East Gippsland's 2020 festival season kicks off with the Paynesville Music Festival, from February 21 to 23, and wraps up with the East Gippsland Winter Festival, from June 20 to July 12.
In between, there is the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally (from February 28 to March 1), the Mallacoota Wild Harvest Festival, (April 3-5), the Gippsland Lakes Paddle Challenge on May 2 and the Feast on East (also known as the Metung Food and Wine Festival (June 9).
Timed to coincide with the best of the region's climate, East Gippsland's Festival of Festival provides the perfect opportunity to discover all the culinary delights and foodie hot spots in the region, while enjoying great music, stunning scenery and a lively festival atmosphere.
And this year, it's also an opportunity to show your love and support for East Gippsland, where hundreds of business owners and tourism operators have been impacted by the bushfires, either directly or due to the fact that tourists deserted the region over what is normally their busiest time of year.
Many small businesses in the region have reported up to a 90 per cent drop in visitors during the peak summer holiday period, and they are hurting as a result.
While many people have watched on helplessly, these business owners want Victorians to know they can help, simply by coming to visit.
“One of the best ways you can help business owners in the region recover is to simply come and visit,” says Hayley Hardy from East Gippsland Marketing Inc. “They are open for business and ready to welcome you with open arms,” she said.
“By coming down to one of our amazing festivals, by booking accommodation, eating out and enjoying the wonderful scenery and festival atmosphere, you are directly helping fire-affected communities to recover economically.” “It's a great, fun way to ensure that 100 per cent of your dollars are going directly to the businesses who need your help.”
East Gippsland's Festival of Festivals also gives visitors the chance to see for themselves why the region is gaining a growing reputation as an emerging foodie hotspot, with award-winning restaurants, sought-after local produce, cool-climate wines and locally-crafted beer. This year's Festival of Festival's Guide is as follows:
FESTIVAL ONE
Paynesville Music Festival
February 21 to 23, 2020 The 2020 Paynesville Music Festival moves to a new location at Gilsenan Reserve in Paynesville, where many new bands and musicians, as well as some old favourites will play a variety of rock, blues, pop, country and swing. Various venues around town will also have live music playing over the weekend, with dozens of other activities going on. To find out more, visit https://www.paynesvillemusicfestival.com.au/
Where to Stay: Captains Cove - stunning accommodation, right on the water. Mariners Cove Resort - water frontage and private balconies with water views and private jetties to moor your boat.
Where to Eat & Drink: Sardine Eatery + Bar - Paynesville's much-loved “hatted” restaurant. Pier 70 - great food and amazing views. The Paynesville Hotel - a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
What to do: Paynesville Sunset Cove Walking Track - an enjoyable way to see the local sights.
Where to Stay: Captains Cove - stunning accommodation, right on the water. Mariners Cove Resort - water frontage and private balconies with water views and private jetties to moor your boat.
Where to Eat & Drink: Sardine Eatery + Bar - Paynesville's much-loved “hatted” restaurant. Pier 70 - great food and amazing views. The Paynesville Hotel - a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
What to do: Paynesville Sunset Cove Walking Track - an enjoyable way to see the local sights.
FESTIVAL TWO
Paynesville Classic Boat Rally
February 28, 29 and March 1, 2020 The Paynesville Classic Boat Rally is a three-day celebration of classic boats, maritime culture and cruising on the Gippsland Lakes, with a spectacular collection of over 300 classic boats, ranging from Tall Ships, to sailing vessels, classic motor boats, skiffs, fishing boats, small crafts and more.
Where to Stay: Captains Cove - stunning accommodation, right on the water. Mariners Cove Resort - water frontage and private balconies with water views and private jetties to moor your boat.
Where to Eat & Drink: Sardine Eatery + Bar - Paynesville's much-loved “hatted” restaurant. Pier 70 - great food and amazing views. The Paynesville Hotel - a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
What to do: Visit Raymond Island and see koalas in their natural habitat.
FESTIVAL THREE
Mallacoota Wild Harvest Festival
Where to Stay: Captains Cove - stunning accommodation, right on the water. Mariners Cove Resort - water frontage and private balconies with water views and private jetties to moor your boat.
Where to Eat & Drink: Sardine Eatery + Bar - Paynesville's much-loved “hatted” restaurant. Pier 70 - great food and amazing views. The Paynesville Hotel - a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
What to do: Visit Raymond Island and see koalas in their natural habitat.
FESTIVAL THREE
Mallacoota Wild Harvest Festival
April 3-5, 2020, After careful consideration organisers of The Wild Harvest Seafood Festival have decided to go ahead with a slightly altered festival program this year. The festival highlights the unique abundance and variety of seafood in the region, giving visitors the opportunity to experience some of Australia's freshest and most outstanding local seafood, produce, beer and wine, surrounded by the beauty of the Wilderness Coast. For more information about this year's festival, visit: https://www.wildharvestseafoodfestival.com/. To find out more about accommodation and local tourist attractions, contact the Visitor's Centre on: 03 5158 0800.
Where to Stay: Silver Bream Motel - is walking distance to town, perfect for families. Gipsy Point Lodge - located on the water with adjacent restaurant facilities. Where to Eat & Drink: Lucy's Homemade Rice Noodle House - is a Mallacoota institution – try the abalone dumplings! Origami Coffee – sells picture perfect coffees. Croajingalong Café – favours local produce
What to do: Mallacoota Surf Shack – learn to surf.
