Dive into culinary adventures at Australia’s top food festivals 2024 and immerse yourself in extraordinary food and wine festival flavours. Use this list to plan your food adventures and road trips for delectable experiences!
Plan ahead so your next road trip can include a food festival for double the fun. It’s a great way to get out into the regions and support local communities. Not only can you enjoy exploring a new region, but there’s also the chance to taste local foods and beverages and learn new cooking techniques. It could be the best fun you’ve ever had!
Which Food Festival Should You Visit?
When it comes to picking a food festival, you might as well throw a dart at a map and see where it lands, but hey, make sure it’s not in the middle of the ocean unless you have a serious craving for seafood. Here’s a guide spiced with a pinch of humour to help you choose:
Proximity
Advantages: Go local – because who wants to travel so far that your food gets jet lag before you do? Plus, if the festival is close, you can blame the extra pounds on a short drive rather than admitting you ate your weight in cheese.
Time of the Year
Advantages: Attend a seasonal festival and you’ll be the one saying, “I only eat my truffles when they’re in season, darling.” It’s like being a food hipster but without the ironic moustache.
Focus or Theme
Advantages: Pick a theme that suits your taste buds, because life’s too short to attend a kale and quinoa festival if you’re secretly dreaming of bacon-wrapped everything. Besides, beer and bacon have been best buds for centuries – why break up a winning team?
In the end, just remember, food festivals are like relationships – you might not find “the one” on the first try, but you’ll certainly enjoy the journey and probably gain a few extra pounds along the way. Do check the festival websites for the latest updated information on Australia’s top food festivals 2024 Bon appétit and happy foodie adventures!
Australia’s Top Food Festivals 2024
January
Creative Harvest, Gippsland
January 27 and 28, 2024
Creative Harvest is an open food garden weekend from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. The gardens range from private food-producing gardens in small suburban backyards to large family farms with a host of artists and creatives, including beekeepers, winemakers, jam makers, jewellers, mosaic makers, painters, printmakers and sculptors. Some of Gippsland’s finest food and drink providers will also be in selected gardens. Creative Harvest also includes hands-on workshops. Visitors can buy tickets to learn skills in hot composting, preserving and fermenting homegrown produce, growing veggies from seed or extracting dye from local flora.
For more information, visit Creative Harvest
Canberra Beer & Cider Festival
March
Canberra Beer & Cider Festival
March 16, Canberra, ACT
The Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival is set to captivate attendees with a diverse array of offerings from over 40 local and interstate exhibitors. The event, hosted on the historic grounds of the Mercure Canberra in Braddon, will run from 11 am to 6 pm, providing ample time to explore and savour the offerings.
Enthusiasts can indulge in a tasting adventure featuring up to 250 craft beers, ciders, and spirits. Notable exhibitors include the Coastal Brewing Company, Goose on the Loose, Sydney Brewery, Mountain Goat, Bucketty’s Brewery, Thirsty Devil Brewery, and Ambrosia Distillery.
To enhance the experience, the festival will feature an array of local food providers and live entertainment throughout the day. As an exciting addition for 2024, immediately following the Canberra Craft Beer & Cider Festival, the sky above Lake Burley Griffin will come alive with the Skyfire fireworks and entertainment spectacular.
The post-festival extravaganza will include a variety of musical acts leading up to the main event—a 20-minute pyrotechnic display launched from barges in the lake. The spectacle will be accompanied by a synchronized soundtrack broadcasted on local radio stations. It’s an extraordinary conclusion to a day filled with craft beverage exploration and vibrant local entertainment.
For more information, visit Canberra Beer & Cider Festival
Echo Festival Tasmania ©NatashaMulhall
The East Coast Harvest Odyssey ECHO Festival
March 22 – 24, Swansea, Tasmania
The 2024 ECHO program offers a diverse range of experiences across culture and arts, food, science and nature centred around this year’s theme, Waterbirds. The iconic Native Bounty Feast will be a three-course degustation of local produce prepared by acclaimed Tasmanian Chef Megan Quill, with an interactive program of entertainment. Quill and her team will be cooking up a delightful mix of local indigenous ingredients with a Mediterranean spin.
For more information, visit ECHO
Feast of the Senses
March 24, 2024, Innisfail, south of Cairns.
