Under the southern stars

For the kid and I, there is really nothing that compares to the fun of heading to a festival. It’s not even just the draw of the artists on stage. It’s about where we stay, it’s about the loud singing in the car and what other craziness we can fit in around work while we are there. While every trip has is own special charm, this one the stars seemed to align.

Under the Southern Stars, a brand new, family friendly summer festival was playing in Tuncurry, on the first Saturday in January. The site at Harry Elliot oval in Tuncurry, was only 30 mins from accommodation I had been itching to get up and see for over a year now, The Boogie Woogie Beach house in Old Bar.

Given our own home is music themed, I was keen to see what the owners had done with this gorgeous space as the website seemed like a music lover’s utopia. The building has a long history dating back more than 100 years serving as everything from a Jazz Hall to a place for Sunday service. The locals tell me it’s most recent incarnation had been backpackers accommodation.

As we strolled through the stunning wooden arch which leads to the outdoor deck, you are struck immediately by the stage complete with up turned boat in the ceiling.The sense of holidays as a kid in sleepy little beach side towns up and down the coast in the kombi with my mum were flowing through my mind as we were greeted by the venues owner, Steven. We quickly got chatting about work as he showed us through the stunning accommodation.

With 5 music themed rooms on offer (and 4 more currently being renovated).The bathrooms are the first thing that draw you in with the likes of Bowie, Dave Grohl, and a whole wall of mix tapes, it was as I had expected and more.

We stayed in the Blondie Suite, which is just as lush as it sounds. Stunning black and white striped wall paper in the hall and lush black Italian made tiles with Debbie Harry’s face starring at you from a huge shower and gold bath. The massive king size bed and to top it all off the room comes with its own spotlight. As an added bonus for someone who loves vinyl, a record player in every room and a library of albums in the adjoining hallways.

The outdoor space was the ultimate in relaxation. With a festival the next day we had work to do. My friend and the Kid and I ordered the Blondie pizza (naturally) from the Flow Bar restaurant downstairs. They offered us a table but we elected to take our meal and drinks upstairs to the verandah, settle in on one of the deep lounges overlooking the stage and settled in for the best view of the great live music while we ate, laughed and put together AAA passes for the next day.

Even though we were short on time I wasn’t going to missed time at Old Bar Beach only 100 meters from our front door. The Kid wanted to go further into the waves with a firm grip on my hand. Eventually she got brave and did it on her own. It felt like a metaphor of things to come as she grows into this amazing little human.

The next morning, It was off to work. The buzz of the site just before gates open is always my favourite part. Everyone has worked hard for month and now here we are. The best of the best took the stage during the day. Watching Ash Grunwald walk out alone with nothing but a guitar and own the stage, being able to see Richard Clapton belt out Girls on the Avenue live, watching Diesel be unbelievable. We really are spoilt for talent in this country.

Richie Sambora and Orianthi took the stage and I had to race to the site office to get something for another artist. Still able to hear clearly but away from the crowd. The kid and I were headed back stage but with a whole open field beside us. The air suddenly filled with the distinctive opening notes of Living on a Prayer. I looked down at the kid and smiled. We ran out into the open field and dance our little hearts out alone on the grass. This mother daughter moment was perfect.

Then it was time for the final act. Jimmy Barnes and his family took the stage. They knocked it out of the park the way they always do. As I watch from the pit with my own little one in my arms, it struck me how blessed you are if you are able to do something you love with people you love and it often makes even the hard stuff a little easier.

There are two songs that Jimmy does that hold a special place for me. Flame Trees makes me think of a friend who died when I was 23 and Working Class Man was the last song we played at my Uncles funeral four years ago. Halfway through Working Class Man, I realised my baby girl had fallen asleep in my arms. Even with 5000 people singing along behind us, she felt safe, loved and best of all we were together. It doesn’t get better than that.

With plans already in place for Under the Southern Stars 2019 already underway, we are planning on making this an annual trip. You should join us!