A bucket-list of regional music festivals on the rise across Australia

From a big country music bash in a rodeo arena to a folk festival by the sea, regional music festivals are hitting all the right notes with crowds all over Australia.

In October last year a cavalcade of utes, vans and motorhomes carrying 8000 people descended upon Tropical North Queensland’s Mareeba Rodeo Arena. But the crowds wearing cowboy boots and Akubra hats didn’t travel from far and wide to see bucking broncos and bulls. Instead, they’ve come to kick up their heels at what has become the hottest ticket in town.

Savannah in the Round, Qld

Kip Moore performing at Savannah in the Round — Kip Moore at Savannah in the Round.

In its fifth year, Savannah in the Round saw 40 artists play for more than 90 hours on four stages. The three-day camping festival’s blend of rock and country music has proven to be a winning combination with rockers like Hoodoo Gurus and The Living End gracing the stages alongside a strong line-up of country musicians.

Last year, Nashville-based stars Kip Moore and Tyler Hubbard joined Australian country music legends like Troy Cassar-Daley and Lee Kernaghan on the bill, along with Queensland-based country duo Jock Barnes and Trent McArdle, of Route 33, who have played at the festival three times.

the Savannah in the Round from above at sunset — Savannah in the Round is the hottest ticket in Tropical North Queensland.

“Having the mix of country and rock artists, the festival attracts a wide array of people. Every year with the outside stages and camping growing, it’s getting more of a camping festival feel which seems to create a larger party atmosphere as the event gets bigger," says McArdle.

As a fan of New Zealand singer Jon Stevens from way back, McArdle had a ‘pinch-me’ moment playing on stage right after the rock icon, who is best known for fronting Noiseworks.

the crowd at Savannah in the Round Festival — The country and rock festival is in its fifth year.

“Aussie pub rock has had a revival in the past five years and country music is on the doorstep of being the biggest genre in the world. Bringing these two [genres] together on the line-up really sets the festival apart from other Aussie festivals and almost guarantees its success," McArdle says.

Sound Australia CEO James Dein explains he founded Savannah in the Round “to create a space where country music lovers from all walks of life can come together, share stories and celebrate the heart and soul of the outback".

As Australia’s largest avocado-growing region and a significant producer of tropical fruits such as mangoes and pineapples, Mareeba’s economy is underpinned by agriculture, with mining and renewable energy also significant.

But tourism is increasingly growing in the region, with visitor numbers climbing steadily thanks to events such as Savannah in the Round.

the palm-tree-laden Tropical North Queensland — Head to Tropical North Queensland for the epic Savannah in the Round.

“We chose Mareeba as the home of Savannah in the Round because it’s the beating heart of Tropical North Queensland, a place where the rugged beauty of the outback meets the warmth of a close-knit community with a deep connection to country culture," Dein explains.

Home to a population of around 23,000 people, Mareeba is also conveniently located for those interested in snorkelling, diving, cruising the reef, or exploring the world’s oldest (and Australia’s largest) tropical rainforest.

an aerial view of a rainforest and beach at Tropical North Queensland — Tropical North Queensland is where the rainforest meets the reef.

“It’s a stone’s throw from the spoils of the Cairns region like the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, making it the perfect backdrop for a festival that celebrates the spirit of the tropical north," says Dein.

The popularity of Savannah in the Round bucks the trend of festival cancellations, which has seen the likes of Groovin the Moo and Splendour in the Grass flounder due to lacklustre ticket sales and rising insurance costs.

Australian Festival of Chamber Music

the Andromeda Sax Quartet — Andromeda Sax Quartet will perform at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

Despite the challenges of putting on a large-scale event in a regional location, other festivals are also going from strength to strength up north. Held in Townsville, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music  enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2024 – albeit with a lot less dust and rowdiness than Savannah in the Round.

The annual celebration of classical music draws world-class performers from around Australia and the globe. Devoted classical music connoisseurs who return year after year (dubbed the ‘Balmy Army’) are integral to the festival’s ongoing success. But the festival also attracts newcomers each year thanks to its diverse program and free, family-friendly outdoor concerts.

an aerial view of Townsville — Townsville is the setting for the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. (Image: Megan MacKinnon)

Held in various indoor and outdoor venues including the Townsville Civic Theatre, Magnetic Island and St James’ Cathedral, the 2024 festival saw attendance rise to 22,106 across all events (up 31 per cent on 2023), with interstate or overseas visitors growing by 16 per cent.

This resulted in $19.9 million of spending in Queensland by attendees, representing an increase of 114 per cent on the previous year.

Port Fairy Folk Festival, Vic

the 2023 Port Fairy FolkFestival — The much-loved Port Fairy Folk Festival.

