CELEBRATING all that the region has to offer, the inaugural 'Eat Drink Play Gippsland' is coming to Leongatha this Spring, on Saturday October 18, transforming the historic Railway Precinct into a buzzing hub of flavour, music, and community spirit.
Supported by the Victorian Government through its Regional Events Fund, this full-day celebration will spotlight Gippsland’s exceptional food, drink, and creative culture through a two-part program.
A true community effort, it’s driven by local organisations including South Gippsland Shire Council, Destination Gippsland, Wine Gippsland and Visit Victoria whilst being brought to life by Dan Sims, the brains behind Pinot Palooza and Mould, as well as The Hills Are Alive Group, run by lifelong locals Aidan and Rhett McLaren.
By day, Eat Drink brings the beloved Eat Drink Gippsland guide to life with a vibrant celebration of the region’s top producers.
Attendees will sip, sample and shop their way through Gippsland’s best wines, cheeses, spirits, ciders, and seasonal fare.
Expect delicious bites from local favourites like Trulli, Hogget Kitchen, and Messmates, plus pours from standout winemakers including Fleet, The Wine Farm, Dirty Three, Patrick Sullivan, Xavier Wine and Lightfoot Wines. Gurneys Cider, Loch Distillery, and Sailors Grave Brewing will also feature, alongside dairy delights from Gippsland Jersey, Prom Country Cheese, and Loch Cheese Merchant.
With live music from Misty Harlowe, Janie Gordon, Jungle Jim Smith and more, plus food pairings and meet-the-maker chats, it’s a full-day taste of the region.
Day session tickets are $35, running from 11am to 5pm.
As the sun sets, the precinct transforms into a vibrant evening festival with Play, an open-air music celebration featuring two major Australian acts including the inimitable Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Emma Donovan performing 'Take Me to the River' a tribute to timeless soul classics, alongside Gippsland’s own rising star, Steph Strings.
Get ready to dance under the stars as local flavours keep flowing from on-site bars and food stalls.
Night session tickets are $49 per person and run from 6pm to 10pm.
To round out the weekend for visitors, festivities will kick off on Friday night with Ella Hooper performing her spellbinding Linda Ronstadt tribute show at Meeniyan Town Hall hosted by Lyrebird Arts Council which will set the tone for the weekend ahead.
Then on Sunday, visitors can explore even more of the region with a line-up of bonus events across neighbouring towns, including Porchetta & Pinot back at Trulli, Bahn Mi and beats at Fleet Wines, and cider-fuelled fun at Gurneys.
“South Gippsland Shire Council is proud to support an event that shines a spotlight on our region and brings our community together in such a vibrant celebration at the terrific Leongatha railway precinct,” mayor John Schelling said.
Eat Drink Play Gippsland | Saturday 18 October 2025
Eat Drink | 11am–5pm
Adults: $35 each. Kids aged 11 to 17: $10. Kids under 10 are free. Adult tickets include a festival tote, tasting glass and guide.
Play | 6pm–10pm
Adults: $49 each. Kids aged 11 to 17: $25. Kids under 10 are free. Tickets include access to the evening music program.
Full day sessions
Adults: $79 each. Kids aged 11 to 17: $29. Kids under 10 are free.
Location: Leongatha Railway Precinct, Leongatha, VIC
More information and tickets are available at eatdrinkplaygippsland.com.au
