The East Gippsland Winter Festival has again proven to be the winter warmer East Gippsland loves, boosting tourism, creativity and community cohesion throughout the region over the quietest season.
The East Gippsland Winter Festival has once again brought the region to life in mid-winter with its vibrant month-long celebration of culture, creativity, and community spirit.
As the fourth consecutive year of the festival, it has solidified its place as a beloved winter tradition, transforming the quieter season into a bustling hub of activity and economic vitality across East Gippsland.
This year’s festival boasted its most diverse and engaging program yet, featuring more than 160 events offering something for all ages, interests and budgets.
From sold-out culinary experiences like the High Country lunch at Moscow Villa Hut and the Inverno Italian feast by Guy Grossi, to perennial favourites such as the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge long lunch, and Bruthen Medieval Fire Festival, the festival catered to a wide array of tastes and preferences.
Despite facing the wettest winter over the last four years, attendees enthusiastically embraced the elements, participating in activities ranging from Winter Solstice Sunrise Swims to lantern parades, large-scale light installations, cave concerts and more.
New additions such as Omeo’s Kite Day, the Tour de Tambo bike from Swifts Creek to Ensay and Cann River’s Winter Skate brought the community together across the region and encouraged visitors and locals alike to get active outdoors.
While 2024 attendance figures are still being collated from the dozens of event organisers across the region, total numbers are expected to set a new record with thousands of visitors flocking to East Gippsland for the festival, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.
“We’ve received numerous reports from event organisers, stallholders and local businesses noting a significant presence of out-of-town visitors for the festival, which is wonderful news,” Adam Bloem, founder of the East Gippsland Winter Festival, said.
“One of the main objectives of the festival is to attract visitors in the quiet off-peak season, so it’s really pleasing to hear these reports”
The Paynesville Hotel hosted a sold-out American Barbecue Feast as part of this year’s festival program and owner Nate Thompson was delighted with the response.
“It was our first time being involved with the Winter Festival and it’s been wonderful,” Mr Thompson said.
“We’ve received lots of great feedback on our event and have had quite a few attendees since returning for dinner.
“We were really impressed with the variety of offerings on the festival program and attended a few of the events ourselves.”
The Paynesville Water and Lights Festival attracted thousands of visitors on what would have otherwise been another quiet winter weekend.
“Our kitchen had its busiest night of winter. It was fantastic,” Mr Thompson explained.
“A lot of the customers were visitors to the area, here for the (winter) festival,” he added.
