2024 Festival Program | East Gippsland Winter Festival

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Yoga with Kristina

Yoga class every Saturday morning at 9.30am for one hour. Either on the foreshore near the footbridge in Lakes Entrance (pending weather) or at Lakes Entrance RSL upstairs in the function room. $15 per person.

World Bathing Day Sunrise Bathe & Breakfast

We invite you to Metung Hot Springs at sunrise to bathe as people come together across the world to celebrate water on World Bathing Day. Followed by a delicious breakfast at Metung Country Club.

Festival Opening Party

Join us at the Slipway in Lakes Entrance from 5pm to celebrate the official opening of the 2024 EGWF! Enjoy a mini showcase of what’s to come throughout the month-long festival including live music, lanterns. roaming characters and more - plus a guest DJ playing old school party tunes. Slipway Shacks and pop-up stalls will have food and beverages available.

Dance of the Water Dragon – Launch Event

Dance of the Water Dragon is an artistic response to the life of the Gippsland Water Dragon. A delightful afternoon of picnicking, art activities and a lantern parade leading back to the Gallery where you will be immersed in a video and soundscape installation.

Dance of the Water Dragon – Exhibition

Dance of the Water Dragon is an artistic response to the life of the Gippsland Water Dragon. Enjoy an immersive sound and videoscape experience at The Great Alpine Gallery in Swifts Creek.

Gippsland Jersey Winter Solstice Sunrise Swim

The Winter Solstice Sunrise Swim is a yearly ritual that involves jumping into the chilly waters of the Gippsland Lakes to greet the sun on the shortest day of the year. It's said to provide mental clarity, boost immunity, and promote overall well-being.

Bruthen Medieval Winter Fire Festival

Winter is coming and Bruthen is going medieval for the Winter Festival on Saturday 22 June. There will be fun for all ages with sword fighting, great costumes, food and drink stalls, music, drumming, lanterns, fire sculpture and a good old fashioned bonfire.

Camping Under the Stars at Echo Bend Camping Park

Winter is a great time to stay at Echo Bend Camping Park. This is a unique location with open spaces, lovely bush setting, with an abundance of wildlife, birds, frogs and amazing sky in the evenings. An ideal venue for family and friends to mix and be creative whilst enjoying a relaxed camping atmosphere. We're hosting a decorative stones workshop on Saturday 6 July during the School Holidays.

Fire & Ice @ Metung

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! Gather with locals & visitors on the Metung Village Green to enjoy the amazing spectacle of a live ice carving performance and a breathtaking fire breathing & juggling show. Be entertained with music and warm your belly with tasty culinary delights.

Winter Fiesta: Sip & Savor

The Stables Cafe and Guac On have joined forces to bring you an evening of winter cocktails and Mexican street food.

Cassilis Community Market

The Cassilis Community Market is held each season at the beautiful Cassilis Recreation Reserve which is located just off the Cassilis Road. The market hosts a range of stalls, has live music and delicious food available to purchase.

EMERGE Winter Retreat – To Release – Reset – Reconnect

A gentle wellbeing retreat lasting two days supporting an Emergence of the body, mind and soul. Local facilitators will share nourishing practices and enriching ceremony to engage participants and enable them to deepen self awareness and self care practices.

A Suite Afternoon with Friends

A celebration of 4-hand piano repertoire and sparkling flute interludes. This concert features Marian Bisset and Wendy Burns piano duettists and joined by Nick Williams, flute. Join the artists after the concert for afternoon tea in the Swifts Creek Community Hall.

In the Shadow and Light of Mount Wills

The Omeo Historical Society present a photo exhibition in the "New Courthouse" in Omeo focusing on Sunnyside, Mt Wills and Glen Wills.

Koho Sauna Full Moon Night Sessions

NEW DATES ADDED! Sit in our beautiful wood-fired sauna looking out onto the peaceful Gippsland Lakes lit up by the full moon light and enjoy an invigorating cold plunge from our illuminated deck!

