6 Gippsland Weekend| Friday, August 28, 2026 The coastal town of Mallacoota is preparing to welcome seafood lovers, families and travellers next month as the annual Wild Harvest Seafood Festival returns from September 25 to 27, 2026. The three-day event celebrate's the region's deep connection to the sea, showcasing local catches, maritime heritage and community activities along the East Gippsland coast. The central hub of the event is the Wild Harvest Market, where visitors can sample seafood harvested directly from the pristine waters of Bass Strait. Stalls will feature local delicacies including oysters, mussels, abalone and sea urchins. In addition to fresh seafood tastings, the market will showcase regional food producers, local artisan crafts and a relaxed, seaside market atmosphere. For those looking for unique culinary experiences, the program features dedicated sea urchin tastings and a casual outdoor pizza picnic. Beyond the culinary offerings, the festival highlights Mallacoota's maritime history and local community spirit. A specially produced short film sharing generations of local seafaring stories will be screened during the event, complemented by coastal-inspired art exhibitions at the local gallery, MA Space. The festival also features various hands-on outdoor activities designed for all age groups. Visitors can participate in guided rockpool rambles, family fishing clinics and a community beach clean-up. Live music is scheduled to run throughout the weekend, filling local cafés, pubs and public spaces across the town. The East Gippsland Shire Council is a major sponsor of the festival, recognising its role in bringing economic benefits to Mallacoota and the surrounding region. "It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate everything our local seafood industry has to offer, from the incredible catch our divers and fishers bring in, to the generations of knowledge and stories they carry with them," mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said. "Events like the family fishing clinics are a brilliant way to get the next generation involved and excited about our local waters. "Paired with live music echoing through cafés and pubs across town, it really captures what makes Mallacoota and the community such a special place to celebrate." Organisers are encouraging attendees to extend their stay to experience the natural attractions of the far East Gippsland region. Beyond the festival schedule, visitors can paddle the Mallacoota Inlet, walk the secluded local beaches, and explore the nearby wilderness of the UNESCO-listed Croajingolong National Park, which is home to abundant native wildlife, including kangaroos, seals and diverse bird species. For more information regarding the festival program, local travel routes, or the schedule of free courtesy buses operating during the weekend, visitors can consult the official Wild Harvest Seafood Festival website. Mallacoota’s wild harvest returns Authorised by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra Complete your Census now. It‘s not too late. Census night was Tuesday 11 August. It’s compulsory for each household to complete the Census to help plan for Australia’s future. For help, visit census.abs.gov.au or call 1800 181 227. Every answer matters.
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