Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist.
Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist.
If there’s one bloke who’s put more miles on the map and more anthems in our heads than anyone else, it’s Lee Kernaghan. The king of country has hauled his boots, his band and that iconic black Akubra across the nation for four decades, and now he’s rolling back home to the Gold Coast to wrap up his massive Boys From The Bush tour. We caught up with Lee to chat proud moments, Akubra-era fashion statements, and why the GC crowd hits different. Saddle up, this one’s a ripper.
You’ve been called one of the true icons of Australian country music. Looking back on your incredible career – from 40 #1 hits to the Australian of the Year award – what moments stand out as your proudest achievements?
I think getting the chance to make that first album, The Outback Club was a life changing moment. We didn’t have high hopes for it as it had been rejected by all the major record labels until ABC Music decided to take a punt on a 27 year old bloke from the NSW Riverina. The album went on to be certified double platinum and picked up 3 Golden Guitars at the Country Music Awards and the ARIA for Best Country Album.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of your iconic Spirit of the Anzacs album. What does that record mean to you personally today, and how do you feel about the way it’s become part of Australia’s national identity?
Spirit of the Anzacs will forever hold a special place in my heart. Every song was inspired by letters written by Australian servicemen and women spanning 100 years of Anzac history. It was a humbling experience to have been a small part of such a huge project – one that I hope will stand as a lasting tribute to all who’ve worn, and wear, our uniform. The song now belongs to Australia, and it’s going to be a special moment performing it live in concert at The Star.
Country music has evolved a lot over the years. How do you think the Australian scene has changed since you first started out, and what excites you most about the next generation of artists?
Country wasn’t particularly cool when I first kicked off – that’s why I wanted to wear that black Akubra hat, to let ’em know I was country and proud! These days it seems the whole world’s gone country, and I’m really encouraging that kind of behaviour. There are some great new artists out there, and the future’s never looked brighter.
You’ve collaborated with incredible voices like Jessica Mauboy, Guy Sebastian and Shannon Noll. Is there anyone new on your radar you’d love to team up with next?
Number one on my wish list is another duet with Robby. She co-wrote Where I Wanna Be and it went on to be a number one country single and music video. Singing with her is always a highlight of the show – especially when she’s rocking the “Ute Me” girls tank top.
You’ve performed on the Gold Coast many times over the years. Do you have a particularly memorable show or moment here that stands out to you?
It’s extra special bringing the tour to Queensland because so many of the songs I’ve recorded were inspired right here in this great state. Playing Groundwater Festival in Broadbeach a few years ago was awesome – and to be able to bring the fully loaded concert tour to The Star is going to be epic.
The Star Gold Coast is the final stop of your 40 date 2025 tour. What can fans expect from this show, and how does it feel to wrap up the tour on the Gold Coast?
I reckon we’ve definitely been saving the best for last – we’ll be coming in hot with a veritable ute-load of hits, plus special guests Robby Kernaghan, Tori Darke (The Voice), and Matt Cornell. It’ll be sad to see the Boys from the Bush national tour come to an end, but if it has to end, I can’t think of a better place to do it than with a legendary hometown crowd at The Star Gold Coast.
And finally, what’s next for Lee Kernaghan after this massive tour? Any new projects or surprises in the works that your fans can look forward to?
Next year I’m looking forward to getting back to Outback Queensland and playing some of those smaller towns that often miss out on the bigger tours. It’s one of my favourite places on earth – little towns with big hearts that have given birth to so many songs I’ve recorded. I’ve also got a new album in the works that will be released later in the year.
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café: Le Cafe Gourmand, Broadbeach
Restaurant: Tara Far East Dining and Bar, Sanctuary Cove
Bar: The Roosevelt Lounge, Broadbeach
To do: Campfire by the creek, Springbrook, Qld
Beach: Palm Beach
Want to catch the final hoedown? Lee’s last stop lands at The Star on Saturday 29 November. Grab your tickets at leekernaghan.com before they gallop away.
Get ready for 3 days of country tunes and coastal croons at Groundwater Country Music Festival.
Cue the fiddles, folks! Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) is back this weekend in Broadbeach! From 17th–19th October, the free three-day festival returns, promising a weekend full of country tunes, good vibes and plenty of boot-scootin’ fun.
The 2025 lineup is a country music smorgasbord with over 50 artists across 12 stages, from classic bluegrass to American rockabilly, folk, pop, and everything in between. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just love a spot of live music, Groundwater CMF is calling your name.