Nungurner Fungi Walk, Fungi Flan & Fungi Latte

NUNGURNER Fungi Walk, Flan & Latte. Walk with mycologist Natasha Vorogushin of Mycommunity to identify local edible and poisonous fungi. Then Sena Goztepeli of ‘Down Under Mushrooms’ shares her Fungi Flan & Latte made with Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps and Maitake medicinal mushrooms.

Metung Yacht Club Paint & Sip

Metung Yacht Club is hosting two Paint and Sip afternoons with local artist Helen Crossley. Sunday afternoon sessions from 2pm - 4:30pm on Sunday 23rd June and Sunday 7th July. $75.00pp - Includes all art material, drink on arrival and shared grazing platter.

Medicine Drum Making Workshop

Make your own Sacred Medicine drum with spiritual mentor, crystal shaman and author; Rachelle Charman from Byron Bay. At the end of the transformational day, you'll go home with your very own healing tool that will awaken you to new gifts.

Crystal Shamanism

Is it time to wake up your Shamanic gifts? Spend the weekend with spiritual mentor, crystal shaman and author, Rachelle Charman from Byron Bay and remember your own deep connection to the earth and the healing that can come from this.

White Night Dinner Party

Wear your best ‘white attire’ and come along to the Kingfisher Dragon Boat Club Paynesville’s White Night Dinner Party on Saturday 13th July at GLYC Paynesville. A delicious three course meal prepared by popular local chef Jenny Boyle, mystery entertainment, spinning wheel and music will make a memorable night.

‘Amazing Kerala’ South Indian Cooking Classes

"Amazing Kerala" South Indian Cuisine. Cooking Class, Lunch, and a copy of the award winning cookbook "Nazeemas Kerala Kitchen" signed by our guest Nazeema herself all the way from Kerala.

Metung Winter Market

Come along to the Metung Winter Market held on the Metung Village Green on the waterfront of Bancroft Bay from 8am - 12.30pm. Local stallholders will be in attendance with winter produce including fresh fruits and vegetables, preserves, breads and baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, plus handmade clothing, woodwork and artisan items.

Neon Jungle – Orbost

The Winter Festival is back in town for its fourth year, this year's event NEON JUNGLE will be a feast for the eyes, heart and soul! Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the magic of the season in a truly unique and captivating way.

Paynesville Farmers and Makers Market

The Paynesville Farmers and Makers Market is a popular monthly market held on the Paynesville foreshore. Quality produce and craft is on offer.

Cecile Michel Open Studio – Pencil Realism

Open studio in Paynesville. Pencil drawings of objects from the 40s, 60s and 80s. Every Saturday and Sunday during the festival from 10:00am - 2:00pm

Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch

Enjoy a unique dining experience in the most picturesque of locations - a Long Table Lunch on the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge. Celebrating local food, wine and craft beer, guests will enjoy lunch and live music while perched 50 metres above the Nicholson River with spectacular views up and down the river.

Fun, Food & Golf on the Tambo Valley Golf Greens

Visit the Tambo Valley Golf Green for a fun day of activities for the whole family. Enjoy a free Round of Party Golf, Paint & Sip Art Class, Junction Creek "Duck Cup", Putting Competitions and Family Games. Two PGA Professional Golf Instructors will conduct Junior & Adult Golf Clinics.

Stargazing & the Magical Milky Way Boat Cruise

A magical night cruise on the Gippsland Lakes for Stargazing and to see the marvellous Milky Way. As the night sky lights up we will cruise from Paynesville to Ocean Grange for a fun, interactive and insightful stargazing experience at the Ninety Mile Beach.

Songs From The East

'Songs from the East' is a concert that celebrates the original music born out of East Gippsland. Join nine original artists for a afternoon and evening of stories, songs and good times at the Bruthen Inn Hotel.

Winter Wonderland Ball

The Wy Yung Pub invites you to come along an experience a night of fun, food, drinks and dancing at the Winter Wonderland Ball, an event created especially for the East Gippsland Winter Festival. Get ready to dance the night away with music from 'iO'.

Omeo Region Kite Day

Join the residents of the Omeo Region for a fun-filled Kite Day, with stalls, food and fun. Everyone very welcome, kites in hand or not.

