At the edge of Victoria's Gippsland Lakes, Metung throws open its doors each year to celebrate one of Australia’s finest freshwater delicacies—the humble mussel. The Metung Mussel Festival is not just a feast for the palate but a rugged plunge into the culture and coastal adventure of this fishing village. Lace up your boots or slip into comfortable shoes, because this is a celebration that blends spirited outdoor gatherings with the raw, salty breeze of the ocean.

The festival draws curious adventurers and seasoned seafood lovers to Metung’s calm waterfront, where dozens of stalls dot the lake’s edge. As you meander from stall to stall, the scent of seawater plays with the smoke of freshly grilled mussels, daring you to sample every shell. The mussels here grow in the wild currents pushed by the nearby mouth of the ocean, granting them a briny punch and rich, creamy flesh that seafood aficionados seek out with eagerness.

The event extends beyond just eating. Local fishers and farmers share stories of their daily grind, while cooking demonstrations provide practical tips for preparing mussels safely and deliciously at home. Kids and adults alike can try their hand at mussel shucking—an experience that tests patience and precision—and discover the sustainable practices ensuring these festivals endure for generations.

The surrounding landscape invites exploration before or after the feast. Metung’s waterfront-to-forest walking trails offer a moderate challenge, with paths ranging from flat lakeside strolls to gentle climbs through spotted gums and wildflowers. The air carries the call of birds and the murmur of waves, the forest daring you to move deeper yet respecting your pace. Keep your camera ready for glimpses of black swans parading the water or the subtle shimmer of sunlight on the lake’s surface.

Practical planning is simple here. Arrive mid-morning when the festival hums to full life, allowing time to taste, learn, and wander. Weather in late spring to early summer is ideal—warm but not too hot, perfect for standing by the water or venturing on foot. Bring a refillable water bottle; the salt air and festival activity demand it. Comfortable footwear is essential, whether you’re cruising the festival grounds or hitting nearby trails.

Metung offers more than just a festival. It’s an adventure firmly grounded in place and community, where nature’s tides coax stories and flavours to the fore, where the wildness of sea meets the warmth of gathering. This isn’t about conquering the coast—it’s about moving with it, tasting it, and respecting it fiercely, one mussel at a time.