“Under a big Mallee sky, one pub, one sheep yard and a whole bunch of grinning music lovers - my kind of gig”
- Neil Murray, 2014 performer.
Like most good ideas, the beginnings of the Patchewollock Music Festival formed at the local bar, when one evening in September 2012 one bloke said to another “we need some live entertainment in this part of the world". Initially thought to be a one off celebration of the 'Year of the Farmer', the event was so successful it was subsequently decided to turn it into an annual event.
Run by volunteers, this unique bush festival has become a must-attend on the festival calendar. The committee work hard to provide entertainment for all ages with a variety of genres to suit many different tastes including music, theatre, bush poetry and workshops. Some of the amazing artists to appear on stage at Patchewollock to date include the Davidson Brothers, Sara Storer, Eric Bogle, Neil Murray, Greg Champion, Mick Thomas, Pete Denahy, Sal Kimber, Nick Charles, Cat Canteri, Liz Stringer, Lloyd Spiegel, Michael Waugh and The Hillbilly Goats.
This year will be our 10th annual Patchewollock Music Festival but 11th year running including the first initial Year of the Farmer Celebration Event.
Patchewollock Music Festival is a true cultural exchange between performers and visitors, who are treated to a rustic experience of 'living in the bush'.
Why not stay a little longer...
Whilst visiting the festival why not take time to explore the many attractions of the region:
- See the giant Malleefowl opposite the festival venue.
- Explore Wyperfeld National Park where you have a choice of either camping or you can stay at Pine Plains Lodge and enjoy the hospitality of Jono and Genevieve.
- A short drive to the north and you can visit the famous Pink Lakes and the historic Kow Plains Homestead.
- Follow the Silo Art Trail – Australia’s largest outdoor gallery, featuring breath-taking murals painted by world-renowned artists on the region's grain silos. The Patchewollock silo was painted by Brisbane based street artist Fintan Magee during the 2016 festival.
- Not far to the south at Hopetoun's Lake Lascelles you can indulge in water skiing/boating or a cooling swim.
- Visit Ouyen's wonderful new lake for swimming, fishing, boating and the picturesque walking track.
- Four-wheel drive through the Sunset Country while taking the long road to Mildura and it's many attractions along the Murray River.
- Experience eco-tourism accommodation, birdwatching and nature tours with Michael and Louise from Explore the Mallee, 10km south of Patchewollock.
Useful links:
- www.wimmeramalleetourism.com.au/our-towns/patchewollock-victoria
- https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/wyperfeld-national-park
- http://www.pineplainslodge.com/
- www.hopetounvictoria.com.au/lake-lascelles
- https://explorethemallee.com.au/
