Arts & Culture
Lights & Music
Arts & Culture
Sips, Bites & Sights
Calling all bookworms, art aficionados and culture vultures—regional Victoria is calling, and it’s bringing the heat in all the right ways. From multi-sensory exhibitions and avant-garde performances to thought-provoking talks and creative workshops, the state’s arts calendar is packed with Australia’s best and brightest. Read on for all the event details, and where to eat, stay and play while you're there.
Upcoming Events
There’s something special about regional Victoria—it’s where creativity, community and culture collide in the most unexpected ways. The events scene out here is thriving, and every trip feels like a new story waiting to unfold. It’s the best kind of getaway—one that feeds your soul.
Lights & Music
Festival season is officially here. Find your new favourite international artist or catch a live set from a local favourite, or dance the night away under soaring coastal skies. With a stacked calendar of light and music festivals lighting up regional Victoria, the season’s never looked (or sounded) so good. Read on for all the event details, and where to eat, stay and play while you're there.
Upcoming Events
Echuca
13-15 FEBRURARY
The Riverboats Music Festival line-up calls for a minimum two-night regional escape, because you won’t want to miss a single beat. The Living End, Baker Boy, Xavier Rudd, Emma Donovan and so–much–more talent will meet on the banks of the mighty Murray River from 13-15 February—so pull up a pew beneath the towering gums and soak up this truly unique festival held at Aquatic Reserve, a natural amphitheatre in Echuca. And while there’s a food court and bar on site, we suggest you steal a moment to visit The Mill—a restaurant, bar and lounge that calls a five-storey flour mill home. The restored space combines red brick and timber beams with statement chandeliers and cosy corners for cocktails.
Riverboats Music Festival
Sips, Bites & Sights
Ready to kick back with a crisp vino, graze on seasonal eats, and grab a front-row seats to the sunny season’s most iconic moments? Read on for all the event details to get around in regional Victoria, and where to eat, stay and play while you're there.
Upcoming Events
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Navarone Farrell
Melbourne Editor
NightJar Festival Series
Torquay
29 DECEMBER-11 JANUARY
The Nightjar Festival Series has got Torquay covered for two fun-filled weeks this summer—delivering live music and boot scooting lessons, van life conversations and wellbeing wisdom, roving performances and food trucks galore. With a schedule like that, booking a long weekend is a wise move, and you can’t go past Tiny Gem, a tiny house decked out with all the bells and whistles. We’re talking a queen bed with luxury linen, fluffy robes and a copper bath beneath the stars. You’ll feel a million miles away in that tub, prosecco in hand, overlooking this dreamy property’s vineyard—and yet you’re actually just a 15-minute walk to Torquay for your morning caffeine and pastry hit. Even better, park up at the counter of Mortadeli, and get two hands around one of their banging sangas.
Good Charlotte Motel Du Cap World Tour
Bendigo
21 FEBRUARY
You read that right—pop-punk rock royalty Good Charlotte is coming to Australia in February 2026 for their Motel Du Cap World Tour. You know what that means right? First, book your tickets. Second, book your accommodation. Walking distance to all the main local attractions, rest your weary head at Bendigo Lodges, complete with stunning gardens and sleek interiors. If you're keen to venture further than your digs for a feed, Ghosty's serve a killer all-day menu (and cocktail list). And finally, listen to Good Charlotte every waking moment so you’re lyric-ready when the anthems begin.
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River Lights
Swan HILL
11 - 13th july 2025
Get ready, River Lights is back in Swan Hill, and it’s bigger, brighter, and downright more dazzling than ever. Returning for its third glowing year during the July school holidays, this magical event will once again transform the Pioneer Settlement into a wonderland of light, story, and sparkle. Think history meets high-tech, with a sprinkle of small-town charm and a whole lot of wow.
