Welcome to the Westminster Winter Festival

Step inside Westminster’s Aquaculture facilities and discover how students are learning about sustainable fish production, aquatic ecosystems, and the future of food. Enjoy a special tasting of smoked barramundi produced through the School’s aquaculture program, and gain insight into the journey from farm to plate. Experience firsthand how Westminster students combine science, sustainability, and hands-on learning to explore responsible food production and agriculture.

The Thomas Foods International Centre for Agriculture transforms into a world of imagination at the Winter Fairy Craft Workshop, where children can create enchanting winter-themed keepsakes to take home and treasure. The magic continues with face painting, making this a must-visit destination for young festival-goers eager to get creative and experience the wonder of the Westminster Winter Festival.

Visit the sheds to witness traditional sheep shearing demonstrations and gain a firsthand appreciation of the skills and practices that have long been part of Australian agriculture. 

Sessions at 12 pm and 2 pm

Located in the Viticulture Room at the Thomas Foods International Centre for Agriculture, Chalk Hill Wines’ Sensory Odyssey invites guests to embark on a unique wine-tasting journey. 

This immersive experience explores the fascinating connection between wine, music and flavour, encouraging participants to engage their senses in a completely new way. 

Guided by the Chalk Hill team, guests will discover how sound can influence taste perception while sampling a selection of premium wines, creating a memorable and interactive experience for wine lovers and curious newcomers alike.  

The grassed area behind the sheds transforms into a Winter Wonderland, offering nature play, cubby building, and potion-making in a fun-filled outdoor setting. Designed to spark imagination and curiosity, these engaging activities provide plenty of opportunities for children to explore, create, and be entertained throughout the day.

Located within the Winter Wonderland precinct, the Meet the Animals experience gives visitors the chance to get up close to a delightful range of friendly farm animals. This interactive encounter offers a hands-on opportunity to meet some farm friends.

Pony rides will be available throughout the day, offering younger visitors a fun and memorable experience with these gentle and much-loved animals.

Head to the farm and paddocks to meet some of the outstanding animals cared for by Westminster’s Show Team. Learn about animal handling, preparation, and the dedication involved in showcasing livestock.

As the afternoon unfolds, the Live Stage will provide the perfect soundtrack to the festival atmosphere. Enjoy performances from talented Westminster students and Old Scholars, featuring a relaxed mix of jazz and contemporary music that complements the warmth and charm of a winter afternoon at Sturt Grove Farm.

At the heart of the festival is the Winter Cellar marquee on the lawns, where guests can explore a curated selection of complimentary tastings from some of Westminster’s most celebrated wineries and distilleries. Using a complimentary festival tasting glass, yours to keep, you’ll have the opportunity to sample exceptional local wines and spirits while discovering the stories behind the makers. 

Featured producers include Samson Tall, Mr Riggs, Chalk Hill Wines, Bec Hardy Wines, Wirra Wirra Vineyards, Ringland Vintners, Bosworth Wines, Wines of Merritt, La Linea Wines, Heaps Good Gin and HillTilly Distillery. 

The Winter Cellar is a true showcase of Westminster's outstanding wine and spirits community. Guests are encouraged to support these local producers by purchasing a glass to enjoy during the festival or taking home their favourite discoveries to savour later. 

Located in the Show Arena, guests can enjoy a delicious selection of food, coffee and sweet treats throughout the day while supporting Westminster community groups. The Westminster Parents and Friends Association will be serving their popular barbecue favourites, treats and tickets in the Winter Wine Raffle, while the Westminster Boarder Parents Association will offer grazing boxes, goodies and the ever-popular Cow Pat Lotto tickets. 

Our catering partner, Gather by Cater Care, will be serving a range of hearty festival fare, including succulent spit roast rolls, while Westminster family member Archy Cooks will be sharing their warming, authentic curries. 

Guests can also enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas from Two Fat Blokes Pizza, while SkyDoodles Fairy Floss will be delighting younger festival-goers with farm-themed fairy floss creations shaped like their favourite farm animals. 

Freshly brewed coffee and hot drinks will also be available throughout the day, providing the perfect accompaniment to a relaxed winter’s day at Sturt Grove Farm.