Take your hearty appetite and head to the Cassowary Coast, south of Cairns, for Feast of the Senses. Held in the art deco town of Innisfail, this three-day festival showcases the Cassowary Coast’s fresh and unique local produce. Think exotic fruits and locally grown meat, seafood, spices and wine. Celebrate the 5th anniversary of the World’s Longest Banana Split, which was a whopping 8.04km! Hop aboard Snapping Tours for a tropical cocktail cruise, taste the tropics at a sit-down dinner at the Crown Hotel or explore local producers on the Trans North Northern Food Trail or Norfoam Southern Food Trail. Or simply browse an array of food stalls, listen to live entertainment or take the little ‘uns to the kid’s zone.
For more information, visit Feast of the Senses
Australia’s top food festivals 2024 Photo by Rebecca Orlov, Orlov Design Co on Unsplash
April
Orange F.O.O.D. Week
April 5 – 14, 2024, Orange, New South Wales
The Food Basket of NSW comes alive at this food and wine festival, highlighting the finest fresh produce and cool climate wines. Now in its 30th year, the Orange F.O.O.D Week festival is Australia’s longest-running regional food and wine festival and delivers a rich tapestry of eight signature and 100 satellite events held over ten days each autumn during the local harvest and vintage season.
For more information on the next festival, visit Orange Food Week.
Oberon Field to Forest Festival
April 6 – 27, 2024, Oberon, New South Wales
Indulge your taste buds at the Oberon Field to Forest Festival, boasting over 20 delectable events nestled in the pine forests and Oberon’s captivating attractions. Embark on guided Mushroom Foraging Tours, enlighten your senses with a Forest Talk on April 13th, peruse fresh produce at local farmers markets, and wander through breathtaking open gardens. Cap off your experience with The Producers’ Table Performance Dinner at the elegant art deco Malachi-Gilmore Hall on April 20th.
Mark your calendars every April for the Field to Forest Festival, the prime season to relish this picturesque outdoor foodie haven in Autumn. Discover the enchanting Mayfield Garden for a delightful picnic or glamping experience, and explore a plethora of art, cultural, and tasting events. With offerings tailored for couples, groups, and engaging educational farm tours for the kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Situated just a 2.5-hour drive from Sydney in Central NSW, the Oberon region has captivated renowned food enthusiasts, including Simmone Logue at Essington Park accommodation and cooking school, and Matt Moran at Rockley Pub, with its abundant culinary treasures.
For more information on the next festival, visit Oberon Field to Forest Festival.
Tasmanian Autumn Festival
April, 2024, Derwent Valley and Central Highlands, Tasmania
Revel in the vibrant displays of foliage, culinary delights and rich culture at this month-long festival includes organized events and activities, as well as ‘follow-your-own-adventure’ trails. Autumn in the Valley is all about foliage, fungi, feasts and fun!
More on Tasmanian Autumn Festival
TrailGaze
April, 2024, Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, North West Tasmania
The TrailGraze event is a weekend celebration of the Tasting Trail, shining a spotlight on the producers of Tasmania’s north-west through workshops, tours, tastings, live music, and exceptional food and drinks. Inspired by the extraordinary produce of the region, the self-guided Tasting Trail beckons visitors to explore the best of Tasmania’s north-west with interactive maps and itineraries. Traverse scenic green hills and pristine coastlines to discover the secrets behind the unique wine, cider, craft beer, spirits, cheese, meats, seafood, condiments, and confectionery that define this culinary haven.
More on TrailGraze
Wild Harvest Seafood Festival
April 26 – 28, 2024, Malacoota, Victoria
Spanning three delightful days, the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival is set to joyously celebrate the enduring connection that the Mallacoota community shares and has always cherished, with the vast ocean. This extraordinary festival presents a unique opportunity to revel in the mysteries of the sea, offering a diverse array ranging from Abalone to Sea Urchins, Oysters to Banded Morwong, and everything in between.
The 2024 program offers a diverse range of activities in Mallacoota, starting with the Lantern Parade featuring illuminated lanterns and a traditional Welcome to Country on April 26th. Participants can also enjoy a cruise on the M.V. Loch-Ard to learn about the local waterways, followed by the Wild Harvest Seafood Market the next day, offering food, music, and information about Mallacoota’s ocean environment. Other highlights include a Bush Foods Walk led by Budawang Elder Noel Butler, a Seafood and Sunset Lake Cruise, and live music by Dust & Echos at the Mallacoota Hotel. On April 28th, there’s a Paella Picnic with panoramic views, participate in a Family Sand Sculpting Competition with a seafood theme, and explore the “END OF AN ERA” exhibition, honoring the Gippsland Lakes’ last fishermen.
The festival also aims to captivate the younger sea enthusiasts. The Parks Victoria Junior Ranger program will be in full swing, hosting a variety of engaging and free activities for kids, igniting their curiosity about the wonders of the ocean.
