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The iconic Wine & Cheese Fest is finally coming to Sydney this April

Credit: Getty Images/Lisovskaya

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
Melbourne’s cult-favourite foodie fiesta is debuting in Sydney, bringing over 50 artisan exhibitors with it.

Some things in life simply belong together. Strawberries and chocolate; SpongeBob and Patrick; pay day and retail therapy. But the Wine & Cheese Fest may just be dedicated to the best pairing of them all – and it’s coming to Sydney for the first time ever this April.

The festival

Wine & Cheese Fest, Sydney
Melbourne’s iconic Wine & Cheese Fest is officially heading to Sydney.

Founded in 2014, the Wine & Cheese Fest was created to celebrate one of the world’s most iconic duos. It has since evolved into one of the country’s leading food and wine experiences, championing artisan producers from across both Australia and New Zealand.

The only catch? It has only ever called the Victorian capital home – until now, that is. Hot on the heels of its 13th edition in Melbourne, the Wine & Cheese Fest is officially making its debut in Sydney, marking the first-ever iteration in NSW.

Carriageworks in Sydney, NSW
Carriageworks will host Sydney’s inaugural Wine & Cheese Fest. (Credit: Jacquie Manning)

Set to take over one of Sydney’s hottest precincts, the foodie affair will unfold within the industrial-chic surrounds of Carriageworks. Over the day, two sessions will run back-to-back: lunchtime until mid-afternoon and mid-afternoon until evening. Regardless of which time slot you choose, it’s just as suited to a leisurely day out as it is to a post-lunch rendezvous that rolls into sunset drinks.

The program

With over 50 exhibitors set to attend, guests will have direct access to some of the country’s top boutique wineries and artisan cheese makers from NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

Rowlee Wines
Rowlee Wines out of Orange in NSW is one of 50 exhibitors. (Credit: Destination NSW)

This year’s line-up brings together both award-winning favourites and emerging icons, with names like Long Paddock Cheese, Rowlee Wines, Moorebank Vineyard, Second Mouse Cheese Co and Pokolbin Estate, one of the Hunter Valley’s standout cellar doors.

Beyond the parmesan and pinot, a curated selection of cideries, distilleries and gourmet food vendors will also be in attendance. Guests can expect the likes of Heathcote Gin, Finders Distillery, Ester Spirits, Cannoleria, The Bratwurst Truck, White Feather and The Gnocchi Way.

Cheese & Wine Fest, Sydney
Taste your way through some of Australia’s top artisan cheeses.

But it’s not just the unlimited tastings worth getting excited about. An epic program of live DJs, roving entertainment and exclusive masterclasses will round out the experience – from panel talks led by expert sommeliers to cheese-making demos and tips on creating the perfect pairing.

Throughout the day, guests will also have the chance to meet the makers behind the labels and shop their products on the spot – supporting them directly. Think it can’t get any better? Think again. A few extra perks will sweeten the deal, like your very own take-home wine glass and tote bag.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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The extras

Carriageworks Farmers Market in Sydney, NSW
Spend the morning browsing Carriageworks Farmers Market. (Credit: Jacquie Manning)

Since you’re already here, you may as well make a day of it! Those booked in for the evening session should head in early for the Carriageworks Farmers Market. Held every Saturday from 8am–1pm, it’s the perfect addition for foodies chasing something a little more local.

Grab a coffee and take your time wandering the stalls, where you can purchase everything from just-baked croissants and artisanal chocolate to seasonal produce and small-batch condiments.

BrewDog in Eveleigh, Sydney NSW
Pop into BrewDog for a beer after your session. (Credit: Destination NSW)

If you’re heading along for the afternoon session, pop across the tracks to BrewDog afterwards, considered one of Sydney’s best pubs. Set within a former locomotive workshop, the buzzy venue serves a rotating line-up of craft beers alongside farm-to-table pub fare.

The details

The inaugural Sydney Wine & Cheese Fest takes place on 11 April at Carriageworks in Eveleigh. Two sessions are available, each running for 3.5 hours, giving you the option to choose between a daytime outing or an evening experience. The first session runs from 12pm–3:30pm, while the second kicks off at 4pm through to 7:30pm.

Wine & Cheese
Wine and cheese lovers won’t want to miss the one-day festival. (Credit: Getty Images/Lisovskaya)

Tickets are priced at $59 per person and include unlimited tastings, access to masterclasses and live entertainment, plus a wine glass and tote bag to take home.

Carriageworks is a wheelchair accessible venue, with ramps, lifts and accessible bathrooms. There is limited street parking available, so using public transport is highly recommended. Redfern Station is just a short 10-minute walk from the precinct, making it an easy and convenient option.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.