One of the country’s premier music festivals returns to Port Stephens this June long weekend (June 6 – 8). The Blue Water Country & Blues Music Festival will see some of Australia’s best country and blues musicians performing across outdoor and indoor venues across the bay. Our ultimate guide to the event has everything you need to know to make the most of your festival weekend.
With 3 days packed full of music, arts, markets and entertainment, all in the beautiful surrounds of Port Stephens there’s lots to get your head around. Below you’ll find vital information about tickets, where to stay and our picks on what to see during festival.
Getting there
By Car
Public Transport
Accommodation
There are dozens of great places to stay in Port Stephens. Below we’ve listed four of our favourites.
Bali at the Bay
1 Achilles Street Nelson Bay
At Bali at the Bay you’ll be within a 20-minute stroll of Nelson Head Lighthouse and Fly Point Marine Reserve.This property offers barbecue grills and luggage storage. Other amenities include a spa tub and laundry facilities. There’s also the convenience of self parking. Sights within a 10-minute drive of this Nelson Bay property include Gan Gan Hill Lookout and Toboggan Hill Park.
More info: http://www.baliatthebay.com.au/
The Landmark Resort Nelson Bay
Dowling Street Nelson Bay
At The Landmark Resort Nelson Bay you’ll be within 3 km (2 mi) of Fly Point Marine Reserve, Gan Gan Hill Lookout, and Nelson Head Lighthouse. Highlights at this property include a golf course, a restaurant, and an outdoor swimming pool.
More info: http://www.landmarknelsonbay.com.au/
Marina Resort
33 Magnus Street Nelson Bay
At Marina Resort you’ll be within 3 km (2 mi) of Fly Point Marine Reserve, Nelson Head Lighthouse, and Gan Gan Hill Lookout. Highlights at this hotel include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and free self parking.
More info: http://www.marinaresort.com.au/
Salamander Beach
196 Soldiers Point Road Salamander Bay
At Accommodation at Salamander Beach, you’ll be within a 15-minute drive of Toboggan Hill Park, Gan Gan Hill Lookout, and Fly Point Marine Reserve. Highlights at this B&B include an outdoor swimming pool and in-room free WiFi.
More info: http://sbla.com.au/
The line up
There’s a great line up for this years festival. You can see all the acts below. For specific times and venue information please visit the festival website.
Steve Passfield
Tara Favell
Steve Passfield
Katherine Jones
Justess Jones
Graeme Johnson
Gregory North
Kirsty Lee Akers and Amber Lawrence
Rob Wilson and Bruce McCumstie
Catherine Britt with Whiskey Business
Cassi Hilbers
Emil
Liam Kennedy-Clark
Cassi Hilbers
The Blue Water Cowboys
James Thompson
Graham Reinsbeck
Tim Rossington
Dear Orphan
Gleny Rae Virus and Her Tamworth Playboys
Jack Derwin
Jay Seeney
Lime and Steel
Birdbath
The James Thompson Trio
Tara Favell
Katherine Jones
Davey Craddock
Mark Wells
Big Daddy’s Cajun Blues Party
Bob Corbett
Annie O’Dee and Her Hotshots
Voodoo Express
The highlights
As you can see above, there are so many great acts playing during the festival. Below we’ve picked four shows we think you shouldn’t miss.
Catch the amazingly talented and always entertaining Gleny Rae Virus and Her Tamworth Playboys in APEX Park on Saturday June 6 from 11am. This is a free show.
Experience the amazing vocal harmonies of Bella at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers on Saturday June 6 from 8pm. Tickets can be purchased here.
Sing along with the Waylon & Willie show with Rob Wilson and Bruce McCumstie at Soldiers Point Bowling Clubon Sunday June 7 from 1pm. This is a free show.
Discover the endless talents of Tim Rossington on the streets on Nelson Bay from 1:15pm on Monday June 8. This is a free show.
Meet the stars
The Blue Water Country & Blues Music Festival is giving fans the chance to meet some of their favourite stars. See below for specific times and locations.
Saturday June 6 at Salamander Bay Shopping Centre from 2pm – Kirsty Lee Akers and Amber Lawrence
Sunday June 7 at Salamander Bay Shopping Centre from 2pm – Catherine Britt
For the kids
The festival is 100% family friendly with loads of free events for the kids. They’ll be Face painting for the kids at Salamander Bay Shopping Centre on Saturday and Sunday and a Boot Scooters Line Dance Workshop at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers from 9.30am on Saturday.
