Best food and drink festivals to head to on a road trip this autumn
With autumn now firmly here, it's cool enough to plan a road trip.
And from Noosa to Perth, an array of food festivals are coming up which would make the perfect attraction for a few days away.
Car hire firm Avis Australia has put together a guide to some of the best to inspire you to get driving.
Read through for some inspiration.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest travel news and deals via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Clare Valley SCA Gourmet Week, South Australia
17 - 26 May 2024
Celebrating forty years in May, join foodies from across the country at Australia's longest-running food and wine event.
Over three weekends discover what makes this iconic wine-making region near Adelaide so special, as you explore local wineries and eateries, before coming together at the Long Lunch finale.
Shore Leave Festival, Western Australia
24 – 28 April 2024
Embark on an adventure to the Coral Coast this April, and immerse yourself in Shore Leave, Geraldton's ultimate seafood festival.
Uncover the region's rich history during Shore Leave's packed program including a vibrant seafood market, marine tours, live music, and the Midwest Paddock to Plate event featuring celebrity chef, Matt Moran.
Taste Great Southern, Western Australia
2 – 12 May 2024
Experience the Taste Great Southern festival, where fresh local food, fine wine, and stunning landscapes unite.
Over 30 events hosted by acclaimed chefs and talent await, including regional food and wine festivals, long lunches, degustations, and community markets.
Scenic Rim Eat Local Month
June 2024
Beat the winter blues and hop in your car to drive an hour south of Brisbane and the Gold Coast to the Scenic Rim.
Here, you'll find paddock-to-plate in its most authentic form across 130 events, and 50 farms - just make sure you're around for the highlight Winter Harvest Festival.
GourMay Mary Valley festival, Queensland
May 2024
Culminating with Festival Day on Saturday, May 25, The GourMay Mary Valley festival is a month-long celebration of the farmers, producers, and creators of the Mary Valley region.
From farm tours to cooking classes, you can indulge in a series of exciting satellite events throughout May in the area, which is inland from the Sunshine Coast.
Events also include the Mary Valley Food Trail & Rattler Experience! on a heritage train.
Tastes of the Goulburn, Victoria
27 April 2024
Explore the stunning rivers and ranges of the Goulburn Valley region in Central Victoria, meeting the region's best producers, chefs, growers, and winemakers.
Take home innovative new recipes and amazing local produce as you enjoy chef demonstrations, food vans and eateries, and live music and entertainment at this festival.
Wild Harvest Seafood Festival Mallacoota, Victoria
26 – 28 April 2024
This festival in Mallacoota celebrates the abundance of seafood in East Gippsland and its Indigenous heritage.
Spotlighting local businesses and the unique charm of the Mallacoota region, come with an empty stomach to indulge in some of Australia's freshest seafood.
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival, Queensland
30 May – 2 June 2024
With 75 events spanning over four days, and over 80 local and international exhibitors, you're guaranteed to have a weekend you'll never forget at Noosa's iconic Eat & Drink Festival.
Enjoy events on the Noosa beachfront, before making the most of the region's delicious produce.
Newcastle Food Month, NSW
April 2024
This event has already kicked off.
Head to Newcastle for 30 days of exciting culinary events, pop-up restaurants, wine tastings, and chef masterclasses.
It's the perfect celebration of this up-and-coming food region.
