The Lakes Entrance Seafood & Wine Festival attracts food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike to the vibrant coastal town of Lakes Entrance, Victoria. Set against the backdrop of the endlessly restless Gippsland Lakes, the festival pulses with the energy of fresh ocean harvests and local wine excellence. Here, the sea invites you to taste its bounty—from oysters reflecting the salt and sun to fish freshly plucked by hands that respect the waters fiercely.

Attending the festival isn’t just about sampling seafood; it’s an immersion in the working waterfront where fishermen and vintners showcase their craft. The air carries the brine and the smoke of grill fires, the vibrant calls of vendors, and the soft hum of live music that blends into the ocean breeze. Stalls brim with scallops, squid, prawns, and local wines that challenge your palate to discover complexity within simplicity.

The festival layout guides visitors through a practical path joining the waterfront's open spaces and shaded parks, making navigation easy for all ages. Expect fully wheelchair-accessible zones, a lineup of structured tasting sessions, and demonstrations from chefs who honor the sea’s raw power and fragility. Set aside a full day—roughly 5 to 6 hours—to soak it all in, and arrive early to avoid peak crowds and secure parking.

Lakes Entrance itself offers more than just the festival. Step briefly off the beaten track to the nearby Nungurner wetlands or along the long stretch of Ninety Mile Beach, each offering quiet moments where nature dares your attention. Practical advice: bring a water bottle to stay hydrated in the often sun-bright spring or summer, wear breathable layered clothing for changing coastal winds, and pack comfortable shoes as some walking surfaces are gravel or soft sand.

As you move through the festival, listen carefully to the tactile stories shared by producers. The sea here is fiercely alive, pushing a rhythm that demands respect—not just for what it provides but for how it shapes the local community's way of life. This festival is a curated dialogue between earth, water, and human craft, offering visitors an adventure that is both culinary and cultural, grounded yet thrilling.