Explore QLD
turn cmc rocks qld 2027 into the ultimate queensland road trip
CMC Rocks is the home of iconic country artists—and Queensland is packed with iconic places worth adding to your playlist. Make the festival the headline act, then let the Sunshine State deliver the encore.
CMC Rocks is the home of iconic country artists—and Queensland is packed with iconic places well worth the holiday.
flying from overseas?
Make CMC Rocks QLD 2027 the centrepiece of an unforgettable Australian holiday. Brisbane is a major international gateway with direct connections to destinations across Asia, the Americas, and Europe—so touching down in Queensland is easier than you might think. Arrive a few days early to explore Brisbane’s riverfront, rooftop bars, dining scene and wildlife experiences, then hit the road for the festival and keep the adventure rolling through beaches, rainforests and country towns.
Whether you’re hopping across the ditch from New Zealand (less than four hours by air), road-tripping across from Darwin or flying in from Perth, CMC Rocks QLD 2027 is your cue to stay a little longer and soak up more of the Sunshine State.
Think golden beaches and buzzing breweries, lush rainforests and dazzling reefs, country charm and city energy. However you like to travel, there’s plenty to discover. One flight can unlock the festival weekend – and a Queensland holiday worth crossing the world for.
Ipswitch:
your festival basecamp
Ipswich, the proud home of CMC Rocks QLD, is around an hour’s drive from both Brisbane and Gold Coast airports – making the journey from international arrivals to festival country refreshingly simple.
acknowledgement of country
The Traditional Owners of the Ipswich region are the Clans that identify as being a part of the Yagara/Yugara Language Group (the Jagera, Yuggera and Ugarapul People). CMC Rocks respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners as custodians of the land and waters we share. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, as the keepers of the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.
Start with a feed.
Sink your teeth into a steak at Bakehouse Steakhouse, grab a paddle at Stony Creek Brewing, or round up your mates for a tasting at award-winning Imbibis Craft Distillery.
Chasing your morning-after coffee fix?
Pull up a seat at local favourites Rafter & Rose, Ellen & Rod, or Queens Park Café and ease into the day.
Looking for something a little different between sets?
Take in the views with a sunrise hot air balloon flight, meet the camels at Summer Land Camels and try their famous camel milk coffee, or get up close with the fluffy locals on a walk at The Llama Farm.
Date Night, Girls’ Night or a Well-Earned Treat
For a stay that feels extra special, escape to Spicers Hidden Vale in the Ipswich town of Grandchester and linger over dinner at hatted Homage restaurant. Swim in the resort pool, tour the market garden, taste cheese in the cellar – or simply slow down and take in the view. Want to turn it into a full-day escape? Explore more quirky and romantic Ipswich date ideas.
Date Night, Girls Night or a well-earned treat
For a stay that feels extra special, escape to Spicers Hidden Vale in the Ipswich town of Grandchester and linger over dinner at hatted Homage restaurant. Swim in the resort pool, tour the market garden, taste cheese in the cellar – or simply slow down and take in the view.
Want to turn it into a full-day escape? Explore more quirky and romantic Ipswich date ideas.
BRISBANE:
CITY ENERGY, RIVER ADVENTURES
Brisbane Bucket List and Beyond
Turn your CMC Rocks road trip into a Brisbane city break with serious range. Climb the iconic Story Bridge for sweeping skyline views, wander South Bank’s riverside parklands and cultural precinct, meet koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, then follow the city’s appetite from hidden laneways to award-winning restaurants. Start planning with 30 of the best things to do in and around Brisbane—and see how many you can fit in before the festival gates open.
When the city buzz gives way to open skies, Brisbane’s backyard is ready. Head for the cool rainforest air and walking trails of Mount Glorious, an easy year-round escape. Or trade the skyline for island time on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). A short ferry ride delivers sandy tracks, clear water and wildlife encounters; join a Yura Tour to connect with Quandamooka culture, stories and sacred places.
Connect with First Nations Culture
Go beyond sightseeing and experience Brisbane through art, storytelling, food and Country. These must-do First Nations experiences offer meaningful ways to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across the city and surrounding region.
In the city, join BlackCard Cultural Tours through South Brisbane’s cultural precinct and uncover the stories behind its striking First Nations public art. Nearby, Birrunga Gallery & Dining brings contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art together with modern Australian cuisine inspired by native ingredients—a memorable meeting of culture, creativity and flavour.
For an experience on Country, book a Nyanda Cultural Tour at the Nudgee Waterholes. Take part in a smoking ceremony, taste seasonal bush foods and discover weaving and ochre-making demonstrations while learning about the cultural significance of this special place.