FESTIVAL FOUR
Where to Stay: Silver Bream Motel - is walking distance to town, perfect for families. Gipsy Point Lodge - located on the water with adjacent restaurant facilities. Where to Eat & Drink: Lucy's Homemade Rice Noodle House - is a Mallacoota institution – try the abalone dumplings! Origami Coffee – sells picture perfect coffees. Croajingalong Café – favours local produce
What to do: Mallacoota Surf Shack – learn to surf.
FESTIVAL FOUR
Gippsland Lakes Paddle Challenge
May 2, 2020 Experience Australia's largest inland water way with a paddle on the Gippsland Lakes, taking in the spectacular Ninety Mile Beach – a 90-mile long stretch of pristine golden sand that separates the Gippsland Lakes from Bass Strait. Start at Paynesville for the elite paddler or Metung for the recreational paddler and finish at the iconic Lakes Entrance footbridge.
Where to Stay: The Esplanade Resort + Spa - perfect for families with young kids. The Bellevue Lakes Entrance - resort facilities, right in the heart of Lakes Entrance.
Where to Eat & Drink: Albert & Co - coffee, food and catering now located in the heart of Lakes Entrance. Nicholson General Store – famous in the region for their homemade pies
What to Do: Illuka Day Spa – part of the Esplanade Resort, the Illuka Day Spa combines state-of-the-art hydrotherapy equipment with Aveda spa care products and treatments Venture Out Australia - for a range of outdoor kayak, paddleboard and bike riding activities on the lakes and the region's picturesque trails.
Where to Stay: The Esplanade Resort + Spa - perfect for families with young kids. The Bellevue Lakes Entrance - resort facilities, right in the heart of Lakes Entrance.
Where to Eat & Drink: Albert & Co - coffee, food and catering now located in the heart of Lakes Entrance. Nicholson General Store – famous in the region for their homemade pies
What to Do: Illuka Day Spa – part of the Esplanade Resort, the Illuka Day Spa combines state-of-the-art hydrotherapy equipment with Aveda spa care products and treatments Venture Out Australia - for a range of outdoor kayak, paddleboard and bike riding activities on the lakes and the region's picturesque trails.
FESTIVAL FIVE
Metung Food & Wine Festival
June 9, 2020 (also known as the Feast on East Festival) Taste specially-prepared signature dishes and complimentary samples from local gourmet food producers and wines by the glass and free tastings from award-winning wineries, while enjoying the glorious Metung and surrounds.
Where to Stay: The Moorings at Metung - unique waterfront accommodation in the heart of the village overlooking Bancroft Bay.
Where to Eat & Drink: The Metung Hotel - Situated on the shores of Bancroft Bay in the Gippsland Lakes and nestled in the small village of Metung, the renovated Metung Hotel offers stunning accommodation and great food, wine and entertainment.
What to do: Skipper your own yacht, cruiser or day boat on the Gippsland Lakes with Riviera Nautic.
FESTIVAL SIX
East Gippsland Winter Festival,
Saturday June 20 to Sunday July 12, 2020 An exciting new festival to be held throughout the region over the winter solstice. Based around art, food, culture and nature - the festival invites visitors to experience towns and villages impacted by the recent fires (and drought) over the “off-peak” months. Participating townships include Bairnsdale, Paynesville, Metung, Lakes Entrance, Bruthen, Ensay, Swifts Creek, Omeo, Buchan, Nowa Nowa, Orbost, Marlo and Mallacoota. Festival highlights include art installations, food/wine events, cultural activities, nature and wellness experiences and various hands-on-workshops.
Where to Stay
Captains Cove - stunning accommodation, right on the water. Mariners Cove Resort - water frontage and private balconies with water views and private jetties to moor your boat. Silver Bream Motel - is walking distance to town, perfect for families. Gipsy Point Lodge - located on the water with adjacent restaurant facilities. The Moorings at Metung - unique waterfront accommodation in the heart of the village overlooking Bancroft Bay. The Esplanade Resort + Spa - perfect for families with young kids. The Bellevue Lakes Entrance - resort facilities, right in the heart of Lakes Entrance. -continues-
Where to Eat & Drink
Sardine Eatery + Bar - Paynesville's much-loved “hatted” restaurant. Pier 70 - great food and amazing views. The Paynesville Hotel - a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Lucy's Homemade Rice Noodle House - is a Mallacoota institution – try the abalone dumplings! Origami Coffee – sells picture perfect coffees. Croajingalong Café – favours local produce Albert & Co - coffee, food and catering now located in the heart of Lakes Entrance. Nicholson General Store – famous in the region for their homemade pies The Metung Hotel - situated on the shores of Bancroft Bay in the Gippsland Lakes and nestled in the small village of Metung, the renovated Metung Hotel offers stunning accommodation and great food, wine and entertainment.
What to Do
Paynesville Sunset Cove Walking Track - an enjoyable way to see the local sights. Visit Raymond Island and see koalas in their natural habitat. Mallacoota Surf Shack – learn to surf. Illuka Day Spa – part of the Esplanade Resort, the Illuka Day Spa combines state-of-the-art hydrotherapy equipment with Aveda spa care products and treatments Venture Out Australia - for a range of outdoor kayak, paddleboard and bike riding activities on the lakes and the region's picturesque trails. Skipper your own yacht, cruiser or day boat on the Gippsland Lakes with Riviera Nautic For more information on the festivals mentioned above visit: https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/loveeastgippsland
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