The five-day carnival has brought 18 Melbourne food trucks with a variety of international dishes to the Yarrawonga foreshore.

Food Truck Carnival Company has already taken the carnival to Doncaster, Gippsland and Knox this summer.

Food Truck Carnival Company director Mark Lipshut said more than 120,000 people had attended the first three gated events.

Mr Lipshut said since then the company had been approached by 20 other councils wanting to bring the carnival to their region.

“Food trucks are really a phenomenon in Melbourne,” he said.

“It’s lovely to be able to take them on the road as a modern-day type carnival.

“They do have different food offerings to what’s happening locally.”

Yarrawonga businessman Scott Davison said despite some reservations from hospitality traders, many others had embraced the carnival.

“It’s one of the largest events Yarrawonga has hosted for some time,” he said.

“About 50 to 60 locals are involved in bringing the carnival to the foreshore.

“Locals have put in 3000 hours to get set up for it.”

Moira Shire Economic Development and Tourism manager Jane O’Brien said they would consider an off-peak event depending on the outcome of the January carnival at Yarrawonga.

“If successful the event organisers are considering an off-peak season version of the event, which will have an even stronger economic impact on Moira Shire,” she said.

Mr Lipshut said they were keen to bring the carnival back to the regional areas.

“We’re working on off-peak or winter events; we’re keen to offer year-round events for the company,” he said.

Mr Lipshut said Yarrawonga had turned on the weather for the opening day.

“It’s been a great start,” he said.

“We’ve got 800 tables and chairs lakeside; people know it’s going to be a quality event.”

The Food Truck Carnival’s opening hours are noon until 10pm from Thursday until Saturday and noon until 9pm on Sunday.

A total of 4000 people will be allowed through the gates at a time in the area between Aquazone and Murphy Street. Entry is free.