Mareeba is a town in Tropical North Queensland, one hour’s drive west of Cairns at the confluence of the Barron River, Granite Creek and Emerald Creek. (The word ‘Mareeba’ is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘meeting of the waters’.)

Fly, Drive, Train

Flight times: Mount Isa to Cairns – 2 hours; Mackay to Cairns (via TSV) – 2 hours 15 mins; Brisbane or Gold Coast to Cairns – 2 hours 30 mins; Darwin to Cairns – 2 hours 30 mins; Sydney to Cairns – 3 hours; Adelaide to Cairns – 3 hours 15 mins; Melbourne to Cairns – 3 hours 20 mins; Alice Springs to Cairns – 4 hours; Auckland to Cairns – 4 hours 30 mins; Perth to Cairns – 5 hours 10 mins; Hobart to Cairns – 5 hours 30 mins.

Driving distances: Cairns – 1 hour; Port Douglas – 1 hour 15 mins; Cooktown – 3 hours 10 mins; Townsville – 5 hours; Normanton – 7 hours 40 mins; Mackay – 8 hours 20 mins;

Rail journeys: QR’s Spirit of Queensland, Brisbane to Cairns – 25 hours.

The Mareeba Rodeo Arena (Kerribee Park) is located 7km from the centre of Mareeba in the Cairns Hinterland on State Route 27 – the main north/west road to the Gulf Country, and the start of the world famous 3,700-kilometre road trip across the top of Australia from Cairns to Broome, Savannah Way. The event takes place less than 70km from Cairns Airport. The Campgrounds are adjacent to the same site, as is the Rent a Tent zone and the Glampgrounds. 

Savannah in the Round officially kicks off on Friday, 11 October 2024. The Festival then runs for three days, finishing late on Sunday, 13 October 2024. Tickets are available here

Average October temperatures in Mareeba are 30^o C high / 16^o C low, with an average of one day’s rain for the month.

This Festival is a camping event. See detailed camping information HERE.

Festival organisers have made three camping options available adjacent to the Festival Precinct:

*Campgrounds – self-catered; available to those who supply their own swag, tent, caravan, camper, RV etc. Both powered and unpowered sites are available. To help keep like-minded patrons together, campers can elect to stay in either the Family/Quiet Zone (sites with late night quiet time) or in the Groups Zone.

*Rent A Tent – pre-constructed pop-up village; available to those who can't or don’t wish to bring their own tent or camping equipment. Sites to accommodate 2, 3, or 4. Comfort extras available for purchase.

*Glamping - looking for a little something extra from your camping experience? Our deluxe bell tents include linen, towels, mats, lighting, a welcome pack and furnishings, accommodating up to 4 people*. The glamping area features adjacent toilets and showers, with a dedicated area for guests to use hair straighteners / dryers etc. (BYO) and a chill-out/communal area for our glamping guests to relax, enjoy a cool drink, and use the phone charging station. Feeling peckish, or in need of a caffeine fix? Our friendly volunteer crew will gladly source these items from on-site vendors and deliver to the glamp zone. Bedding configuration is subject to availability*

*Hotel/motel and caravan accommodation in Mareeba is limited; however, there are fantastic accommodation options right across the Atherton Tablelands, from AirBnBs to resort style lodgings at Lake Tinaroo. For the inside scoop and personalised advice on accommodation around Mareeba and the Tablelands, contact Sandrine Gloton at the Mareeba Heritage Museum and Tourist Information Centre on (07) 4092 2906 or visit@mareebaheritagecentre.com.au. There will be a variety of daily express shuttles operating between these locations and the Festival – more details in relation to routes and times will follow.

*If you’re flying into Cairns, Savannah in the Round has partnered with the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort and is offering resort style hotel experiences. Staying in Cairns affords patrons good Festival proximity, as well as prime access to the stunning Great Barrier Reef and a variety of rainforest adventures. A Savannah in the Round express shuttle will operate daily between Cairns and the Festival. 

*For those looking to stay in Port Douglas, a Savannah in the Round express shuttle will operate daily between Port Douglas and the Festival Precinct, an 87-kilometre (70 minute) journey passing through Mount Malloy – one of Far North Queensland’s most scenic drives.

All relevant shuttle information is available here.

