The soulful sounds of blues, roots, and rock music will echo across the historic coastal town of Seventeen Seventy as Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival 2026 transforms the local area into a global hub of celebration. Set against Queensland's stunning coastline where Captain Cook first landed, the 1770 SES Grounds provides an intimate yet expansive setting for 1500 music lovers to gather and experience world-class performances. This boutique festival combines the raw energy of live music with the relaxed atmosphere of a seaside community, creating the perfect backdrop for discovering both established artists and emerging talent across multiple stages.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for your festival experience, including onsite camping availability, transport options, local accommodation alternatives, weather expectations, and essential packing recommendations to ensure you're fully prepared for your musical adventure.
✈️ How to Get There: Transport & Logistics
Getting to the Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival at the 1770 SES Grounds requires some planning, as Seventeen Seventy is a coastal town with limited direct transport links. Most festival-goers drive from Bundaberg (the nearest major hub with regular bus and air connections) or arrange shuttle services from accommodation in the area. The festival organisers typically coordinate transport options from Bundaberg and nearby towns, though hiring a car remains the most flexible option for exploring this scenic part of the Queensland coast.
Closest Airports
1. Gladstone Airport (GLT) Distance: 74.3 km You can drive from Gladstone Airport to the festival at 1770 SES Grounds in about 1 hour 14 minutes, or arrange a taxi transfer for the 74-kilometre journey if you don't have a hire car.
Getting to the Venue
Trains/Public Transport: The nearest railway station is Bundaberg, approximately 90 minutes drive from the 1770 SES Grounds. Regular Queensland Rail services connect Bundaberg to Brisbane and other major centres along the coast.
Buses/Shuttles: Greyhound Australia operates services to Agnes Water township, with connecting shuttle buses available to the festival grounds. Local shuttle services run between Agnes Water accommodation and the venue throughout the festival weekend.
Late-Night Return: Limited shuttle services operate until 1:00 AM between the festival grounds and Agnes Water accommodation areas. Pre-booking is essential as services fill quickly, particularly after headline acts finish.
Taxi & Rideshare: Local taxi services are available but limited in the Seventeen Seventy area. Uber operates sporadically in the region, so advance booking with Agnes Water Taxis is recommended for reliable transport to and from the festival grounds.
🏨 Where to Stay
Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival 2026 offers onsite camping at Seventeen Seventy, allowing you to stay right in the heart of the action on Queensland's coast. The festival's camping area provides convenient access to all stages and facilities, so you can easily pop back to your tent between sets or grab forgotten items. With the festival's beachside location, you'll wake up to coastal breezes and can enjoy the unique experience of camping just metres from the ocean whilst being surrounded by fellow music lovers.
For those preferring more comfort, Seventeen Seventy has several accommodation options within easy reach of the Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival 2026 site. The town offers holiday apartments and units with ocean views, many just a short walk from the festival grounds. Nearby Agnes Water, only 5 minutes away, provides additional motel and resort accommodation, whilst some visitors opt for the boutique lodges scattered around the area that offer a more upmarket stay during the festival weekend.
Onsite Camping
Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival 2026 offers onsite camping. Check the festival website for:
- Camping ticket options and prices
- Facilities available (showers, toilets, charging stations)
- What you can bring (tent size limits, equipment restrictions)
- Arrival and departure times
☀️ Weather
Dates: 20 February 2026 to 22 February 2026
Season: Winter (Dec–Feb)
Late February in Seventeen Seventy brings warm, humid conditions with temperatures typically reaching 28-30°C during the day and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, a waterproof jacket for sudden downpours, and plenty of sunscreen for the intense Queensland sun.
🎒 What to Bring
Essential Items
- Valid photo ID and tickets (printed or on your phone)
- Tent, sleeping bag, and camping mat
- Payment cards and some cash
- Portable charger for your phone
- Sunscreen and sun protection
- Light jacket or layers (weather can change)
- Reusable water bottle
- Any prescription medications
Check the Festival Website For
- Bag size restrictions (usually A4 or A3 maximum)
- Prohibited items list
- Food and drink policy
🛡️ Safety & Wellbeing
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Arrange a meeting point with your group in case you get separated
- Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- Know where the medical tents and welfare areas are
- Look out for friends and fellow festival-goers
- Have emergency contacts saved in your phone
📸 Make This the Best Experience Ever
While it's tempting to capture every moment on your phone, you'll get so much more from the festival by being truly present. Take a few photos to remember the experience, then put your phone away and immerse yourself in the music and atmosphere with your friends.
Your future self will thank you for the memories you made by being present, not the hours spent scrolling through your phone.
🍽️ Make the Most of Seventeen Seventy
Pre-Festival: Start your day right before heading to the festival. Great spots near the venue include
- 1770 Coffee Co (4.9★) - 1770 Coffee Co serves exceptional coffee and hearty breakfast fare in a relaxed coastal setting near beautiful Seventeen Seventy.
- La Caravana (4.9★) - La Caravana serves brilliant fresh breakfast fare with genuine local charm near Queensland's stunning Seventeen Seventy coastline.
- Kin Coffee N Bites (4.8★) - Kin Coffee N Bites serves exceptional coffee and fresh breakfast bites with warm local charm near beautiful Seventeen Seventy.
Daytime food options near the festival:
- La Caravana (4.9★) - La Caravana serves fresh, flavourful meals with a relaxed coastal vibe that perfectly captures the laid-back charm of Seventeen Seventy.
- Poke Pokay (4.7★) - Poke Pokay serves incredibly fresh, healthy poke bowls that perfectly capture the relaxed coastal vibe of Seventeen Seventy.
- Round Hill Road Pizza (4.8★) - Round Hill Road Pizza serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas with fresh local ingredients in a relaxed coastal Queensland setting.
🎵 Music & Vibe
The 2026 lineup is focused on Folk, Funk, Rock, and Reggae. This carefully curated selection creates a musical journey that celebrates the roots and evolution of American music traditions.
The intimate 1,500-person capacity fosters a close-knit community atmosphere where music lovers of all ages—from seasoned blues enthusiasts to young folk discovery seekers—gather for an authentic weekend experience. Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival is renowned for its relaxed, family-friendly environment where attendees can expect genuine musical storytelling, spontaneous jam sessions between sets, and the kind of personal artist interactions that larger festivals simply cannot offer.
An independent electronic music & festival researcher with 10+ years in the global dance scene.
Last verified: February 24, 2026