For 10 epic nights, the Little Murray River will shimmer with colour, as light installations and immersive storytelling whisk you through time. It’s heritage, but make it electric. This all-ages spectacular is lighting up winter nights—and our hearts.
You'll need to keep your energy levels high, so grab a classic country pie to go at Swan Hill Bakehouse, or spend a slow morning dining on the Murray at Spoons Riverside.
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River Lights
Swan HILL
11 - 13th july 2025
Get ready, River Lights is back in Swan Hill, and it’s bigger, brighter, and downright more dazzling than ever. Returning for its third glowing year during the July school holidays, this magical event will once again transform the Pioneer Settlement into a wonderland of light, story, and sparkle. Think history meets high-tech, with a sprinkle of small-town charm and a whole lot of wow.
For 10 epic nights, the Little Murray River will shimmer with colour, as light installations and immersive storytelling whisk you through time. It’s heritage, but make it electric. This all-ages spectacular is lighting up winter nights—and our hearts.
You'll need to keep your energy levels high, so grab a classic country pie to go at Swan Hill Bakehouse, or spend a slow morning dining on the Murray at Spoons Riverside.
BOOK NOW >
River Lights
Swan HILL
11 - 13th july 2025
Get ready, River Lights is back in Swan Hill, and it’s bigger, brighter, and downright more dazzling than ever. Returning for its third glowing year during the July school holidays, this magical event will once again transform the Pioneer Settlement into a wonderland of light, story, and sparkle. Think history meets high-tech, with a sprinkle of small-town charm and a whole lot of wow.
For 10 epic nights, the Little Murray River will shimmer with colour, as light installations and immersive storytelling whisk you through time. It’s heritage, but make it electric. This all-ages spectacular is lighting up winter nights—and our hearts.
You'll need to keep your energy levels high, so grab a classic country pie to go at Swan Hill Bakehouse, or spend a slow morning dining on the Murray at Spoons Riverside.
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Port Fairy Folk Festival
Port Fairy
Port Fairy Folk Festival is set to celebrate its 49th year with dance workshops and yarning circles, a Sunday singout session and food and craft stalls to fuel both body and soul. There’s a lot to soak up, so a place to rest and reboot those dance moves is highly recommended. Whether you’re travelling with the whole gang or planning a romantic regional getaway, Douglas Riverside is worthy of your attention—we’re talking luxury accommodation complete with river views. All that dancing will leave you thirsty, so stop off for a refreshing pint or two at Noodledoof Taproom, a craft brewery and distillery housed in an old Motor Garage.
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South Gippsland Garlic Festival
Meeniyan
28 FEBRUARY
The South Gippsland Garlic Festival is an entire day dedicated to garlic and we’re here for it. Of course, you won’t just find garlic on the schedule, discover delicious regional produce from growers near and far, take notes at live cooking demonstrations, refine your palate at a wine tasting session (or two) and remember to regularly refuel at one of the many on-site food stalls throughout the day. If you have the time—and the appetite to spare—Tsuko is a top-tier Japanese kitchen housed within The Coterie, serving fresh salads and steaming bowls of katsu.
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Lenny Kravitz In Mildura
MILDURA
28 NOVEMBER 2025
Nostalgia will peak as Lenny Kravitz, joined by special guests Jet, hits Mildura Sporting Precinct on Friday, November 28th.
The icon behind hits like American Woman and Are You Gonna Go My Way is bringing his acclaimed Blue Electric Light tour down under. While he’s playing major cities, Lenny knows there’s nothing like a regional summer road trip.
Make a weekend of it—stay at a riverside holiday park or BYO accommodation and camp at a river beach.
With the gig on Friday night, you’ll have Saturday to sip and graze along the regional winery trail, like Monak Wine Co’s underground cellar door. Don’t forget a handmade cannoli from The Italian Mildura on your way home Sunday.
