This music festival showcases the best of Tropical North Queensland

Go for the music, stay for the sights at North Queensland’s newest music festival.

For four days and three nights under the starry Tropical North Queensland sky, Savannah In The Round is set to put on another one-of-a-kind show for its sea of festival-goers in 2025. From 9 to 12 October, the increasingly popular festival caters to the complete spectrum of music tastes and ensures revellers are fed, fulfilled and delighted.

Since its inception in 2021, Savannah In The Round has steadily become one of Australia’s most renowned country music festivals, recruiting talented musical acts to keep audiences mesmerised and toes-tapping.

But why stop there? While in the neighbourhood, explore as much of Tropical North Queensland as time permits.

Immerse yourself in country music paradise. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Getting to Savannah In The Round

To get to Savannah In The Round, first you must decide what you want to see and do. Located an hour’s drive from Port Douglas or roughly ten minutes longer from Cairns, there’s more than one scenic route to take. Whichever you choose,  there will be numerous reasons to make a pitstop and take a snap of the sights.

From Cairns, cruise along State Route 40 and marvel at the ancient trees whizzing past your window. Along the journey, expect your car to be flanked by the expansive Bilwon State Forest and the Dinden West Forest Reserve.

From Port Douglas, cruise parallel to Hann Tableland National Park which carries a decidedly countryside atmosphere—ideal for getting into the spirit and theme of Savannah In The Round.

Soak in the countryside vibe. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Savannah In The Round 2025

The tropical surroundings of Savannah In The Round serve as the festival’s stunning backdrop over four festivity-packed days. The relatively quiet and unassuming town of Mareeba will transform into a cultural hub ahead of October 9, complete with camping grounds, three supporting stages and food trucks.

Since the creation of Savannah In The Round back in 2021, the festival has enjoyed substantial growth year on year, with 23,000 attendees flocking to the grounds in 2023. Solidifying its credentials as the biggest music festival in Tropical North Queensland.

The meticulously planned camping grounds and facilities have garnered national support and attention, with city-dwellers across Australia making the journey to Mareeba for the unique experience. While you’re there, lean into the theme and test your legs in a spot of line dancing, or witness the astounding rodeo first-hand. Free shuttle buses run to and from the festival for those staying nearby but not on-site.

Last year, the festival precinct welcomed music legends The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus, USA staple Kip Moore and over two dozen other acts. Whatever your taste in music might be, there’s no escaping the electric atmosphere that seeps through every inch of the Mareeba Rodeo Arena.

The food and drinks found at Savannah In The Round cover an array of flavours and textures, all distinct to the region’s cuisine and locally sourced. Eat and drink your way through an impressive offering of pop-up stalls, delis and homemade pizzerias. You can’t go wrong with a cheesy meal, washed down by a refreshing cocktail from the Three Wolves Gin Distillery.

Savannah In The Round offers visitors a unique view of the festival and region with onsite Nautilus Aviation, offering helicopter flights over the festival grounds all weekend long.

Watch Mareeba transform into a vibrant music wonderland. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Best things to do in the Atherton Tablelands

Whether you stick around after the festival or arrive in the area a few days or weeks early, endless opportunities await in Australia’s tropical haven—all within a reasonable distance of the festival itself.

For a bird’s eye view of lush, dense forests, glimmering oceans and the distinct, orange-tinged Australian outback, take to the skies with Hot Air Balloon Cairns. While Australia’s most established hot air balloon company offers a slew of different packages, the most convenient option for this particular trip takes place at the festival site itself: Mareeba, Atherton Tablelands. What better way to keep the high of Savannah In The Round going than to get even higher above ground?

Lift off from the festival grounds with Hot Air Balloon Cairns. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Elsewhere, waterfalls can be found dotted across the entire region, so bathers should be one of the first items in your suitcase. Keep in mind, not all waterfalls in Queensland permit swimming, however, both Davies Creek Falls and Emerald Creek Falls welcome water-seeking guests with open arms.

The Mareeba Shire Rocks are also located near Savannah In The Round, and remain a sight to behold. Tropical North Queensland’s outback and rainforest merge into one at this historical site, featuring caves and rock formations that date back hundreds of thousands of years. Extend the rock-sploration even further by driving an additional two-and-a-half hours to Chillagoe Caves. It’s here you’ll find Aboriginal art that reminds visitors of the vast history of the area.

Indulge your love for nature and water. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland/Mitchell Cox)

Where to eat in the Atherton Tablelands

There’s no shortage of delectable dining options in and around Savannah In The Round—and any bakery that calls a rural town home will sell the best assortment of pies the world has ever tasted—but for a truly special experience, there are a few places worth a visit.

Skybury Cafe & Roastery, situated on the reputable Skybury Farms, has been serving up signature dishes since 2006. Make sure you arrive during the operating window of 10am to 2:30pm to experience the papaya-laden menu, including the Thai Green Papaya Salad. Taste buds will be tantalised by a combination of papaya, crunchy carrots and cabbage, a tangy dressing and a perfectly cooked poached egg.

For dessert, journey to Emerald Creek Ice Creamery and find solace in a sweet, frozen vanilla swirl. There are over 50 flavours to try, however a scoop of Wattle Seed is a must.

Treat your taste buds to Skybury’s papaya-inspired creations. (Image: Skybury Cafe & Roastery)

For more details about Savannah In The Round, including the 2025 line-up announcement, regularly check their website savannahintheround.com.au, and for everything else that’s happening in Tropical North Queensland in 2025 and the foreseeable future, head tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au.