There are three campsite sizes available.

Large (powered or unpowered): (7m x 12m)

Medium (unpowered, with option to locate in family/quiet zone): (7m x 7m)

Small (unpowered, with option to locate in family/quiet zone): (3.5m x 3.5m)

Only if the relevant site owners arrive at the same time (or have a representative of each group) to claim sites next to one another on entry. We do not otherwise reserve or number sites.

Season ticket holders can access the campgrounds from midday on Wednesday, 9 October 2024.

General campers can arrive between 8am and 6pm on their booked day/s - i.e. Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday (10-13 October 2024).

See also: when can I access Rent a Tent and the Glampgrounds.

In the Campgrounds? No. The Campgrounds require you to BYO tents and/or equipment.

For Rent a Tent and Glamping? Yes. Rent a Tent is the camping accommodation option for patrons who do not wish to supply their own tents and/or equipment. Each supplied tent is fully floored, carpeted and fitted with an internal 12V light. Rent a Tent campers simply bring their bed linen, pillows and camp chairs. An esky is also recommended. (Alternatively, if you’re travelling light, Rent a Tent campers can purchase a comfort pack that includes linen, pillows, camp chairs, esky and table. To arrange this, please contact us.) And for those who like to take camping to the next level, our deluxe bell tents include linen, towels, rugs, lighting, a welcome pack and furnishings, accommodating up to five people*. The glamping area features adjacent toilets and showers, with a dedicated area for guests to use hair straighteners and dryers. Basic kitchen facilities are provided, including refrigeration, tea and coffee station, and a toaster. A chill-out/communal area is provided for our glamping guests to relax, enjoy a hot or cold beverage, play a board game or just soak up the festival atmosphere. Feeling peckish, or in need of a caffeine fix? Our friendly volunteer crew will gladly source these items from onsite vendors and deliver to the glamping area. Bedding configuration is subject to availability*

You can access Rent a Tent and the Glampgrounds from 2pm on Thursday, 10 October 2024.

In the Campgrounds? Yes. The Campgrounds may have sufficient car space at your site. If your car or additional vehicles don’t fit into your designated campsite, parking is available free of charge at the Campers Car Park nearby.

In Rent a Tent? Yes. Tent City has its own designated Rent a Tent Car Park.

See also: Can I come and go from the Campgrounds in my vehicle?

In the interests of public safety, vehicles brought into the Campgrounds are not permitted to come and go or to be driven around the Campgrounds. Vehicles are only to be driven out if the driver (and any passengers) will not be returning to their campsite.

Contravention of this rule puts other patrons at serious risk and may result in your eviction from the Campgrounds. In such circumstances, no refunds will be given. If you require your vehicle to travel to town or are planning to sightsee around the region during the Festival period, please be sure to park your car in the designated Campers Car Park instead of at your campsite so that you're able to come and go as you please. 

Yes. Large powered sites are available.

See also: Can I bring a generator?

Yes, drinking water will be provided in both the Campgrounds and Rent a Tent zone. It will also be available within the Festival Precinct.

Yes!

At the Campgrounds? Enclosed campfires (i.e. within a fire ring, fire pit, wood stove, fire bucket, fire burner, or any homemade or manufactured device that has the effect of containing a fire) are permitted between 4pm and 10am. Any campfire should be at least 5 metres from a tent, vehicle or other camping structure. Firewood will be on sale at the campgrounds, or you may BYO as required. Fire rings will be available for hire. Unattended fires or fires outside of the permitted hours will be extinguished by the Rural Fire Service.

Once released, find the Festival Program online or within the official Savannah in the Round app.

Entertainment is programmed throughout the day across multiple venues, with live music commencing between 8am and 10am at the Big Top Music Hall and Bull Bar, and 4pm on Main Stage. Please see the Festival Program for details (once released). The Great Northern Bull Riding Series is scheduled for 4pm on Friday and Saturday, and bars, market stalls and a fun fair will operate throughout the weekend.

On Thursday, gates open at 12pm for the Early Bird Campers Concert (commencing at 5pm).

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, gates will open at 8am to allow campers access to services, including phone charging, coffee, and breakfast food stalls.

Entertainment commences between 8am and 10am daily in the Big Top Music Hall and Bull Bar, and 4pm on Main Stage, concluding at 11.30pm each evening. Late night bars and stages will then operate until 1am.