Inverno ~ an Italian feast by Guy Grossi & Nick Mahlook

Hosted by renowned chef Guy Grossi and Sodafish owner and chef Nick Mahlook. Join us for an exclusive event that will take you on a journey into the heart and soul of Italian winter cuisine at ‘Inverno’ an Italian lunch feast.

Nature’s Wonderland

Embark on a virtual journey and immerse yourself in the captivating displays orchestrated by Mother Nature. Through large screens, immersive projections, and tangible exhibits, you can delve into a multitude of perspectives that showcase the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world.

Art Classes On Show

You are invited to come and see artwork being created by members of the Bairnsdale and District Art Society.

Lunch at Moscow Villa

Venture up in to the hills for a lunch at one of the High Country’s iconic huts. Enjoy a simple lunch from local chef Stuart Derham, with a chat about local history, the high country and the fabulous characters who have called the region home.

Winter Harvest – a Farmer’s Feast

Dine on the very best produce from our local Gippsland farms cooked in an open kitchen as you watch on. Warm by the fire as the night air is filled with the sounds of local musicians and sip away at locally produced beers and wines.

Lakes Lights: Enchanted Shores

This year's Lakes Lights theme is "Enchanted Shores: Roaming Giants & Mythical Beasts". Take part in the community lantern parade and marvel at artist-made lantern sculptures, roaming performers, and mythical creatures as the Lakes Entrance foreshore transforms into a whimsical wonderland. Immerse yourself in projection art and soundscapes for an unforgettable community celebration. Food trucks and live music will be next to the Rotunda!

Music Workshop with blues legend, Buddy Knox

Immerse yourself in this workshop and discover the heart and soul of blues guitar with Buddy Knox.

A night of Blues: The Buddy Knox Project – Bairnsdale

Buddy Knox delivers a show alongside his band showcasing his unique style by blending a mix of soul and blues favourites. Don't miss this opportunity to witness Buddy Knox, a true Australian icon, as he shares a night filled with soulful blues and heartfelt narratives.

A night of blues: The Buddy Knox Project – Orbost

A night of blues: The Buddy Knox Project – Mallacoota

Woolshed Lamb Feast – By The Lake

Enjoy a relaxing late afternoon, fireside soiree, overlooking the Gippsland Lakes. Chef Stuart Dehram, will showcase a lamb feast at the woolshed on the farm of Forge Creek Lamb. Stuart’s menu, accompanied with local produce, beer and wine from East Gippsland will be an event to indulge the senses.

Winding Down for Winter

Allow yourself to wind and slow down in the cold season. Relax your body, mind and soul in this gentle Yin Yoga session accompanied by Reiki Energy and Sound Healing.

Lake Tyers Beach Bush Picnic, Stroll & Activities

Bush Picnic, guided stroll and art activities in the heart of Lake Tyers Beach.

Mums & Bubs Circle

Enjoy some connection time with your little one and other mums. A circle filled with laughter, mindfulness, movement, and exchange. Everything a busy mummy needs.

Embodiment Retreat – Connecting to your body

This retreat will lead you back into your body and show you a way to create safety within again. Using different embodiment practices, meditation and breathwork will encourage the trust into your own body and intuition and open a new perspective on your whole life.

Jazz and Pizazz

East Gippsland Music at their best! Every ensemble will perform on their own, highlighting their talents. Combined for one massed number with over sixty artists on stage at once! The afternoon will be a hive of musical activity with a gold coin afternoon tea.

Children’s Workshop – Slime Time

Come and join us for 1 and a half hours of Slime Time Fun! All the slime you make you get to keep. Recommended age group 6+

Children’s Scratch Art Projector Lamp Workshop

Illuminate creativity with our Children's Scratch Art Projector Lamp Workshop! Kids can design their own night lights using scratch art techniques. Fun for ages 5 and up. Let imaginations shine! Register now for a glowing experience.

Damper and lantern making under the stars

Join Parks Victoria rangers by the fireside at Nyerimilang Heritage Park to mix up and cook damper and then create your own, unique lantern for a walk around the cliff tops and the pioneer cottages.

Cape Conran Ranger Talk – CANCELLED :(

Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the Cape Conran Ranger Talk due to the Ranger that was running the event being deployed to Canada for fire duty. Ticket holders have been notified via email.

