Caloundra: The Sunshine Coast’s premier music festival, Caloundra Music Festival, did not disappoint this year with headliners Arrested Development, Spiderbait, Kasey Chambers, The Temper Trap and Busby Marou absolutely killing it, all wedged between some incredible grass-roots talent.

But while the annual Sunshine Coast Council festival is a family-friendly and all-age focused event, there’s still some things we think you should know so you can be prepared to have the best day of your lyyyfe. Because, YOLO!

Picture: The kid zones offer a great shaded retreat for kids, but remember to BYO bestie!

Music editor Penny Brand offers up her ‘festival first aid kit’ for those wanting the most out of their Caloundra Music Festival experience:

1. Kiddy hacks: There’s plenty of shaded spots, including two “Funky Forests” and a teenagers “Chill Out Zone”, with face painting, activities, and this year there was even a ‘goats yoga’, which allowed little ones to zen out with some other four-legged kids. But while we give the event an A+ for offering comfy chairs, a phone-charging station, and a place for rug-rats to do their thing away from the crowd, the activities are definitely on the lighter side, and there’s also no playgrounds in the festival area. If you have children, this is a festival better spent with friends (so BYO bestie!) as my daughter did get bored easily. Next time I’ll pack an extra device so she can kick back and relax while I enjoy some time to myself in the nose bleeds. Because this 90s grunge kid doesn’t like to miss out. Hello, Spiderbait!
2. Mosh pit low-down: While community and acceptance is key at this festival, and rowdy festival-goers are mostly kept at bay, it doesn’t mean you’re immune to some pushing and shoving when the sun has firmly set on the main stages. I saw a shorter and more senior lady almost get wiped out in one of the major sets, and we had to quickly hightail it soon after. In saying that most of the mosh pits were very tame and at one time my daughter even sat playing Roblox at my feet when her legs were tired!
3. Booze and nosh: Let’s face it festival purchases can always make the day expensive, so if you’re wanting to save, you can bring a soft esky into the venue, as long as it’s only food. Water bottles will need to be tipped out at the gates, but can be refilled at the water refill-station just inside the main entrance. That’s also a no for bringing alcohol in, and yes bags are checked. If you have picky kids or for those who have food intolerances, I’d suggest bringing snacks and food in as the market food vendors were fairly slight. You can also leave the event with your wristband and walk over to some of the nearby eateries.
4. Make it a picnic: Bringing chairs into the festival is discouraged, and while event-sized chairs are allowed, these must be taken with you when you move, and can’t be used to reserve spots. Most punters bring picnic blankets to spread out on so be sure to BYO rugs if you need a lie down.
5. Get digital: If you have no sense of direction like me, download the Caloundra Music Festival app because you’ll need to refer to it at all times! While the venue offers excellent signage, the app map allows you to organise your day before you come, offering an artist planner with notifications so you don’t miss your fave acts.
6. Where to lay your head: In a perfect world I would have stayed in a unit within metres to the event, so I could go back and forth as I please, especially when kids are tired and old enough to stay in, while you venture out for some adult time. However, like most of us who can’t afford that luxury, Caloundra State School offers camping, although it’s not entirely cheap either (for camping rates), but it offers your best bet if you want to experience the festival and the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches in a prime location.
7. Parking surprise: I was worried about not getting a nearby car park, but as someone who drove in and out of the event each day we scored decent parking each time. That said we were there before 3pm each day. For those camping at the school, there’s free shuttle bus services in and out. The best option is using Council’s free public transport service if you’re local or visiting and not wanting to drive and worry about parking.
8. Ticketing tip: A one day pass would have been plenty for us so unless you’re hard-core music-seekers and camping die-hards – or there’s simply too many artists you must see – it’s probably best to grab a ticket for the days you want to attend, because buying a *three-day festival ticket was only marginally cheaper.
9. A little slim shady: It goes without saying that you’ll need suncream and hats for a festival in the Queensland heat, yes even in spring. But there’s also very little shade at the event, unless you’re in one of the bars or kiddy areas. We did see some suncream at one of the “Funky Forests” which was great for a touch up. And if you don’t know what the weather is doing (yes it’s been known to rain, but the show must always goes on!) you can pack ponchos and supplies into a backpack and leave it at the event cloak room.

The Caloundra Music Festival is an event initiative of Sunshine Coast Council and is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

Tickets and information: Caloundra Music Festival is an annual event at Kings Beach, Caloundra. Visit https://caloundramusicfestival.com.

*Please note, we paid for our three-day tickets in full and this article was not endorsed by Sunshine Coast Council.

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