Embrace the cold weather at these immersive festivals in country Australia

From wine fiestas to foodie adventures, here's the guide.

Wine tasting in Adelaide Hills. Picture: SATC

Updated April 1, 2025, first published May 29, 2024

Vivid in Sydney (until June 15) and Rising in Melbourne (June 1-16) may be drawing the biggest crowds as the mercury dips, but a range of excellent festivals are taking place in different parts of regional Australia, too, in case you're after something a bit more laidback and relaxed.

Leading the charge is Truffle Kerfuffle (June 28-30) in Manjimup, Western Australia, where you can go truffle hunting, meet local farmers and growers, and taste sensational food and wine.

Next on the cards is the East Gippsland Winter Festival (June 21 to July 21) - a month-long calendar of live music, cooking classes, on-foot adventures such as guided bush walks, and wellness experiences such as yoga and sound bath.

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The Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival (July 12-13) in Tasmania is a great way to discover the region's apple-picking history, or - if you're a fan of red wines, head to the Adelaide Hills region in South Australia for a deep dive into the world of pinot noirs and tempranillos at the upcoming Winter Reds (July 28-30) festival.

One of NSW's best-known gourmet regions, Orange will turn up the heat, too, in the middle of the cold season with Winter Fire Festival (August 2-11), packed with special food and wine events. trufflekerfuffle.com.au; egwinterfest.com.au; huonvalleytas.com; adelaidehillswine.com.au; orange360.com.au