Junior Rangers: Build a campfire and make damper

This is a hands-on Junior Ranger event for kids. Numbers are limited, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Murrindal Cave – Soft Adventure Caving

Join Parks Victoria staff from Buchan Caves on an adventure into one of the lesser-known caves in the Buchan area. Although not hardcore caving, be prepared to get up close and a little dirty.

Winter Skate at Cann River

Experience Winter Skate: Celebrate community and youth culture at Cann River Community centre and the new skatepark. As part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival, enjoy skating, interactive activities, delicious food, and live performances by Regional Arts Victoria's Bad Kids Project and local talents. Let's create unforgettable memories together!

Spanish Fiesta Night – Flamenca Music and Paella

Paynesville Wine Bar presents a special Spanish Fiesta featuring Flamenco music and paella. Special Guests Karavana Flamenca will keep you entertained with their Flamenco, Gypsy and Latin styles of music. Sangria available to purchase!

Paint & Decorate a Flower Pot Plant

Unleash creativity at our children's workshop! Paint and decorate plaster flower pots. Fun for all ages. Join us at our craft studio for a blooming good time!

Decorate Your Own Tote Bag Children’s Workshop

Get crafty at our kids' workshop! Decorate your own tote bag with our special fabric markers and once completed we will lock in your masterpiece with our heat presses. Join the fun at our craft studio today!

Deep in the Weeds

Join Sailors Grave Brewing for their infamous ‘Deep in the Weeds Festival’ at a special venue in 2024, the Marlo Hotel!! Come along and celebrate the final weekend of the month-long East Gippsland Winter Festival in style with great tunes, Wild Pies and of course, Sailors Grave's weird and wonderful beers!

Bruthen Band Hall Bash

Bruthen Band Hall Bash! Local acts from East Gippsland and beyond showcasing original Australian music. Surgeon General Warning: Floorboards will be bouncing! Get your gear on and get ready to party.

Tambo River Tapestry Weaving Workshop

Beginner Tapestry Weaving workshop inspired by the Tambo River and valley. All materials and equipment supplied.

Handwoven Houndstooth Workshop

Beginner weaving workshop, all materials and supplies included, and you will get to take home your own handwoven cloth in the classic 'Houndstooth' colour pattern.

Rustic Rug Weaving Workshop

Rug Up for winter with this 5 hour beginner workshop with all materials and supplies included. You will create a thick-textured woven floor rug/ hall runner using wool yarn and unspun wool tops. This is a beginner-friendly workshop, no prior experience needed.

Winter Warming

Join the Bairnsdale Scouts and Girl Guides for a fun filled day of activities including lantern making, old-time games (tug-of-war, egg-and-spoon and sack races), campfire sing-alongs, face painting, scavenger hunt and more! Sausage sizzle, S’mores, and hot chocolate available to purchase.

Junior Ranger Campfire Capers

Join a Ranger in the Buchan Caves Reserve to make damper and learn about campfire safety!

Hand Building Pottery Workshop

A one off clay sesh to ‘dip your toes’ into the amazingness that is claywork. Learn the fundamental skills of working with clay and develop your own personal creativity. We explore mindfulness meditation through the hand building method of clay play, while your create whatever your heart desires.

Resin Art Workshop

Less than zero experience needed, learn the art of epoxy resin painting in one of our community resin art workshops. Small to medium sized human gatherings, with all the know how and art supplies provided.

Kids Skateboard Painting Workshop

We have combined our two favourite kids courses to bring you fluid painted skateboards! Kids will experiment with fluid acrylic pouring techniques before executing a final design on their very own skateboard decks!

Long Paddock High Tea @ La Riva

Savour an unforgettable High Tea created by The Long Paddock at La Riva. Large range of Yarra Vally tea, accompanied by twists on classic sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream, jam & lemon curd, and a large selection of our best pastries.

Outdoor Movie Night

Come and enjoy a free outdoor movie night brought to you by the East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors and FReeZA crew. Remember to rug and keep warm this winter and join us at the Eastwood Oval, Howitt Ave 3875 on Saturday the 20th of July.

