If you are looking for a golden regional festival in Victoria that blends family fun, fresh produce and country charm then Harcourt Applefest in Harcourt Victoria absolutely delivers. Nestled between Bendigo and Castlemaine, this much loved apple festival celebrates the rich orchard heritage of the region and is one of the best things to do in Harcourt each year.
As a mum of two energetic kids aged ten and eight, I am always on the lookout for festivals in regional Victoria that offer more than just a quick wander around market stalls. Harcourt Applefest is a true community festival with apple themed activities, live music, food trucks, local cider producers and that relaxed country vibe that makes you slow down and enjoy the moment. It feels old school in the best possible way.
The Harcourt Valley has been growing apples for generations and the pride of local orchardists shines through during Applefest. You can taste heritage apple varieties, stock up on fresh fruit and chat directly with growers about their craft. I love these conversations because, much like visiting a winery and speaking to the winemaker, you leave with a deeper appreciation of what you are eating and drinking. It is that personal connection that turns a simple day out into something memorable.
Foodies will be in their element with apple pies, apple cider, apple juice and creative apple inspired dishes. If you are the designated driver like I often am, you can still indulge in incredible local produce and perhaps treat yourself to a gourmet lunch while others sample the cider. Supporting small regional producers is always a gamechanger for our rural communities and it feels good to know your dollars are going straight back into the local economy.
There is also plenty for the kids including rides, face painting, live performances and good old fashioned country entertainment. I know my two will happily burn off energy while I soak up the atmosphere, often with a coffee in hand and maybe a playlist of Taylor Swift or Dua Lipa in my head as the soundtrack to the day.
It is that mix of music, laughter and community spirit that makes Harcourt Applefest feel awesome rather than just another market day.
If you like things a bit old school there is real charm to this festival. Art show, kids races, a pie making competition makes the Harcourt Applefest that bit different from some festivals that are essentially stalls, food and live music events.
Plan for the weather: This is predominantly an outdoor event so plan ahead and have a back up plan if the weather looks a bit dodgy.
While you are here a weekend of it and explore neighbouring Castlemaine and surrounds.
If you are planning a weekend away in Central Victoria, consider building your trip around Harcourt Applefest. Leave early, plan your stops and perhaps explore nearby Castlemaine or Bendigo to make a full weekend of it. You will overcome the distance easily when you realise how much there is to see and taste.
Trivia: Harcourt is known as one of Victoria’s oldest apple growing districts with orchards dating back to the 1850s gold rush era.
Getting there and bases
Harcourt Applefest is located at James Park, Binghams Road, Harcourt VIC 3453, Australia.
- Drive times (approx.): Melbourne to Harcourt 1 hr 30 mins; Bendigo to Harcourt 30 mins.
- Good bases: Castlemaine and Bendigo offer great accommodation, cafes and heritage streetscapes.
- Visitor Centres: Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre for maps and regional festival details.
When
7 March 2026 from 10AM to 4PM.
The Harcourt Applefest is on .
In A Nutshell
The Harcourt Applefest is a one of a kind festival with genuine old school country charm. You really feel the community spirit at this festival and as long as the weather obliges this is one of our favourite country Victorian festivals.
Make a weekend of it and explore the greater Castlemaine area.
Festival website
For event updates and full schedule you can view the official Harcourt Applefest website.
Nearby Attractions
There are many attractions close to Harcourt worth visiting.
- The Mill
- Garfield Water Wheel
- Coffee Basics Das Kaffeehaus
- Castlemaine Artist Market
- Buda Historic Home & Garden
- Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar
- Shades of Gray Studio Gallery Seasonal dates only
- Castlemaine Gaol
- The Little Red Apple & Harcourt Apples
- Castlemaine Farmers Market
- Forest Creek Gold Diggings
- Castlemaine Botanic Gardens
- Historic Market Building & Information Centre
- Anticlinal Fold
- Wine & Cideries
- Wesley Hill Market
- Mo's Antiques
- Mica Grange (15 mins drive). Seasonal dates only.
Nearby Attractions in Kyneton
Kyneton is only a 33 minute drive away from Castlemaine and has a number of attractions including many wineries! Plan ahead for your next visit to Central and West Central Victoria.
Guide to Kyneton: Check out our guide on some of the great things to do in Kyneton.
- Kyneton Ridge Estate
- Paramoor Winery
- Musk Lane Wine
- Piper Street
- Black Hill Reserve
- The Cascades
- Lauriston Reservoir
Nearby Attractions in Daylesford
If you've enjoyed Castlemaine there are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the region. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Daylesford.
More Information on Daylesford
Nearby Attractions in Macedon
If you've enjoyed Castlemaine there are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the region. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Macedon.
Explore more of Victoria - Ballarat
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Ballarat.
Explore more of Victoria - Creswick
There are plenty of reasons to keep exploring the Western Victoria. Check out our guide on the great things to do in Creswick.
The Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar website
The Castlemaine Vintage Bazaar website is here.
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