For those inclined towards aquatic adventures, FishCare returns this year, conducting popular fishing clinics. Moreover, enthusiasts can embark on an exploration of the pristine Mallacoota Lakes system while gaining insights into estuary health and its diverse habitats aboard the M.V. Loch-Ard during a Mallacoota Inlet Tour. The festival promises a splendid trifecta of delectable seafood, lively entertainment, and educational experiences for all.
For more information on the next festival, visit Wild Harvest Seafood Festival.
Australia’s Top Food Festivals 2024 – Mary Valley GourMay festival
May
GourMay Mary Valley Festival
April 30 to May 31, 2024, Mary Valley, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
The Mary Valley, just north of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, is hosting the Mary Valley GourMay Festival throughout May to celebrate its diverse produce. Once a magnet for gold-seeking European settlers in the mid-19th century, the valley now treasures golden fruits, vegetables, dairy, herbs, and meats. Located an hour north of the Sunshine Coast and two hours from Brisbane Airport, the Mary Valley’s fertile land and microclimates yield a variety of goods, from traditional dairy and beef to exotic fruits like pineapples, avocados, limes, persimmons, and even Spanish tempranillo grapes. GourMay Mary Valley honours the hardworking farmers, producers, and creators who bring flavours to the plate. This month-long festival offers a chance to meet these passionate individuals behind the produce, promising authentic events for food lovers seeking genuine culinary experiences.
More on Mary Valley GourMay TrailGraze
Tasting Australia
May 3 – 12 May 2024, Adelaide, South Australia
Australia’s longest-running culinary festival makes a grand return with an enticing lineup of over 150 events spread across South Australia for a 10-day extravaganza. The captivating program features a revamped Town Square, exclusive Tasting Australia Airlines trips to the Eyre Peninsula and the Limestone Coast, and a beverage agenda brimming with unique tastings and special bottles.
Breaking new ground, the festival introduces a direct charter plane from Melbourne to Naracoorte, connecting visitors from interstate to regional South Australia in a groundbreaking Tasting Australia Airlines experience. Another exclusive event is the collaboration with Journey Beyond for Tasting Australia by Train, offering a curated 10-hour day trip from Melbourne to Adelaide aboard The Ghan’s dining and bar carriages.
Internationally acclaimed chefs such as Asma Khan (UK), Claudette Zepeda (US), and James Henry (France) will headline alongside a stellar national and local lineup, featuring culinary luminaries like Matt Moran, Julia Busuttil Nishimura, Justin James, and Jake Kellie.
The festival’s immersive events span a sailing adventure along the Kangaroo Island coastline, a delectable collaboration dinner featuring former colleagues Ben Williamson (Agnes, Brisbane) and Kiin’s head chef Ben Bertei, a wine tasting and screening of the movie “Sideways” at Piccadilly North Adelaide, and a unique foraging experience in the Coorong National Park during the Coorong Long Lunch: Kuti Shack x The Joinery x Pipi Co.
For more information, visit Tasting Australia
Grampians Grape Escape
May 3 – 5, 2024, Halls Gap, Victoria
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Australia’s stunning natural landscape, the Grampians Grape Escape in Halls Gap emerges as a weekend extravaganza, seamlessly blending regional wine, delectable cuisine, and soulful melodies. This enduring wine, food, and music festival has been a proud showcase of Western Victoria’s producers and makers for three decades, offering attendees the unique experience of savoring wine directly from the winemaker and enjoying produce straight from the source.
Gather your companions and immerse yourselves in a vibrant village boasting over 100 stalls that cater to every sense. From enlightening exhibitor masterclasses and captivating cooking demonstrations to the enchanting tunes of live music and the presence of skilled guest chefs, this festival promises a sensory journey that celebrates the essence of the region.
More information – Grampians Grape Escape
Sack races at Roberston Potato Festival, one of Australia’s top food festivals 2024
The Robertson Potato Festival
May 4 and 5, 2024, Robertson Showground, Robertson, New South Wales
The picturesque Southern Highlands town of Robertson, known for its potato cultivation, warmly welcomes you and your family as friendly hosts. Join us for two delightful days filled with delicious meals, refreshing drinks, and entertaining activities for all ages. Get ready for a spud-tastic experience!
More on Robertson Potato Festival
Enjoy Greek Baklava at Paniyiri, one of Australia’s top food festivals 2024.
Paniyiri
May 18 and 19, 2024, South Brisbane, Brisbane, Queensland
Experience the enchantment of the 48th annual Paniyiri Greek Festival in Musgrave Park, where lazy afternoons are spent basking in the sun, sharing laughter with friends, and savoring wine amidst the delightful chaos of plate-smashing. This legendary event, spanning over 50 years, is a jubilant celebration of Greek culture.
