The Best Events In Regional Victoria To Lock In For Your Spring Getaway
From multi-sensory art installations to a music festival in a quarry, there’s a whole world of wonderful experiences just waiting to be discovered beyond the city. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Visit Victoria to shine a spotlight on the regional events you can’t miss for spring. Read on for where to head, and what to eat, drink and do while you're there.
Mildura Fringe Festival
Mildura | 31 October–16 November
Seeking something a little left of field? You can’t go past the Mildura Fringe Festival—a celebration of the outskirts of society. With circus and theatre acts to fuel your soul, and food trucks to fill your stomach, you’ll discover a whole other side to this thriving regional city sitting pretty on the Murray River.
That also means you’ll need to stay at least a couple of nights, so book a stay with All Seasons Houseboats where you can snooze, swim, canoe, fish or explore your way down the river.
Keen to explore further afield? The apartments also provide bikes, so get your cycling legs on and work up an appetite before rounding off your day at Andy’s Kitchen. There you’ll find a dreamy Bali hut and a team of award-winning chefs ready and waiting to serve you up a feast of Asian-inspired dishes.
Sunnyside
Ballarat | 6–23 November
Do you like tacos and multi-sensory art installations? Well, have we got long weekend plans sorted. Head directly to Ballarat this November to experience Sunnyside—a celebration shaped by workshops, talks and wanderings. Straight up, there’s a lot to discover, so book a couple of nights at the iconic Hotel Provincial.
Once you’ve settled in at your fancy digs, step outside to savour Sunnyside—where local collaborations collide with the colourful works of renowned UK artist Morag Myerscough. Forever fascinated with how colour and pattern can alter urban environments, Morag’s work is rooted in creating a sense of joy, which you’ll also find by the bucketload at Pancho. A Latin American Bar and Eatery, these guys are serving up some seriously good flavours from Central and South America. Order the tamales, stay for the tacos, sip the tequila and savour the colourful community all weekend.
La Dolce Vita
King Valley | 14–16 November
Authentic Italian food, live music and wine—it’s the stuff dreams are made of, so consider this your sign to visit King Valley for the La Dolce Vita Festival this November.
The region’s renowned wineries and producers will swing open their doors for one weekend only, inviting you to sample their new releases and spring-ready tipples (including prosecco cocktails and wine spritzes), all perfectly paired with dishes designed to delight.
Travelling with friends or family? Consider booking Dal Zotto Homestead, a spacious retreat that comes complete with three stylish bedrooms (each with a private bathroom), vineyard views and a fully equipped kitchen. Not that you’ll be doing much cooking with La Dolce Vita dishing out the endless culinary goods. But you are conveniently steps away from the Dal Zotto Cellar Door, where relaxation with a glass of their moreish Prosecco in hand is highly encouraged.
Budburst Macedon Ranges Wine Festival
Macedon Ranges | 15–16 November
Less than an hour from Melbourne, the Budburst Macedon Ranges Wine Festival delivers a postcard-perfect experience just a hop, skip and a jump from our doorstep. First, book your base at Willowglade Retreat and Gardens—it comes with its own large, private garden, stream and waterfall. Speaking of nature, consider packing your walking boots—the Mount Macedon Loop serves up some spectacular views and will undoubtedly fuel your appetite.
Next, start planning your festival itinerary to ensure you don’t miss out on the many tastings, curated food menus and winemaker chats planned from 10am to 5pm each day. With a whole range of weekend passes and bus tours available, stay a night—or three—to soak up everything the mesmerising Macedon Ranges has to offer. That includes a must-visit to the architecturally designed UUMM restaurant for wood-fired pizza and seasonal sharing dishes, and a wine den for those seeking an intimate and educational vino experience.
Queenscliff Music Festival
28–30 November
The Queenscliff Music Festival is driven by two things: celebrating contemporary Australian music and the opportunity to support and nurture upcoming local talent. That means stellar live music from the likes of King Stingray, Thelma Plum and Cosmic Psychos, plus a whole range of workshops and performance opportunities to boot, all in one divine weekend. It’s a festival that makes you feel good, and does good, so get your tickets, pronto.
The trip to town also means you can sample some seriously good pastries. Go directly to Ket Baker, the perfect pre-festival fueling station, where you can choose from flaky croissants, fresh sourdough and small batch pastries, all handcrafted, all delicious.
While in town, there’s a stack of accommodation options to choose from. If you like being close to the action, opt for camping at the Queenscliff Recreation Reserve (just a 1km stroll from the Festival site), or seize the opportunity to explore further afield. The nearby Lonsdale is proud host to Lon Retreat & Spa, an exclusive five-star luxury retreat set on 200 acres, tucked away on a hill overlooking the ocean (swoon). There’s a mineral spa, heated indoor pool, private beach access and farm tracks perfect for arvo strolls—picnic hamper and favourite festival-loving friend in tow.
Grounded
29 November
Picture this: a festival, in a quarry. It’s niche, we know, but it’s also pretty spectacular. There’s red dirt and golden paddocks, live music beneath big blue skies and local flavours from friendly food vendors. This is Grounded, a music festival at Dookie Quarry in the heart of the Goulburn Valley. Carved deep into the earth, the unlikely venue has a soul-stirring vibe, proudly celebrating the raw, regional talent on its raw, earthy stage.
While the festival is one day only, you’re going to want to make a weekend of your Goulburn Valley adventure. Stay in Nagambie on the banks of the river at Hide And Seek Retreat, a sprawling luxury accommodation with private guest homes. For dinner, make a beeline for The Teller Collective, Shepparton's go-to for refined, regional dining where local produce is the hero.
Lenny Kravitz In Mildura
Mildura | 28 November
Ready to hit the road? Check out more of what’s going down in our regions here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Visit Victoria and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Supplied