Phillip Island Food Festival

Located on the lovely Bass Coast, Phillip Island has a plethora of food festivals that draw crowds from all over the country. From family-friendly local produce celebrations to wine tastings and food stalls, Phillip Island has something for everyone. With beautiful backdrops and a party atmosphere, these events are the perfect way to try the island’s food, from gourmet to sweet. Foodies, locals and tourists all come to these events to taste the best of the island and have a ball.

Festival History

The food festivals on Phillip Island have community roots going back many years. They started as small local events to promote the island’s agricultural produce and showcase the many flavours created by local farmers and chefs. Over time, with tourism and the growing interest in eco-friendly and sustainable farming, these events have grown into full-blown festivals. Today, professional chefs, passionate farmers and even international soloists perform to sold-out crowds. This reflects Phillip Island’s commitment to its farming heritage and sustainable practices and makes each event an educational and fun experience for locals and visitors.

Fresh Produce Galore

At festivals like the Churchill Island Farmers Market, you can wander through rows of stalls filled with fresh produce from the island’s farms. The Churchill Island Farmers Market is family-friendly and has everything from seasonal fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and organic honey. For your fussiest friends, these stalls have the island’s best fresh produce, so it’s the perfect place to stock up for a beach dining experience or a picnic. You can also watch demonstrations of sheep shearing and other farming activities and get a glimpse into the island’s agricultural history.

Food Experiences

From the Phillip Island tour, the Phillip Island Food Truck Carnival to chocolate at local events, Phillip Island’s food festivals have plenty of fun for foodies. These festivals have a range of food stalls, each with different flavours to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. For those who love cultural performances, the Bass Coast Ukulele Festival and Collide Ensemble bring music and entertainment to the food. There are also educational events on sustainable food practices and environmental activities to remind us of responsible consumption.

When and Where to Go

Phillip Island has food events all year round so you can keep exploring and enjoying the foodie delights. The Churchill Island Farmers Market & Market is on monthly so you have year round access to local produce, and the Winter Solstice Festival in June has warm, comforting food perfect for the season. Other events like the Phillip Island Food & Wine Festival and Phillip Island Food Truck Carnival turn the island into a foodie wonderland with locations across Rhyll Park and Thompson Avenue.

Festival Dates and Location

Events like the Phillip Island Food & Wine Festival and Churchill Island Farmers Market are held in the main town of Cowes and on Churchill Island, so you have easy access and stunning views. With dozens of stalls and loads of activities, these events are at the busiest times of the year, so there are plenty of dining options and atmosphere.If you don’t have a car, public transport is an option, with train and bus routes available. There are dozens of stalls and loads of activities. These events are at the busiest time. As many events are seasonal, check the events calendar to confirm dates for events calendar your trip around these events. If you don’t have a car, public transport is an option, with train and bus routes available. There are dozens of stalls and loads of activities. These events are at the busiest time. As many events are seasonal, check the events calendar to confirm dates for events calendar your trip around these events.s and loads of activities these events are at the busiest time As many events are seasonal, check the events calendar to confirm dates for events calendar your trip around these events.

Getting There

Getting to Phillip Island from Melbourne is easy. Just drive from East Melbourne along the Bass Coast. If you don’t have a car, public transport is an option, with train and bus routes available. Events like the Cowes Night Market and the Philip Island Model Railway Exhibition have parking for visitors. The boardwalks and treetop walkways around the venues are beautiful.

Island Food & Wine Festival

The highlight of the island’s foodie calendar, the Phillip Island Food & Wine Festival brings together the region’s best wines, craft beers and gourmet food in one event. You can taste wines and ciders from local wineries and breweries and gourmet dishes from the island’s top chefs. From fresh seafood to artisan charcuterie, every food stall has something unique to tantalise your taste buds.
There’s also live music, art exhibits and food-related workshops where you can learn about wine pairing, cooking techniques and more. With its festive atmosphere and delicious food and drink, the Phillip Island Food & Wine Festival is a must-do for those who want to experience the island’s local flavours in a sophisticated and lively way.

Winter Solstice Festival

The Winter Solstice Festival celebrates the shortest day of the year with warm and cozy events that bring comfort and joy to Phillip Island. Held on Churchill Island, this festival is a snuggly affair with fire pits, mulled wine and hearty food like soups, stews and freshly baked bread. The rustic setting, storytelling, fire shows, and live music make it a special experience. For those who want to experience the island’s food in a more intimate way, the Winter Solstice Festival is the perfect opportunity to get cosy in the colder months.

Cowes Night Market

Every month along Thompson Avenue the Cowes Night Market is a fun and family friendly event with food, shopping and entertainment under the stars. Food stalls offer everything from gourmet burgers and hot dogs to vegan options and local artisans sell handmade jewellery, textiles and art. Street performers, musicians and a chill vibe make the Cowes Night Market a local and visitor favourite, a great night out with a sense of community.

Island Craft Market

The Island Craft Market is all about the island’s artisanal spirit with local handcrafted goods, clothing, jewellery and food. Not a food festival per se but there are many stalls with fresh produce, baked goods, homemade preserves and snacks so it’s a great spot for foodies. Beyond food the Island Craft Market supports small business and is a unique shopping experience for those looking to buy quality, locally made products.

San Remo TIDAL Seafood Festival

Celebrating the seafood heritage of the Bass Coast, the San Remo TIDAL Seafood Festival is a two-day event where you can indulge in the freshest local seafood. The festival has a variety of seafood dishes, from fish and chips to gourmet seafood platters, and cooking demonstrations and workshops on sustainable fishing practices. With live music and coastal views, the San Remo TIDAL Seafood Festival is the essence of the area’s maritime culture and culinary expertise.

Chocolate Festival

The Chocolate Festival at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is all things chocolate. Truffles, cakes, chocolate drinks. This is a family friendly event with chocolate making workshops, live demos and tastings. A sweet escape for all chocolate lovers of all ages. The Chocolate Festival is a decadent experience that showcases the skill and art of artisanal chocolate making.