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)

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.