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Bendigo Writers Festival
BENDIGO
14–17 August 2025
Bookworms, word nerds and story lovers—Bendigo Writers Festival is back to warm your winter with conversation, creativity and inspiration. Since 2012, this lit-loving weekend has transformed Bendigo into a buzzing hub of ideas, tales and lively debate.
Across three days, the city fills with authors, poets, and curious minds, ready to dive into panels, performances, readings and workshops. Book a stay at the historic Hotel Shamrock so you don’t miss a moment.
Between sessions, ride a vintage Bendigo tram, sip wine or a cocktail at Ms Batterhams, or sample a local brew at Bendigo Brewing. From fiery talks to quiet reflections, it’s a celebration of storytelling in all its glorious forms. Whether you’re after your next great read or just love a good yarn, this festival is your winter happy place.
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Lenny Kravitz In Mildura
MILDURA
28 NOVEMBER 2025
Nostalgia will peak as Lenny Kravitz, joined by special guests Jet, hits Mildura Sporting Precinct on Friday, November 28th.
The icon behind hits like American Woman and Are You Gonna Go My Way is bringing his acclaimed Blue Electric Light tour down under. While he’s playing major cities, Lenny knows there’s nothing like a regional summer road trip.
Make a weekend of it—stay at a riverside holiday park or BYO accommodation and camp at a river beach.
With the gig on Friday night, you’ll have Saturday to sip and graze along the regional winery trail, like Monak Wine Co’s underground cellar door. Don’t forget a handmade cannoli from The Italian Mildura on your way home Sunday.
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ChillOut Festival
Daylesford
5-9 MARCH
Held in Daylesford, the gay capital of regional Victoria, ChillOut is Australia’s largest and longest-running Country Queer Pride festival. Drawing a love-filled crowd of 30K plus every year, the event is run by eight passionate locals who are driven to deliver some seriously good times, while also supporting the rural LGBTIQ community, artists and wider community to boot. Make the most of this country retreat by signing up for some serious R&R at the iconic Daylesford Day Spa, and do not leave town without sampling the goods at Wombat Hill House—the ‘goods’ being sourdough, baguettes, doughnuts and all the pastries.
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Peninsula Film Festival
Rosebud
9-11 JANUARY
Founded by Steve Bastoni (of Police Rescue fame) back in 2011, the Peninsula Film Festival gives upcoming filmmakers the chance to strut their stuff for fellow film buffs, alongside the Rosebud Cinema Launch and a filmmaking workshop. Stay on brand all weekend long and book a table at Orson, a modern Australian restaurant tucked inside the town’s old theatre arcade. The small, ever-changing menu celebrates local, fresh flavours while the wine list spotlights some of the best makers from the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.
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Island Whale Festival
Phillip Island
11–13 july 2025
From July 11-13, Phillip Island is rolling out the welcome mat for the whale-watching event of the year. As the majestic humpbacks, southern rights, and maybe even a killer whale or two make their annual journey north, it’s the perfect time to grab a front-row seat to nature’s most epic show.
For a front-row seat to all the action, stay a few days at the charming Genesta House Bed and Breakfast in July. From May to September, these giants grace our waters, but July? That’s when the island goes into full celebration mode—because nothing says “community spirit” like whale love. In between sightings, explore a piece of history on the Kitty Miller Bay Walk, and sample fresh seafood and grain-fed steaks at The Westernport Hotel.
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FEASTIVAL Falls Creek
Falls Creek
13-15 february
Sometimes in life, things are a no-brainer—FEASTIVAL is one of those things. Set against the jaw-droppingly dreamy, alpine backdrop of Falls Creek Resort, this event is a three-day celebration of music, art, food, comedy and culture. The 2026 headliner? The Jungle Giants. Yep, their sweet indie beats will soar high against those mountain peaks, so lock in a couple of nights to soak it all up. Lakeside Falls Creek, a lodge-style hotel, sits at the very top of the village and boasts some seriously stunning views from the bar—a very convenient night-cap destination after a fun-filled day at FEASTIVAL.
