South Gippsland Garlic Festival

Overview

Anthony Bourdain once said, "Too lazy to peel fresh? You don't deserve to eat garlic." Honestly, it's hard to disagree, as this versatile kitchen staple takes just about any meal from good to great. If you're keen to explore the best of Australia's local growers, the South Gippsland Garlic Festival is the place to be.

Held on Saturday, March 8 in Korumburra – about 90 minutes drive from Melbourne – this is your chance to head home with a boot full of incredible produce. Forming part of the festival, a sprawling market will feature 80 stallholders spruiking an exceptional range of fresh garlic and garlic-related products. Also in attendance will be local fruit and veggie producers, food vendors and coffeemakers, ensuring plenty of top-notch cuisine accompanies your visit.

Once you've stocked up, head to the Garlic Festival Bar to encounter much-loved Gippsland winemakers, brewers, and distillers, such as Fleet Wines, Gurneys Cider, Burra Brewing and Mates Gin. Then, the Garlic Festival Kitchen sees former MasterChef contestant Simon Toohey welcome esteemed chefs, including Messmates Dining's Jodie Odrowaz and Michael Clarke, for live cooking demonstrations that hero the headline ingredient.

Meanwhile, there are kids' activities – including a visit from Bluey – and a host of live entertainment to make this aromatic event fun for everyone. When you've finished exploring the festival grounds, the rest of Korumburra is also getting in the mood, with nearby restaurants, pubs, cafes and bakeries offering one-off treats to garlic-loving punters.

Credit: Ken Spence

Top image: Ken Spence