Find Your Perfect Pitch at These 5 Live Music Venues

There’s nothing like live music to get toes tapping and voices singing along to some of our favourite tunes. 

All around the country, a plethora of venues serve up live music to guests as they sip and eat their way through the weekend with friends and family.

Here are five we think you should add to your repertoire:

Expect more than just great service, amazing food and a vibrant atmosphere at The Willunga Hotel on High Street in Willunga. A beer garden with an all-weather pergola, gazebos and lawn play space is the spot to head on balmy days to soak up rays with an ice-cold brew; while indoors, this heritage-listed watering hole is a throwback to colonial times with stone work providing a unique ambience complemented by fine woodwork and an open fireplace.

Join the Friday night fun with live music sessions featuring local artists in the large beer garden after dining on starters such as prawns in chilli and ginger cream sauce, with spring onions, herbs and coconut steamed rice; followed by kangaroo and caramelised onion pie with roast pumpkin, herbs, button mushrooms, sweet potato mash, housemade tomato chutney and creamy pink peppercorn glaze.

Built as a haven for Margaret River’s emerging surf culture in the 1970s, The Settlers Tavern on Bussell Highway is always evolving to ensure all locals and visitors feel right at home. With a panoramic tree-lined view visible in all directions and framed posters of famous shows and surf events lining the original brick walls, this watering hole welcomes everyone for an ice-cold brew and bite to eat.

 

The weekends are for live music, good vibes and unmissable performances from bands such as Sydneysiders Caravãna Sun performing on Friday, October 11 joined by local legend Dingo Sungod; expect a dynamic live show with infectious grooves which merges the band’s surfy coastal lifestyle with elements of explosive rock, electronic/dance and rambunctious reggae/ska.

Situated on the banks of the Macleay River, The Garden Kitchen & Bar on Remembrance Way offers a stunning dining experience with some of the best food in Kempsey. Housed in the Old Cheese Factory, this restaurant has been beautifully refurbished to accommodate any function large or small; from laid-back lunches to late-night wining and dining, you’ll find a reason to unwind over a seasonal menu paired with hand-picked wines and cocktails.

Don’t miss live performances such as Airlie on November 15 – this blooming acoustic duo has been travelling around Australia in 2024 bringing together a diverse range of musical influences, fusing folk, country and pop to create signature acoustic renditions of songs we all know and love. Captivating audiences with a blend of vocals, smooth harmonies and intricate guitar playing, Airlie will perform covers and original compositions.

Located in the heart of Ballarat, Kilderkin Distillery on Hill Street in Mount Pleasant is an artisan producer of spirits including Larrikin gin, gin liqueurs and Kilderkin whisky. As the first distillery in Ballarat since the 1930s, Kilderkin blends tradition with innovation to create exceptional spirits and there’s a story in every sip.

 

The distillery and adjoining bar are housed in an old warehouse, refurbished into a warm and welcoming space for guests to relax and experience individually curated gin or whisky flights, cocktails, craft beer and cider; accompanied by a range of food selections. Join an unforgettable evening of live music with Peter Daffy and Peter Baylor on Friday, December 6 for a rich blend of folk, blues and acoustic melodies.

Tasty bistro meals in a refurbished environment have locals returning time and again to Ballarat Leagues Club on Humffray Street North for a family dinner. When the weather turns colder cosy up indoors in front of the fire and warm your soul before heading to the restaurant for a hearty meal, where there is something to tempt all tastes from exciting entrées to classic mains and traditional favourites.

 

Join the club’s monthly Morning Melodies and morning tea where on October 28 Col Perkins presents ‘John Denver & Friends’ – show and morning tea is just $10 from 10.30 am, or include lunch for just $25 and enjoy plates such as chicken schnitzel, chips and salad or prawns with garlic cream sauce, steamed vegetables and jasmine rice.