Tinamba Hotel Feast @ La Riva

Roam the picturesque gardens of La Riva whilst enjoying canapes and a complimentary beer or wine. Breathe in the landscape overlooking the infinity edge swimming pool, then settle in for your feast, crafted, prepared and served by the award-winning Tinamba Hotel team.

Tour de Tambo – Family Cycling

A self-guided bike ride from Swifts Creek to Ensay beside the scenic Tambo River. The route winds through riverside eucalypts and lush farmland. Cyclists may decide to ride part of the way then catch a shuttle bus back to Swifts Creek, or complete the full return trip. The ride will be supported by Snowy River Cycling who have standard bikes and e-bikes available for hire.

Live & Local at Chez Joe

Dinner, live music and a local producer showcase at Cafe Chez Joe in Metung. Be entertained by talented Gippsland musicians Olivia Lay and Duncan Clark. The menu features local East Gippsland produce, plus a showcase of local wine, craft beer and gin.

Chai Blending Masterclass and High on Chai Supper

Immerse yourself in the magic of spices and get high on chai with this masterclass. Learn the art of blending spices and create your own kind of beautiful chai blends. Master the stove top chai brewing all while filling your bellies with meticulously curated exotic supper menu.

Tracks, traces and nightlife – LTB’s wild things

Lake Tyers Coast Action invite you to explore the different tools and technologies you can use for wildlife spotting and citizen science - learn how to put your senses to work to detect the movements and activities of animals even when they can't be seen.

Warren Miller’s ALL TIME Film Tour

A world-renowned film tour right here in East Gippsland. Warren Miller’s ALL TIME, narrated by Jonny Moseley, brings 74 years of skiing filmmaking to Omeo. Celebrating the magic of winter, ALL TIME dives deep into elements that Warren himself first identified as the stuff of which snowy dreams are made.

Paynesville Water & Lights Festival

Join in a free lantern making workshop and Lantern Parade as part of our spectacular light installations along the Esplanade. The Parade will finish at Gilsenan Reserve with a family outdoor movie night, food vans and popcorn.

Cotton Tea Towel Weaving Workshop

Intermediate Weaving workshop with all materials and supplies included, to make your own soft cotton cloth that you can take home with you. It is recommended that you are already somewhat comfortable with warping a loom. However, if you are an adventurous beginner you are welcome to join us, just be aware that you may not weave as fast and might end up with a shorter tea-towel.

Karise Eden LIVE at the Cow & Fish Pub, Bairnsdale

LIVE at The Cow & Fish Pub, Bairnsdale - Australia's Soul Queen Karise Eden is set to light up the opening weekend of the this year's East Gippsland Winter Festival! Book your tickets now.

Welcome Winter Rail Trail Ride

Enjoy an undulating ride on the East Gippsland Rail Trail between Nicholson and Bruthen. On this 23km ride, soak up the serenity of pedaling through our beautiful country side, with no traffic! Be supported by our local guide with tips on the local area and bike mechanic support.

Cave Songs: Subterrane

Raven & the Dove return to Buchan’s Fairy Cave for their new show of “Cave Songs: Subterrane” - an audio-visual experience blending original music, visual projections, soundscape and spoken word, all set within the natural ambiance and acoustics of the Blackwood Chamber.

Paddlers Progressive Picnic Lakes Entrance

One of the unique features of Lakes Entrance, is being a town surrounded by lake! Make the most of it with us and join us for a guided progressive paddling picnic, as we sample some of the local flavours from our Kayaks & SUPs!

A Lakeside Stroll & Fireside Sketching Session

Learn to look with fresh eyes on a lakeside walk. Meet at the artist's studio above the jetty to explore mixed media sketching exercises. Inspired from your wintry lakeside wander, sketch in an inspiring setting -welcoming, supportive, cosy space, a glass of wine and some nibbles.

The Gift of Deep Rest – Yoga Nidra

A 90 minute immersion into the art and science of Yogic Sleep to align with this season of rest. We are so pleased to have Rayne Watkin come and share her expertise in the art and science of Yoga Nidra here at House of Yoga, Metung.

