This October, Leongatha’s historic Railway Precinct will come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of Gippsland’s first-ever Eat Drink Play Gippsland festival. On Saturday 18 October, the full-day celebration will showcase the very best of the region through two distinct experiences – a daytime gourmet showcase and an evening of live music under the stars.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the inaugural Eat Drink Play Gippsland festival come to life,” says South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor John Schelling. “This event is a celebration of our region’s talented producers, makers and creatives, and a really great opportunity to showcase everything we have to offer.”
The Eat Drink daytime session (11am–5pm, $35) brings the popular Eat Drink Gippsland guide to life, offering guests a curated tasting experience featuring the region’s finest wines, cheeses, spirits and seasonal produce.
Attendees will receive a festival tote, tasting glass and guide to navigate offerings from acclaimed producers like Fleet Wines, Dirty Three, Gurneys Cider and Prom Country Cheese. Local eateries including Trulli and Hogget Kitchen will serve signature dishes alongside live music and meet-the-maker sessions.
As evening falls, the precinct transforms for Play (6pm–10pm, $49), an open-air concert headlined by the Melbourne Ska Orchestra and Emma Donovan performing her Take Me To The River soul tribute, with support from Gippsland’s own Steph Strings. Festival-goers can enjoy local food and drink under the stars in what promises to be a highlight of Victoria’s regional events calendar.
The weekend kicks off on Friday night with Ella Hooper’s Linda Ronstadt tribute show in Meeniyan, followed by Sunday events including Porchetta & Pinot at Trulli and cider tastings at Gurneys.
“Eat Drink Play Gippsland is a dynamic new way to experience the region,” says Destination Gippsland CEO Terry Robinson. “It brings together our exceptional food, wine and music in one vibrant event, offering visitors a compelling reason to explore Gippsland.”
Developed in partnership with local organisations and festival experts behind Pinot Palooza and The Hills Are Alive, the event is expected to draw thousands of visitors while supporting regional producers and businesses.
“It’s a rare opportunity to bring in everyone from across this huge region,” adds Wine Gippsland President Alistair Hicks. “We’re looking forward to showing why Gippsland has gained a reputation as Australia’s most exciting wine region.”
With limited tickets available for both sessions, early bookings are recommended for this landmark celebration of Gippsland’s thriving food, wine and arts scene.
