The Long Sunset returns, bringing music festival fun to Boonah.
The Long Sunset returns, bringing music festival fun to Boonah.
Picture this for a spring weekend: live music under golden skies, good vibes turned up to 100 with country air and open skies that makes you want to dance in the grass until the stars come out.
Dust off your dancing shoes because that’s exactly what’s going down and more at this year’s The Long Sunset.
After a sellout in 2024, this flagship Queensland Music Trails event is tuning up for a three-day music fest from 31st October to 2nd November that promises beats and bliss in the lush surrounds of Boonah. And if you’re thinking of waiting around to grab tickets, don’t. The second release is nearly sold out and they’re disappearing faster than you can say “encore!”
The lineup features absolute chart-toppers. Beloved indie folk favourites Boy & Bear will bring soaring harmonies that echo across the hills, while Vera Blue’s powerhouse vocals guarantee goosebumps. Sprinkle a little of Gretta Ray’s heartfelt hooks, The Buoys’ punky punch, and the soul-soaked presence of Jem Cassar-Daley (yes, the daughter of country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley), and you’ve got yourself a weekend to remember.
But there are more beats to drop. Playlunch will crank up their signature bogan funk, Tjaka fuses ancient sounds with future beats and The Vernons keep things loud and bluesy. Families aren’t forgotten either – Bunny Racket brings pint-sized punk rock energy that’ll have kids and parents jumping in the pit (the safe, family-friendly kind).
And because festivals are about discovery as much as the headliners, keep an ear out for emerging talents Paper Lane and Silk ’N’ Oak, winners of the Win a Spot on the Lineup comp. It’s proof that the Scenic Rim knows how to nurture new voices.
Of course, this fest is more than just music. We’re talking sunrise yoga, artisan workshops, circus acts, line dancing, silent discos, community art and even a frog hotel workshop (ribbit, that’s right). Miss Bubbles will wander the grounds with her shimmering trail of magic, while open mic sessions and songwriting showcases prove that music really is the universal language.
The Long Sunset is just the opening note in a whole Scenic Rim symphony. If your vibe leans more acoustic and chilled, Between the Vines offers smooth tunes from local legend Clea and soulful Alisha Todd among the vineyards at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley. Add wine, picnic hampers and alpacas (yes, alpacas!) and you’ve got yourself a Sunday session to remember.
Or, for an action-packed family day that’s more garden groove than mosh pit, Sprout & About brings live music, workshops, storytelling and nature play to Kooralbyn Community Garden. Think seed bombs, pot-your-own herbs, cultural storytelling and a soundtrack by Amy John Roberts that will stick with you long after the day wraps.
Together, these three events form Qld Music Trails: The Scenic Rim, an invitation to lose the map, find the music, and let the region surprise you. Whether you’re here for the rockstars or the grassroots connection, the Scenic Rim has set the stage for you.
Grab your tickets here.
Where: 12 Melbourne St, Boonah
When: Friday 31st October – Sunday 2nd November, 2025
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY QLD MUSIC TRAILS
Commercial Hotel Boonah gets a frothy new life with Boonah Brewing Co.
Pack your appetite and clear your weekend, Gold Coasters, the iconic Commercial Hotel Boonah has had a glow-up, and it’s pouring new life into Queensland’s country pub scene.
The heritage-listed local landmark in the Scenic Rim re-opened its doors this month with a fresh coat of charm, an all-new beer garden and the frothy debut of Boonah Brewing Co (BBCo) thanks to the Ghanem Group.
With Brisbane hot spots like Byblós, Blackbird Bar, Bisou Bisou, Boom Boom Room, Donna Chang, Iris Rooftop and Lúc Lắc under their belt, plus Byblós and Le Bon Ton in Melbourne, the award-winning hospitality group clearly know how to wine and dine us. But craft brewing and a country pub? Now that’s a hop in a different direction.
For Ghanem Group director Adonis Ghanem, the project is personal. “The Commercial Hotel Boonah is central to the fabric of the community,” he said. “To restore a property that is so precious to locals is something we are very passionate about.”