Christmas in July – Paint, Sip & Fine Dine

Join us at Three double8zero in Paynesville for this special Winter Festival event! Enjoy a mouth-watering traditional Christmas lunch followed by a relaxing painting session, facilitated by Bohdi Taylor Artist.

Creative Children’s Ink Drawing Adventure

An engaging hands on Art activity combining fun and keen observation which will result in some beautiful ink drawings in a wonderful artist's studio overlooking Nungurner Jetty. A small group of maximum 8 children. Materials provided. Suitable for children aged between 8 and 13.

Metung Paddle to Market

An adventure for those that want to brave the winter temperatures to spend time on the lake! Join us for a leisurely paddle from Chinamans Creek into Boxes Creek and across to the Metung Winter Market on the Village Green.

Yoga at the Cellar Door

Join Melanie of Peace and Yoga for a nourishing slow flow to restorative yoga practice. Followed by wine tasting and antipasto as the sun sets at beautiful Nicholson River Winery.

Winter Storytime

Winter Themed School Holiday Activities at Schoolworks, Bairnsdale. Various activities will be held at Schoolworks during the school holiday period.

Bottomless Gin High Tea on the High Seas @ MYC

Join Bancroft Bay Distillery at the Metung Yacht Club for a bottomless gin high tea on the high seas. You can enjoy bottomless G&T's from the Bancroft Bay Distillery range, Chinamans Creek Gin Mojito's and Limoncello Spritz. The high tea will be an assortment of sweet and savoury canapés.

Saucy Soiree: Paynesville Hotel’s BBQ Spectacular

Get fired up for the Paynesville Hotel's epic American BBQ Feast – three mouthwatering courses paired with a complimentary drink on arrival. Prepare for smoky flavour explosions and unforgettable moments! Don't miss out – book your seat now for one of East Gippsland Winter Festival's ultimate foodie events!

Nourishing Traditions Sourdough making

Learn the art and science of making a wild yeast starter and sourdough bread on an island in the Gippsland Lakes. Participate in the hands-on process and relax in between by the wood fire oven with seasonal harvest lunch provided and optional meditation and/or garden exploration.

Sardine Curing Workshop and Lunch

Learn to fillet, cure and preserve fresh sardines, then cook and share our sardine lunch with a glass of wine or beer, right by the lakeside in Slipway Shed #2

Winter Nights @ Laneway3875

Laneway3875 in the heart of Bairnsdale will come to life after dark with live music, art, street food, pop-up bars and more.

Raymond Island Koala Tours

A one hour guided walking tour of the Raymond Island Koala Trail to see koalas in their natural environment. Explore the trail with one of the team from Koalas of Raymond Island Wildlife Shelter who will share interesting information about our koalas and the environment.

Twin Rivers Bream Classic

Join us for the Twin Rivers Bream Classic, a family-friendly fishing competition in the stunning Twin Rivers and Gippsland Lakes. With over 10+ Bream fishing categories and major draw prizes including a $25,000 boat package, it's fun for all ages!

Southern Lights ~ group exhibition opening @ foundry

Join us at Foundry ~ your favourite local artist collective ~ to launch our inaugural group exhibition in our miniature hallway gallery space. This year’s theme speaks to the beauty and magic we felt, knowing that the aurora australis was gracing our skies. Come along to enjoy mulled wine & good spirit aligning with the 3875Laneway event.

Hot Honey Winter Feast

Come and enjoy a locally inspired feast, created by head chef, Sam Mahlook. Sit back, relax, tantalize your tastebuds while listening to local musician, Brent Hodgkins.

A Postcard from Lakes Entrance

A Postcard From Lakes Entrance Is an interactive workshop where you will use watercolours to explore your inner artist! Join us at the Slipway Sheds in the heart of the Lakes Entrance fishing fleet. A fun way to create memories! Enjoy a glass of bubbly and delicious nibbles provided by Pickler In The Woods!

ON FOOT Ocean Entrance Guided Nature Walk

Local sustainability leader Beth Ripper and other local Landcare folk will host a small group of bushwalkers on a 3 km walk from the Lakes Entrance Footbridge to the Ocean Entrance.

