Broadbeach lights up with energy during the Groundwater Country Music Festival. For three days in October, the streets, parks, and beachside precincts fill with the sounds of live performances.
This free event creates a vibrant mix of music, food, and sunshine that draws thousands each year. Arrive ready for open-air shows, casual crowds, and local eats. Avoid the hassle of parking by staying nearby.
Koko Broadbeach sits just minutes from the main stages and gives you a quiet, modern space to unwind between sets. Plan your weekend to enjoy every performance and still take that early morning walk by the sea.
Groundwater Country Music Festival Highlights
- Held every October in the heart of Broadbeach
- Features top-charting artists and emerging country talent
- Free entry with open-air performances across streets, parks, and the foreshore
- Creates a lively, beachside festival atmosphere over three days
- Popular with both locals and visitors seeking laid-back, live music
- Considered a spring highlight on the Gold Coast calendar
What to Expect at the Country Music Festival
The Groundwater Country Music Festival returns for another year of live entertainment and coastal celebration. For three days, Broadbeach becomes a meeting point for artists, locals and visitors who come to enjoy great music in a relaxed setting.
It remains one of the most talked-about country music festivals Australia offers, drawing in new fans each year.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Dates: Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October 2025
- Entry: Free access for all visitors, with no tickets required
- Venues: Surf Parade, Kurrawa Park and nearby Broadbeach spaces
- Performers: Local talent, well-known Australian artists and international acts
- Extras: VIP experiences and dining packages may be announced closer to the weekend
Among the wide range of Gold Coast events, this festival brings together live performances and the beachside charm of Broadbeach.
As a leading country music festival in QLD, it offers something unique. The Broadbeach Country Music Festival continues to build its reputation as a highlight of spring on the coast.
Top Tips to Enjoy the Country Music Festival
This festival has a laid-back energy, but the best experiences tend to come to those who arrive prepared. Local fans know how to beat the heat, secure a good spot and stay comfortable through long afternoons of music.
Here’s how to make the most of your weekend:
- Pack smart. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen and a refillable water bottle to stay protected and hydrated.
- Bring a picnic rug. You’ll want one for the grassy areas where people gather near the open-air stages.
- Arrive mid-morning. This gives you better access to shaded lawn spaces before the crowds build later in the day.
- Plan your transport. The G: link light rail stops just a short walk from the main venues. Still, staying nearby is the easiest way to skip parking hassles.
Many locals and visitors pair the festival with other activities to do in Gold Coast, Australia, especially in spring when the weather is ideal.
As one of the most anticipated events on the Gold Coast, the festival is a perfect excuse to enjoy more things to do on the Gold Coast, all within easy reach.
Where to Eat Between Sets: Live Music & Local Eats in Broadbeach
The food scene here is part of what makes this one of the most flavourful events on the Gold Coast each year.
Here are a few top picks within easy reach:
Kurrawa Surf Club
Local Tip: Head upstairs for open-air tables overlooking the beach.
Budget: Around $50–$70 for two.
Food Tip: The seafood platter is generous and best shared.
Transport: Walk 3 minutes from the main stage at Kurrawa Park.
Beachside dining with unbeatable ocean views, just steps from the sand. A local favourite for classic Aussie meals in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Social Eating House
Local Tip: Book ahead for weekend dinner sessions. It fills quickly.
Budget: $120–$180 per couple.
Food Tip: Try the wagyu brisket bao with a side of truffle fries.
Transport: Located on Oracle Boulevard, about 5 minutes on foot from Surf Parade.
Things to Do on the Gold Coast: Before and After
Broadbeach is packed with great spots just a short walk from the music stages. You’ll find plenty of activities to do in Gold Coast, Australia, without needing to travel far.
Kurrawa Beach
Packing Tip: Bring a towel, hat, and morning coffee.
Food Tip: Grab takeaway from Elk Espresso for a beachfront breakfast.
A vast, sandy stretch right in the heart of Broadbeach. Known for its clean surf, easy access, and family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.
With patrolled swimming areas, picnic facilities, and nearby cafés, it’s perfect for a relaxed morning before heading into the festival.
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Packing Tip: Roomy tote bag for shopping and a water bottle to stay refreshed.
Food Tip: Quick bites at Betty’s Burgers before heading back to the festival.
One of the largest retail destinations in Queensland, offering a mix of luxury brands, high-street fashion, dining, and entertainment.
Located just a short walk from Broadbeach, it’s perfect for picking up festival outfits, souvenirs, or taking a break in the air-conditioned comfort between sets.
Broadbeach Bowls Club
Packing Tip: Slip in after lunch for shaded seating and a relaxed crowd.
Food Tip: Try the club’s Sunday roast and enjoy casual live music.
Offers a laid-back escape just minutes from the festival crowd. With casual meals, cold drinks, and Sunday live music, it’s a favourite among locals looking to unwind.
It’s an easy spot to relax between sets or finish the weekend with a low-key afternoon session.
The Oracle Boulevard
Packing Tip: Dress smart-casual if you’re visiting at night.
Food Tip: Sit-down options include Mamasan Kitchen + Bar or Social Eating House for shared dishes.
Blends style and convenience in the heart of Broadbeach. Known for its upscale dining, boutique shopping, and relaxed nightlife, it’s a popular stop between festival sets.
With everything just a short stroll from the beach and main stages, it’s the perfect spot to recharge without missing a beat.
Each of these spots adds another layer to your weekend experience. As you explore what’s on Broadbeach, you’ll see how the area blends great music with the best of local food and fun.
Plan Your Broadbeach Escape with Comfort and Style
With crowds expected across Broadbeach, booking accommodation that keeps you near the music and away from the traffic can make all the difference. Koko Broadbeach offers a relaxed, boutique base just a short walk from the main stage areas of the Broadbeach Country Music Festival.
You’ll spend less time organising transport and more time enjoying the shows. Each apartment features stylish, self-contained comfort, complete with high-end kitchens, spacious balconies, and room for up to five guests.
The layout suits couples, families, and groups travelling together who want a private space to retreat between sets. Morning walks to the beach are just as easy as strolling out to your next act. As one of the most popular Gold Coast country music festival weekends, this is a high-demand period.
Booking early secures the best apartment availability and pricing during one of the standout country music festivals for which Broadbeach is known.
Image Credit: Groundwater