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Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Great Ocean Road
28 JANUARY-1 FEBRUARY
Combining elite competition with community celebration, the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Road Race invites you to watch the world’s best do their thing. While in town, consider signing up for the Geelong Port Family Ride, where riders of all ages are welcome to get in on the cycling action. The vibe? Next-level. The scenery? Breathtaking. The coffee? Exceptional. Head to SouthAmerica Coffee Co to fuel up for the day—there you’ll find handcrafted, award-winning brews, Colombian soft drinks and pastries calling your name.
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Festival Of Sails
Geelong
24-26 JANUARY
We do like to be beside the seaside, especially when world-class sailing and live music is involved. Introducing the Festival of Sails, Geelong’s one-of-a-kind waterfront festival that welcomes 100,000 attendees on the January long weekend. Whether you’re there to compete, cheer from the shoreline, or enter the emerging artist series on stage, we highly recommend booking your overnight digs early because this festival is popular with a capital P. The Novotel is literally on the waterfront, offering bay views and balconies (pour us up a g&t), while Quest Geelong Central is just a five-minute drive from the regatta site.
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Forage And Feast
Central Highlands
This one invites you to do what it says on the tin—Forage And Feast to your heart’s content in the vibrant, flavour-filled destination that is the Central Highlands. Discover tales behind ales, pay homage to the humble banger or combine foodie history with your daily step count on a walking tour. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, so you best block out a long weekend or more to really dive deep into the local culinary talent. Keen to push the boat out? Mount William Station is inviting guests to an overnight, bush-luxe escape at their 1920s homestead. And yes, a full farm-to-table experience is on the cards. You’re welcome.
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Portarlington Mussel Festival
Portarlington
10 JANUARY
Do you love live music, art exhibitions, bustling markets and more mussels than you can poke a stick at? Well then, book your next regional adventure to the Portalington Mussel Festival—a day bursting with all of the above and more on the breathtaking Bellarine Peninsula. Once you’ve wrapped up your wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and sampled mussels cooked every way you can possibly imagine, head to the Portalington Grand Hotel. Described as ‘the jewel of the Bellarine Peninsula’, this historic home-away-from-home has been greeting travellers since 1888. Settle in for the night (or two) in one of their recently-refurbished, luxury rooms—and don’t forget to sample the schnitty or smashed beef burger.
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Graze The Day
Timboon Amphitheatre, Eastern Maar Country
22 November 2025
Graze The Day is set to return for its second year in the Timboon Amphitheatre on beautiful Eastern Maar Country this summer. A celebration of artisan makers and creators from the Great Ocean Road region, you’ll have the chance to sample wine, beer and gin from the surrounding area, as well as indulge in a few scoops from local heroes Timboon Fine Ice Cream. Make a weekend of it with a stay at one of three unique Timboon Tiny Homes, nestled among native bushland overlooking Power Creek. Drop into Schulz Organic Creamery & Cafe for lunch on Sunday. One of their toasties or cheese platters pair perfectly with a glass of fresh full cream milk straight from the dairy. Doesn’t get much fresher than that.
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Graze The Day
Timboon Amphitheatre, Eastern Maar Country
22 November 2025
Graze The Day is set to return for its second year in the Timboon Amphitheatre on beautiful Eastern Maar Country this summer. A celebration of artisan makers and creators from the Great Ocean Road region, you’ll have the chance to sample wine, beer and gin from the surrounding area, as well as indulge in a few scoops from local heroes Timboon Fine Ice Cream. Make a weekend of it with a stay at one of three unique Timboon Tiny Homes, nestled among native bushland overlooking Power Creek. Drop into Schulz Organic Creamery & Cafe for lunch on Sunday. One of their toasties or cheese platters pair perfectly with a glass of fresh full cream milk straight from the dairy. Doesn’t get much fresher than that.