Paynesville Community Craft Centre – Meet the Makers

Meet the Makers of the beautifully handcrafted gifts, products and creations at the Paynesville Community Craft Centre.

Wire and Light Sculptures: Unleash Your Creativity!

FREE School Holiday Workshops (5-12yo) Kid's hands-on sculpture workshop. Dive into a world of wire and light. Discover the endless possibilities of armature wire as you twist and bend it to bring your imagination to life.

Safe Keeping the Gippsland Lakes

'Forever Chemicals': Are you exposed and should you be worried? Learn all about ‘forever chemicals’ (PFAS). East Gippsland Shire Mayor Cr. Tom Crook and Cr. Jane Greason will be in attendance.

Southeast NOW

This much-anticipated group exhibition of Koorie artists with a connection to Gippsland includes the work of Alfie Hudson, Alice Ann Pepper, Bradley Brown, Jennifer Mullett, Patricia Pittman, Ray Thomas, and Ronald Edwards Pepper.

Buchan Presents – Christmas in July

Buchan Presents a three-week long program of events and festive fun in the Buchan Valley! Expect magical light displays, enchanting lantern parades, live music, cold plunges, craft workshops, long lunches and so much more!

Sew Your Own Recycled Blanket Coat

Join the Bairnsdale Repair Cafe for a special Winter Festival workshop at The Hub. Sew your very own recycled blanket jacket! BYO blanket or delve into our stockpile.

Glo Ride Bairnsdale

Join us on our Glo Ride of the Mitchell River Track. Have some fun decking out your bike as creatively as you can with fairy lights, glow sticks, neon, strip lights, whatever you can come up with! It's a party ride together for an hour on 5 - 8km of trail!

Winter Chill with Misty Harlowe

Country blues songstress, Misty Harlowe is a rising star hailing from the hills of Victoria’s high country. Misty will be entertaining us as a fundraiser for the Omeo Hall and Hub, which are an integral part of the Omeo township. Great music, great vibes and great company for an evening of enjoyment.

Rose’s Art Show

My name is Rose and I am 10 years old. This is the fourth year that I am hosting an Art Show to raise money for charity. this year I am aiming to raise $3000 for Trust for Nature. Come along to view some wonderful art, purchase some for yourself or as a gift, have some afternoon tea, there will even be some activities for the kids. There will be a raffle also. Thankyou for supporting me and Trust for Nature.

‘Winter Light on the Lakes’ exhibition

Immerse yourself in the tranquil waterscapes of the Gippsland Lakes and Mallacoota by local watercolour artist Rod Cross. Join us for his exhibition featuring the latest works, capturing the essence of waterways, boats and birdlife. Meet Rod in the picturesque village of Metung and experience his mesmerizing creations firsthand.

Free Lantern Making Workshops

Come along for a free workshop and make a lantern to carry in one of the lantern parades during the festival to help light up East Gippsland this winter. Proudly supported by VicHealth.

FROTH

FROTH is an evening of local storytellers telling short personal stories about... festivals, friendships, fiascos. If you love ' Moth' style storytelling - you'll love our 'FROTH' version here at the Slipway Sheds. Darren McCubbin as MC, Dane Nicholls on music in between and Leanne Flaherty in charge! And an evening of the best local stories.

Young Artists Illuminated

Based on a marine theme, art works created by the children from Paynesville Primary School will be on display for the Winter Festival. The art works will be illuminated each night with the clever use of black light.

Bespoke Folk @ Nowa Nowa Hall

Live folk music, Sunday sippers and grazing platters at Nowa Nowa Hall.

Crackers and Dip

Are you CRACKERS enough to take a DIP in the Buchan Pool this East Gippsland Winter Festival?

Buchan’s ‘Christmas in July’ Lantern Walk

Come and join the “Cool Yule” on Friday 28 June from 5:30pm with an Opening Night event at the Butter Factory featuring light displays, carol singers, lantern parades, live music and so much more.

Buchan’s ‘Christmas in July’ Closing Event

Our “Cool Yule” ends on Friday 19 July from 5:30pm with a huge Closing Night event at the Butter Factory featuring light displays, lantern display, live music from Delsinki & The Quiet Coachmen and so much more.