Fresh and Wholesome at the Bungendore Harvest Festival

The streets and local properties of the near-by township of Bungendore came alive for the 2017 Harvest Festival. The festival, which ran from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th April, featured local artisanal tasting and dining experiences, a bustling farmers market, and a chance to visit local wineries and display gardens.

Fresh, locally grown produce remained the star of the Harvest Festival, which aimed to be a celebration of local food, farming and fibre. Local restaurants opened their doors for tasting sessions, highlighting locally sourced artisanal food. It was the farmers markets that proved to be the highlight of the weekend however, with visitors coming from as far as Canberra and the South Coast to do their shopping, and enjoy the small town ambience. The markets provided an opportunity for shoppers to purchase items such as organic, locally produced meats, Australian native herbs, freshly picked vegetables, and baked goods. Also in attendance were small businesses selling handmade vegan soaps, compost, and stunningly colourful bouquets of flowers.

The Harvest Festival was not just for the happy cook, however. A family-friendly town, Bungendore also welcomed young visitors to the festival, with face painting, busking, and the Dachshund fashion parade taking the prime spots on Saturday’s itinerary. On Sunday the 30th of April, local farm and wineries opened their doors to excited visitors both young and old. Festival attendees had the opportunity to meet local producers, tour their properties, and even harvest their own food.

For those looking for a fabulous weekend in the country, Bungendore is approximately 35 minutes drive east of Canberra. While the Harvest Festival is expected to be an annual event, the town hosts a weekly farmers market on Saturdays where visitors can purchase produce and mingle with locals before heading to one of the popular cafés or local wineries for lunch. Bungendore is small town country spirit at its finest.

To find out more and stay updated on Bungendore’s primary producers, visit southernharvest.org.au, or follow on Instagram @southernharvest.association.