Description
After 11 incredible years celebrating just two hero crops - garlic and tomatoes - the Tasmanian Garlic & Tomato Festival is blossoming into something bigger, brighter, and even more delicious… introducing the Tasmanian Heirloom Festival!
This new chapter celebrates the full spectrum of heirloom and heritage produce - from tomatoes and garlic, to apples, chillis, pumpkins, potatoes, flowers, seeds, and so much more! All your favourites from the festival will still be there, at the same stunning venue of Quamby Estate - the incredible 30m long Heirloom Heaven display, engaging presenters, workshops, cooking demonstrations, produce competitions, games, children's area, and the chance to connect with passionate, local growers.
FAQs
- Will tickets be available at the gate?
We strongly recommend to purchase tickets online prior to the festival, but yes, tickets are available at the gate on festival day.
Tickets bought at the gate are $2,50 extra than online - both cash & EFTPOS are accepted.
- Is the venue accessible?
Quamby Estate is a country estate, and the festival is held most outside on its grounds. The grounds are mostly lawns with flat gravel roads/paths. There is one paved driveway (the main avenue of the festival) but this does have some small bumps/lips. The lawns may have the odd stone or dip. There are ramps leading to all buildings onsite. Accessible and disabled toilets are available at multiple points around the site (please refer to the site map on display). There is a dedicated accessible car park, close to the main gate.
- What parking is available?
Parking is all onsite at Quamby Estate, and is in grassed paddocks. Please follow the signs and our helpful parking attendants will show you the way! We have a dedicated accessible parking area for those who need it.
- Is there seating available?
We'll have plenty of open space for you to sit and enjoy a coffee or a meal. We'll provide seating, but feel free to bring your own portable chairs, picnic rug, or even a table! If you do this, please don't leave them set up for long periods of time if you're not occupying them. Fold them up and put them to one side.
- What do I need to be aware of?
The festival is held on country estate, so there are some hazards to be aware of. The ground is flat but it is a paddock, so there is the odd stone, dip, thistle etc. Keep an eye out for jackjumpers and wasps, and if you are allergic, please carry anti-histamines or your epipen on your person. A sunhat, sunscreen, sensible clothes and enclosed shoes are highly recommended.
- Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are more than welcome! Remember they must be on a lead, and please don't take them to the food stalls. Some people are not comfortable around dogs, especially large ones, so avoid crowded areas with your pooch.
- Can I bring my own reusable cup/bags?
Please feel free to bring your own keep cup and reusable bags! We are aiming to make the festival as waste-free as possible. If you do have waste, please think about which bin it should go in. We'll have volunteers helping us with managing our waste this year, and we want to make their job as easy as possible.
- Can I smoke onsite?
We are a Smoke Free festival, and absolutely no smoking is allowed onsite. Please don’t bring tobacco products onto the property at all. Tobacco can carry pathogens harmful to plants grown in this area including tomato, eggplant and capsicum. For patron comfort, we also don’t allow vaping.
- Can I use cash?
We're encouraging contactless transactions, but since mobile phone coverage is not great, this system sometimes fails. Bring some cash just in case.
What's On
From the Field: Presenters Marquee
Sponsored by Meander Valley Council, From the Field is the place to be! Across the day, you’ll hear from a range of growers, producers, makers, and local voices who care deeply about food, land, and community. From practical growing tips and seed saving, to conversations about heritage produce, sustainability, and local food systems, these sessions offer something for the curious, the experienced, and everyone in between. From the Field is a relaxed, welcoming space - you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it. Pull up a seat, listen in for five minutes or stay for a full talk, and soak up ideas you can take home to your own garden, kitchen, or community. Speakers will be presenting constantly throughout the day. See the full list of presenters below so you can plan your visit, or simply wander past and see what’s on. Whether you come to learn something new, hear a familiar voice, or be inspired by the passion of local people, From the Field is a place to slow down and connect with the heart of the festival.
Heirloom Heaven
Heirloom Heaven brings together stunning displays of heirloom and heritage fruit and vegetables, grown with care by local gardeners and producers. From knobbly pumpkins and speckled beans to apples with stories and potatoes you won’t find in supermarkets, this display area showcases the beauty of food grown for flavour, resilience, and tradition! Heirloom Heaven is about more than looks. Each variety tells a story of seeds saved, skills passed down, and generations of growers who valued quality over uniformity. It’s a chance to see just how rich Tasmania’s growing culture really is, and to reconnect with where our food comes from. The main highlight of this area is the 30-metre-long table with hundreds of varieties of tomatoes, apples, potatoes, beans, and chillies. But for 2026, we are adding in an additional display of pumpkins! You will find Heirloom Heaven under the shade of Quamby Estate’s heritage trees, protecting the produces’ delicate flesh from the sun’s glare. Take a wander, read the labels, chat with the growers, and discover varieties you may never have seen before. Whether you’re a passionate gardener, a curious cook, or simply love beautiful food, Heirloom Heaven invites you to slow down, look closely (but no touching!), and be inspired by the produce that make this festival what it is.
