The ultimate guide to experiencing AnnanROMA

The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan brings together the best food, wine and entertainment that the Macarthur region has to offer at the annual AnnanROMA Food and Wine Festival. Foodies and families from across Sydney will come together to spend a fun-filled day in the Garden with entertainment, activities and delicious dishes for the whole family to enjoy.

The free festival has become a community favourite over the past 11 years and this year will be no different with new stalls, fresh entertainment and a dedicated kid-zone with the beautiful Garden as the backdrop. This family-friendly event is a date on the calendar not to miss. Here is everything you need to do at AnnanROMA but don't take it from us, see for yourself on 27 May.

Move to the music

There is a jam-packed schedule of talented singers, songwriters and performances across three stages this year. There is a kid-stage that will have the little ones entertained for hours, an adult only zone and the main stage playing local favourites.  Missy Lancaster is just one of the local musicians that is scheduled to play this year. She is a rising star on the Australian Country Music scene playing an upbeat blend of country-pop with a rock edge.

Sydney based Patrick James not only has a way with words but also known for soft acoustics and emotive harmonies. The Port-Macquarie musician started as a humble busker on the streets of Sydney but now has numerous sold out headline tours and festival slots under his belt. Lauren Azar, Alicia Moses and other talented artists will also be playing throughout the day. The full line-up can be viewed here. 

Try a flexitarian diet

Part-time vegan? Dessert for brunch? Cider and jam? It's AnnanROMA, why not?  We promise that even the most die-hard carnivores in your family will find the vegan dishes from Samadhi Whole Foods or Cosmic Cuisine delicious.  Or load up on dessert before dinner, it will be Sunday Funday, right? Between Gourmet Macarons, Churros La Flamenca, cupcakes, waffles and more - there will be plenty of indulgent options to pick from on Eat Street.

Experience VIP treatment

Why not make a special day out an extraordinary one? The new VIP experiences at AnnanROMA include private loos, parking next to the event and Lakeside Lawn picnic spaces. The picturesque afternoon is topped off with grazing platters or a sit down meal prepared by local catering legends, The Chef and I. This VIP experience includes a seated four course lunch with matching wines and entertainment from the main stage.

There is room to play outside the VIP space in the adult-only Rydges Lounge. With its own stage, fabulous wine, craft beers and fresh cider, this spot will be the most popular destination in southwest Sydney.

Let the kids run wild

Part of our special line-up jut for kids includes a giant slide, dedicated zone and a chance to get messy making mud-pies. Ruby Star & Tick Tock will be rocking out on the stage plus appearances by magicians Madam Mulch & The Great Fertiliso. Special children stalls can also be found in this zone, including mini-sliders, ice cream and other kid-friendly food that they’re bound to love.

As you wander outside the kid-zone through Eat Street, the kids will be entertained trying to spot the Roods! The 2-metre-high kangaroos are a phenomenal sight bouncing around the Gardens.

Kids Stage Line Up:

• 11.00 - Vocalise 1
• 2.00 - Iron & the Autumn Fairy
• 1.00 - Ruby & Tick Tock
• 2.00 - Madam Mulch & The Great Fertiliso

Bring your A game

Get the most out of the festival by bringing a blanket torelax on, sun cream in case you doze off, an umbrella if the weather decides to turn and remember to plan your transportation options ahead of time. 

The Garden is running a free shuttle service from the main entry to the event space every hour from 10 am to 3 pm and a return service every half past the hour of those times. It’s a free service that can be booked by calling 02 4634 7935.

The local buses have a stop outside the main gate and buses run regularly from Campbelltown Train Station. Or take any of the buses heading to Camden, Narellan or Mount Annan and just ask to stop at the Garden bus stop on Narellan Road. 

For more information and to stay up to date with the latest news visit the AnnanROMA Facebook event page here.