At Paniyiri, the spotlight is on the gastronomic delights with 20 food stalls showcasing an exquisite array of authentic dishes hailing from 11 different Greek regions. Indulge guilt-free in multiple servings of BBQ calamari, souvlaki, haloumi, and honey puffs, as no judgment is passed for embracing the culinary delights.
Embracing the theme ‘Picnic at Paniyiri,’ attendees can either purchase a charming Paniyiri keepsake picnic blanket on-site or bring their own to create a cozy spot for a day filled with Greek feasting, wine sipping, and revelry.
The festivities extend beyond mere indulgence, immersing participants in a day and night of Greek dance, music, and mythology. Channel your inner Dionysus, the original God of wine, by participating in a Greek wine tasting. Alternatively, explore Greek beers or indulge in Greek-inspired cocktails, allowing you to live out your Greek fantasies without the need for a passport. Undoubtedly, Paniyiri stands as Brisbane’s premier park party, a lively celebration where the spirit of “Opa!” echoes throughout the revelry.
Visit Paniyiri for all the deets and tips on how to #partylikeagreek
Hampton Festival
May 19, 2024, Hampton, Queensland
The regular Hampton Festival is paused for 2024 replaced by a Farm 2 Fork trail and long lunch with local produce and a celebrity chef.
For more information, visit Hampton Festival
Taste of Kadadu
May 24 – 26, Kakadu, Northern Territory
Kakadu, renowned as the home of the world’s most ancient living culture, will present Karrimanjbekkan An-me Kakadu – A Taste of Kakadu throughout Kakadu National Park from Friday, May 24, to Sunday, May 26. The program will feature events designed to honour the heritage and traditions of the local Bininj people, offering a menu steeped in ancient cuisine with contemporary twists. Held over a long weekend, events will include the “Bowali Under the Stars” dinner from acclaimed bush-food chefs Paul Iskov of Fervor and Ben Tyler of Kakadu Kitchen. They will be assisted by the Stars Foundation and the Clontarf Academy, to create a four-course meal beneath the expansive canopy of stars, using seasonal ingredients sourced locally within Kakadu National Park. Ranger-guided bush tucker walks, traditional ground oven feasts, serene ‘croc and canapés’ cruises on Yellow Water Billabong, and intimate encounters with traditional custodians imparting their skills and knowledge of local bush foods will all be on offer. While food takes center stage, the festival offers ample opportunities to immerse oneself in the rich culture of the Bininj/Mungguy people. The program includes a diverse array of art, music, performance, workshops, and guided tours of Kakadu’s globally renowned rock art galleries at Nourlangie and Ubirr.
More information at Parks Australia.
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival 2024.
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival
May 30 to June 2, 2024, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Get ready for a gastronomic extravaganza as the Noosa Eat & Drink Festival makes a triumphant return in 2024, serving up over 75 delectable events spread across four tantalizing days. It’s the kind of Noosa weekend that’s simply irresistible!
The upcoming year promises a feast for the senses, featuring a revamped Festival Village, two spanking new long lunch destinations, beach events that redefine seaside celebrations, and restaurant happenings sprinkled throughout the region.
The latest additions, the two Long Lunches and the Opening Beach Event were such instant hits that they practically flew off the shelves – or rather, the internet shelves, as they sold out in minutes. But fret not. A handful of tickets for the Festival Sundowner and Festival Village on both Saturday and Sunday are still up for grabs.
These are my best tips and what you need to know about this year’s Noosa Eat & Drink Festival.
Visit Noosa Eat & Drink for the latest information.
Good Food & Wine Show
May 31- June 2, 2024, Melbourne
A fantastic day out sampling the latest foods, wines, and home products, celebrity chefs, inspiring masterclasses, and hundreds of local and international exhibitors.
This year’s shows boast an array of exciting features:
– The renowned Cooking Main Stage hosts celebrity chefs who will impart their culinary secrets, providing recipe ideas to captivate and inspire attendees.
– At the Australian Eggs Flip It Cooking Stage, acclaimed figures such as Australian MasterChef Dani Venn and food expert Jane de Graaff will demonstrate the creation of delectable, nutritious dishes live on stage.
– Delving into the realm of luxury tea, The Art of Luxury Tea with Dilmah 85 Reserve offers attendees a sensory voyage through the world of premium tea, showcasing tea-inspired gastronomy and expertly crafted tea-infused cocktails.