Friday kicks off with a Welcome to Country from the Kombumerri community at the Kurrawa Big Top, followed by the festival’s opening act, Golden Guitar winner Max Jackson. As the afternoon rolls in, wander through the Country Fair Markets for local treasures and tasty treats, or sip a cold craft beer while Brooke Supple plays live at The Lucky Squire. Feeling adventurous? Chris Watson is back for Beachside Line Dancing classes from 4pm. It’s a sunset two-step to see you into the weekend!
When night falls, the main stages come alive with country music stars Sara Berki, Shane Smith & The Saints, Brad Cox and ARIA award winner and Gold Coast’s own, Casey Barnes.
The energy doesn’t stop on Saturday! Swing by The Loose Moose from 8am–10am for the new Bluegrass Breakfast. Enjoy live tunes from Huxley & Friel, great food, and a vibey atmosphere to kick off the day.
Felicity Kircher, 2025 Star Maker, lights up the Surf Parade Stage at 10am, then keep the good vibes rolling with Country Music Cocktails – The Next Wave at Den Devine from 2pm–5pm.
Born in Tamworth, this lively showcase shines a spotlight on the next generation of country talent, think original tunes, 15–20-minute sets, and plenty of heart. It’s all about celebrating the craft, the community, and the future of country music, cocktail in hand, of course.
ARIA award winner Hayley Jensen performs a one-off show at The Star Gold Coast at 5.30pm, while the night closes with Lane Pittman, The Wolfe Brothers and Nikki Lane delivering powerhouse performances you won’t forget.
Sunday morning offers one last Bluegrass Breakfast with Friel & Friends, and if you haven’t tried line dancing yet, now’s your chance. At 10:30am, the Kurrawa Big Top hosts the KIX Live Songwriter Session, giving fans a rare glimpse into creative processes of Australian country legend Troy Cassar-Daley as well as Amy Sheppard, Max Jackson, Sykamore and The Buckleys.
The weekend closes out with no other than Troy Cassar-Daley alongside Nashville’s Jackson Dean, Amy Sheppard, Duncan Toombs and Round Mountain Girls.
Not ready for the music to stop? Head to Broadbeach for the Groundwater Wrap Party with Liam Brew.
Groundwater CMF isn’t just about music. The festival partners with Farm Angels (formerly Drought Angels), and there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Snap a selfie with Bessie the Cow, stock up on merch or enter the raffle. Take a breather from the stages to explore local markets or enjoy a bite and drink at Broady’s beachside cafes and bars.
With a jam-packed lineup, a handy festival app, and a weekend of live music, Groundwater CMF is bigger, bolder, and more boot-scootin’ brilliant than ever. Round up your mates and mosey down to Broadbeach for three days of country music, community and good times. Saddle up and see y’all there!
Download the Experience Gold Coast App for the full program.
Where: Various locations in Broadbeach
When: Friday 17th – Sunday 19th October
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY GROUNDWATER COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Meet the Gold Coast local and country singer.
Listen up ya’ll! In case you missed it, Groundwater Country Music Festival kicks off on Friday 12th November and goes until Sunday 14th November and we can hardly keep still in our boots. The best thing is, the team behind Groundwater are not holding back with rounding up heavy-hitting headliners like Casey Barnes, Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Brand, The Wolfe Brothers, Graeme Connors and many more! So to get a taste of what the big weekend will entail, we spoke to Casey Barnes (who is a GC local) ahead of his big performance and also before he drops his new ‘Light It Up’ album.
For those who don’t know you, tell us a bit about yourself and your career to date?
I’m a proud Gold Coaster and have been living here now for a touch over 20 years, and based in Currumbin, one of my fav parts of the Coast! I’ve been fortunate enough to build a successful career over that time and still call the Gold Coast home. In my opinion, there’s nowhere else I’d prefer to live than here!
What/who got you into music?
I’d started my music career playing in pubs and clubs down in Tassie around the age of 18/19 but decided to ‘hit the mainland’ and had always loved the Gold Coast so it felt like the right place to base myself. My first real big break came around 2005 where I was lucky enough to land the support for Bryan Adams when he did his national tour. I have been fortunate enough to never look back since then!
When creating music, what is your main inspiration?
I’m really big on melody and hooks. The music side of things generally comes to me first then I’ll build the song/lyrics around that.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
On a personal note, it’d be getting married to my wife Michelle and our two girls Charli and Emmy. On a career front, maybe the release of my latest album last year and being nominated for an ARIA award.. was pretty special!
