Review and Photos by Ant Ritz
Savannah in the Round 2025 at Mareeba – FNQ’s Ultimate Music Celebration
Savannah in the Round 2025 once again proved why it’s one of Australia’s most-loved regional music festivals, with more than 32,000 fans coming together in Mareeba for a four-day celebration packed with incredible performances, good vibes, and unforgettable moments.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Tablelands, the festival was a true showcase of everything that makes Far North Queensland special — world-class talent, laid-back charm, and a welcoming community spirit that keeps people coming back year after year.
The festivities kicked off in style on Thursday evening with an outback rodeo, setting the tone for a long weekend of country spirit, live music, and outback fun.
This year’s lineup was pure fire, featuring Aussie legends Baby Animals, James Reyne, Rose Tattoo, Daryl Braithwaite, and The Black Sorrows. Festival favourites Chocolate Starfish, Hussy Hicks, and 19-Twenty kept the energy high and the dancefloors full all weekend long.
Country music fans were spoiled with an incredible mix of local and international stars, including U.S. sensations Jackson Dean and the Zac Brown Band, plus homegrown heroes Casey Barnes, Beccy Cole, Kasey Chambers, Lane Pittman, Max Jackson, Wade Foster, and Luke O’Shea.
Far North Queensland talent shone bright too. Cooktown’s Roadtrippers hit the stage twice — wrapping up their second set with a powerful finale on the main Cape Stage. One couple told LMM that they had flown all the way from Victoria just to see The Roadtrippers perform, a testament to the growing reputation of FNQ’s music scene.
Black Image joined forces with songwriting legend Neil Murray, the man behind My Island Home, in a moving performance that had the crowd singing along. And the Ella Hartwig Band delivered a standout show that proved why FNQ’s artists are some of the most exciting in the country.
From sunrise jams to late-night singalongs, Savannah in the Round offered something for everyone — plus on-site camping, delicious local food and drink, and that unbeatable North Queensland hospitality.
If you missed this year’s action, don’t worry — Savannah in the Round 2026 is already shaping up to be even bigger and better. Mark your calendars, gather your mates, and get ready for another unforgettable weekend of music under the Savannah stars.
Savannah in the Round — where country meets the Cape and the rainforest meets the outback and the party just never stops.
Savannah in the Round 2025 — What. A. Weekend!
Over 32,000 music lovers came together in Mareeba for four epic days of live music, great vibes, and unforgettable memories — kicking off with a wild Thursday night rodeo!
From Aussie legends like Baby Animals, James Reyne, Rose Tattoo, Daryl Braithwaite and The Black Sorrows, to international acts Jackson Dean and the Zac Brown Band, the stages were packed with world-class talent.
Our incredible FNQ artists shone bright too — Cooktown’s Roadtrippers rocked the Cape Stage (one couple even flew from Victoria just to see them!), alongside powerhouse performances from Black Image with Neil Murray and the Ella Hartwig Band.
