Craving an autumn escape? The High Country is currently ablaze with seasonal splendour, with towns like Bright and Jamieson bursting with autumn colours. And if you’d like to pair your appreciation of the autumn leaves with some fun festivities, swing by Myrtleford this weekend for La Fiera Italian Festival. Back for its 18th year, this charming festival celebrates the town’s Italian heritage with tastings, a farmer’s market, a food and wine event and more! The festival is on from Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17.
La Fiera Italian Festival in Myrtleford
This lovely part of the High Country has experienced waves of Italian migrants over the years, starting from the 1920s, when the first arrivals established themselves in the tobacco industry. More Italians arrived as prisoners of war in 1942, working on farms during this period. After the Second World War, more Italian migrants arrived, working hard and buying their own farms. While the tobacco fields are long gone, the town’s Italian culture continues to thrive, with approximately one in seven residents having Italian heritage.
Don’t miss La Festa – Italian Food and Wine Festival on Saturday. This ticketed event will take over the Piazza on Great Alpine Road. Feast on authentic regional food prepared by their local clubs, as well as venues like Bastoni Pizzeria, Mannies Italian Frittole, Abruzzo Lab, Il Panzerotti and more. While you’re there, enjoy a tipple from local wineries, try a beer from King River Brewing or an Italian cocktail from the Little Mix Cocktail van. La Festa will also have entertainment on the main stage, photobooths, face painting for the kids and more.
On Sunday, return to the Piazza for Il Mercato. Explore the market, meet local producers and stock up on produce like walnuts, chestnuts, mushrooms, pasta, cheeses and more. While you’re there, grab a coffee, and enjoy treats like cannoli. There will also be a cooking masterclass on the day, and an Italian motorbike display nearby.
Throughout the festival, you can also look forward to culinary experiences and tastings, with a three-course menu at Gapsted Estate, an hour of Spritz at Bastoni Pizzeria, vino and spuntini from Bushtrack Wines and more.
Other events include an open house at Old School Museum, where you can learn more about the town’s Italian history, an Italian movie night, where you’ll watch Somebody to Love, and a friendly game of bocce.
To see the full program, click here.
What else can you do in Myrtleford?
While you’re there, admire the seasonal colours of the region. Less than 30 minutes from its more famous autumn neighbour, Bright, you’ll still find plenty of vibrant leaves around the area. Soak it all it with a lovely walk or bike ride.
For a bit of art as you go, do a loop along the Mosaic Trail, where you’ll follow the Ovens River in search of over 100 hidden mosaics. If you’d like to take in a nice view of the town, walk up to the Reform Hill Lookout, where you’ll take in the stunning sight of Myrtleford, as well as the Ovens Valley, Mount Buffalo and the Victorian Alps.
If you prefer cycling, set out on a journey along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Zip along through the valley and cycle past orchards and vineyards towards Porepunkah and Bright.
Head out into Mount Buffalo National Park for some splendid autumn walks, or take it easy with a leisurely trip to a nearby cellar door.
For more inspiration, click here.