– In the RIEDEL Drinks Lab, guests can enhance their wine knowledge through entertaining and educational sessions led by wine experts, with samples of intriguing wine varieties from diverse Australian regions available for tasting.
– The Wine Selectors Tasting Room provides interactive guided tastings aimed at educating attendees on perfect wine pairings, the nuances of winemaking, and more.
– For Business Class ticket holders, the Singapore Airlines VIP lounge offers an ‘in-flight’ inspired menu featuring a choice of three substantial meals and up to five wines or beers.
– Explore the wines and winemaking traditions of the Loire Valley region at The Loire Valley Wine Experience, presented by Loire Wines & Taste France, covering topics from terroir to sustainability, and featuring a range of rosés, sparkling wines, and beyond.
For more information, visit Good Food & Wine Show.
Plenty to enjoy at the Fraser Coast’s Relish food and wine festival.
June
Relish Food & Wine
June 1, 2024, Queens Park & Portside Precinct, Maryborough, Fraser Coast, Queensland
Expect local food, gourmet tastings, workshops and a feast of local cuisine in the heritage streets of Maryborough, Queen’s Park and Mary River Parklands with a full seven-hour program.
For more information, visit Relish Food & Wine
Scenic Rim Eat Local Month
June 2024, Scenic Rim, Queensland
One of Australia’s top food festivals, Scenic Rim Eat Local Month features events from Canungra to The Lost World, Beaudesert to Boonah, Tamborine Mountain to Kalbar. Scenic Rim Eat Local Month is the ultimate backstage pass to the farms, wineries and food stories of this extraordinary region. This event has grown to become one of Australia’s most authentic food festivals, and this year will be attended by an army of eat local champions who heed the call from across the road and across the country.
For more information, visit Eat Local Month
Truffle Kerfuffle
June 28 -30, 2024, Manjimup, Western Australia
Located approximately 3.5 hours south of Perth, Manjimup sits within Western Australia’s Southern Forests region. Renowned as the most abundant truffle-growing area in the Southern Hemisphere, it accounts for around 85% of Australia’s black truffle production. These sought-after truffles can command prices reaching up to $3,000 per kilogram.
Truffle Kerfuffle is Manjimup’s celebration of their prized “black gold” truffles, renowned for their exquisite taste and earthy aroma. The festival showcases not only truffles but also the region’s finest produce, including apples, potatoes, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Attendees can enjoy candlelit feasts featuring freshly harvested truffles, intimate cooking classes with acclaimed chefs, truffle dog demonstrations, and orchard truffle hunts. The event also features a marketplace filled with local produce, wine, and spirit tastings, cooking demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with the Southern Forests community of farmers, chefs, winemakers, and locals around the fire.
More information: Truffle Kerfuffle
St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend
21 -23 June, 2024, St Lawrence, Central Queensland
Every June, the vibrant pulse of life surges through the St Lawrence Wetlands as it hosts a top Queensland cultural and culinary extravaganza. Spanning three days, this event draws visitors from all corners of Australia to the picturesque Isaac Coast.
Immersed in the distinctive and intimate setting, attendees engage in a rich tapestry of arts, cultural heritage encounters, and immersive culinary sessions. Amidst this celebration, guests also embark on explorations of the wetlands, delving into the intricacies of the region’s diverse environmental ecosystem. It’s a gathering that seamlessly weaves together appreciation for art, culture, gastronomy, and environmental stewardship, offering a truly unparalleled experience.
For the latest updates, visit St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend
Dark Mofo IMAGE Adam Gibson
Dark Mofo Winter Feast
June 13 – 16, 20 – 23 Princes Wharf 1, Hobart
The electrifying Dark Mofo Winter Feast will span two weeks at Princes Wharf 1 (PW1) with a smorgasbord of fire, food, wine and spirits created by Tasmania’s formidable producers, and an international guest chef whose identity is yet to be unveiled.
For more information visit Dark Mofo
Good Food & Wine Show
June 21 -26 Sydney
A fantastic day out sampling the latest foods, wines, and home products, celebrity chefs, inspiring masterclasses, and hundreds of local and international exhibitors.
This year’s shows present an enticing lineup:
- The beloved Cooking Main Stage welcomes celebrity chefs to share their culinary expertise and inspire with recipe ideas.
- On the Australian Eggs Flip It Cooking Stage, luminaries like Australian MasterChef Dani Venn and food expert Jane de Graaff will whip up delicious, nutritious dishes live.
- Delve into The Art of Luxury Tea with Dilmah 85 Reserve for a sensory exploration of premium tea, featuring tea-infused cocktails and gastronomic delights.
