Mary River Festival

Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Fest invites patrons to join its family within, on the ultimate hinterland camping escape, reveling in foodie delights and world class live music up close and personal as the spirit of the place works its relaxing and revitalising magic.

So does it deliver on its promise? If the jubilant faces on patrons and artists alike are anything to go by each year, then a resounding “yes” echoes through the 90 acre private bushland property!

Nestled in the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland just two hours north of Brisbane and 45 minutes west of Noosa, the event turns on an amazing 4-night/3-day show. Australia plays host to many a fine festival promoting top acts and delighting audiences and there’s no doubt that the Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Fest puts together a stellar program line-up that absolutely moves the crowd to the music. Yet it also offers a unique combination of options that adds up to something quite special and a little bit different from just another festival experience.

The magic begins from the moment patrons turn onto the Mary Valley scenic route. The simple pleasures of a country drive, noticing livestock happily grazing on green pastures against a backdrop of fragrant hillside eucalypts vanishes day to day worries as they are exhaled away with every breath of fresh air. Quaint little towns offer the chance to explore the area and what it has to offer, or to stop off and enjoy local hospitality and a bite to eat or beverage along the way.

Excitement builds as the Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Fest sign comes into view and the drive takes a turn down the festival lane through graceful native Australian trees that create a natural bushland wall surrounding the property, which itself is shaped like a huge natural amphitheatre creating clear, warm acoustics, cushioned by lush, soft grasses to relax on.

Patrons can pull in with their tent or campervan and have the option of choosing their own campsite either close to the action, high up on the hills for a birds eye view, tucked away in a private secluded space in the shade of the forest, beside groves of fruit trees, or down by the cooling creek. No shuttle buses needed here, free parking is conveniently located right next to the campsites. For those who prefer it, or are flying in with minimal luggage, there are pre-erected tent motels with carpet, comfy mattresses and shade awnings for glamping it up. Toilets and hot showers are plentiful throughout the property and fastidiously maintained for optimum comfort. ATM machines are available and phone and camera battery charging is available for a modest fee. Security, paramedics and a helipad for emergencies are all provided for peace of mind.

The spring weather is renowned for turning on beautiful sunny blue skies by day and sparkling stars in the clear black nights that shine much brighter in the clean country air away from city lights and pollution. Waking up to each day is so peaceful with abundant wildlife scampering about and birds singing their good morning songs.

Patrons are free to bring their own food and drinks and join friends for a singalong around a crackling campfire (when permitted by the fire service), which creates a relaxed feel that takes many back to childhood memories whilst catching up with old friends and making new ones as easily as a family barbecue. The ability to share the experience with like-minded people who love music and camping has often been cited as a key reason why people come to the festival and many groups form and make it an annual pilgrimage.

Patrons who choose to forget about cooking can dine on the fresh, locally grown produce and delicious meals from the street stalls especially selected to cater to mainstream tastes and all manner of dietary needs, including organic meats, fruit and vegetables, gluten and dairy free, vegan and vegetarian fare. A spacious beer garden with fully stocked bar is also available with a clear view of the stages.

There is no evidence of over trodden ground here with plenty of room to move about freely without being jostled in a large faceless crowd. With a cap on ticket numbers limited to 3,500, the festival is large enough to be exciting and small enough that people can still recognise each other and say “g’day” to someone they met earlier, or find a more secluded vantage point and still not miss a thing.

The calibre of music is nothing short of incredible with over 150 highly talented rock and blues artists from Australia and overseas (Covid permitting) vying for a spot on the program!

Musicians love playing at Mitchell Creek and it shows. Sound engineers pay careful attention to detail with high quality audio emanating from the two prime positioned stages that rotate seamlessly between performances. There’s no waiting around while the next artist sets up – patrons can settle back and relax in a comfy spot enjoying continuous music and never miss a show!

Lighting effects are equally impressive shooting out from the stages in a blaze of colour and excitement reaching into the crowd below. Everyone gets swept up in the surreal carnival vibe of the moment. The artists soak up the atmosphere like fuel as they deliver electric performances that interact so closely with the crowd. Many artists wander ‘round mingling and chatting with patrons or join in the nightly jams at the Zeppelin bar. Fulfilling the dream of performing on stage with a and is a very real possibility here!

The music reaches out to patrons wherever they are, whether dancing in the mosh pit, wandering around the friendly food, art and clothing stalls dotted throughout the grounds, or even just chilling out in the campsite. Every part of the property delivers a prime vantage point and crystal clear sound to enjoy the festival. It is as intimate and moving as a house concert, yet as powerful and raunchy as a stadium event.

All ages are welcome to come along and there are organised children’s activities to give parents a break. A range of affordable ticket prices is available from single day and festival passes to VIP packages with extra bonuses to cater to a range of budgets and time constraints.

Now in its eleventh year, coming along to this festival is like being let in on an exciting little secret that continues to grow bigger and better as word spreads through the bush telegraph and up and down the highways and skyways. The smiles and laughter in the photos and videos that are shared over and over on social media capture the memories and speak volumes about all the fun patrons are having, often commenting, “That was amazing! I can’t wait until next year to do it all again!” Word of mouth is by far the most effective publicity this boutique festival has attained.

Of course being so close to the Noosa hinterland and the beautiful beaches gives patrons an opportunity to make the most of their trip and stay a little longer to explore and discover the Sunshine Coast. The Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Fest team actively promote this and make every effort to provide on doing just that, which is great for the local economy too!

Festival Management has developed and implemented an approved Covid Safe Event Plan that is flexible enough to pivot in accordance with the current government requirements. This ensures the safety and wellbeing of all attendees whilst allowing patrons to have the most enjoyable experience possible.