FROM the wild west to the lush east, and every town, bay, and hill in between, Gippsland has always had something worth celebrating. This October, it all comes together in one vibrant day (and night) of flavour, rhythm, and connection as Eat Drink Play Gippsland transforms Leongatha’s Railway Precinct into the region’s biggest culinary block party, and it’s all happening this Saturday!
The one-day festival, inspired by the hugely popular Eat Drink Gippsland Guide, will showcase the makers, growers, brewers, and musicians who bring Gippsland to life. It’s a full-sensory journey, from paddock to party, from plate to stage, blending the region’s best food, drink, and live entertainment into one unforgettable experience.
And this year, getting there is easier than ever. A new festival bus service will run from Traralgon, Warragul, San Remo, and Yarram straight to Leongatha, with return trips at 4.30pm and 10pm. It’s a safe, social, and sustainable way to make the most of the day with no designated driver required.
From local tunes to big chats
What makes Gippsland food and wine taste so good? Sure, it’s about the produce and the people, but it’s also about the soundtrack.
This year’s lineup celebrates local talent and the diversity of Gippsland’s soundscape, bringing together everything from folk and blues to brass and big-band energy. Expect a full day of toe-tapping tunes from some of the region’s most exciting acts:
• Misty Harlowe – A regional Victorian Americana songstress with heart, swagger, and soul, Misty brings Nashville flair and fearless storytelling to the stage.
• Jungle Jim Smith – A one-man blues powerhouse, armed with a three-string cigar-box guitar and shed-built foot drums, serving up dirty blues and swampy rock’n’roll.
• Janie Gordon – The Leongatha local with the golden voice, known from The Voice Australia and festival stages across the country.
• Ozone Street – A Bass Coast blues-rock four-piece delivering blistering riffs and dance-floor energy.
• The Strzelecki Stringbusters – Fourteen musicians strong, this beloved local collective brings joyful, foot-stomping string-band energy straight from the hills.
• Invy Horn Jam – A roaming brass and percussion street band bringing bursts of joy, rhythm, and community spirit wherever they go.
By the time the evening session kicks in, the Railway Precinct will transform into a night-time music hub, buzzing with energy, light, and laughter as festivalgoers dance the night away under the Gippsland stars.
A taste of Gippsland all in one place
Across the precinct, the region’s best eateries and producers will be serving up signature dishes and local delicacies. From Hogget Kitchen’s paddock-to-plate flavours and Trulli’s woodfired classics to Tinamba Hotel, Messmates, Sodafish, and Mahob at Moos, every stall will showcase the creativity and craft that define Gippsland dining.
Cheesemakers, bakers, and sweet treat specialists like Loch Cheese Merchant, Prom Country Cheese, Remi and Florence Bakehouse, and Holy Smokes Queen will tempt taste buds all day long.
And yes, families are more than welcome. The Leongatha Rail Precinct’s playground will be the centrepiece of the family fun zone, complete with face painting, mini golf, and easy eats for little foodies. Sodafish will serve catch of the day souvlaki and Bass Strait ceviche, Trulli will whip up artisanal paninis and signature tiramisu, and Remi & Florence Bakehouse have dessert handled. Did we mention Cuvee Chocolate and Gippsland Jersey will be on hand too? Kid-friendly drinks will also be on offer, because no one should miss out on the fun.
Raise a glass to Gippsland
Of course, no celebration of Gippsland would be complete without its incredible drinks. From the vineyards to the valleys, the breweries to the distilleries, this region knows how to craft something special.
You’ll find local pours from Fleet Wines, The Gippsland Wine Co, Dirty Three, The Gurdies, Bass River Winery, The Gurdies, The Wine Farm, Caledonai Australis, Lithostylis, Corner Inlet Winery, Silverwater Vineyard, and Triffids. Further afield, indulge in Bandicoot Run, Entropy, Patrick Sullivan, William Downie, Seaview Ridge, Cannibal Creek, Blackcoat, Krooked Row, Lightfoot, Xavier Wines, Narkoojee, Carrajung Estate, Blue Gables, Glenmaggie, Wyanga Park, and Nicholson River Winery, each telling a unique story of soil, climate, and passion.
The Drink Bit zone will shine a spotlight on Gippsland’s small-batch beverage scene, including Loch Brewery & Distillery, Infusa Distillery, Mates Gin, Natural Distilling Co., and South Gippsland Gin Co.
Gurney’s Cidery will be pouring heritage apple ciders from their Wilsons Prom orchards, while craft beer fans can taste creations from Sailors Grave, Good Land Brewing, and Maffco Brewery and Taphouse.
The inside word on wine and food
Food and drink always taste better when you know the story behind them, and at Eat Drink Play, you’ll hear those stories straight from the source. Two dedicated stages – Eat and Drink – will host a full program of chats with the people shaping Gippsland’s food and wine future.
Wine writer Max Allen will lead the Wine Stage, from 12.30pm (and on the hour), you can join in on fast, friendly conversations with local winemakers about what makes Gippsland’s bottles so distinct. From brooding Pinots to bright, zippy Chardonnays, every glass has its own tale, and no two are ever the same in a region as vast as Gippsland.
Meanwhile, restaurant critic Kara Monssen will host the Eat Stage, diving into behind-the-scenes stories and quizzing the chefs and food innovators.
Whether you’re coming for the wine, the food, the music, or just a great day out with friends, Eat Drink Play Gippsland has it all, a true celebration of everything that makes this region extraordinary.
Taste, toast, and celebrate Gippsland this Saturday.
