Phillip Island Food Festival

Q: What’s special about the Phillip Island Food Festival?

The Phillip Island Food Festival celebrates the island’s rich food culture with fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and family-friendly events. It blends local produce with world-class culinary experiences.

Q: When is the best time to come?

You can visit year-round, but the key highlights are during the Winter Solstice Festival in winter and the Island Food & Wine Festival in summer.

Q: Are there activities for kids?

Yes! Families can enjoy the Food Truck Carnival and Chocolate Activities at the Chocolate Festival, specially designed for kids.

Q: How do I buy tickets?

Tickets are available online and at the Churchill Island Farmers Market. Some events are free to attend.

Q: What else to do on the island?

Apart from the festival, you can enjoy the Penguin Parade, treetop boardwalks, the Cowes Jetty Triangle, and other nature, adventure, and relaxation experiences on Phillip Island.

Against the beautiful Bass Coast, Phillip Island’s Food Festival is a celebration of food, community & local produce. From food made with love to events that bring families & friends together, this annual festival is more than a feed – it’s an experience that showcases the best of the region. Whether you’re treating yourself to gourmet goodies, food vans, or just soaking up the atmosphere at Beach HQ, the Phillip Island Food Festival is a night not to be missed for foodies of all kinds.

Festival History

The Phillip Island Food Festival started as a small community event to celebrate the island’s farm fresh produce and bring the locals together. Inspired by the old-fashioned farm gate produce markets like the Churchill Island Farmers Market, it has grown into one of the most popular food festivals in the region. Over the years, the festival has drawn inspiration from the broader Gippsland region, incorporating South Gippsland, East Gippsland and beyond. As the festival grew so did its scope, introducing interactive experiences, food trails and gourmet dining events. Today it’s a platform not just for tasty treats but for cultural exchange, environmental awareness and community connection. It reflects the many layers of food, sustainability and tradition that make Phillip Island special.

Fresh Produce Galore

At the centre of the Phillip Island Food Festival is the celebration of fresh food. The island’s soil and surrounding waters produce an abundance, from freshly caught seafood at San Remo to artisanal cheeses from local dairy farms. Visit the gourmet food stalls at Churchill Island Farmers Market and taste the honey, handcrafted chocolate and organic veggies. This focus on local produce is all about sustainable farming and the island’s reputation as a food festival destination. The Bass Coast is a shining example of fresh and quality ingredients.

Food Experiences

The Phillip Island Food Festival is more than just eating – it’s a food and culture experience. Visitors can enjoy a range of experiences, from live cooking demos to hands on workshops. Learn how to pair wines with local cheeses or make artisanal chocolates at the Chocolate Festival. For the competitive types, there are food themed scavenger hunts and cooking competitions. Food vans and food trucks serve up a diverse range of cuisines to cater for the fussiest eaters and the most adventurous. The festival also includes cultural events such as the Gippsland Symphony Orchestra and Berninneit Art Gallery exhibitions to add some artistic flair to the food.

Festival Dates and Location

Usually held in spring and early summer, the Phillip Island Food Festival runs over multiple weekends, with each event being different. The Churchill Island Farmers Market is a year-round event, while seasonal events like the Winter Solstice Festival and Phillip Island Food Truck Carnival are added variety. Dates and locations vary each year so be sure to check the festival calendar. Popular times are dinner time at the Cowes Jetty Triangle where foodies can enjoy a feed as the sun sets over the water.

Getting Here

Phillip Island is only 90 minutes from Melbourne, so it’s an easy escape for city folk. Cross the San Remo bridge to get to the island or use public transport or organised Phillip Island tours. If flying in, Melbourne Airport is the closest international airport. Once on the island, there are plenty of transport options, including bike hire and taxis, to get to the festival venues.

Island Food & Wine Festival

The Island Food & Wine Festival is the pièce de résistance of the Phillip Island Food Festival, a sophisticated yet laid back celebration of the island’s food heritage. Imagine sipping award winning wines from top winemakers and sampling gourmet food made with the freshest local produce. From seafood platters to decadent desserts this festival has it all. Add to that live music to set the mood for a day of indulgence. Cooking demonstrations by top chefs will show you how to blend flavours and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the region’s culinary craftsmanship. With a focus on local wines and farm-to-table food, the Island Food & Wine Festival captures the heart and soul of Phillip Island’s food culture. Whether you’re a wine buff or a foodie at heart, this festival is a must-do.

Winter Solstice Festival

The Winter Solstice Festival is a celebration of community, warmth and the changing of the seasons. Held on the shortest days of the year it turns Phillip Island into a winter wonderland with comforting smells and twinkling lights. Guests can indulge in slow cooked roasted meats, artisan soups and hot desserts all designed to warm body and soul. Fire pits are scattered throughout the festival grounds for you to gather and share stories under the fairy lights. Local musicians will provide acoustic music to set the mood. Workshops and activities for all ages mean the festival is a family favourite. Whether you come for the food, the company or the winter magic the Winter Solstice Festival is a must do on the Phillip Island events calendar.

Cowes Night Market

The Cowes Night Market is the pulse of Phillip Island’s night life, turning the quiet town into a bustling hub. Imagine streets lined with food vans serving up gourmet food from smoky BBQ to decadent desserts. Handmade stalls showcasing unique items including artisan jewellery, home decor and locally made goods, so you can find one off souvenirs. Live music will get you moving as you wander through the market. The combination of food smells, chatter and twinkling lights of the night boutique is magic. Whether you’re a foodie, a crafty person or just looking for an evening out the Cowes Night Market is a must do that captures the island’s night time vibe.

Island Craft Market

A haven for creatives and foodies, the Island Craft Market is where food meets art. Stalls are overflowing with handmade crafts, intricate jewellery, and quirky souvenirs in which to get lost. And gourmet food vendors serve up a delicious spread of goodies, from local cheeses to artisan bread and preserves. This is more than just a shopping destination – it’s an experience. Meet the makers of the crafts, hear their stories and taste some of Phillip Island’s best gourmet products. Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir or want to indulge in the island’s foodie delights, the Island Craft Market is an experience that showcases the island’s creative spirit.

San Remo TIDAL Seafood Festival

A celebration of the ocean’s bounty, the San Remo TIDAL Seafood Festival is seafood heaven. In the charming fishing village of San Remo, this festival brings together fresh seafood and gourmet creations that showcase the flavours of the sea. Think platters piled high with prawns, oysters and grilled fish paired with local wines.

But it’s not just about the food. The festival is an educational experience. Exhibits on sustainable fishing practices and ocean conservation highlight the importance of marine ecosystems. For the brave, hands-on activities like filleting demonstrations or seafood cooking classes will get you closer to the festival’s themes. With its perfect mix of indulgence and education, the San Remo TIDAL Seafood Festival is a must-do for seafood lovers and eco-enthusiasts.

Chocolate Festival

The Chocolate Festival is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Hosted by the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, this event is a chocolate extravaganza. Indulge in a huge range of handcrafted chocolates, gooey brownies and velvety hot chocolate, all made with love.
Get hands-on with interactive chocolate-making workshops where you can create your own delicious treats. Kids and families will love the chocolate-themed activities, including treasure hunts and live chocolate demonstrations. Whether you’re a chocoholic or just a dessert lover, the Chocolate Festival is a day of chocolatey delights and fun.

FAQ

What’s special about the Phillip Island Food Festival?

Food and events, combining the island’s food heritage with world class events. Fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses in a fun and family friendly environment.