Tarwin Lower Festival This Melbourne Cup Weekend
Make a Day of It
Live music, classic cars, free kids’ entertainment and a whole lot of country spirit! If you’re heading to Inverloch for the Melbourne Cup long weekend, make sure you leave a little room in your plans for the Tarwin Lower Festival.
Just 15 minutes from Inverloch, this much-loved community event is bringing the town to life on Sunday 1 November, with a full day of entertainment, displays, activities and plenty of reasons to get out and explore a little further.
Live music, classic wheels and country fun
Music lovers are in for a treat, with performances across two stages throughout the day. Headline act Steph Strings will take to the main stage, while local favourite No Promises brings its alt-country sound to the festival. With a diverse mix of performers and a lively atmosphere, there’ll be plenty to enjoy as you wander between the stages.
If classic cars, bikes and trucks are more your thing, don’t miss the impressive vehicle display, organised by the Tarwin District Auto & Machinery Club. Add tractor and machinery displays, demonstrations and a tractor pull, and there’s plenty to keep curious minds and motoring enthusiasts entertained.
Bringing the family? The kids can enjoy free rides and amusements throughout the day, alongside plenty of activities to keep younger festival-goers smiling. You’ll also find emergency services displays, more than 70 market stalls and a tempting selection of food stalls.
A festival with community at its heart
The Tarwin Lower Festival is proudly not-for-profit, run by volunteers and created for the community, by the community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the welcoming spirit of the local area while supporting the people who bring this event to life.
Whether you’re there for the music, the machinery, the markets or simply a relaxed day out with family and friends, there’s something for all ages.
Make it part of your Inverloch getaway
Staying in Inverloch for Melbourne Cup weekend? Tarwin Lower is an easy little detour that lets you discover more of our beautiful corner of South Gippsland.
Spend the morning exploring the festival, enjoy lunch from the food stalls, then head back towards Inverloch for a beach walk, a browse through the local shops or a relaxed dinner by the coast.
It’s another great reason to turn your Melbourne Cup plans into a longer coastal escape. After all, some of the best holiday memories happen when you venture just a little further.
Event details
📅 Sunday 1 November 2026
🕙 10am–4pm
📍 Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve, 47 Walkerville Road, Tarwin Lower VIC 3956
🎟️ Tickets: Early-bird online tickets are available at $10 for adults and $4 for ages 12–17. At the gate, tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for ages 12–17. Children under 12 enter free.
Check the festival website for ticket purchases and the latest event information.
Make a weekend of it, discover more of South Gippsland and enjoy a festival that celebrates the best of country community life.
