This year’s Winter Festival runs from 20 June to 20 July 2025, with a lineup of annual favourites and new, exciting events added to the program of unique art, culture, food, nature and wellness experiences.
With thanks to another year of support from the Victorian Government through the Regional Events Fund and the East Gippsland Shire Council, this year is set to be the most diverse program yet.
A program with something for everyone:
- The Conscious Connoisseur | 21 June: Yoga at the Cellar Door, Nicholson. One of the most picturesque yoga “studios”, the stunning Nicholson River Winery, hosts a Vinyasa flow practice, followed by wine and cheese as the sun sets on the stunning “Nicho River”.
- The Life Long Learner | 28 June: Nanna Skillz Masterclasses, Bairnsdale. Preserve the preserve. Don’t let Nanna’s skills disappear! Learn to make jams, relishes and fruit butters the traditional way. This hands-on preserving class will upskill you, Nanna style!
- The Steampunk Set | 18 July: Snowy Steampunk Soiree, Orbost. Twilight drinks, steampunk style, on the newly restored Snowy Rail Bridge. Enjoy steaming spiced bevvies, live music, with an unforgettable atmosphere at an incredible location. Celebrate the new life of this grand historic structure in vintage-industrial style. And be sure to make a weekend of it with Deep in the Weeds on 19 July at Dunetown, the new Sailor’s Grave Brewery located between Marlo and Cape Conran. .
- The Nature Lover | 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 July: Raymond Island Koala Tours, Paynesville. This one hour guided walking tour of the Raymond Island Koala Trail guarantees you will see koalas in their natural environment. With Koala populations so adversely affected by the Black Summer Bushfires, this unique island sanctuary, is a showcase of hope and resilience and best of all, free and open everyday, while the tours are ticketed.
- The Little Ones | 20 June – 20 July: Bluey & Bingo Light Up, Lakes Entrance. Join Bluey and Bingo on an illuminated winter adventure! This glowing lantern display celebrates Australian endangered animals and includes a QR code linking to fun facts. A magical stop for kids and grown-ups alike.
- The ‘Naughty’ Big Kids | 27 June: ROUGE – A Circus for Grown Ups. A decadent blend of sensational acrobatics, operatic cabaret and tongue-in-cheek burlesque. It is a non-stop celebration of the astonishing, the surprising and the downright sexy.
“We are proud to support the East Gippsland Winter Festival, boosting local jobs and businesses by celebrating light, food, music and culture that attracts visitors from all over the state over winter. This event is another example of how the Regional Events Fund continues to showcase our incredible regions to thousands, supporting the tourism sector and local communities.” – Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos.
With locations ranging from the Far East at Cape Conran, Orbost, and Bemm River, up to the high country in Omeo and down to shores of the Gippsland Lakes in Paynesville, locals and visitors alike can explore the renowned region while experiencing a series of unique winter festival events!
“The East Gippsland Winter Festival is a brilliant celebration of our region’s creativity, resilience and community spirit, and I’m proud to see it going from strength to strength with support from the Allan Labor Government.” – Member for Eastern Victoria Region Tom McIntosh.
Encompassing the Victorian and New South Wales school holidays, there is a vast range of family friendly events for the whole family to enjoy from lantern parades, markets, art classes, exhibitions, ice-carving demonstrations, nature tours and more.
