For a Gold Coast getaway with the perfect soundtrack, check out Groundwater Country Music Festival: an unmissable three days of top country music in Broadbeach from 18-20 October 2024.
And if you linger a little longer, you’ll find a plethora of things to see and do on the Gold Coast – just don’t forget your cowboy boots!
Something in the groundwater
The iconic golden sands of the Gold Coast’s Broadbeach aren’t the first place you’d think of for a country music festival – but the Groundwater Country Music Festival has found a happy home here for the past 10 years, and is now an annual pilgrimage for country music fans.
Each year, the festival includes an eclectic mix of country music – from pop to rock, honky tonk to bluegrass and everything in between. The 2024 lineup boasts an incredible array of artists, with something for every country music aficionado. So dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to boogie!
Headlining the festival is the brilliant Kasey Chambers, Australia’s own queen of country playing hits from her nearly four-decade career. She’s joined by international stars like Canadian singer-songwriter Tim Hicks, country music legend Jim Lauderdale, and Grammy-nominated artist Gord Bamford. Adding to the good vibes are beloved Australian acts such as Shannon Noll and the Golden Guitar-winning duo Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham. Discover rising stars Max Jackson and Sweet Talk, as well as local performers like Emily Grace Taylor. Plus many more!
The festival precinct covers the streets, parks and venues of Broadbeach and is a buzzing hub of activity throughout the weekend, with artisanal market stalls, food trucks and local venues where you can grab a feed and a drink and check out local performers. It’s a real celebration of community, with plenty of places to catch up with friends, make some new ones and share the love for live country music. Best of all, the event is family-friendly and completely free to attend with loads happening across a variety of stages all weekend. It’s bound to be a good time.
Where to stay
There’s no shortage of places to stay within walking distance of the festival precinct to make your visit as convenient as possible.
After a day of festivities, relax in the contemporary comforts of Ultiqa Signature at Broadbeach or Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise. For a little bit of luxury try Peppers Broadbeach or The Langham Gold Coast. There’s sure to be an accommodation option to suit all types of travellers.
Going coastal
While the Groundwater Country Music Festival will be a highlight of your trip, make sure to stay a little longer to explore everything the lively Gold Coast region has to offer. It’s not just about the beaches (even though they’re some of the best in the country). It’s also a paradise for foodies, families and lovers of adventure.
The Cambus Wallace is a must-visit for whiskey fans, with a seafaring vibe and a huge selection of whiskeys from at home and around the world. Join Hop On Brewery Tours to discover the best of the local spirits scene, including Queensland’s first nano-distillery Granddad Jack’s. For dining, there are options galore: from the delightful Asian street food of Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, to the epic Canadian tap and grill house The Loose Moose (a local’s favourite), and the indulgent Harvest Buffet at The Star Gold Coast.
There’s also plenty of truly ‘bucket list’ Gold Coast experiences to tick off. With one of the longest whale watching seasons in the world, the region is fast becoming the best place on the planet for whale watching. Witness these gentle giants from the water with Sea World Cruises or Kokomo Cruises.
The city’s hop-on hop-off explorer HOPO is a great way to get around, cruising the waterways to five destinations including Surfers Paradise, the cultural haven HOTA – Home of the Arts, Marina Mirage, Broadwater Parklands and Sea World.
Hinterland retreats
A short 90-minute drive will take you into the Gold Coast’s serene hinterland: a tranquil escape full of lush Gondwana Rainforests that feels a whole world away. From bushwalking to bird watching, chasing waterfalls and spotting rare wildlife, it’s the perfect way to round out your trip.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park offers 48 self-contained villas with stunning views over the McPherson Ranges. It’s a great place to start for avid bushwalkers with over 160 kilometres of trails to explore and a famous treetop walk over the canopy.
You can enjoy a tipple at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards or take the kids to visit the Mountview Alpaca Farm. After a big day of exploring, unwind at the Lost World Day Spa or savour a cuppa with a view at the Binna Burra Tea House.
For nature enthusiasts, an overnight stay at Binna Burra Lodge’s newly refurbished safari tents or the eco-friendly Tiny Wild Houses will immerse you within World Heritage wilderness.
Come for the Groundwater Country Music Festival, stay for the experience. With music, culture, gastronomy and nature at your fingertips, it’s safe to say the Gold Coast really strikes a chord.
For more information and to plan your getaway, visit experiencegoldcoast.com and groundwatercmf.com. For our Gold Coast guides, click here.
Travel to the Gold Coast
Rex flies to the Gold Coast. Book your tickets here and check out the route map below.
