Winter seems like the time to hide under the doona and get reacquainted with your Netflix queue, but that is absolutely the wrong approach. Cold weather brings with it a kind of magic in the form of frosty air and clear, still views that seem to go on forever, and this is especially the case in regional Victoria.
If you're keen to head on a cool-climate caper but aren't sure where to begin, you're in luck: the East Gippsland Winter Festival is returning for its third iteration. Rug up and hit the road for a month-long celebration packed with lavish winter feasts, fantastical art installations, live music, lantern parades, creative workshops, wellness experiences and much more.
This year, the festivities kick off on June 9 and coincide with the winter solstice, Victorian school holidays and the King's Birthday long weekend. Highlights include live ice sculpting and a spectacular fire show in Metung on June 10, and the Deep in the Weeds Festival (headlined by C.W. Stoneking) in Orbost, also on June 10.
On June 24 head to Bruthen for the Medieval Winter Fire Festival, which will feature sword fights, bonfires, music, roving performers, costumes and feasting. And on July 1 the small stretch of land between Gippsland Lakes and 90 Mile Beach will transform into a glittering lightscape thanks to a community-led lantern parade.
Finally, head to Bairnsdale's CBD on July 8 for a laneway party that will include projection art, music, street food, local craft beer and wine, and the Foundry Artist Collective.
These highlights only scratch the surface, with a total of more than 100 events to choose from. To browse the full program and start plotting your winter getaway, visit the East Gippsland Winter Festival website.