While the Festival is promoted as a camping event, it is not compulsory to camp, and you therefore do not require a camping pass to gain access to the Festival Precinct. Only your Festival armband is required.

NB: It is compulsory to have a camping armband if you are camping at the Festival.

You are free to enter and exit the Festival Precinct at your own discretion, provided you keep your armband on at all times. Please bear in mind that it will be necessary for you to be re-processed by security upon re-entry. 

Yes, ample on-site parking is available for non-camping Festival patrons. Please follow the relevant signs and/or directions from parking attendants.

This depends on your ticket type. If you have selected a place within general admission, you will need to BYO camp chairs and blankets. However, for those purchasing a grandstand ticket, the Mareeba Rodeo Arena contains tiered grandstand style bench seating. (Please note: Grandstand seating does not have back support, and you may still wish to bring a cushion or similar for added comfort.)

An extensive range of food and drink will be available for purchase from vendors and licensed bars within the Festival Precinct, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. In terms of non-alcoholic beverages, water, soft drink, tea and coffee will be available for purchase. Free water refill stations are also located around the Festival Precinct. Please stay hydrated!

We get wet! The Festival will proceed rain or shine; however, Mareeba has an average of 300 sunny days per year and most rainfall occurs between January and April, so the odds are favourable for pleasant conditions. In the unlikely event of rain, both the Big Top Music Hall and Bull Bar offer some shade and cover. (Please note umbrellas are not permitted for safety reasons.)

It is a condition of entry to the Festival that searches of patrons and/or their bags/possessions may be undertaken. If you do not consent to such searches, you may be denied entry to the Festival. In such circumstances, no refunds will be given. Please note: any prohibited items located during bag searches will be confiscated and not returned.

Designated smoking areas are located throughout the Festival Precinct. Please refer to onsite signage. 

Yes. Please consider the size of your bus, RV or caravan and ensure you purchase an appropriately sized campsite.

There are three campsite sizes available:

Large (powered or unpowered, with option to locate in family/quiet zone): (7m x 12m)

Medium (unpowered, with option to locate in family/quiet zone): (7m x 7m)

Small (unpowered, with option to locate in family/quiet zone): (3.5m x 3.5m)

You can book your campsite HERE.

Yes. You can book your campsite HERE.

To the Campgrounds? Yes. But please be considerate of other campers and do not operate between 10pm and 7am.

To Rent a Tent? No. Generators are not permitted within the Rent a Tent zone.

To the Campgrounds? Gas stoves are permitted. (Please have any such equipment serviced before bringing it to the Campgrounds and never use a gas cooker inside an enclosed area such as your tent. The flame should always be blue, as an orange/yellow flame or the production of soot may indicate a hazard. If you suspect a malfunction or smell gas, please clear the area and immediately seek assistance from Campground Marshalls or Festival staff.) Enclosed campfires (i.e. a fire within a fire ring, fire pit, wood stove, fire bucket, fire burner, or any homemade or manufactured device that has the effect of containing a fire) are also permitted between 4pm and 10am. Any campfire should be at least 5m from a tent, vehicle or other camping structure. Firewood will be on sale at the campgrounds, or you may BYO as required. Fire rings will be available for hire. Unattended fires or fires outside of the permitted hours will be extinguished by the Rural Fire Service.

To Rent a Tent? Kitchen facilities are available and adjacent to Rent a Tent.  

To the Glampgrounds? Basic kitchen facilities are provided, including refrigeration, tea and coffee station, and toaster. However, BBQs and hotplates are not permitted in the glamping area. 

Yes. Those who've purchased general admission tickets will need to bring their own camp chairs, blankets etc. However, those who've purchased grandstand tickets will have an allocated place in the grandstand, which comprises of stadium (bench) seating. We recommend grandstand ticketholders bring a cushion or similar for added comfort.

Yes. Taking photographs or videos for personal use is no problem. However, photo/videography for professional use is not permitted without promotor accreditation.

All water/soft drink containers must be sealed and glass is not permitted.

All eskies and bags will be searched at the security checkpoint and any BYO alcohol confiscated.

The Festival Precinct is a licensed area with a wide variety of food and drinks available. 

