Food & Wine Festivals in Australia
One of the many benefits of Australia’s multicultural society is the diversity of food. Add to this world-class local produce, exciting indigenous influences and wines from world-renowned vineyards and you have cuisine that is feted by foodies around the globe. As spring turns to summer, take a trip to some of the places famous for their food and wine. Wherever you are in Australia celebrate our favourite pastime at festivals and events designed to showcase the local produce and wine-makers.
Queensland Granite Belt Spring Wine Festival
Mid-October
Two weekends of good food, good wine and good times. The Granite Belt Spring Wine Festival at
Stanthorpe celebrates the burgeoning of the grape vines after the long cold winter. Everyone is invited to Queensland’s premier wine district to help the wineries celebrate their bountiful supply of award-winning wines with a full and varied program of events that includes lunches, dinners, masterclasses and music.
Northern Territory Mindil Beach Sunset Market
May – October
Now in its 18th year,
Darwin’s famous Mindil Beach market is a six-month food festival. Every Thursday and Sunday evening during the balmy months of the dry season, locals and visitors take their chairs, rugs and eskies to this idyllic beachside setting to watch the sunset and eat great food. With 60 stalls from more than 30 different cultures across five continents, this is the ultimate eating experience. The market also has around 200 stalls selling quality handmade wares, local food products and indigenous art, massages, tarot and palm readers, buskers and live entertainment.
South Australia Tasting Australia
October
International epicureans gather in
Adelaide every two years to savour the best of what Australian chefs and vignerons have to offer the world. This year the theme of the festival is the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Its 67 events will provide opportunities to attend food and wine masterclasses, dine with top Australian chefs, hear your favourite culinary writer speak at the Food and Wine Writer's Festival and celebrate South Australia's reputation for food and wine excellence.
New South Wales Snapper, Spice and Rice Southeast Asia Seafare Festival
November
Celebrate the rich, diverse cuisines and cultures of our South-east Asian neighbours at a food festival that shows how our engagement with this region through migration, trade and travel has influenced what Australians eat and drink. With dozens of stalls at the
Australian National Maritime Museum,
Sydney, displaying the exotic flavours of south-east Asia, colourful art and craft and vibrant performances, this is a multicultural feast for the whole family.
Victoria Mildura Murray Outback Earthbeat Festival
November
This Outback event captures the Melbourne Cup mood of Victorians with a 10-day feast of food, wine and jazz at cosmopolitan
Mildura and historic
Wentworth on the mighty Murray River. The district’s renowned wineries become the venues for concerts, parades and jamborees and restaurants and riverboats provide round-the-clock parties – there isn’t a better time to visit the Outback!
Australian Capital Territory Days of Wine and Roses
November
Come to the nation’s capital in November for some cool climate wines, cool food and cool jazz. The Wine, Roses and All that Jazz Festival features wine and food tastings at various locations in
Canberra and at the district’s boutique wineries. Explore the Poacher’s Trail for tempting tastes and wicked wines!
Western AustraliaMargaret River Wine Region Festival
November
The west’s famous wine region will host a four day festival of food, wine, art and entertainment. There’s a tempo to suit every one, with 27 venues presenting fantastic cuisine, world-renowned wines and great local, national and international musicians. The festival is staged in an amazing natural environment of forests, beaches, lush vineyards and magnificent surf breaks. On Saturday 19 indulge in the best of the entire region at one venue with the Fusion, headlined by Australian legendary guitarist Richard Clapton.
TasmaniaTaste of Tasmania
December – January
The
Hobart waterfront is the place to be this Christmas. As the Sydney-to-Hobart yachts sail into Sullivan’s Cove, experience the Taste of Tasmania, one of the State’s best known and loved summer festivals. The Taste showcases Tasmania’s celebrated food and wine with a range of international cuisine based on Tasmania’s renowned local produce. Set opposite Hobart’s historic Salamanca Place, it provides a forum for buskers, musicians and performers from around the world.
NationwideTaste of the Nation
October
Be part of an exciting national food and wine fundraising event on October 17 this year, in Adelaide,
Brisbane,
Melbourne,
Perth and Sydney. Run by Community Aid Abroad, the event will feature over 35 food and wine stalls, with top restaurants producing their gourmet dishes, and wineries and food producers donating specialty products. All food and wine will be donated by the participants to raise funds for development programs benefiting the world’s most disadvantaged communities. Plates of delicious food will cost only $5, with glasses of wine starting at $2.50.