Globetrotting media personality Lyndey Milan has taken viewers on a culinary journey around the country with her television series Taste of Australia. Here, she shares some of her favourite foodie experiences
1. Mud-crabbing in the traditional way with delightful indigenous guide Dom Matsumoto who works out of Eco Beach Resort south of Broome.
It’s 30 minutes by 4WD to Jack’s Creek from Broome. You’d never find it on your own. He was taught how to mudcrab by his father and is respectful of tradition, the land and the wildlife. When he catches a male mudcrab of sufficient size, he semi-smokes it over driftwood on the beach – it’s a taste experience you will never forget.
Tasty if you’re a seafood fan, but beware the crab’s nippers.
2. Foraging for wild mushrooms in a secret forest location near Oberon, NSW, with Bella and Katriina.
They draw on their Finnish and Polish heritage and go in search of exotic saffron milk caps (or pine mushrooms) and Slippery Jacks. The forest is eerily quiet – walk slowly but look quickly. If you see a little mound, push the needles away gently and there will be a mushroom, if not a pine cone! If you find one, look nearby – it will have neighbours. Check out their new website for more .
3. Jindabyne’s award-winning Wild Brumby Distillery to taste the raspberry schnapps made from estate-grown raspberries.
Brad Spalding and his Austrian wife Monika run an immaculate café with distillery on-site, Wild Brumby and make a wide range of schnapps, ideal for the alpine lifestyle. Try their Pink Lady schnapps, too! Here the bugs are kept away by companion planting of tansy, horseradish and garlic.
4. Venison and truffles in Orange, a fabulous destination for food, wine or art lovers where you’re spoilt for choice.
Book in for a Mandagery Creek Venison farm kitchen lunch, a cooking demo and farm tour or search for truffles then dance the night away at the Borrodell on the Mount annual Black Tie and Gumboots truffle forage and dinner.
5. A foodie fiesta at the Margaret River Gourmet Escape.
Rub shoulders with more than 25 of Australia’s and the world’s best chefs, winemakers and food characters at the Margaret River Gourmet Escape . Visit the Gourmet Village, attend the classes and dinners, hang out on the beaches and drink world-class wines like Cullens.
Beach-side foodie fest, Gourmet Escape, Margaret River.
From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.
1. Festival of Sails
The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)
When: 24–26 January Where: Melbourne and Geelong
This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.
2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)
When: 31 January – 1 February Where: The Bellarine Peninsula
Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.
3. Riverboats Music Festival
The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.
When: 13–15 February Where: Echuca–Moama
Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.
4. Neerim ArtsFest
Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)
When: 28 February – 15 March Where: Gippsland
This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.
5. ChillOut Festival
Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.
When: 5–9 March Where: Daylesford
Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.
6. Port Fairy Folk Festival
Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)
When: 6–9 March Where: Port Fairy
In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.
7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival
Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.
When: 7–9 March Where: Ballarat
In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.
8. The Bendigo Easter Festival
The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.
When: 3–6 April Where: Bendigo
Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.
9. Grape Escape
Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)
When: 1–3 May Where: The Grampians
Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.
10. Comedy in the Vines
Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)
When: 24–26 October Where: Yarra Valley
The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.