Free water refill stations are available around the Festival Precinct and bottled water is also available for purchase.

BYO alcohol is permitted in the Campgrounds, Rent a Tent and Glampgrounds areas only. 

To the Campgrounds? Yes.

To Rent a Tent? Yes.

To the Glampgrounds? Yes.

However, NO ALCOHOL MAY BE BROUGHT INTO THE FESTIVAL PRECINCT and the entire Festival Precinct is a GLASS-FREE ZONE.

The Festival Precinct will house licensed bars, as well as a variety of food vendors.

To the Campgrounds? Yes. Provided your pet is kept on a leash or otherwise carefully secured and not allowed to wander. The Campgrounds is not a suitable environment for hunting or work dogs. Please make other arrangements. (Please note: Dogs are not permitted in Rent a Tent or the Glampgrounds.)

To the Festival Precinct? Accredited Assistance Dogs and Guide Dogs (wearing identifiable vests/harnesses will be permitted within the Festival Precinct. Relevant paperwork must be presented at the Box Office, where a special wristband can be affixed to the animal's collar to identify them as an approved Assistance/Guide Dog.

Items which could reasonably be considered hazardous or disruptive to other patrons should not be brought into the Festival Precinct. Such items include but are not limited to:

Air horns

Drones or other remotely controlled toys/technologies

Flammable liquids

Flares, fireworks, sparklers, explosives, fire twirling gear or similar

Glass bottles, containers, etc. – this is a Glass Free Festival

Illicit drugs and/or illegal substances

Laser pointers, pens or equipment

Skateboards, scooters, rollerblades/skates, bicycles, quad bikes, Segways, hoverboards or other personal motorised vehicles

Sound systems

Spray paint, markers, sharpies or similar

Studded belts, cuffs or similar

Toy guns, water guns, sling shots, or similar

Umbrellas

Unauthorised flyers, stickers, promotional merchandise, samples or similar

Weapons and/or explosives

…and any other item deemed by Festival Security or Festival Staff (at their own discretion) to be potentially dangerous or disruptive to other patrons.

Any such items found on patrons will be confiscated and not returned. Holders of any such items may be excluded from the Festival Precinct without refund. Patrons found to be participating in any illegal activities may additionally be referred to the Queensland Police Service. The Promoter reserves the right to refuse entry to any person.

Single Day Tickets will be available for purchase online or at the gate (once released).

Review options and pricing here.

Yes. If you hold one of the following concession entitlements, be sure to select a concession ticket at checkout to receive your special pricing.

*Seniors Card
*Pensioner Concession Card
*Health Care Card
*Low Income Health Care Card
*Veteran Card

Please note: your relevant concession card will need to be produced at the gate when converting your paper ticket to an armband, or the balance of a full-priced ticket will be payable. 

One free ticket for the Companion of a Companion Card holder is available upon purchase of a Concession Festival Ticket. (NB: Companion Card must be produced at gate.)

For more detailed information, please see the Ticket Info page HERE

This is an all ages, family friendly event.

Children under the age of 5 receive free entry, with reduced admission fees applicable to older children (aged 6-12) and youths (aged 13-17), before adult (18+) ticketing pricing applies.

Please note: a high school ID card or government-issued proof of age (e.g. a learning/driving licence) should be produced at the gate by anybody entering the event on a youth ticket. Failure to produce such ID may result in the balance of a full-priced ticket becoming payable.

Those wearing child armbands (i.e. aged 12 and under) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (i.e. somebody wearing an adult armband) and all children/youths must be supervised in licensed areas. No alcohol may be purchased or consumed by those wearing child or youth armbands.

Tickets can be purchased outright using Visa and MasterCard (debit or credit). You can buy online ahead of the event, or purchase at the gate.

TIME TO PAY is our Buy Now Pay Later ticketing facility, allowing you to make equal instalment payments over a nominated period of time. Pay only your initial deposit and booking fee to secure your tickets, then future payments are debited from your nominated account at the specified intervals. To participate, simply select the Time to Pay option at checkout. It's that easy! Please click HERE to visit the ticketing page for full details.

Once tickets are released (close to event dates), please print your ticket at home (black and white ink is sufficient) or bring the PDF file and display the ticket barcode on your phone for scanning. 

