What is the Yarrabah Music & Cultural Festival?

When travelling to Australia, most visitors will have the Great Barrier Reef at the very top of their list.

Made up of 2,900 individual coral reefs and 900 islands, the region is a central hub to the tropical wildlife of Queensland. However, before you trek out to the deep sea, it’s always a good idea to check out the land attractions right along the coast. With the area featuring stunning natural wonders, exceptional tourist sites, and a friendly and lively atmosphere. One of the best ways to see these highlights is with one of the annual festivals. Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival is a great option, featuring a showcase of the local music, art, and attractions along the Great Barrier Reef.

The History of the Festival

This Festival has been held annually since 1901, with the festival built upon the legacy of the Yarrabah Brass Band. The Yarrabah Brass Band has played a pivotal role in the community’s musical identity since the beginning of the festival. With the event evolving into one of the most popular events of the season.

About the Festival

Australia’s Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival returns on the 15th of June in 2019. Bringing together an impressive blend of the most impressive local music, visual arts and attractions of the area. Located around a 45-minute drive from Cairns, in the ‘paradise by the sea’ Yarrabah.

The festival will host a series of stalls; including food, arts and crafts, souvenirs, or local goodies. After strolling through the stalls, guests can enjoy the large platform stages that showcase the region’s locals, as well as some of Australia’s brightest stars, performing throughout the day and night.

Its Celebration of the Indigenous Community

They hold the festival on the lands of the traditional owners of the indigenous people. With the two local tribes being the Gunggandji and Yidinji People. Due to this, the event is more than just a music festival now, bringing together the ancient and historic people of the Yarrabah locals into the event to celebrate their culture. It is known as an experienced festival, where both music and culture collide beautifully. To revel in the indigenous community, many interactive experiences available.

What you can see while you are there

After spending some time at the festival, why not discover the surrounds? Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Centre features the local Indigenous community’s artwork including ceramics, woven goods, and paintings.

Otherwise, you are able to travel to the Flames of the Forest. This experience is where you can dine and wine in the rainforest, learning about the traditions of the indigenous community, hearing their stories and their distinguished didgeridoo sound. Enjoy the music and the storytelling under the canopy of trees and stars.

Related article: Top 5 Things to Do in the Great Barrier Reef

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.