The Best Events In Regional Victoria To Get Around For A Summer Escape
Craving a slice of country hospitality this summer? Good plan. Picture this: a film festival on the village green, feasts of mussels cooked every way possible and a natural amphitheatre on the banks of the mighty Murray River. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Visit Victoria to shine a spotlight on the regional events you can’t miss for summer.
Nightjar Festival Series
Torquay | 29 December–11 January
It’s that weird time of year when you don’t know what day it is but you know you need to stop eating leftovers and leave the house. Thankfully, the Nightjar Festival Series has got Torquay covered for two fun-filled weeks—delivering live music and boot scooting lessons, van life conversations and wellbeing wisdom, roving performances and food trucks galore.
With a schedule like that, booking a long weekend is a wise move, and you can’t go past Tiny Gem, a tiny house decked out with all the bells and whistles. We’re talking a queen bed with luxury linen, fluffy robes and a copper bath beneath the stars. You’ll feel a million miles away in that tub, prosecco in hand, overlooking this dreamy property’s vineyard—and yet you’re actually just a 15-minute walk to Torquay for your morning caffeine and pastry hit. Even better, park up at the counter of Mortadeli, and get two hands around one of their banging sangas.
Peninsula Film Festival
Rosebud | 9–11 January
A short film festival. On the village green. In the seaside haven of Rosebud. Do regional escapes get any better? Founded by Steve Bastoni (of Police Rescue fame) back in 2011, the Peninsula Film Festival gives upcoming filmmakers the chance to strut their stuff for fellow film buffs, alongside the Rosebud Cinema Launch and a filmmaking workshop. Stay on brand all weekend long and book a table at Orson, a modern Australian restaurant tucked inside the town’s old theatre arcade. The small, ever-changing menu celebrates local, fresh flavours while the wine list spotlights some of the best makers from the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.
Portalington Mussel Festival
Portarlington | 10 January
Do you love live music, art exhibitions, bustling markets and more mussels than you can poke a stick at? Well then, book your next regional adventure to the Portalington Mussel Festival—a day bursting with all of the above and more on the breathtaking Bellarine Peninsula.
Once you’ve wrapped up your wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and sampled mussels cooked every way you can imagine, head to the Portalington Grand Hotel. Described as ‘the jewel of the Bellarine Peninsula’, this historic home-away-from-home has been greeting travellers since 1888. Settle in for the night (or two) in one of their recently-refurbished, luxury rooms—and don’t forget to sample the schnitty or smashed beef burger.
Forage And Feast
Central Highlands | 12 January–15 February
This one invites you to do what it says on the tin—Forage And Feast to your heart’s content in the vibrant, flavour-filled destination that is the Central Highlands. Discover tales behind ales, pay homage to the humble banger or combine food history with your daily step count on a walking tour.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, so you'd best block out a long weekend or more to really dive deep into the local culinary talent. Keen to push the boat out? Mount William Station is inviting guests to an overnight, bush-luxe escape at their 1920s homestead. And yep, a full farm-to-table experience is on the cards. You’re welcome.
Riverboats Music Festival
Echuca | 13–15 February
The Riverboats Music Festival line-up calls for a minimum two-night regional escape, because you won’t want to miss a single beat. The Living End, Baker Boy, Xavier Rudd, Emma Donovan, and so much more talent will meet on the banks of the mighty Murray River from 13–15 February. So pull up a pew beneath the towering gums and soak up this truly unique festival held at Aquatic Reserve, a natural amphitheatre in Echuca.
And while there’s a food court and bar on site, we suggest you steal a moment to visit The Mill—a restaurant, bar and lounge that calls a five-storey flour mill home. The restored space combines red brick and timber beams with statement chandeliers and cosy corners for cocktails.
FEASTIVAL Falls Creek
Falls Creek | 13–15 February
Sometimes in life, things are a no-brainer—FEASTIVAL is one of those things. Set against the jaw-droppingly dreamy, alpine backdrop of Falls Creek Resort, this event is a three-day celebration of music, art, food, comedy and culture. The 2026 headliner? The Jungle Giants. Yep, their sweet indie beats will soar high against those mountain peaks, so lock in a couple of nights to soak it all up. Lakeside Falls Creek, a lodge-style hotel, sits at the very top of the village and boasts some seriously stunning views from the bar—a very convenient night-cap destination after a fun-filled day at FEASTIVAL.
Good Charlotte Motel Du Cap World Tour
Bendigo | 21 February
You read that right—pop-punk rock royalty Good Charlotte is coming to Australia in February 2026 for their Motel Du Cap World Tour. You know what that means right? First, book your tickets. Second, book your accommodation. Walking distance to all the main local attractions, rest your weary head at Bendigo Lodges, complete with stunning gardens and sleek interiors. If you're keen to venture further than your digs for a feed, Ghosty's serve a killer all-day menu (and cocktail list to pair). And finally, listen to Good Charlotte every waking moment so you’re lyric-ready when the anthems begin.
South Gippsland Garlic Festival
Meeniyan | 28 February
The South Gippsland Garlic Festival is an entire day dedicated to garlic, and we’re here for it. Of course, you won’t just find garlic on the schedule, discover delicious regional produce from growers near and far, take notes at live cooking demonstrations, refine your palate at a wine tasting session (or two) and remember to regularly refuel at one of the many on-site food stalls throughout the day. If you have the time—and the appetite to spare—Tsuko is a top-tier Japanese kitchen housed within The Coterie, serving fresh salads and steaming bowls of katsu.
ChillOut Festival
Daylesford | 5–9 March
This is your sign to book tickets directly to planet love—otherwise known as ChillOut Festival. Held in Daylesford, the gay capital of regional Victoria, ChillOut is Australia’s largest and longest-running Country Queer Pride festival. Drawing a love-filled crowd of 30K plus every year, the event is run by eight passionate locals who are driven to deliver some seriously good times, while also supporting the rural LGBTIQ community, artists and wider community to boot.
Make the most of this country retreat by signing up for some serious R&R at the iconic Daylesford Day Spa, and do not leave town without sampling the goods at Wombat Hill House—the ‘goods’ being sourdough, baguettes, doughnuts and all the pastries.
Port Fairy Folk Festival
Port Fairy | 6–9 March
Back in December 1977, the first Port Fairy Folk Festival was held on the back of a truck. In 2026, the event celebrates its 49th year thanks to the support of visitors near and far, musicians and artists handpicked from all over the world, and a dedicated group of volunteers. Expect dance workshops and yarning circles, a Sunday singout session and food and craft stalls to fuel both body and soul. There’s a lot to soak up, so a place to rest and reboot those dance moves is highly recommended. Whether you’re travelling with the whole gang or planning a romantic regional getaway, Douglas Riverside is worthy of your attention—we’re talking luxury accommodation complete with river views. All that dancing will leave you thirsty, so stop off for a refreshing pint or two at Noodledoof Taproom, a craft brewery and distillery housed in an old Motor Garage.
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