Words by Staff Writer
Bairnsdale is a perfect weekend destination for Melburnians and there’s never been a better chance to discover it in all its glory.
The East Gippsland Winter Festival is regional Victoria’s largest winter festival and an unmissable fixture on your annual calendar.
Boasting over 150 events, it runs until July 9 and brings some wonderful attractions to the already resplendent town of Bairnsdale, so after journeying through Gippsland’s finest attractions, we’ve handpicked some of the best events to see for the remainder of the program and put together an ideal long-weekend itinerary.
South East NOW: A free and insightful First Nations art exhibition
We recommend basing yourself in Bairnsdale as part of a broader East Gippsland adventure, where you’ll find the East Gippsland Art Gallery set above a picturesque walking trail along the river. It’s an intimate yet storied space in Bairnsdale, perfect for a relaxing afternoon purveying the finest in local art. Right now, they’re exhibiting the Koorie exhibition South East NOW as part of EGWF.
Now in its 7th year, Southeast NOW 2022 is a group show of Koorie artists with a connection to Gunnai Kurnai Country. The exhibition features work by Leann J. Edwards, Hollie Johnson, Chris Mongta, Alice Ann Pepper, Patricia Pittman and Alan Solomon.
Exhibiting artist Leann J. Edwards is also facilitating art workshops (free booking essential) during the exhibitions (July and August), made possible with support from East Gippsland Shire Council. These workshops are for kids, youth, adults, schools, community groups, anyone and everyone! As part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival, exhibiting artist Patricia Pittman will be running a lantern making workshop for kids (adults can join in too) on 1 July.
Winter in Laneway3875
A laneway party in the heart of Bairnsdale’s CBD featuring live music, street food from Bairnsdale’s best eateries, local craft beer and wine, and the Foundry artist collective. It’s happening on July 8, find out more information here.
Northern Ground
There are not many nicer ways to spend an afternoon than drinking local Sailors Grave beers – they have some truly fanciful creations, their Lemon Meringue Cream Soda one particularly recommendable drop – set to local East Gippsland acoustic musicians by a crackling fire. You can experience all this and more in the beautiful bricked courtyard with overhanging vines in the rear of Bairnsdale venue Northern Ground. We also recommend sinking your teeth into one of their delectable Wagyu Beer Burgers.
A night at The Riversleigh
The Riversleigh is a historic hotel dating back nearly 150 years but thanks to some beautiful renovations you can enjoy the wonderous high ceilings and mid-century decor in a wonderfully-maintained environment with a sleek restaurant space and perfectly manicured gardens. The Riversleigh boasts ample off-street parking, a brilliant array of amenities, spacious rooms and generous hosts and staff, who will make your stay a delight.
We recommend their charcuterie platters of fresh Gippsland produce especially, these really showcase the very best of Victoria’s breadbasket. Their continental breakfast, included with your room, is also a bountiful cornucopia of homemade yoghurts and fresh-baked pastries.
Mitchell River Walk
Perfectly situated a stone’s throw from The Riversleigh and the East Gippsland Art Gallery, the Mitchell River Walk is roughly a 90-minute loop around the river if taken at a luxurious strolling pace and reminds us a little of the beautiful riverside paths around Warrandyte, just without the traffic.
With plenty of amenities including powerpoints, these paths are also wonderful places to stop on a roadtrip.
There is so much to see in Bairnsdale for the East Gippsland Winter Festival. For more information, head here.