By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
Summer in Australia is all about sunshine, salty breezes and the sensational flavours of food festivals across the states. From street food feasts to spirit-filled fiestas (literally), come December to February, the Land Down Under pulls out all the stops to celebrate kerbside cuisine.
Whether you’re a barbeque buff, a cocktail connoisseur or simply someone who loves to eat outdoors (because everything tastes better alfresco, right?), these Aussie Summer food festivals will have you planning road trips faster than you can say "Where’s the Aeroguard?”
Melbourne: Good Food & Wine Show Christmas Market
After wrapping up its Sydney stint at the end of November, The Good Food and Wine Show’s Christmas Market will head South from December 6 to 8 - and invite Melburnians to explore its gourmand playground. Featuring more than 150 producers, it’s the place to sip, sample and shop for festive season essentials. Fancy a box of artisanal chocolates or a rare bottle of boutique Shiraz? This market’s got you covered. The Harvey Norman Festive Kitchen adds extra sparkle, with live cooking demos from Australia’s top Chefs serving up holiday recipes you’ll actually want to recreate - including Kirsten Tibballs teaching gingerbread house artistry.
Sydney: Le Jolly Market
Sydney’s Le Jolly Market is back! Bigger, bolder and better - with a new location in the cobbled streets of Circular Quay that screams ‘European Christmas’…but, combined with an Aussie Summer. From December 13 to 22, wander through more than 35 twinkling stalls offering everything from gooey pasta spun inside a cheese wheel to fresh Sydney rock oysters that taste like the ocean on a plate.
Pair your nibbles with a glass of chilled rosé or a crisp gin spritz from one of five wine bars. The nightly live music, fairy lights and a towering Christmas tree add to the magic, while local artisans showcase crafts that range from boutique distilleries to hand-made gifts. Best of all, in keeping with the festive spirit of giving, entry is absolutely free. Can’t wait to get into the festive spirit? Turn the corner and check out The Rocks Market Christmas Edition (which kicks off today November 30 and will run till December 22) and stock up on handcrafted gourmet treats perfect for your food-loving family and friends.
Melbourne: Summer Night Market
If you think Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market peaked at hot jam doughnuts, the Summer Night Market proves otherwise. Kicking off on November 20, it’s an every-Wednesday affair that combines more than 45 food stalls, refreshing cocktails and entertainment that ranges from sunset yoga sessions to fiery dance performances. Sample wood-fired pizzas from 400 Gradi, dig into authentic Filipino BBQ at Bboy’s, indulge in jerk chicken and cassava chips from The Real Jerk or Melbourne’s best birria tacos alongside Texas-style smoked versions at Dingo Ate My Taco. For dessert, Geloso Gelateria serves up delicious handcrafted artisan Italian ice cream - with all ingredients sourced from fellow traders. Finally, top it all off with a fruity cocktail by Antagonist Spirits and you’ve got the perfect midweek escape.
Cape Jaffa: Cape Jaffa Seafood & Wine Fest
Held at Norfolk Rise Winery, the Cape Jaffa Seafood & Wine Fest on January 12 is a love letter to South Australia’s incredible oceanic offerings. Think freshly grilled crayfish, crispy squid and juicy oysters, all paired with local wines - that will probably be smoother than any dance moves you pull out when you hear the live music!
While the opportunity to meet the makers behind the dishes - who this year will include Beachside Bites, Squid Squad Seafood, The Butchers Platter, Nacho Average Taco, Waffle Inn and Dough&Dough - ensures that the food remains the event’s undeniable star, the breathtaking backdrop of Cape Jaffa’s rugged coastline comes close to stealing the show.
Hobart: Taste of Summer
Taste of Summer has been spotlighting the Apple Isle’s most iconic artisans and local makers for almost 40 years. This year’s incarnation (running from December 28 to January 4 on the waterfront at Princes Wharf No.1) continues to spoil visitors for choice - with the opportunity to indulge in more than 100 market stalls dishing up everything from Bass Strait scallops to Bruny Island Cheese. All locally grown and lovingly prepared. Joining the island’s biggest food and beverage brands will be an eclectic line-up of performers and rotating musicians on the Taste of Summer Stage, to deliver a recipe for Summer perfection.
