For the first weekend of autumn, Frankston Foreshore welcomes visitors from near and far for a weekend of homegrown country rock music.
Head south of Melbourne, and you’ll find yourself in the little beach town of Frankston, where the advent of Autumn welcomes a weekend filled with Australian rock and country musicians.
On Saturday, March 4 and Sunday, March 5, the beautiful strip of beach and parkland at Long Island Reserve will host Country by the Bay, a country music festival for all ages out in the open air overlooking Port Phillip bay.
Kananook Creek Long Island Reserve is truly a hidden oasis, a little-known secret kept under wraps by locals until now. The verdant grassed strip of nature runs parallel to a boardwalk and creek, creating the perfect secluded location for a music festival.
The reserve will come alive as many beloved musicians grace the intimate stages outside in the autumn air. Performances by artists include Adam Brand, The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes, Amber Lawrence, The Pleasures (Catherine Britt & Lachlan Bryan), Gretta Ziller, Adam Ludewig, Kaitlyn Thomas Music, The Mason Boys, Eddie Rawk Band, Andy Penkows, Kane Vincent, and Maya O’Loughlin.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Replacing the Mornington Country Music Festival previously held at the Briars, Mt Martha, Country by the Bay looks set to be the new go-to country music festival for the south Melbourne region.
The team behind the festival have curated an incredible line-up of well-loved Australian rock and country artists for the inaugural year of Country by the Bay. So whether you’re in the mood to chill or party all out, this lineup offers you the cream of the country crop.
Following the same trajectory as the Mornington Country Music Festival, this family-friendly weekend event is focused on showcasing both emerging and established artists. Saturday will be a ticketed event showcasing some of the country’s best country/rock artists, whilst Sunday will be a free ticketed event where lesser-known but equally talented artists will be welcomed to the stage.
Big acts in a hidden oasis
If you haven’t had the chance to catch these artists performing live before then now is your chance. Performers such as Adam Brand, The Wolfe Brothers, Casey Barnes, Eddie Rawk Band, Andy Penkows, and Amber Lawrence have written and performed music for Australians since the 90s.
These artists are set to excite visitors with their award-winning songs and impressive on-stage performances.
Country artists paving a new road
Sundays lineup of new and upcoming performers add excitement to the festival’s second day and promise to impress.
Artists including The Pleasures (Catherine Britt & Lachlan Bryan), Gretta Ziller, Adam Ludewig, AKA Mr Mullet, Kaitlyn Thomas Music, The Mason Boys, Kane Vincent and Maya O’Loughlin will take to the stage from 1pm onwards.
The festival will be fully catered and licensed, meaning you’ll be treated to some of Victoria’s best food trucks, and of course drinks will include award-winning Mornington Peninsula beers and wines.
The beauty of hosting the festival in a nature reserve is that this is an all-access event. The festival organisers further offer free carer’s tickets to facilitate entrance to all.
In true country fashion, you’re encouraged to bring a deck chair and make yourself country whilst you enjoy the acts. Performers take to the stage at 11am on Saturday and 11.30 am on Sunday and there are plenty of covered areas for you to shade yourself from the midday sun.
The talented and well-loved Mr Mullet himself, Adam Ludewig, is kicking off this year’s festival on Saturday at 11.45am, so do be sure to arrive early and find a comfy area to settle down for what we promise will be a wholesome day of music.
For families, visitors to the area, and anyone looking for a fun way to welcome Autumn here in Victoria, Country by the Bay offers a weekend not to be missed.
Country by the Bay will take place from Saturday, March 4 to Sunday, March 5 2023. Entrance and event tickets, as well as further information, can all be found here.
This article was made in partnership with Frankston City