If walls could talk, the Commercial Hotel would be spinning tales from 1905, but thanks to a loving restoration, this grand old Queenslander is looking better than ever. Say hello to air-conditioning (praise be!), a spruced-up bistro, sleek new furniture and a revamped kitchen serving up pub fare worth travelling for.
But let’s get to the frothy bit, shall we?
Boonah Brewing Co is now pouring, with a crisp, mid-strength beer and an alcoholic ginger beer already on tap. And this is just the tip of the pint glass. Over the coming weeks, four more core brews will roll out, including an Aussie XPA with 100% Galaxy hops, an Italian lager, a rice lager and even a hard lemonade. No lager-ing behind here!
The brewery’s ingredients are as local as the folk sitting in the public bar. Natural spring water comes straight from the Ghanem family’s farm in nearby Tarome, while the leftover barley mash will go back to feed their cattle. Now that’s what we call a paddock-to-pint philosophy.
And where better to sip your way through the lineup than in the brand-new beer garden? It’s open-air, family-friendly and offers a front-row seat to the brewhouse magic.
Pair your pint with dishes from Executive Chef Jake Nicolson’s extensive bistro menu. There’s burgers, pizzas and parmas to please the whole fam, but the Commie Classics is where pub-grub turns gourmet.
Tuck into House Made Hake Fish Fingers with soft herb tartare and crushed peas, or spice up your life with a Tandoori Duck Curry served with naan bread, basmati rice and raita yoghurt.
The real showstopper is the Boonah Bull + Bug – 300g rib fillet steak crowned with half Moreton Bay bug, white wine cream garlic sauce, potato puree and greens. It’s raising the steaks on surf and turf that’s for sure.
The upstairs accommodation is expected to open later this year, transforming the hotel into a true boutique stay for weekenders and wanderers alike.
Thirsty for a good time? Start your engine and pack your appetite!
Where: 39 High St, Boonah
When: Mon–Tue: 10am–7pm, Wed–Thu: 10am–9pm, Fri–Sat: 10am–10pm, Sun: 11am–5pm
Words by Lisette Drew
When Spotify just isn't cutting it.
There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.
From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.
This Arundel’s brewery has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door at the end of 2022. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of tribute bands are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs.
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport
There’s always something happening at SOPO, the entertainment heart of Southport. Right in the centre of the CBD, this lively local is your go-to for everything from live music and DJs to trivia, bingo and special events, with something on the calendar day and night. Come the weekend, Seductions Lounge turns up the volume with a rotating lineup of talented local bands and performers every Friday and Saturday, delivering the perfect soundtrack for dancing, drinks and good times with friends.
Where: 36 Scarborough Street, Southport
Take the stairs to Level 1 and you’ll find one of Surfers Paradise’s most entertaining nights out. Hotel Jardin’s Piano Bar pairs expertly crafted cocktails with live piano sessions in a moody, intimate setting centred around a baby grand. Dubbed Surfers’ favourite sing-along piano bar, the resident pianist plays all your faves and happily takes requests, so whether you’re keen to belt out a classic, sip your way through curated wine flights at Sips & Sounds, or simply soak up the late-night energy, this is your cue. Live music kicks off from 5pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 6pm Thursday through Sunday.
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Open Tuesday to Sunday, Den Devine was awarded Gold Coast Live Music Venue of the Year 2025, and it’s easy to see why. Since opening in 2020, Den Devine has put live music at the heart of everything it does, celebrating both seasoned pros and rising local talent across jazz, blues, and a whole mix of global genres. The intimate, “music is life” vibe makes every visit feel like a front-row experience.
Fuel your night with UK & Irish fayre, European classics, USA favourites, and a stellar whisky selection. Seats fill fast, book ahead to catch the vibe.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended. But the entertainment doesn’t stop when the curtain falls.
Across the precinct, you’ll find live music lighting up Atrium Bar, Nineteen at The Star and Cherry, alongside the open-air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. From DJs and soloists to laidback acoustic sets and vibrant weekend sessions, there’s always a soundtrack to your night out.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.
