave between Tuesday, 8 December and Friday, 11 December.
The visits provide an opportunity for students to explore the festive display and enjoy a Christmas-themed outing before the end of the school year. Schools interested in arranging a visit are encouraged to contact Barunga West Council to book.
Silent Santa and public Santa Cave sessions
Council will again offer a dedicated Silent Santa sensory session for children with autism and/or sensory processing needs on Monday, 14 December, from 10am to 12 noon.
The session will provide a calmer, sensory-friendly environment for children and families who may find a traditional Santa visit overwhelming. Bookings are required, and families are encouraged to contact Council on (08) 8635 2107 to arrange a suitable time.
The Santa Cave will also open to the public from Monday, 14 December, through to Thursday, 24 December, on weekdays from 10am to 2pm. Visitors can explore the display and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Santa will only be available to meet families during the Christmas Festival on Saturday, 12 December, and the dedicated Silent Santa session on Monday, 14 December. The Santa Cave will be closed to the public on weekends.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to make the most of the festival, support local businesses and enjoy the Christmas celebrations in Port Broughton.