Wild Harvest Seafood Festival returns

Love your seafood? East Gippsland in Victoria is calling. 

Fresh seafood, spectacular coastal scenery and three days of gourmet experiences are promised when the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival returns to tiny Mallacoota from September 25–27. 

One of Gippsland's signature spring events, the festival celebrates the region's seafood, coastal lifestyle and maritime heritage. 

At the heart of the festival is the Wild Harvest Market, where seafood harvested from Bass Strait takes centre stage alongside local produce, artisan makers, live music and seaside vibes.

Throughout the long weekend, visitors can look forward to fresh oysters, mussels, abalone, sea urchin and other delicacies from local waters.

There will also be live music across multiple venues, guided rockpool rambles and family fishing clinics and a community beach clean-up with Friends of Mallacoota.

Art exhibitions and installations at MA Space, a cruise aboard the historic M.V. Loch-Ard and a
short film sharing Mallacoota's maritime history and connection to the sea are also on the agenda.

Visitors can make a long weekend of it with 10% off accommodation at Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park during the festival in the town of around 1200 people. 

Book a minimum three-night stay between September 25-28 using the code Wild26 at mallacootaforeshore.com.au to access the offer (subject to availability).

For the full program, visit wildharvestseafoodfestival.com or plan your visit to Mallacoota at
visitgippsland.com.au/destinations/east-gippsland/mallacoota.

On yer bike in East Gippsland

 

Former railway lines turned into cycling and walking trails are proving increasingly popular. 

Victoria’s East Gippsland Rail Trail is one of several standout rail trail experiences offered by Australian Cycle Tours, and for a limited time, travellers can save up to 20% on select departures between August and December 2025.

This scenic 100km+ trail weaves through temperate rainforest, farmland and historic towns, finishing at the Gippsland Lakes. Highlights include Metung Hot Springs, cellar doors, seafood dinners and koala habitat. It uses the route of the former railway line between Bairnsdale and Orbost.

Cyclists can choose between a self-guided or supported group cycle, with savings available for bookings made before the end of July. 

The self-guided ride includes accommodation, luggage transfers and app-based navigation. It is promoted as being ideal for independent travellers who want everything organised, with the freedom to take each day at their own pace. E-Bikes are also available.

Best of East Gippsland Rail Trail is designed for small groups departing on September 8 or November 3. This itinerary includes local guidance, van support, a soak in the Metung Hot Springs, scenic side trips and locally hosted meals.

More information and bookings:
https://www.australiancycletours.com.au/popular-trails/east-gippsland-rail-trail

Calling all seafood lovers

Calling all seafood lovers.

The organisers of the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival in Gippsland have announced that it will return from April 26-28.

The Wild Harvest Seafood Festival celebrates the connection that the Mallacoota community has to the ocean and will offer an opportunity to try dishes ranging from abalone to sea urchins, fresh oysters to banded morwong.

Mallacoota is a small town in the East Gippsland region in the state of Victoria with a population of around 1200 - that swells considerably over summer and for the festival. Abalaone, flathead and bream abound in local waters. 

Market stalls will sell fish and crustaceans direct from the ocean and there will live music will to entertain the crowds throughout the weekend.

Along with food, drinks and entertainment, there will be plenty to engage younger folk with the popular Parks Victoria Junior Ranger program running a range of free activities for kids.



FishCare will be on deck again this year, running popular fishing clinics so visitors can explore the pristine Mallacoota lakes system while learning about estuary health and its habitats aboard the M.V. Loch-Ard for a Mallacoota Inlet Tour.

The festival features both free and ticketed events.

Full details at wildharvestseafoodfestival.com

New gourmet festival for regional Victoria

Regional Victoria has gained a new gourmet festival with the launch of the East Gippsland Winter Festival, which aims to celebrate art, food, music, beer and wine.

The festival, which will run from June 18 to July 11, will showcase the villages and towns of East Gippsland through a series of pop-up events, cultural activities, exhibitions and workshops.

The program can be found at https://egwinterfest.com.au/ and includes both day and night activities.

The festival kicks off in Bairnsdale with a launch event of live music, roaming performers, art projections by local and international artists and food and wine. The weekend's events will include a six-course dining experience with local produce and beverages at Long Paddock, Lindenow for up to 40 people, who will enjoy smoked, slow-cooked and roasted foods with the food fire roaring.

On Sunday, June 20, Lightfoot and Sons Winery will host a Pinot Picnic and Masterclass. Lightfoot Wines & Sardine Eatery + Bar will come together to celebrate Pinot Noir at Lightfoot's Cellar Door.

The weekend of June 26 will include the Lakes Lights Festival, while Nicholson River Winery will host a Winter Love Matchmaking night for singles over 40 and Omeo will host a Bonfire, Burgers and Banter pop-up event.

The festival continues into July with the weekend of July 3-4 seeing a Deep Winter event at Sailors Grave, while in Lakes Entrance guests can enjoy a night of hearty winter foods, sourced locally and served with Gippsland Wines and Beers at The Slow Movement Community Dinner.

The final weekend will see a Winter Tunes Music Camp in Marlo, an adventure race in
Metung and Food Truck Festival at Mallacoota. On the final day, July 11, local chef Rob Turner of Northern Ground will be feature chef at a long table-style event at Kings Cove, Metung to celebrate local food, wine and cooking.