- The RIEDEL Drinks Lab offers wine aficionados an entertaining and educational experience led by experts, with tastings of diverse Australian wine varieties.
- In the Wine Selectors Tasting Room, interactive sessions educate on wine pairings and the art of winemaking.
- Business Class ticket holders can enjoy an ‘in-flight’ inspired menu at the Singapore Airlines VIP lounge.
- Explore the wines and winemaking of the Loire Valley at The Loire Valley Wine Experience, uncovering the region’s terroir, sustainability practices, and diverse wine offerings.
For more information visit Good Food & Wine Show.
Hunter Valley Wine Festival
Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival
June 22, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
On Saturday, June 22, the 2024 Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival promises to draw the finest wineries and brewers from the region, creating a day of exceptional dining and entertainment at Lovedale. Hosted at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, the festival will unfold from 11 am to 5 pm.
Attendees can indulge in a tasting journey featuring wines from renowned producers like Drayton’s, Brokenwood, Hungerford Hill, McGuigans, and Pepper Tree, as well as offerings from boutique wineries such as Gundog, Gartelman, 1813, and Comyns & Co. In addition to the stellar wine selection, leading craft brewers, including Block n Tackle Brewery, Shout, and Sydney Brewery, will be showcasing their creations. The culinary experience is further enriched by a tempting array of artisan foods from local providores, including the Upper Hunter Smokehouse, Donarch Fine Chocolates, and the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory.
Throughout the day, live entertainment will provide a vibrant backdrop to the festival. This family-friendly event extends a warm welcome to children, who will receive complimentary entry and can partake in a variety of activities, including a jumping castle, train rides, and face painting. The 2024 Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival is poised to be a delightful celebration for all, combining the region’s finest libations with a day of family fun and entertainment.
For more information visit Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival
There’s plenty to enjoy at the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival, a not-to-be-missed top Australian food festival 2024.
July
Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival
July 12 – 13, 2024, Huon Valley, Tasmania
WASAIL AWAY! Venture down to the Huon Valley to Willie Smith’s Apple Shed to gather around the fire, dance and feast to celebrate the region’s rich apple-growing history. Dress up in your finest tatters, bring your pots and pans and make a noise to scare away the evil spirits from the orchard so that the next season brings abundance.
Visiting this festival is a real experience, and I enjoyed it immensely. The Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival is fun, with plenty of wonderful Tasmanian food and quirky local traditions.
Held in the deep south of Tasmania in the dead of winter, the bacchanalian Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival celebrates storytelling, winter feasting, and centuries-old pagan traditions. It’s staged near the village of Ranelagh in the heart of the apple-growing country, about 30-minute drive south of Hobart.
Explore three days of otherworldly delights: irresistible local produce, artisanal cider and spirits, blazing bonfires and Australia’s peak Storytelling Slam. Revellers drink and dance to eclectic folk music around bonfires, and limber up for the wassail, an old pagan practice to usher in a good harvest. Following flaming torches, wassailing folks dispel evil spirits by beating drums and pots and pans, then “awaken” the apple trees with the traditional wassail song and bless the trees with cider.
The food and wine festival starts with a welcome ceremony from Tasmanian Aboriginals to collectively release negative energy, cleanse the spirit and make way for the new, and culminates in the burning of a 15-metre wicker effigy named Big Willie. A highlight is the Storytellers Cup, a much-loved festival tradition giving folks a chance to connect, reflect and learn from each other through the art of sharing spoken tales
For more information on the festival, visit Huon Valley Mid Winter Fest
Good Food & Wine Show Perth
July 19 – 21, Perth
A fantastic day out sampling the latest foods, wines and home products, celebrity chefs, inspiring masterclasses and hundreds of local and international exhibitors.
This year’s shows offer an enticing lineup. The Cooking Main Stage welcomes celebrity chefs who share their culinary expertise and inspire with recipe ideas. On the Australian Eggs Flip It Cooking Stage, luminaries like Australian MasterChef Dani Venn and food expert Jane de Graaff whip up delicious, nutritious dishes live. Delve into The Art of Luxury Tea with Dilmah 85 Reserve for a sensory exploration of premium tea, featuring tea-infused cocktails and gastronomic delights. The RIEDEL Drinks Lab offers wine aficionados an entertaining and educational experience led by experts, with tastings of diverse Australian wine varieties. In the Wine Selectors Tasting Room, interactive sessions educate on wine pairings and the art of winemaking. Business Class ticket holders can enjoy an ‘in-flight’ inspired menu at the Singapore Airlines VIP lounge. Explore the wines and winemaking of the Loire Valley at The Loire Valley Wine Experience, uncovering the region’s terroir, sustainability practices, and diverse wine offerings.
