Wave Rock Weekender was the first major music festival in WA (and to our knowledge, the world) since the pandemic, taking place over the September long weekend. We are happy to report that it went off without a hitch, signalling the return of large-scale music events to our deprived ears!
After months of restrictions and the dreaded delay(s) of phase 5, the situation for Wave Rock Weekender was looking dire, with the WA government holding off on approval for the festival even a week out. In the eleventh hour (and by that, we mean at midnight the night before the festival begun), WA’s legislation was changed, permitting the music festival to go ahead. With that news, happy campers packed their bags and headed east for a weekend of music, art and dancing in a location that just can’t be beat.
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Held over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend annually, the 3-day camping festival is ultra-boutique, usually hosting relatively underground local bands as well as national and international artists. However, this year the line-up was star-studded, with some of WA’s greatest exports such as POND, Spacey Jane, Stella Donnelly, San Cisco and Tame Impala all homebound and available to perform due to travel restrictions (the ultimate silver lining).
Undeniably, the most mind-blowing and unique part of the festival is the location, just a stone’s throw from the 270-million-year-old, 110m long, 15m high Wave Rock. An icon of WA, the rock’s natural beauty is amplified with a nightly light show on the famous wave, but is also known as the ultimate stargazing spot, as well as the perfect meet up spot when you inevitably lose your mates and realise your phone has no service. For those after a totally natural wonder, the top of the rock is the best spot – it takes about 5 minutes to hike to the top (hot tip: don’t wear thongs!), where you’ll have panoramic views of the festival and the surrounding Wheatbelt region.
Other special features include the salt pond, which lends itself to a good morning float to shake off last night’s woes. Or, if you prefer a night dip, a cinema screen pops up every evening at the pond for the ultimate relaxation experience. For the early risers, each morning the stage area becomes a make-shift yoga studio for punters to have a tranquil start to their day.
The 2021 festival dates have just been announced as Sep 24-26, and with this year’s instalment selling out in 15 minutes, it’s best to pencil it in your diary ASAP. Stay in the loop via their website, Facebook or Instagram.
Explore music festivals in WA
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