This event has now passed. Stay tuned for details on next year's Harvest Festival.

The annual Harvest Festival returns to the Central Coast this June long weekend, providing the perfect chance to explore the valleys and mountains of the region.

All about connecting you directly with local farmers and businesses, Harvest Festival showcases the region's incredible produce and the stunning hinterland that it sits within.

On June 8 and 9, you'll be able to experience a packed program with everything from paddock to plate dining and produce picking, to arts & craft fairs and animal encounters.

The Harvest Festival event trail is designed to help you discover the farming communities and their picturesque heritage villages: Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Wyong Creek, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby, and Calga.

Here's what you can expect.

Farm gate experiences

There are so many growers in the Central Coast hinterland, and Harvest Festival is allowing you to go behind-the-scenes and pick some delicious fresh produce for yourself.

You can pick your own pecans or mandarins in Somersby, pick your own macadamias at the Westy's Place Field Day, and even choose your own sunflowers to take home in Peats Ridge.

Hang out amongst the orchards, pick oranges, and groove to live music at Bambino's on the Farm in Kulnura (furry friends welcome!)

Eat and drink your way around the hinterland

Enjoy wood-fired pizza and live music at The Springs in Peats Ridge, visit Amber Lane Distillery in Yarramalong for locally-distilled, award-winning whiskey, and try tasting boxes from local Wyong restaurants at Taste of Wyong.

The ultimate foodie event that forms part of Harvest Festival? Glenworth Grazing Festival, happening on June 8. Expect over 100 local vendors and the region's top restaurants, craft beers, premium wines, boutique gins, and stacks of entertainment.

Explore with the little ones

With so many farms to explore, there are plenty of opportunities for animal encounters which the little ones will love!

Have breakfast with the alpacas at Iris Lodge Alpacas in Jilliby, followed by meet and greets with animals like llamas, sheep, and of course, alpacas.

Yadhaba Farm Horses in Dooralong is putting on a family-friendly day at the farm featuring unique experiences with its herd of therapy horses, live music, a beekeeper talk, and picnics in the orchard. Or, head to Grace Springs Farm in Kulnura for a tour (cuddling of chooks included, of course) and stop by The Giving Farm in Jilliby to feed cows and pat babydoll lambs.

There's so much to do this Harvest Festival – make sure you check out the full program to start planning your visit.

Harvest Festival Central Coast

When: Saturday 8 June – Sunday 9 June, 2024
Where: various locations on the Central Coast
More information: visit the Love Central Coast website to view the whole program.