Log into your members area and click on 'My Tickets' where you will find the option to Name, Download and Share your tickets. (Tickets are not released until close to the event. Dates and details to come.)

Once tickets are released (close to the event dates), log into your members area and click on 'My Tickets' where you will find the option to Name, Download and Share your tickets. Tickets are now available.

Once your tickets have been named, if you require late changes/transfers, please contact Rebecca Martin directly on 0402 727 564 or hello@savannahintheround.com.au for assistance. (There is no additional cost for this service.)

E-tickets are made available close to the event dates (you will be notified via email). However, if preferred, you can choose to have your tickets delivered by registered post instead. An extra fee of $9.00 per order applies to this service. Like e-tickets, hard copy tickets will not be sent out until closer to the event.

Yes. ATMs will be conveniently located around the Festival Precinct. All bars and most market vendors also accept (and prefer) EFTPOS, minimising the need for cash.

Yes. Food, drink and merchandise vendors accept EFTPOS, as do most market stall vendors.

Yes. Mobile phone services operate on 3G and 4G networks. Check with your provider for specific information applicable to your particular device.

Yes. A phone charging kiosk will be available within the Festival Precinct, as well as a powerbank service (Tha Plug) enabling patrons to exchange empty powerbanks throughout the day.

Yes. Multiple free water refill stations will be set up around the Festival Precinct.

Yes! A free shuttle service will operate between Mareeba's town centre and the Festival Precinct between 10am and 2pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with services running approximately every 20 minutes.

Dedicated viewing platforms accessible to those in wheelchairs, using mobility aids, with medically limited walking range, or with vision and hearing impairments are available, as are accessible camping zones, bathroom facilities, parking and more. Please select the Accessible ticket types to receive this allocation. (NB: A relevant concession card or doctor's certificate confirming an acute condition must be produced at gate.)

Savannah in the Round welcomes and seeks to assist patrons with learning, communication, understanding or behavioural challenges. Please contact us directly to discuss any specific needs not outlined above.

NB: Companion Card holders are entitled to receive one free ticket for their carer or companion upon the purchase of a concession Festival ticket. (NB: relevant concession card must be produced at gate.)

Yes, a dedicated First Aid Station run by the Queensland Ambulance Service will be in operation within the Festival Precinct for the duration of the event.

There are no cloakroom facilities available and Festival organisers are unable to take care of property for patrons. If uncertain whether an item may be prohibited, we recommend leaving it at home. Similarly, we do not recommend wearing or carrying unnecessary valuables. 

A contact form is available HERE.

For ticketing enquiries, please contact Rebecca Martin on 0402 727 564.

NB: Please be mindful that we are a small team, so following key announcements or during other peak times (e.g. during the Festival or immediately before and after), responses are likely to be slower than usual due to increased demand. Please rest assured, we will assist you as soon as possible.

Volunteer applications are opening soon!

We’re looking for a diverse group of people: whether grey nomads, backpackers, students, families or locals – all are welcome to apply. Volunteers each receive a festival pass and campsite in exchange for completing volunteer shifts.

Minimum requirements:

Availability across the Festival dates (a day or two either side would also be advantageous);

A positive and proactive attitude;

A basic understanding of and respect for workplace health and safety; and

Ability to handle working in warm weather.

How to impress:

Previous volunteer experience is wonderful (though not compulsory);

Flexibility in relation to role type or availability;

Relevant skills (e.g. customer service, administrative, manual handling etc.);

Enthusiasm!

Before you apply:

Please carefully read the requirements;

If you’re employed, tentatively apply for leave;

Check you don’t have clashes with study, family or travel commitments.

Stallholder applications for 2024 are opening soon!

A contact form is available HERE. Let's discuss the wide range of inclusions available!

**At present, there are no active health directives affecting this event.

Savannah in the Round operates in close partnership with a variety of relevant State Government organisations and bodies, and in full compliance with any and all relevant directives from Queensland Health. Such directives may require us to adapt the site, implement and monitor social distancing, alter the timing of performances etc. Compliance with these directives keeps patrons safe and has enabled us to run on the dates originally scheduled in every single year since our inaugural event in 2020.

Please follow us on Facebook and/or monitor our website to keep up to date with any public health announcements or event changes. We thank you for your understanding.