Central Coast News

Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and fun, with fantastic live music, farm experiences and delicious fresh produce at over 30 event hubs.  Harvest Festival offers a rare chance to take a glimpse behind the farm gate as you explore nine rural farming communities and their picturesque heritage villages on the Central Coast - including Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Wyong Creek, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby and Spencer.

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the popular long weekend event attracts thousands of locals and tourists each year.

“The two-day Harvest Festival program offers something for every taste and interest, from paddock to plate dining experiences, to ‘pick your own’ fresh food fun, plant nursery experiences, food and beverage experiences, hands-on workshops, farm tours, live music and entertainment and much more,” Ms Smith said.

A number of event hubs provide the opportunity to pre-book experiences in advance, so be sure to check out the event program early and reserve your place to ensure you don’t miss out.

Council is also reminding community members and visitors to drive carefully when heading to Harvest Festival event destinations over the long weekend, and to expect some delays with increased traffic and speed reductions in place.

Council Administrator Rik Hart said the Harvest Festival is a major contributor to the visitor economy and destination brand, providing visitors with a greater understanding of the region from hinterland to headland.

“Over 57,000 locals and visitors attended the 2023 event, injecting more than $8 million into the local economy while building local pride and celebrating the diversity and sustainability of the Coast,” Mr Hart said.

Mr Hart noted the Coast’s reputation as a gourmet foodie destination was also recognised at the 2022 delicious. Harvey Norman Produce Awards, winning the prestigious ‘Outstanding Region’ award.  This Award recognised the region’s ‘new, innovative, native, and consistently outstanding Australian ingredients grown, caught, sourced, or produced with dedication, passion, knowledge and regard for the environment.’

“I encourage residents and visitors to support our region’s rural communities by exploring the hinterland and its offerings over the Harvest Festival weekend.  These communities have helped to establish the Central Coast as an outstanding culinary destination.”
For the full program information and link to traffic conditions visit here

To look up details in relation to traffic changes search 'road closures' at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au