• What are the festival hours?

    What are the festival hours?

    Saturday October 10

    11am - 5pm 

    Sunday October 11

    11am - 5pm

  • What drinks are available for tasting and consumption?

    What drinks are available for tasting and consumption?

    The only alcoholic drinks available at the Festival are wines produced in the Heathcote region. 

  • Can I bring my own alcoholic drinks to the venue?

    Can I bring my own alcoholic drinks to the venue?

    No. The festival is a licensed event and only alcohol purchased at the Festival can be consumed.

  • Can I bring pets to the festival?

    Can I bring pets to the festival?

    No. Only authorised service animals are allowed within the Festival arena.

  • Is there parking available at the venue?

    Is there parking available at the venue?

    Yes. Parking for private vehicles and buses is available at Heathcote Showgrounds.

  • Where do official festival buses leave from and other pick-up points?

    Where do official festival buses leave from and other pick-up points?

    The festival offers bus travel from Melbourne and Bendigo that can be booked online from July 1, 2026. 

    BUS TIMES:

    Melbourne Bus - Saturday
    Departure times:
    9.30am Melbourne (Southern Cross Coach Station)
    10:30am Wallan Station
    4.45pm Heathcote Showgrounds

    Bendigo Bus - Saturday
    Departure times:
    10am Bendigo Railway Station
    10.15am Bendigo Visitor Information Centre
    10.30am Junortoun Post Office
    10:45am Axedale Store
    4.45pm Heathcote Showgrounds

    Melbourne Bus - Sunday
    Departure times:
    Melbourne Bus - Saturday
    Departure times:
    9.30am Melbourne (Southern Cross Coach Station)
    10:30am Wallan Station
    4.45pm Heathcote Showgrounds

    Bendigo Bus - Sunday
    Departure times:
    10am Bendigo Railway Station
    10.15am Bendigo Visitor Information Centre
    10.30am Junortoun Post Office
    10:45am Axedale Store
    4.45pm Heathcote Showgrounds

  • How can I purchase tickets?

    How can I purchase tickets?

    Tickets are available online from July 1, 2026

  • Are tickets available at the gate?

    Are tickets available at the gate?

    General admission tickets will be available at the gate unless sold out prior. 

    All other tickets including bus tickets, golden tickets and weekend tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. 

  • Can I bring my own gazebo?

    Can I bring my own gazebo?

    No. The festival has large shaded areas, tables and umbrellas for use of festival patrons. You are welcome to bring your own picnic rugs and chairs.
  • Can I bring my own food?

    Can I bring my own food?

    You can bring your own food however security may check bags and coolers as you can not bring your own alcohol. 

  • Are there conditions of entry for the festival?

    Are there conditions of entry for the festival?

    Heathcote Wine & Food Festival practices a very strict Responsible Service of Alcohol policy.

    Intoxicated persons will not be permitted.

    CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

    Intoxicated persons will not be served and will be removed from the Festival.

    Persons in possession of liquor will not be permitted to enter the Festival.

    It is an offence for minors to purchase and consume alcohol.

    It is an offence to purchase liquor or supply liquor to minors.

    Supply of liquor to minors will be reported to police and penalties will be applied.

    ID may be required for all patrons for service of alcohol including Tasting Seminars and the Golden Ticket Lounge.

    Exhibitors can refuse to serve alcohol to any attendee if they believe the attendee is intoxicated.

    Festival staff, security or a police officer can refuse entry or ask patrons to leave if they think they are likely to:

    Cause injury to anyone else

    Damage property

    Cause risk to public safety or are disorderly

    Be carrying prohibited drugs and/or substances

    NO BYO ALCOHOL
    NO ANIMALS ALLOWED (other than registered service animals)

    NO SMOKING WITHIN THE FESTIVAL ARENA