Winter Sounds is returning to Daylesford and surrounds from 27 to 30 August for a weekend of live music, heritage venues and country charm.
Now in its fourth season, the boutique festival has carved out a reputation as one of the state’s most atmospheric winter escapes, transforming historic churches, old schoolhouses and country halls into intimate live music spaces filled with crackling fires, mulled wine and rugged country air.
Created by the team behind the Riverboats Music Festival, Winter Sounds invites music lovers to swap city nights for frosty mornings and glowing stages across Spa Country’s villages and hidden corners.
The festival opens on Thursday night with acclaimed singer-songwriter Lior performing alongside a string quartet inside the stunning St Peter’s Church in Daylesford. Friday then splits into two very different adventures, with indie favourites Augie March taking over the church while Henry Wagons and Queenie lead a rail journey to Bullarto Hall aboard the historic Spa Country Railway.
Saturday’s program leans fully into the festival’s signature mix of music and atmosphere. Kate Miller-Heidke headlines St Peter’s Church, while Bullarto Hall hosts Romy Vager and Public Figures during the day before Australian rock legends Magic Dirt and Beans take over at night.
Elsewhere, Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits will bring their cosmic country energy to The Old Schoolhouse in Kooroocheang, where punters can settle in beside the fire with a snag and tinnie in hand.
The weekend wraps on Sunday with performances from Leah Senior, Pony Face presenting a reimagined take on Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska, Milly Strange and powerful songwriter William Crighton.
With train rides, bush halls, country pubs and unforgettable live sets all part of the experience, Winter Sounds continues to offer one of Victoria’s best excuses to embrace the cold.
For tickets and full program details visit https://www.wintersounds.com.au