Cooking Demonstrations
Our Cooking Demonstrations celebrate the flavour, versatility, and stories behind heirloom ingredients - from vibrant tomatoes and heritage apples to garlic, pumpkins, herbs, and more. Throughout the day, talented local chefs will share simple techniques, seasonal recipes, and clever tips you can take straight home to your own kitchen. These sessions are about inspiration, not intimidation. You don’t need to be a trained cook to enjoy them - just pull up a seat, watch, listen, and gather ideas! You might learn a new way to roast your veg, preserve the season’s goodies, or let our Tasmanian produce shine in a simple dish. The Cooking Demonstrations Pavilion is located right near the heart of the festival, making it easy to pause between wandering the stalls and tasting local produce. Sessions run across the day and are included with your festival admission.
Market Stalls
The Tasmanian Heirloom Festival is all about celebrating flavour, creativity, and the makers who keep our island’s traditions alive. This year, we’re bringing together an exciting mix of food/beverage vendors, growers, producers, artisans, and local creators. Whether you’re here for a great lunch, a special treat, or something unique to take home, you’ll find plenty to explore!
Quamby Homestead Tours
Set among sweeping lawns, grand heritage trees, and bustling festivities, Quamby Homestead is one of Tasmania’s most important historic homes - and a quiet highlight of the festival day! Built in 1828, the Homestead was once the residence of Sir Richard Dry, Tasmania’s first locally born Premier, this iconic homestead earned the title of the “Government House of the North.” Imagine the grand gatherings of colonial leaders who came together under this roof to champion the end of convict transportation, draft the Tasmanian Constitution, and envision the growth of the State’s railways. For the festival, the Quamby Homestead offers a rare chance to slow down and step inside that history. Wander through beautifully preserved rooms, imagine the lives lived here nearly two centuries ago, and take in the scale and craftsmanship of a Georgian home that has stood the test of time. Tours are self-guided and running throughout the day, so you can pop in whenever it suits you. To protect the building and ensure a relaxed experience, a maximum of 25 people will be allowed inside at one time. Entry is by gold coin donation per person (cash only). Whether you’re a history lover, a curious wanderer, or simply looking for a quiet moment away from the bustle of the festival, the Quamby Homestead is well worth a look!
Long Table Lunch
The Long Table Lunch is a festival highlight - an intimate, ticketed dining experience set inside the historic Quamby Homestead. Hosted by Quamby Estate, this exclusive, once-a-year lunch brings together Season & Fire and Ponting Wines for a beautifully considered experience of canapés and sparkling wine on arrival, a shared entrée, feast-style main with abundant sides, and dessert - each course thoughtfully matched with Ponting Wines. Set within the grand Ballroom of the Quamby Homestead, the Long Table Lunch offers a chance to slow down and savour the festival in a truly special way: an unhurried, elegant feast, surrounded by history, conversation, and the best of Tasmania’s produce. Tickets: $150 per person Tickets are strictly limited, and are for the Long Table Lunch only (inclusive of the lunch and matched wines). This ticket does not include general festival admission, which must be purchased separately. Dietary flexibility can be accommodated - please let us know of your dietary needs when purchasing tickets.
Live Music
Set on the beautifully shaded lawn near the Homestead, live music is the perfect soundtrack to wandering the stalls, enjoying a delicious nibble on the grass, or simply taking a moment to sit back and soak it all in. From 9:30am to 12:30pm, Meander Valley local Jason Taylor sets the tone for the morning with easy listening and acoustic favourites. From 12:45pm to 3:45pm, Launceston duo Just Flare (Hannah & Zac) take over, bringing warm harmonies and laid-back covers that carry beautifully across the site! Bring your camp chair, a picnic rug, or steal a hay bale - rest your feet in the shade whilst listening to some incredible local talent!
Children's Area
Set on a shaded lawn right next to the Cooking Demonstrations Pavilion, this relaxed space makes it easy for parents to stay close to the action while children are entertained. Bring a picnic rug, settle in under the trees, and let the kids soak up the fun! All-Day Entertainment We’re delighted to have Marcelle’s Children Entertainer on hand throughout the day, keeping young festival-goers smiling with lively, interactive fun. Expect laughter, games, and plenty of energy to match the festival atmosphere! Adding a splash of colour, Magical Faces will be offering beautiful face painting - from butterflies and blossoms to bold, bright creations inspired by the garden. It’s a lovely way for children to become part of the festival in their own special way. A gentle reminder… The Children’s Area is designed to be welcoming and relaxed, but it is not a drop-off zone. Parents and carers are kindly asked to remain with and supervise their children at all times.
Photography & Videography
Please be aware that this is a public event. Photography and videography will be taking place throughout the event. By attending, you consent to your image being used in content, such as promotional and archival material, by the event organisers and Meander Valley Council. If you would like to opt out of this, please email communication@mvc.tas.gov.au with details about your request.
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