From 5pm from Wednesday to Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
A true Gold Coast icon since 1883, The Wallaby Hotel is where cold beers, loud guitars and even louder singalongs collide. Fresh from a glow-up that still keeps its old-school charm intact, this Mudgeeraba fave is basically the unofficial HQ for live music lovers. Expect bands belting it out every weekend (and often midweek too), dance floors that don’t quit and plenty of boot-scootin’ opportunities. Whether you’re here for a chilled solo pint or a full boogie with the crew, good times are basically guaranteed.Where: 45 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
A fresh look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta
For live music lovers, Twin Towns delivers in a big way. Home to a 1,000-seat, state-of-the-art Showroom, this Tweed Heads icon hosts an ever-changing lineup of acclaimed Australian and international artists, with both daytime and evening ticketed shows on the calendar. Beyond the big names, there’s more than 50 hours of free live entertainment every week, making it one of the premier live music venues on the Tweed and southern Gold Coast. Head to The Stage for complimentary performances from talented local and touring acts, and settle in for an easy, music-filled day or night out.
Where: 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
Words by Belinda Symons
Aren't we a lucky bunch!
It has to be said: we live in a pretty special part of the world here in Southeast Queensland. But as we talk about it, it’s sometimes a little more challenging to translate this to people who may not have visited our sunshine state — even let alone Australia.
However, now it seems the whole world may be in on our little slice of paradise — or to be more precise, the enigmatic Scenic Rim just a short drive away across our hinterland! Recently unveiled across the world, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 names the top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit next year, with our very own Scenic Rim the only Australian inclusion! (We’ll take it!) This edition emphasised the best sustainable travel experiences and named the Scenic Rim 8th in the Top 10 Regions in the entire world.
Each year, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel lists start with nominations from Lonely Planet’s vast community of staff, writers, bloggers, publishing partners and more. Their panel of travel experts then whittles down the nominations to just 10 countries, 10 regions and 10 cities. Each is chosen for its topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow’ factor and its ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Amongst this prized list are inclusions such as the Westfjords in Iceland and the Atacama Desert of Chile! It appears our very own backyard is certainly rubbing shoulders with some iconic locations!
Lonely Planet’s Chris Zeiher had this to say, “after bouncing back from the 2019 Black Summer bushfires with a raft of new attractions and a renewed focus on sustainability, the Scenic Rim in Queensland is primed to become one of Australia’s low impact tourism power players. It’s such an untouched and diverse eco-based Australian destination. From the amazing food and wine to the incredible rainforest and bush walks and memorable places to stay, this is an unexpected pocket of Australia that has it all.”
Just 30 minutes from the heart of the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim stretches from Canungra to The Lost World, Beaudesert to Boonah, Tamborine Mountain to Kalbar, and is home to the ancient World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, historic national parks, charming towns and villages, adventure parks, farm stays, boutique wineries, ecolodges, tantalising gourmet experiences, world-class camping and glamping and breadth of stunning spaces in between.
But where did the name even come from? Adventurer, naturalist and tourism pioneer Arthur Groom, who went on to found Binna Burra, appears to be the originator of the phrase Scenic Rim. He used it to describe the spectacular semicircle of ancient volcanic mountains that wrap around the vista-full valleys, punctuating the farmlands below.
Scenic Rim Regional Council Mayor Greg Christensen said being named in the Top 10 Regions globally for 2022 was a major victory but not undeserved.
“This is a region of plenty, of rugged ranges, valleys, winding roads and the most welcoming people in the world. It’s the region of flavour makers, growers, farmers, foodies and taste-chasers, path-makers and forward-thinking people who have worked to create visitor experiences that are unique, authentic, educational and sustainable, and have persisted during even the most tumultuous and challenging times. It’s here in the Scenic Rim, though, that locals and visitors alike feel enriched, and we are thrilled that this has been recognised; we look forward to sharing our beautiful region with visitors of all ages and from all corners of the world – as always, we ask everyone to tread lightly on our earth.”
Why not plan an excursion into the green behind the gold? Our glorious beaches will still be here when you get back!
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
