Love sinking your teeth into a good barbecue? There’s a brand new festival coming to regional Victoria that’s perfect for you. Make your way over to Halls Gap this spring, and follow the smell of smoky meat to the inaugural Grampians BBQ Festival. Launching on the same weekend as Father’s Day, this festival will be packed with Australia’s leading pitmasters, live fire cooking, live music and family entertainment, against the stunning backdrop of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park. This event will run from Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6.
Grampians BBQ Festival
This festival invites you to come for the flavours, and stick around to explore the Grampians.
Watch Australia’s leading pitmasters battle it out in the Black Opal Wagyu Pitmaster Challenge. In this sanctioned competition by the Australian Barbecue Alliance, teams will compete across brisket, pork, lamb and ribs for glory, and a $10,000 prize pool. The Steak Cookoff Association will also host a competition, with teams competing in steak and dessert categories for an additional $3,000.
Throughout the festival, you can also see live-fire cooking demonstrations and take part in hands-on sessions.
Feeling inspired? Browse through the vendors, and find all sorts of rubs, sauces, smokers and gear for you to take home. Otherwise, fill that pit in your stomach by chowing down on barbecue-inspired dishes from local vendors. Pair it with some craft beer, local wine and small-batch spirits from around the Grampians and Western Victoria, including Paper Scissors Rock Brewery, Bulls Roar Brewery, Pomonal Estate, Black & Ginger Wines, Itinerant Spirits and Timboon Distillery.
There will be live blues and roots to soundtrack your weekend, with artists on the line-up like Mitch King, Matt Katsis, Mike Elrington and The Mojo Corner.
While you enjoy the barbecue, the kids will have plenty of fun with family-friendly entertainment and activities.
When you’re not at the event, take part in the self-guided BBQ Trail. Discover barbecue-inspired food, drink and experiences from participating cafes, restaurants, retailers and accommodation providers around Halls Gap and Pomonal.
Key details:
đź“…Friday, September 4 to Sunday, September 6
đź•’BBQ Trail from 4pm on Friday. Ticketed festival from 11am to 8:30pm on Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday
🎫Early release tickets from $70, plus booking fee.
đź“ŤHalls Gap Recreation Reserve, Halls Gap VIC 3381
Learn more about the Grampians BBQ Festival here.