Starting way back in 1977 when 400 people paid the princely sum of $4 a ticket, the Port Fairy Folk Festival (‘the Folkie’) has had a hell of a run.

What started as a humble celebration of folk music with a truck acting as a makeshift stage is now a tourism juggernaut. Still going strong more than four decades later, the much-loved festival fuelled by community spirit sees the population of the Victorian seaside town of Port Fairy swell from 3000 to more than 30,000 every March.

a musician playing his instruments at the 2023 Port Fairy FolkFestival — The Folkie has been running since 1977.

Over the years, the festival held just beyond the end of the Great Ocean Road has welcomed a wider range of genres to the scene, attracting local performers as well as international drawcards like Cat Power, Glen Hansard, Loudon Wainwright III and the Blind Boys of Alabama.

Tasmanian musician Van Walker has performed at the Folkie about a dozen times over his long and storied career, both solo and with acts such as The Livingstone Daisies and Vandemonian Lags.

Now based in Victoria, the folk, blues, country and rock and roll singer shares what he believes is the special secret sauce that this free-spirited collective jam session by the sea possesses: “It was one of the first big festivals I ever played. Though it has international acts, it is distinctly Australian and distinctly Victorian, with its sunshine and ever-present sea breezes. There is a real camaraderie among the musicians, who are always on hand to help with equipment and play together," says Walker.

visitors sitting under The Folkie signage, Port Fairy Folk Festival — Port Fairy Folk Festival, aka ‘the Folkie. (Image: Jason Dobrowolski)

Like other performers who make the pilgrimage year after year, the Folkie occupies a special place in Walker’s heart.

“The Folkie’s prime location may have a lot to do with its continued appeal, plus the passion and perseverance of the people involved. It’s an enormous production involving the entire community and that labour of love permeates the entire festival," he explains.

With many attendees booking their accommodation 12 months in advance, the region’s hotels, motels, pub stays, holiday homes and caravan parks are solidly booked out each year of the festival, representing a strong economic uplift for the local economy.

the crowds at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — The small Victorian town welcomes some 30,000 visitors for the Folkie. (Image: Small General Photography)

Mayor of Moyne Shire Council Karen Foster shares that Port Fairy’s two council-run caravan parks welcome a whopping 3800 guests alone during the festival.

“It’s a huge economic boost for our entire shire. The funds from the caravan parks are dispersed through council’s coffers throughout the shire for the rest of the year," says Councillor Foster.

Around 89 per cent of ticket holders come from across Victoria, while 11 per cent travel from interstate to experience the convivial vibe of this gathering that celebrates creativity and togetherness via live performances, workshops, talks and even group singalongs.

the Port Fairy Beach — Usually sleepy Port Fairy. (Image: Rob Blackburn)

The festival also acts as an introduction to the region, with many people returning during the quieter months to experience Port Fairy’s historic charm, sans the crowds. “We know the Folkie has flow-on benefits. It’s a great showcase for the region and it attracts people back here at other times," says Councillor Foster.

Why regional festivals are on the rise

woman in crowd at BASSINTHEGRASS — Darwin’s BASSINTHEGRASS. (Image: Helen Orr)

A common theme uniting these successful festivals is a strong sense of small-town pride. A deep love for regional Queensland is evident at Savannah in the Round, which champions local food producers, distilleries and breweries. Volunteers from the Kuranda Visitor Information Centre and Mareeba Heritage Museum and Visitor Information Centre are on hand each day to share the best things to do in the region after the event.

surfers at Port Fairy Beach — Surfers at Port Fairy Beach. (Image: Belinda Vanzanen)

More than 800 volunteers help ensure Victoria’s Port Fairy Folk Festival is a success by pitching in to help with construction, ticketing, merchandise and stage management. In turn, the festival has invested more than $9.5 million in the community over the years, with the local hospital, surf lifesaving club, sporting clubs and many arts and community programs receiving funding.

“The Folkie is an absolute institution that’s not only economically important, but socially as well," Councillor Foster shares, adding: “Community faith in the Folkie and community love for the Folkie is what holds it together."

While some big-name music festivals have folded in recent years, Savannah in the Round, the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and Port Fairy Folk Festival have proven that regional music festivals with a strong sense of community are really striking a chord.

Annual regional music festivals to have on your radar

the Mundi Mundi Bash, Broken Hill, NSW — Mundi Mundi Bash attracts thousands of festivalgoers who claimed a world record title for the largest Nutbush City Limits dance in 2023. (Image: Matt Williams)

the crowd at Tamworth Country Music Festival — Don’t miss out on Australia’s biggest country music festival. (Image: Tamworth Country Music Festival)

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .