The Hepburn Swiss Italian Festa is a vibrant celebration of the Swiss Italian migrants who arrived in the Hepburn Springs and Daylesford region during the 1850s gold rush. These Italian speakers, hailing from villages on both sides of the Swiss–Italian border, transformed a land of mutton, potatoes and beer by introducing salami, pasta and wine.

They recognised the value of the region’s mineral springs early on, lobbying to protect them from gold prospectors. They built stone houses with cellars and wells, planted grapevines, olive trees and orchards, and even established Australia’s first pasta factory in 1859 – still standing in Hepburn Springs today.

The Festa honours 170 years of “taking the waters” and the legacy of fine food, wine and architecture that defines our region. It’s a lively mix of traditional and artisanal fare, parades, performances, art shows, heritage tours, bocce tournaments and fireworks. Local icons Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm and the Palais-Hepburn theatre host major events, while restaurants across the area serve special Festa menus.

First staged in 1993, the Festa has delighted the community for 25 years. From 24–26 October 2025, Hepburn will come alive once again – and everyone’s invited!