Discover the drive to some of Australia's best autumn festivals

Autumn is a quiet time of year for the tourism industry, but the people at Avis still want people out in their rental cars.

So as we welcome in cooler days and longer nights, Avis Australia has compiled a gastronomical guide of foodie festivals and events for the months ahead. As you would.

Most GoTR readers would already be familiar with most of these food and wine festivals, but here is a reminder from seafood celebrations in Victoria, beachfront bashes in Noosa, and sustainability-first events in Central Western NSW.

NSW

Orange F.O.O.D Week

April 5- April 14, 2024

Uncover Australia’s oldest regional food festival and celebrate the Autumn grape harvest in Orange. Held over 10 days in April - with just a couple remaining - this sustainability-driven foodie fest is an opportunity to sample delicious fresh produce and enjoy Orange’s community charm.

Newcastle Food Month

April 2024

Over the entire month, visitors to Newcastle can enjoy culinary events, pop-up restaurants, wine tastings, and chef-led masterclasses.

VICTORA

Taste of the Goulburn

April 27, 2024

Visitors can explore the rivers and ranges of the Goulburn Valley region in Central Victoria, meeting the region’s best producers, chefs, growers, and winemakers. Take home local produce as you enjoy chef demonstrations, food vans and eateries, and live music and entertainment.

Wild Harvest Seafood Festival Mallacoota

April 26-28, 2024

The Wild Harvest Seafood Festival celebrates the abundance of seafood in East Gippsland and its Indigenous heritage. Spotlighting local businesses and the charm of the Mallacoota region.

QUEENSLAND

Noosa Eat & Drink Festival

May 30-June 2, 2024

With 75 events spanning over four days, this event comprises over 80 local and international exhibitors with events on the Noosa beachfront and the interior.

Gourmay Mary Valley

May 2024

Culminating with Festival Day on Saturday, May 25, The GourMay Mary Valley festival is a month-long celebration of the farmers, producers, and creators of the Mary Valley region. Events include farm tours and cooking classes.

Scenic Rim Eat Local Month

June 2024

Hop in your Avis rental (spot the nifty marketing plug there) to drive an hour south of Brisbane and the Gold Coast to the Scenic Rim. Here, you’ll find paddock-to-plate food across 130 events, and 50 farms, including the highlight Winter Harvest Festival.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Taste Great Southern

May 2-12, 2024

This is one of Australia's best regional festivals, showcasing over 30 events hosted by local chefs, including regional food and wine festivals, long lunches, degustations, and community markets.

Shore Leave Festival

April 24-28, 2024

Shore Leave is Geraldton's seafood festival. Uncover the region's rich history during Shore Leave’s program that includes a seafood market, marine tours, live music, and the Midwest Paddock to Plate event featuring guest chef Matt Moran.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week 2024

May 17-26, 2024

Celebrating 40 years in May, this is Australia’s longest-running food and wine event. Over three weekends, discover just what makes this winemaking region so special, as you explore local wineries and eateries, before coming together at the Long Lunch finale event. See top image of Pauletts Wines.