For more information, visit Good Food & Wine Show.
The Curated Plate
The Curated Plate
July 26 to August 4, 2024, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Spanning a delightful 10 days, this locally inspired festival is a tasteful celebration that pays homage to the region’s bountiful produce, talented producers, and skilled chefs. With unforgettable experiences, it captivates both locals and visitors, leaving a lasting impression on all who partake in its culinary wonders.
More about The Curated Plate
August
Salt House Food & Wine Festival
August 3, 2024, Salt House, Cairns
Make your way to the Salt House to sink your teeth into one of Cairns’ biggest Food and Wine festivals. Sip on your favourite cocktails and taste tongue-tingling drinks by distillers, brewers and winemakers. Pair your tipples with great food, live music and more. Kids and under-18s are welcome to this event until later in the evening, so why not bring along the whole family?
For more information, visit Salt House Food and Wine Festival
Tassie Scallop Fiesta
August 4, 2024, Bridport Tasmania
Where else but in Tasmania can you celebrate the opening of the scallop season with a gastronomic festival rich in flavour and all things that live under the sea? Learn more about the area’s maritime history, find out what to fish and what not to fish and watch live cooking demonstrations using the hero ingredient of the day, the humble scallop!
For more information on the festival, visit Tassie Scallop Fiesta
agriCultured
agriCULTURED
August 1 – 4, 2024, Launceston, Tasmania
Join the northern Tasmanian community in agriCULTURED (1 – 4 August), a celebration of creative arts, entrepreneurship, conversations, and food and drink. Experience vibrant agrifood culture while sharing knowledge, ideas, and solutions for future farming and food production. Connect with like-minded individuals and create lasting memories over a warm fire with paddock-to-plate experiences.
For more information on the festival, visit agriCULTURED
Tasmanian Whisky Week – Old Kempton Distillery PHOTO Lusy Productions
Tasmanian Whisky Week
August 5 – 11, 2024
During one week each year, enthusiasts from around the globe gather to share their stories and passion for whisky and spirits. Tasmanian Whisky Week provides rare access to Australia’s acclaimed whisky hub, offering a vibrant celebration of the craft of Tasmanian distillers and their spirits. Highlighting the achievements and artistry of Tasmanian distillers, the event spans seven days with diverse consumer events held in both the north and south of the state. With over 40 distilleries participating in more than 15 events, the pinnacle is the Tasmanian Spirit Showcase, taking place at PW1 in Hobart on Saturday, August 10th.
For more information on the festival, visit Tasmanian Whisky Week
Chocolate Winterfest is Latrobe’s wickedly delicious festival celebrating all things chocolate.
Chocolate Winterfest, Latrobe
August 11, 2024
Latrobe’s Chocolate Winterfest is all about rich, artisan chocolate made by talented small-batch producers. Learn all about cocoa and delight in indulgent flavours and textures to keep you feeling warm throughout the Off Season. Explore 40 decadent activities at 31 venues in and around Latrobe.
For more information on the festival, visit Chocolate Winterfest
Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival showcases the region’s produce.
Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival
August 23 -25, 2024, Moreton Bay Region, Queensland
Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival gives you more reasons to spend a weekend by the water. With Moreton Bay as its backdrop, this free festival precinct winds its way along Redcliffe Parade with top-notch bites and sips and a flavour-packed entertainment program. Discover what’s on the menu in the Moreton Bay Region.
For more information, visit Moreton Bay Food & Wine
Taste Bundaberg Festival
From August 30, 2024, Bundaberg, Queensland
The flavours that make the region shine for ten tantalising days during Taste Bundaberg Festival with a smorgasbord of food-focused events. There will be tours, tastings markets, a degustation dinner, and cooking demonstrations, including a dessert masterclass, chocolate-themed workshops and a virtual trail of the best places to get a sugar rush. There’s also a range of family-friendly events, including a picnic under the orchard of Macadamias Australia and Taste Bundaberg Farmers Market at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct.
For more information on the festival, visit Taste Bundaberg Festival
Tasmania has a week-long whisky celebration. Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash
Fraser Coast Flavours
August 31, 2024, Hervey Bay, Queensland
Experience the epitome of culinary delight at the Fraser Coast Flavours Festival, set against the scenic backdrop of Seafront Oval on Hervey Bay’s foreshore. This event seamlessly weaves together the best in food, music, artisanal creations, and community spirit on the Fraser Coast. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, savour a diverse array of street food delights, revel in live entertainment, and sip on refreshing beverages from local wineries and breweries. Join us at the newest festival in Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast Flavours, and make memories that will linger long after the event concludes!
