There are few ingredients that pack as significant a punch as the humble garlic clove. And there are few savoury dishes that don’t benefit from its presence.

Gluttons for garlic, it’s time to unite. The Koonya Garlic Festival marks the annual gathering of garlic lovers and gardeners to celebrate the harvest of this pungent provision on Saturday February 29, from 10.30 to 4.00pm.

Tasmania’s South-East region is home to a plentiful garlic bulb harvest, and poses an ideal setting for this celebratory affair.

But what – we hear you wonder – goes down at a garlic festival?

The key event at Koonya’s food lovers’ festival is the garlic growers’ competition. Then there are its must-see ‘Golden Globes’ – a collection of hand-forged garlic sculptures fashioned by the festival founder’s award-winning sculptor Colin Langridge.

There are talks, master classes from culinary experts, a line-up of live music and, naturally, a large selection of garlic products and garlic-infused dishes to try. But it’s not all garlic-scented. Alongside food offerings will be craft beverages from the island’s artisan brewers and distillers.

For more information, visit the festival’s website.

Related travel inspiration: The Australian island all seafood devotees should have visited by now