Returning for its 28th year running this Easter long weekend, Bluesfest is Australia’s premier contemporary blues and roots music festival. The family-friendly festival presents over 200 performances across several stages over fives days, with five licensed bars and over 100 food and market stalls. Attracting an audience of over 100,000, Bluesfest is the place to be for the Easter long weekend.
Here’s a brief guide to help you groove your way through Bluesfest ’17.
Venturing there
Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, home to Bluesfest, is located midway between Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads in NSW. The Farm’s exact address is Lot 103 – 105 Pacific Highway, Tyagarah (in case you need to Google map it).
If you were planning on flying, but are unable to grow wings, not to worry – Bluesfest has partnered up with Virgin Australia and flights can be purchased via the booking title on the Bluesfest website. The closest airport to Byron Bay is the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport – which is approximately a 30 minute drive from the venue. Other nearby airports include the Goldcoast/Coolangatta Airport, which is a 45 minute drive and Brisbane Airport, which is about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive. Shuttle buses will also be running to and from Byron Bay and surrounding areas.
Rather keep your feet on the ground? You’re in for the long haul – so grab your pals and be sure to leave someone trustworthy in charge of the playlist. Driving out of Melbourne to Byron Bay is approximately a 17 hour drive, give or take. Don’t have a crew to carpool with, but not wanting to go the distance solo? Bluesfest has that sorted too! You can now find people going your way with coseats.com regardless of whether you’re driving or needing a lift.
The tunes
Showcasing music from around the world, it is no doubt that the line-up is the key to making Bluesfest the outstanding festival that it is. Heading the line-up are three-time Grammy winners and multi-platinum artists Zac Brown Band. Bluesfest welcomes back the eight man band, after making what was said to be a ‘momentous impression’ at Bluesfest 2015.
Joining them is Santana – the sound of Santana being known as ‘one of the world’s best known musical signatures’. Among an extensive list of many other honours, Santana has been cited by Rolling Stone on their list of the ‘100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time’, coming in at number 15.
They’ll be accompanied by a massive list of other large names, including Mary J Blige, The Lumineers, Buddy Guy, Courtney Barnett, Kasey Chambers, Jimmy Buffett and Little Georgia – but that barely scrapes the surface. Check out the full line-up online!
Snoozing arrangements
With room for up to 6,000 happy campers to pitch a tent, you can’t go wrong by securing a camping ticket and snoozing right in the heart of the Bluesfest home. The camp-grounds are located on the fields alongside the festival grounds and campers will have access to a camper’s café, laundry, toilets and showers. Just be sure to pack your tipi or tent and you’ll be set.
More so a glamper, than a camper? That’s okay. Bluesfest offers on-site glamping options too, with their ‘Tent Motels’. All you’ll need is your bedding! If the ‘Tent Motel’ still isn’t cutting it for you, Bluesfest provides an extensive list of other accommodation options situated in the heart of Byron, as well as surrounding towns.
More to see, more to do
There are many sights to be seen and many activities to be done in the beautiful beach side town that is Byron Bay. For those who are interested in getting the most out of their time here, why not venture out on the Byron Bay Hinterland Tour, go kayaking with Dolphins, or visit the Byron Bay Farmers Market? In such a prime location, be sure to check out all else that is on offer in Byron Bay.
Written by Helena Metzke
When & Where: Byron Bay Bluesfest – April 13 – 17
Head to here for more details.