​Will there be any entertainment for the kids?
The Wild Harvest Seafood Festival is a family friendly event and we very much welcome kids to be involved in as many activities as possible.
The Wild Harvest Market has been planned to keep both the kids AND their parents happy! There will be children's activities and entertainment along with plenty of kid-friendly food options on offer!
We also have a few events across the weekend aimed directly at kids so make sure you book ahead of time where needed to avoid missing out. Keep an eye out for FishCare fishing clinics, Parks Junior Ranger Programs and the evening spotlighting nature walk.
Please be advised that there will be alcohol present at some festival events.
I am a business. How can I get involved?
When will the 2024 program be announced?
Be the first to know by subscribing to our e-news
Can I take photos at the festival?
Yes, please do!
Tag us on Facebook and Instagram #WHSF #wildharvestseafoodfestival and share far and wide. We love seeing everyone enjoying themselves at festival events.
Can I bring my dog?
Well-behaved animals on a lead are welcome at the Wild Harvest Seafood Market.
Your little furry friend will unfortunately have to sit out all of the weekends other events.
Can I smoke?
Most of the venues including the market are non-smoking.
Will there be alcohol? Can I bring my own?
There will be alcohol present at the Market and some other events.
We ask that you do not bring outside alcoholic beverages into the venues - but why would you want to when the best East Gippsland breweries and wineries are already there?
How can I support the festival?
Please get in touch here we would love to hear from you. We are always on the hunt for sponsors, volunteers, partners and anyone also who wants to lend a helping hand. We look forward to hearing from you.
I’d like to start planning my trip, where do I begin?
Head over to the Mallacoota page on our website for all the info about planning and booking your visit. Tickets will be available via our website and sign-up to our e-news to be the first to know when they go on sale.
How do I get to Mallacoota?
Mallacoota is in Far East Gippsland, Victoria and is located 23km off the Princes Highway just before the NSW border.
Melbourne 520km
Bairnsdale 230km
Sydney 580km
Batemans Bay 280km
Drive: Follow the Princes Highway to Genoa then turn onto the Mallacoota-Genoa Rd (23km), this will take you to the centre of town and from there nothing is very far.
Fly: Merimbula has a commercial airport that has flights arriving from ReX and Qantas. Please refer to their website for more information here
From there you can hire a car to travel the remaining 76km
Public transport: Vline runs a combination of buses and trains that service Mallacoota. For more information and booking please refer to their website here
* Please consider there is limited phone reception on the Highway and Mallacoota-Genoa Rd so program satellite navigation in advance or wait until you arrive in town.
​Where do I park?
Wild Harvest Market - Mudbrick Pavilion Precinct
The Mudbrick Pavilion Precinct will host the Wild Harvest Market and is within walking distance to most of the Mallacoota township. We recommend walking to the venue whenever possible as there will be a high volume of traffic - specifically during the market hours. The rear parking lot next to the oval and behind the Mudbrick building will not be open to public parking during the market as it will be reserved for vendors, large boats and other exciting exhibitions we have planned for the day. It will also have a high volume of foot traffic and children passing through, so it will be closed to traffic for safety reasons.
If it is necessary to drive, please park in a safe, designated parking site or roadside in town with consideration to thru traffic and continue into the venue on foot.
​Disability access?
We welcome enquiries to discuss your personal needs, or the needs of your group. Contact us here and we can chat online, or arrange phone or video call.
The main festival site is at the Mudbrick Pavilion Precinct, directly behind Maurice Ave. The flat grounds are a combination of lawn and bitumen road. Marquees have a variety of grass or hard floors. Assisted parking will be available close to the front gate. There will be accessible toilets located in the amenities block beside the skatepark, however this does not include an adult change station.
Will weather affect the event?
If we have learnt anything during the last few years it is that weather can have a huge impact on community events, especially when they are outdoors.
We use a variety of venues, both indoor and out, so we'll take it as it comes. Wherever possibly we will adapt to ensure as many events as possible go ahead if we are faced with serious weather systems. Safety is always at the forefront of our planning and keeping festival attendees safe is our highest priority. We will be sure to communicate early and often if any impacts are expected.
When packing please be prepared for all weather including high winds, after all Mallacoota is at the entrance to Bass Straight, so who knows what mother nature could throw at us.
What happens in the event of a natural disaster?
The Wild Harvest Seafood Festival takes the potential impacts of natural disasters very seriously and will work to maintain community safety as the highest priority. Mallacoota all too well understands the effects of natural disasters and we recognise that the community is still recovering after the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfire.
In the unfortunate event that Mallacoota is under a ‘watch and act’ advice warning all festival events will be cancelled and visitors will be encouraged to reconsider travel and return home if safe to do so. Event organisers will attempt to communicate early and often but please be aware that these people also live in the community and will be taking care of their own disaster action plans.
What should I do in preparation for visiting Mallacoota?
Get ready for a whole lot of fun!
But also we recommend downloading the VicEmergency app before travelling to Mallacoota and monitoring it in the days prior to travel. It is also advised to check the LiveTraffic site to ensure all roads are open and there are no potential impacts on travel.
Can I provide feedback?
We are always looking for ways to improve our event so if you would like to get in touch, make a suggestion or write a testimonial please do so here
Will the Wild Harvest Seafood Festival be fun?
You can bet on it!