For more information, visit Hervey Bay Seafood Festival
Taste Port Douglas Food & Drink Festival
August 8 – 11, 2024
Get ready for a culinary extravaganza as Taste Port Douglas makes its delicious return for the eighth time! From August 8-11, immerse yourself in a gastronomic journey amidst the picturesque landscapes of Far North Queensland as Australia’s top chefs and hospitality talents converge to serve up a delectable array of culinary delights, including masterclasses, signature dinners, and unique dining experiences throughout this idyllic resort destination.
From the unforgettable ‘Flames of the Forest’ dining experience featuring Terra Firma Dining, Chef Bente Grysbaek, and Brisbane’s acclaimed Chef Ben Williamson, to exclusive masterclasses with Australia’s favorite food critic, Matt Preston, and the sumptuous ‘La Dolce Vita’ long lunch by Guy Grossi, Massimo Mele, and Laura and Max Sharrad, last year’s events left taste buds tingling for more!
This year promises a sensational line-up of returning festival favorites alongside exciting new faces, ensuring an even bigger and better celebration of food, flavor, and fun.
More information here Taste Port Douglas
How many strawberries can you eat at Redfest? Photo by Artur Rutkowski
September
Redfest Strawberry Festival
September 7 – 8, 2024, Cleveland, Brisbane, Queensland
How many strawberries can you eat? Whether you’re up for the World-Famous Strawberry Eating Competition or keen to indulge at your own pace, the RedFest Strawberry Festival is the place for strawberry lovers. There’ll be strawberry skewers, strawberry ice cream, chocolate-covered delights and produce sourced from across Redlands Coast. As one of Australia’s longest-running community festivals, Redfest offers a jam-packed weekend of fun, food and entertainment for everyone in the family.
For more information about the festival, visit Redfest Strawberry Festival
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ Festival of Food and Wine
September 1 to 30, 2024, Toowoomba
Enjoy a month of flavours and flowers in Toowoomba with an exciting event calendar.
More information at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
Babinda Harvest Festival
September 7, 2024, Babinda, North Queensland
There’s a Harvest Festival Queen, High Tea, Duck Dash, and Tractor Pull. This festival was first held in 1962.
For more information on this festival, visit Babinda Harvest Festival
East Coast Oysters at one of Australia’s top food festivals 2024.
Great Eastern Wine Week
September 6 – 15, 2024 East Coast Tasmania
Great Eastern Wine Week, Tasmania’s largest food and wine event program returns to East Coast Tasmania this September with its most impressive lineup to date. Spanning 221km of Tasmania’s pristine eastern coastline, the event will showcase the best of the region’s culinary and cultural experiences and unveils the hidden gems of East Coast Tasmania!
For more information, visit Great Eastern Wine Trail
OCTOBER
Good Food & Wine Show
October 25 – 27, 2024, Brisbane
A fantastic day out sampling the latest foods, wines, and home products, celebrity chefs, inspiring masterclasses, and hundreds of local and international exhibitors.
An enticing lineup awaits at this year’s shows. Celebrity chefs grace the Cooking Main Stage, sharing culinary expertise and inspiring with recipe ideas. On the Australian Eggs Flip It Cooking Stage, luminaries such as Australian MasterChef Dani Venn and food expert Jane de Graaff demonstrate live, whipping up delicious, nutritious dishes. Explore The Art of Luxury Tea with Dilmah 85 Reserve for a sensory journey into premium tea, featuring tea-infused cocktails and gastronomic delights. Wine aficionados can enjoy an entertaining and educational experience at the RIEDEL Drinks Lab, led by experts and featuring tastings of diverse Australian wine varieties. The Wine Selectors Tasting Room offers interactive sessions on wine pairings and the art of winemaking. Business Class ticket holders are treated to an ‘in-flight’ inspired menu at the Singapore Airlines VIP lounge. Discover the wines and winemaking practices of the Loire Valley at The Loire Valley Wine Experience, which delves into the region’s terroir, sustainability efforts, and diverse wine offerings.
For more information, visit Good Food & Wine Show.
One of Australia’s top food festivals 2024
November
One of Australia’s top food festivals 2024
More Australia’s Top Food Festivals 2024
Australia’s top food festivals 2024 is a constantly evolving list. Keep checking as you might find your favourite food festival has just been added!
So pleased that Scenic Rim Eat Local Week is now Eat Local Month! One of my favs!