What's on in Gippsland this August?
There's everything from standup comedy laughs to local art exhibitions to a scenic ride on a historic steam train.
Jacob Wallace
June 06, 2025
Even through the winter months Gippsland has so many gigs, exhibitions, festivals and shows to check out. Don’t let the cold weather stop you from getting outside and making the most of life in Gippsland. The Monitor has listed some of the biggest events in the region this month so have a browse and make the most of it!
🧺 You can check out our list of Gippsland farmers markets on in August here:
🚀 Let’s jump into our Gippsland event guide for July!
Percussion, conversation, degustation
Percussion, conversation, degustation offers a multidisciplinary experience.
This event is intended to be like a menu, with courses of improvised music, stories and food.
Students from Bairnsdale Secondary College will be participating in the project and local artist Deirdre Jack will be painting live in response to the musical performance.
The event is free, but bookings are essential. Call East Gippsland Art Gallery to book.
When: Friday August 1, 6pm - 7pm.
Where: East Gippsland Art Gallery, 2 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale.
Finders keepers
A mixed media exhibition in Korrumburra.
A mixed media art exhibition in Korrumburra showcasing farm-inspired collages, retro Tuckfields Tea cards and tins and beach assemblage photography. At the Coal Creek Community Park and Museum. You can check out the exhibition and take a stroll through the historical coal creek.
When: Friday August 1 – Monday November 17.
Where: Coal Creek Community Park and Museum, 12 Silkstone Road, Korumburra.
Winter Night Trains
The hustle and bustle of the Walhalla winter night train.
On Saturday nights in August the Walhalla night train will illuminate the bush through this one-hour scenic train ride. All tickets are return and include a hot chocolate.
Walhalla Goldfields Rail suggests you make the most of the night by touring the Long Tunnel Extended Mine, before dinner at the Walhalla Lodge Hotel (Wally Pub) and a local ghost tour.
When: Saturday August 2 - Saturday August 30.
Where: Walhalla Goldfields Railway. 2 Main Road, Walhalla.
Women of Wit
Comedian Freddie Arthur will be performing.
Featuring a selection of emerging and established comedians like Alex Ward, Urvi Majumdar, Jordan Barr, Freddie Arthur and a “surprise” local act.
When: Friday August 8.
Where: The Courthouse. 66 Tyers Street, Stratford.
Take a look at one of the performers comedy sets below.
Dave Thornton - Nothing’s Unpossible
Dave Thornton on tour with his 2024 festival show.
Dave Thornton is taking his 2024 festival show on the road and stopping off in Traralgon. Thorton has been on The Project, hosted The Big Trip, worked with Andy Lee on The Hundred, and was in Upper Middle Bogan on ABC.
When: Saturday August 9.
Where: Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, 32 Kay Street, Traralgon.
If you’re interested, take a look at Dave Thornton’s Melbourne International Comedy Gala performance below.
Tour of Gippsland
The scenic view of the GP Circuit on Phillip Island.
This event is a highlight of the men's and women's National Road Series calendar, which showcases Australia's best up and coming riders. The event is at the Phillip Island GP Circuit and includes Victorian State Time Trial and Road Race Titles.
When: Saturday August 9 - Sunday August 10.
Where: 381 Back Beach Road, Ventnor.
Melbourne Comedy Showcase
Dave O’Neil will be performing alongside other comedians at The Wedge Performing Arts Centre.
The lineup includes Lehmo, Dave O’Neil, Brad Oakes, Sonia Di Iorio and Billy Stiles.
When: Saturday August 16.
Where: The Wedge Performing Arts Centre, 100 Foster Street, Sale.
Take a look at some of Dave O’Neil’s standup below.
1984 by George Orwell on stage
1984 by George Orwell stage production.
A live stage performance of George Orwell’s classic novel from Shake and Stir. Make sure to behave because Big Brother will undoubtedly be watching at Berninneit in Cowes.
When: Saturday August 16.
Where: The Berninneit, 91-97 Thompson Avenue, Cowes.
The Ultimate Truffle Hunt - Truffles & Flames
A collection of truffles found at Scotch Hill.
This informative hunt for truffles, held in the foothills of Mount Baw Baw, takes you from harvesting the rare mushroom on the forest floor to cooking it on a flame. Truffle dog Boogie will guide the group in an exploration of one of the world's most prized culinary treasures.
When: Saturday August 17.
Where: Scotch Hill, 119 McDougal Road, Neerim South.
The Gippslander Steam Train to Bairnsdale
The steam train making its way through Gippsland.
This historic train journey will be passing through Flinders Street Station in the heart of Melbourne and on to the southeastern suburbs. The trip aims to be reminiscent of the glory days of “The Gippslander”, the old steam train to Bairnsdale. An express run will travel through forests and farms, arriving at Bairnsdale at midday. Passengers will be able to have lunch and spend part of the afternoon exploring Bairnsdale before heading back.
When: Sunday August 24.
Where: The train departs from Newport, Southern Cross, Flinders Street, Caulfield, Dandenong or Pakenham stations.
South East Now
Artwork by First Nation artist Ray Thomas.
This is a group exhibition of Koorie artists with a connection to Gunai Kurnai Country. This is the exhibition's seventh year of running. The show will also include a school workshop, gallery tours and artist talks with exhibiting artists.
Free opening event at 5.30pm on Friday, June 20.
When: June 20 - August 2.
Where: East Gippsland Art Gallery. 2 Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale.
Turner and Australia
Falls of the Schaffhausen by J. M. W. Turner.
This exhibition is dedicated to the impact that iconic English painter J.M.W. Turner had on the Australian artscene. The exhibition draws inspiration from Turner's contemporary, John Glover, who migrated to Australia in 1831.
When: June 7 - August 24.
Where: Gippsland Art Gallery, 70 Foster St in Sale.