Out of all your songs, which is your personal favourite and why?
Gee, that constantly changes to be honest! But, at the moment it’d be the brand new single ‘God Took His Time On You’. It’s one of my favs to play live and has also become a real crowd favourite over the last few months too!
What is your favourite song at the moment and why?
I’ve gotta say, the new Adele single is just brilliant. Loved it from the first time I heard it on the radio. On the country music front, I love the latest track by Jordan Davis called ‘Buy Dirt’.
For those who haven’t visited the Groundwater Festival before, what’s it like?
You get the best of everything at Groundwater. For starters, it’s in the BEST location right in Broadbeach along the water, with some of the best cafes, and restaurants and it’s all 100% free!
What are you most looking forward to for your set at Groundwater 2021?
There’s nothing better than a hometown show and this year we’re headlining the main stage on Friday night so that’s going to be awesome!
What can your fans expect from you over the next year?
Lots of exciting stuff! We’re about to announce my brand new album ‘Light It Up’ which is out Feb 25th, then we’re launching into my biggest ever national tour, so 2022 is set to be a lot of fun!
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café: We love BSKT in Mermaid Beach
Coffee spot: My local in Currumbin called The Salt Mill
Restaurant: We love Kiyomi at The Star Gold Coast
Bar or pub for a drink: I love Miami Marketta as it also doubles as one of my fave live music venues too!
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
If I’m not away on tour, it’s always with my family! We live in Currumbin so you’ll normally find us over summer at the beach or along Currumbin Creek. We love it here!
Peddly Picnics is the new way to explore the magic of Tamborine Mountain.
We love a road trip, but driving around can often make you feel like you’re missing out on secret spots. That’s where Peddly Picnics rolls in, the ultimate sipping, snacking and cycling experience that lets you explore the Scenic Rim at a slightly slower pace.
Set against the lush surrounds of Tamborine Mountain, this brand-new, eco-friendly adventure combines fresh air and foodie fun with a modern, electric bike-powered twist. It’s the perfect day out for couples, friends, families and even your four-legged friend (yes, pups are welcome if they fit in the basket!).
Here’s how it works: book your experience instore or on the Peddly Picnic website, pick up your e-bike and picnic basket from their shop in Tamborine, and set off on a self-guided trail that loops through the mountain’s most celebrated cellar doors, distilleries, cafes, and farm-to-table eateries. Think of it as a progressive picnic on two wheels, with spectacular Scenic Rim views along the way.
And because no one wants to cycle on an empty stomach, the stops are seriously worth braking for.
Kick things off at Picnic Real Food Bar, a wholesome haven from chef Brenda Fawdon, where organic produce and closed-loop sustainability are the order of the day (literally – your scraps are composted back into the soil!).
Just a quick pedal away, Loborn Distillery offers a modern Australian take on amaro, the iconic Italian aperitif. Learn about their sips and soak in the mountain magic.
For wine and beer fans, roll on to Witches Falls Winery and Boxer Brewing Co for a double delight of wild ferment wines on one side, crisp lagers and ciders on the other.
Cauldron Distillery stirs the pot. Set across seven scenic hectares, it’s home to award-winning gins and brand-new agave spirits, best enjoyed with woodfired pizza on the sprawling lawn.
Then coast down to Saint Marthe Brasserie for a French feast before swapping your wine glass for a coffee cup at the Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation, where beans are grown, roasted and brewed right where you sip them.
Of course, no Peddly Picnic is complete without a little nature time. Park your bikes at Curtis Falls Track for a short rainforest walk to one of the region’s prettiest waterfalls or take in the views from Robert Sowter Park Lookout, the perfect place to lay out your picnic and watch paragliders drift over the rim.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll want a rest after all the sipping, snacking and cycling. With new accommodation, boutique stays, cabins and glamping spots popping up across the mountain, you might just be tempted to make a weekend of it. Tamborine Mountain is a few degrees cooler than the coast, making it the ideal summer escape.
So if you’re craving a day that’s equal parts adventure and indulgence, get geared up for a trip to Tamborine Mountain.
To book your ride, head to peddlypicnics.com.au.
Where: 43 Main St, Tamborine Mountain
When: 8.30am – 4pm Thursday – Sunday, 9am – 1pm Monday
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY PEDDLY PICNICS
