In news that's surprised basically everyone, the world is going through country music fever right now – and Melbourne's no exception, with record numbers of young folks boot-scootin' their way to live dancing classes around town and filling their Spotify playlists with major pop stars' country-fied new albums.
If that's your jam, and you also happen to love live tunes, wine and rollicking mystery musical bus tours, then we have just the Anzac Day long weekend plans for you: Heathcote's Stars and Bars event. This two-day party is a hybrid of a country music festival, food and wine festival and regional bus tour and heck yeah, it promises to rock your socks off.
Friday night, April 25, kicks off with a family dinner and show at the Union Hotel. The following day, guests will then hop into the Heathcote Express for an epic bus tour that includes musical performances, guided vino tastings, afternoon tea and an evening brewery sesh with three live bands and a DJ.
As you taste and explore, your ears will be in for a sonic multi-scape treat of alt country, americana, rootsy folk, rock'n' roll and more. The line-up includes the Drunken Poachers, Bog Log III, Mightiest Of Guns, Karl S. Williams and Sally Wiggins, Ezra Lee and His Boogie Woogie Band, Annie-Rose Maloney, Paper Jane, Ally Row and special guest DJ Chunky Love.
Tickets run from $20 to $145 (plus booking fee), depending on how many sessions you want to attend on this raucous road trip. For more information and to purchase your tickets, head to the website.