Page 35 - Port Douglas Magazine 32

COUNTRY FESTIVAL

HEADS NORTH

FOR QUEENSLAND’S BIGGEST LONG WEEKEND

WORDS by Mitch Fresta
t’s honest, simple and often conjures up images of cowboy boots and James Dein. “With the capacity to add international talent as borders
pickup trucks. So why is country music having its resurgence in the open, Savannah in the Round will serve the country music community and
Icoastal region of Tropical North Queensland? shine a light on the beauty of the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef region, not
just in 2021 but for years to come.”
When you think of country music, the first images that come to mind are
unlikely to be the crystal clear waters of Blue Pearl Bay, or the lush scenery Far from just a country music festival, Savannah in the Round will also
of the iconic Daintree Forest. provide attendees with a smorgasbord of amazing food truck options (for
those that want food on-the-go) as well as bringing on the most highly
It’s probably not the vast, pastel hues of the Great Barrier Reef or any of
the coastal offerings of Tropical North Queensland. No, you’re more likely awarded restaurant and catering company in Cairns - Ochre - to serve up a
menu of local produce that wouldn’t be out of place in any of Queensland’s
to dream up images of golden hay bales, big hats, line dancing and that
highest rated restaurants.
classic Tennessee sound. But, there’s a musical revolution going on in our
backyards, and it’s bringing country music to the coast. It wouldn’t be a country music festival without camping, too! Rent A Tent
options, family quiet zones and traditional camping are all on offer for the
In 2021 all eyes will be on Far North Queensland as the region gears up
inaugural year, plus there’s larger zones to park your RV!
to host Australia’s most exciting new country music festival, ‘Savannah in
the Round’.
From October 1-3 Kerribee Park Rodeo Grounds in Mareeba will GLAMP LIKE A SUPER STAR
dramatically transform from a collection of vast open fields into a bustling And, for those who want all the fun of camping without the exhaustion
hub for one of the largest country music parties in the world, with some of of putting up tents and foregoing some of the usual home comforts,
Australia’s biggest and most respected country-music artists taking to the Savannah in the Round Festival is offering up exclusive Glamping options.
stage for three days and nights. Furnished five metre deluxe bell tents with bedding for up to five guests
Chart-toppers like Brad Cox and Casey Barnes will be joined by a means you can leave the swag at home, along with mats, towels, linen and
long list of country stars including Australian legend John Williamson, lighting.
country favourite Lee Kernaghan, five-time Golden Guitar winner Fanny Guests will have access to adjacent toilet and showers and have a dedicated
Lumsden and two-time Golden Guitar winners The McClymonts. area for guests to use their hair straighteners and hairdryers on site.
Iconic Australian artist Tex Perkins will also be on site to perform his A chill out/common area is also provided for glamping guests where they
critically acclaimed show ‘The Man In Black – The Songs & Story of can relax, enjoy a cool drink and use the phone charging station. If guests
Johnny Cash’ while The Wolfe Brothers, Graeme Connors, Troy Cassar- are feeling peckish or in need of a caffeine fix, friendly volunteer crew will
Daley, Busby Marou, James Blundell, Jasmine Rae, Darlinghurst, Jetty gladly source from vendors onsite and deliver to the glamping area. It’s
Road, The Buckleys and many more will soundtrack three days of non- the closest thing you can get to not camping, while still sleeping in a tent!
stop, festival fun in one of the most beautiful locations on earth.
With international borders sealed shut for the foreseeable future, there’s
With the full line-up now topping over 40 artists, the three-day celebration never been a better time to don your akubra, swap the thongs for boots and
of everything country will be the premier music destination on the Queen’s explore what North Queensland has to offer, beyond the beach!
Birthday long weekend.
“It has been a tough time for everyone over the last year, but Savannah in
Savannah in the Round runs from 1-3 October, 2021 at the Kerribee
the Round is committed to making sure Australia has a large-scale country Park Rodeo Grounds in Mareeba.
music event in 2021 and we are proud to show the strength of Australia’s
Tickets are on sale at savannahintheround.com.au
great talent pool with our announcement today, said Sound Australia’s

The Buckleys will join over 40 acts including Aussie Three festival camping options including Camp Grounds (self catered),
legends and other rising stars Rent A Tent (pop up village) and Glamping in Full-Service Luxury Bell Tents