A record-breaking crowd of more than 300 brave swimmers plunged into the icy waters of the Lakes Entrance Slipway on last Saturday, spearheading a spectacular opening weekend for the East Gippsland Winter Festival.
The massive turnout for the annual Winter Dip — a key calendar event dedicated to raising vital funds and awareness for regional mental health initiatives — set a high-energy tone for the launch of the multi-week
festival, which celebrates community spirit, natural wonders, and local creativity.
Following the chilly morning launch, the weekend’s culinary centrepiece saw a sold-out collaboration lunch between renowned chef Guy Grossi and local restaurant Sodafish, owned and operated by Nick Mahlook. Titled Inverno III, the premium event served up a sensational winter feast infused with distinct Italian flavour and style, floating directly alongside the Lakes Entrance fishing fleet.
Organisers said the blockbuster opening weekend is just a tiny snippet of how locals are showcasing “how we winter” right across East Gippsland. With the festival now officially underway, there are still more than 100 events to go on the program.
The celebrations continue this Saturday, June 27, when the Metung Winter Festival takes over the Village Green. This vibrant community celebration will feature premium winter comfort food, live local music, and family-friendly activities designed to create unforgettable winter memories.
On Friday, July 3, the focus shifts to Wyanga Park Winery in Lakes Entrance for the Food & Fire event. Patrons can enjoy a cozy evening featuring a roaming menu of finger food and tapas-style dishes cooked over open flames using the region’s freshest local ingredients, all paired with warming cocktails and mulled wine.
The following night, Saturday, July 4, the Lakes Entrance Foreshore will transform into a magical world for Lakes Lights: Gardens of the Galaxy. Visitors can wander through glowing enclaves of giant artist-made lanterns, projection art, and immersive soundscapes, while keeping an eye out for roving entertainers, including the famous Lakes Entrance Sea Hags.