BOOK NOW >
Graze The Day
Timboon Amphitheatre, Eastern Maar Country
22 November 2025
Graze The Day is set to return for its second year in the Timboon Amphitheatre on beautiful Eastern Maar Country this summer. A celebration of artisan makers and creators from the Great Ocean Road region, you’ll have the chance to sample wine, beer and gin from the surrounding area, as well as indulge in a few scoops from local heroes Timboon Fine Ice Cream. Make a weekend of it with a stay at one of three unique Timboon Tiny Homes, nestled among native bushland overlooking Power Creek. Drop into Schulz Organic Creamery & Cafe for lunch on Sunday. One of their toasties or cheese platters pair perfectly with a glass of fresh full cream milk straight from the dairy. Doesn’t get much fresher than that.
BOOK NOW >
Graze The Day
Timboon Amphitheatre, Eastern Maar Country
22 November 2025
Graze The Day is set to return for its second year in the Timboon Amphitheatre on beautiful Eastern Maar Country this summer. A celebration of artisan makers and creators from the Great Ocean Road region, you’ll have the chance to sample wine, beer and gin from the surrounding area, as well as indulge in a few scoops from local heroes Timboon Fine Ice Cream. Make a weekend of it with a stay at one of three unique Timboon Tiny Homes, nestled among native bushland overlooking Power Creek. Drop into Schulz Organic Creamery & Cafe for lunch on Sunday. One of their toasties or cheese platters pair perfectly with a glass of fresh full cream milk straight from the dairy. Doesn’t get much fresher than that.
BOOK NOW >
Graze The Day
Timboon Amphitheatre, Eastern Maar Country
22 November 2025
Graze The Day is set to return for its second year in the Timboon Amphitheatre on beautiful Eastern Maar Country this summer. A celebration of artisan makers and creators from the Great Ocean Road region, you’ll have the chance to sample wine, beer and gin from the surrounding area, as well as indulge in a few scoops from local heroes Timboon Fine Ice Cream. Make a weekend of it with a stay at one of three unique Timboon Tiny Homes, nestled among native bushland overlooking Power Creek. Drop into Schulz Organic Creamery & Cafe for lunch on Sunday. One of their toasties or cheese platters pair perfectly with a glass of fresh full cream milk straight from the dairy. Doesn’t get much fresher than that.
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SOLD OUT
Beyond The Valley
MIDWEST VICTORIA
28 DECEMBER-1 JANUARY
Nothing’s worse than no plans on New Year’s Eve. And there’s no time like now to act on last year’s resolution to get organised. The humble multi-day camping festival is sadly a dying breed in 2025, so see the year out in proper (read: dusty) style at Barunah Plains, 90 minutes from Melbourne.
Stock up on supplies and your last proper coffee at Moriac General Store, before enjoying five days of dancing, camping and art with around 30,000 of your nearest and dearest. Beyond The Valley is celebrating its 10th birthday this year so while the lineup isn’t out yet, expect something big. After five days of grooving, refuel with a life-giving parma and an ice-cold pint at The Batesford Hotel on the way home.
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NightJar Festival Series
Torquay
29 DECEMBER 2025 - 11 JANUARY 2026
The Nightjar Festival Series has got Torquay covered for two fun-filled weeks this summer—delivering live music and boot scooting lessons, van life conversations and wellbeing wisdom, roving performances and food trucks galore. With a schedule like that, booking a long weekend is a wise move, and you can’t go past Tiny Gem, a tiny house decked out with all the bells and whistles. We’re talking a queen bed with luxury linen, fluffy robes and a copper bath beneath the stars. You’ll feel a million miles away in that tub, prosecco in hand, overlooking this dreamy property’s vineyard—and yet you’re actually just a 15-minute walk to Torquay for your morning caffeine and pastry hit. Even better, park up at the counter of Mortadeli, and get two hands around one of their banging sangas.
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5 MARCH–9 march
12 january-15 february