Page 53 - Port Douglas Magazine 44
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major events.




































              Zac Brown Band

            FROM OCTOBER 9 TO 12, THE QUIET CHARM OF MAREEBA in Far   will offer a rich mix of stories and sounds. From blues and folk to
            North Queensland  will once again pulse  with music, culture,   country soul and roots rock, there’s something for every ear.
            and community as Savannah in the Round returns for its 2025   Yet Savannah in the Round is more than a music festival - it’s an
            edition.                                              invitation to explore one of Australia’s most unique and beautiful
            Set  against  a  backdrop  of  tropical  highlands  and  the  famous   regions. Just an hour west of Cairns, Mareeba sits on the edge of
            nearby  reef  coastlines,  this  unique  festival  continues  to  bring   the Atherton Tablelands, a place where rainforest meets savannah
            world-class  artists  to  Mareeba  while  shining  a  spotlight  on  the   and  waterfalls  tumble  through  ancient  volcanic  landscapes.
            region’s natural and cultural richness.               During  the  trip,  festivalgoers  can  discover  nearby  wonders  like
            This  year’s  lineup  is  the  biggest  yet,  led  by  Grammy-winning   Barron Falls, Lake Eacham, and Kuranda, or take a drive through
            Southern rockers Zac Brown Band. Known for their magnetic live   the sprawling countryside. For the more adventurous, the Great
            shows  and  chart-topping  hits  like  “Chicken  Fried”  and  “Colder   Barrier  Reef  and  Daintree  Rainforest  are  within  reach,  offering
            Weather,” the band’s blend of country, soul, and rock n’ roll is set to   world-class snorkeling, diving, and wildlife encounters.
            electrify the Savannah stage.                         Back at the festival, the camping village offers the full weekend
            Joining  them  is  Nashville  star  Jackson                               experience  with  on-site  amenities,
            Dean,  whose  breakout  single  “Don’t  Come                              food  and  drink  vendors,  and  a  relaxed
            Lookin’” hit No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart,                          community vibe. Whether you’re  rolling
            earned  Platinum  certification,  and  gained                             out a swag, parking the van, or booking
            widespread  attention  after  being  featured   KNOWN FOR THEIR MAGNETIC   in for glamping, there’s a spot for every
            on  the  hit TV  series Yellowstone.  He’ll  also                         style.  Don’t  have  gear?  The  pop-up
            be  alongside  homegrown  powerhouse      LIVE SHOWS AND CHART-           village  offers  rentals  and  bell  tent
            James Johnston, whose return to the main   TOPPING HITS LIKE CHICKEN      packages to keep things comfortable.
            stage marks his continued ascent as one of   FRIED AND COLDER WEATHER,    For  those  not  camping,  return  shuttle
            Australia’s most beloved country artists.  ZAC BROWN BAND’S BLEND OF      services from Cairns, the Tablelands, and
            The  2025  bill  is  stacked  with  legends  and   COUNTRY, SOUL, AND ROCK N’   Port  Douglas  make  day-tripping  easy.
            favourites  across  generations.  Aussie  icons   ROLL IS SET TO ELECTRIFY THE   Many locals treat it as a long weekend
            like  Kasey  Chambers,  Daryl  Braithwaite,   SAVANNAH STAGE.             tradition,  while  travelers  from  further
            James  Reyne,  and  Beccy  Cole  will  bring                              afield often turn it into a longer holiday,
            their unmistakable sounds to Mareeba, while                               pairing  the  music  with  everything  the
            rock fans will be treated to sets from Baby                               tropics have to offer.
            Animals, Rose Tattoo, and Chocolate Starfish. There’ll be a strong   Now in its sixth year, Savannah in the Round continues to grow
            showing of talent from across the nation, from Amber Lawrence,   while staying true to its roots: a celebration of music, community,
            Casey Barnes, and Andrew Swift, to newcomers like Lane Pittman,   and  the  land  it  calls  home.  With  a  lineup  that  spans  genres,
            Max Jackson, and viral country duo Zac & George.      generations, and borders, 2025 is shaping up to be a standout year.
            The festival isn’t just a who’s who of Australian country and rock. It’s   So gather your crew, plan your road trip, and get ready to make the
            also got international talent, welcoming Canadian favourites The   most of a weekend where the music is loud, the landscape is wild,
            Washboard Union and The Road Hammers, plus outlaw country   and the vibes are as warm as a Tropical North Queensland sunset.
            artist Jesse Daniel and Nashville Nights Songwriters Festival artists
            Angus Gill, Kylie Sackley, and Blue Foley from the U.S.
            And while the main stage keeps the crowd moving, the festival
            continues  to  spotlight  Australia’s  diverse  music  scene  across
            multiple  stages.  Acts  like  Fanny  Lumsden,  Sara  Berki,  Denvah,     BOOK TICKETS NOW
            The Pigs, 19-Twenty, Hussy Hicks, and Neil Murray & Black Image   www.savannahintheround.com.au
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