Savannah in the Round

Music lovers converge on the tropical tablelands of Far North Queensland each year when Savannah in the Round 2026 transforms the rural landscape into a global hub of celebration. Set within the expansive grounds of Kerribee Park in Mareeba, this distinctive festival brings together an impressive gathering of 7,500 music enthusiasts who come to experience performances arranged in the festival's signature circular staging format. The stunning savannah setting, surrounded by rolling hills and ancient volcanic soils, creates an intimate atmosphere where audiences can enjoy music from multiple vantage points whilst connecting with the region's rich agricultural heritage.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for your festival experience, including details about onsite camping facilities available at Kerribee Park. You'll find essential information on transport options, local accommodation alternatives, regional weather patterns, and practical packing recommendations to ensure you're well-prepared for your time in tropical North Queensland.

✈️ How to Get There: Transport & Logistics

Getting to Savannah in the Round at Kerribee Park in Mareeba is straightforward, with most festival-goers driving the scenic hour-long route from Cairns through the Atherton Tablelands. Regular shuttle services will run between Cairns Airport and the venue throughout the festival weekend, while regional bus connections from the wider Far North Queensland area provide additional transport options. The venue offers ample on-site parking for those travelling by car, making it easily accessible whether you're coming from the coast or the inland regions.

Closest Airports

1. Cairns Airport (CNS) Distance: 60 km You can reach Kerribee Park from Cairns Airport by rental car or taxi for the hour-long journey, though pre-booking a shuttle service or arranging group transport with other festival-goers often works out more economical for the 60-kilometre trip.

Getting to the Venue

• Trains/Public Transport: The nearest railway station is Cairns Central, approximately 60km from Kerribee Park. From Cairns, you'll need to arrange onward transport to Mareeba as there are no direct rail connections to the venue.

• Buses/Shuttles: Regular bus services operate between Cairns and Mareeba township via the Kuranda Range Road. Festival shuttle buses will run from Mareeba town centre to Kerribee Park throughout the event weekend, with additional services from Cairns Airport and selected Cairns hotels.

• Late-Night Return: Final shuttle services depart Kerribee Park at 1:30am, connecting to overnight buses back to Cairns. Late-night shuttles also run to Mareeba accommodation providers and the town centre until 2:00am on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Taxi & Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services are available from Cairns Airport and city centre, though expect higher fares for the journey to Mareeba. Local Mareeba taxi services provide shorter transfers between the town and Kerribee Park, with designated pick-up and drop-off zones at the venue entrance.

🏨 Where to Stay

Savannah in the Round 2026 offers onsite camping at the Mareeba Showgrounds, providing a convenient base right in the heart of the festival action. The camping area features basic facilities including shared toilets and showers, with campers able to set up their tents or park campervans within walking distance of the main performance stages. Given Mareeba's tropical savanna climate in March, pack lightweight camping gear and prepare for warm days and mild nights, with the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms typical of the region's wet season tail-end.

For those preferring more comfort, Mareeba township offers several accommodation options within a short drive of the showgrounds. The Mareeba Lodge Motel and Jackaroo Motel provide standard rooms with air conditioning—essential during the warm March weather. Self-contained units at places like Mareeba Caravan Park offer a middle ground between camping and hotels, whilst several bed and breakfasts in the area cater to visitors exploring the Atherton Tablelands region alongside the festival.

Onsite Camping

Savannah in the Round 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: 8 October 2026 to 11 October 2026
Season: Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Early October in Mareeba brings warm, dry conditions with daytime temperatures typically reaching 28-30°C and pleasantly cool evenings around 15-18°C. Pack lightweight cotton clothing for the day, a warm jumper or jacket for evening performances, and comfortable walking shoes as the festival grounds can be dusty.

🎒 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 Mareeba

Pre-Festival: Start your day right before heading to the festival. Great spots near the venue include

• Earth's Kitchen (4.9★) - Earth's Kitchen serves fresh, locally-sourced breakfast dishes in a charming countryside setting near Mareeba's tropical highlands.
• Caffe Crema (4.8★) - Caffe Crema serves exceptional coffee and fresh breakfast dishes with warm local hospitality near Mareeba's scenic countryside.
• The Hungry Pug Mareeba (4.5★) - The Hungry Pug Mareeba serves hearty, locally-sourced breakfasts with charming country hospitality in Queensland's scenic tablelands.

Daytime food options near the festival:

• Earth's Kitchen (4.9★) - Earth's Kitchen serves fresh, locally-sourced meals with stunning views of the Atherton Tablelands countryside near Mareeba.
• Baba curry (4.5★) - Baba Curry serves authentic, flavourful curries with fresh ingredients that make it a perfect lunch stop near Mareeba.
• The Hungry Pug Mareeba (4.5★) - The Hungry Pug Mareeba serves hearty, flavourful meals with friendly local charm in the heart of tropical North Queensland.

🎵 Music & Vibe

The 2026 lineup is focused on Blues, Rock, Folk, and Country.

Savannah in the Round draws a diverse crowd of 7,500 music lovers—from university students to seasoned festival-goers in their fifties—all united by their appreciation for authentic musicianship and the city's rich cultural heritage. The intimate weekend atmosphere encourages genuine connections between artists and attendees, with many performances taking place in unique circular staging that puts musicians literally "in the round" with their audience.