Paul Kelly stands as Australia's most treasured musical storyteller, a songwriter whose four-decade career has created the soundtrack to modern Australian life. Over forty years and across thirty albums, Kelly has carved out a unique position among world songwriters through the sheer range and innovation of his work, crafting songs that span from the intimate streets of St Kilda to the vast emotional landscapes of the human experience. His legendary compositions like "To Her Door," "Deeper Water," and the now-classic "How to Make Gravy" have become part of Australia's cultural DNA, with the latter growing from a 1996 release into a beloved Christmas anthem that captures the essence of family, regret, and hope.
GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS | DUBBO
Saturday, 2 May 2026
Great Southern Nights presents LIVE FEST in Dubbo with Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Kasey Chambers & Jess Hitchcock
Great Southern Nights returns in 2026 with a stack of artists and new festival initiatives, backed by NSW Government.
Great Southern Nights is excited to announce a new series of events called Live Fest, a single day offering, with uniquely programmed line-ups in Dubbo and Tamworth. On top of the incredible music, Live Fest encourages attendees to grab friends, plan a roadtrip, make a weekend of it and explore everything these regions have to offer.
Great Southern Nights opens with a weekend of spectacular music and scenery at Dubbo’s Lazy River Estate on Saturday 2 May 2026, featuring multiple ARIA Hall of Fame inductees and some of Australia’s most revered acts; PAUL KELLY, MISSY HIGGINS, THE CRUEL SEA, THE CAT EMPIRE, KASEY CHAMBERS, and JESS HITCHCOCK.
The beautifully manicured grounds and rolling vineyards leading down to the Macquarie River form a stunning backdrop for this family friendly, licensed/all ages event and is the perfect way to open the 2026 iteration of Great Southern Nights.
Paul Kelly said; “Really looking forward to bringing our travelling caravan to Dubbo and playing under those big skies. It’s been too long!”
2026 tour dates
GENERAL ADMISSION
$159.90 plus fees
• Entry to General Admission areas of the event
• Patrons are advised to bring own camp / folding chair. No Picnic Rugs Permitted.
ROCK BAR
$299.90 plus fees
• Entry to dedicated beer garden located at the rear of the concourse
• Access via the Fast Pass Entry Lanes
• Unreserved tables / chairs throughout the beer garden
• Dedicated cash bar
• Private Toilets
• BBQ Dinner served at 5:30pm
MISSY HIGGINS
Missy Higgins is one of Australia’s most beloved singer/songwriters. She has struck a deep and enduring chord with her irresistible melodies, ‘arrow through the heart’ lyrics, unforgettable live concerts, plus classic songs like ‘Scar’, ‘The Special Two’, ‘Steer’, ‘Everyone’s Waiting’, ‘Futon Couch’ and ‘A Complicated Truth’. Missy has blazed a trail for female singer/songwriters in Australia, marching to her own drumbeat, earning 26 ARIA Award nominations and seven ARIA #1’s (so far!).
Missy’s stunning 2024 success was followed in 2025 headlining some of Australia’s leading summer festivals and placing twice in triple j’s Hottest 100 of Australian Songs including ‘Scar’ at #4, cementing her place as an artist of singular and enduring influence to multiple generations.
THE CRUEL SEA
Formed in 1987, The Cruel Sea carved their place in Australian music history with a genre-blurring sound, fusing blues, roots, surf, rock, soul, and cinematic soundscapes, led by charismatic frontman Tex Perkins. Their albums The Honeymoon Is Over (1993) and Three Legged Dog (1995) catapulted them to national stardom, earning them eight ARIA Awards and cementing their legacy with hits like ‘Better Get a Lawyer’, ‘Black Stick’, ‘Just A Man’ and ‘The Honeymoon Is Over’. Their 1993 masterpiece, The Honeymoon Is Over, became the soundtrack of a generation, spending more than a year in the ARIA album chart, solidifying the seminal album its place in Australian history.
THE CAT EMPIRE
Aussie icons The Cat Empire catapulted into 2023 with a fresh new line-up of band members, with Felix Riebl and Ollie McGill continuing on the legacy, while preserving the vibrant energy and exhilarating musicality that fans adore. In August 2023, they released their nineth studio album Where The Angels Fall which was met with great acclaim, debuting at #5 on the ARIA Charts, charting at #1 on the AMRAP Metro Charts for three consecutive singles.
2025 has seen The Cat Empire release their tenth studio album Bird in Paradise, which debuted at #2 on the ARIA charts, and marked a triumphant return to a more organic, "live in the room" sound. It’s a testament to their ability to create worlds within their music—worlds that are expansive, colourful, and authentic. With Bird in Paradise, The Cat Empire prove they’re not just making music; they’re building a legacy that continues to surprise, inspire, and soar.
KASEY CHAMBERS
Kasey Chambers is widely celebrated as one of Australia’s most exceptional live performers, earning a devoted following through her raw, emotionally charged stage presence and unmistakable voice. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Chambers has become a festival favourite, captivating audiences across Australia and the United States with her heartfelt storytelling and genre-defying music.
Known for her authenticity and down-to-earth charm, Kasey's live shows are both intimate and powerful, often described as transformative experiences. With a catalogue of acclaimed albums and countless live shows under her belt, Kasey Chambers remains a standout artist whose live performances continue to resonate, inspire, and leave lasting impressions wherever she plays.
JESS HITCHCOCK
Jess Hitchcock is a power-house vocalist who has been captivating audiences. Paul Kelly has called her his 'secret weapon'. You likely know her from her duet with Paul, 'Every Day My Mother's Voice', and this Red Hot Summer Jess is joining Paul's band again but also bringing her own band and new music to the line-up to kick things off for the day.
WHAT ARE THE PLAYING TIMES?
1:00PM = GATES
1:40 - 2:10PM = JESS HITCHCOCK
2:30 - 3:20PM = KASEY CHAMBERS
3:50 - 4:40PM = THE CAT EMPIRE
5:10 - 6:00PM = THE CRUEL SEA
6:30 - 7:30PM = MISSY HIGGINS
8:00 - 9:30PM = PAUL KELLY
*Artist line-up and playing times are subject to change
TICKET TYPES
General Admission
• Entry to General Admission areas of the event
• Patrons are advised to bring their own camp / folding chair. No Picnic Rugs Permitted.
Rock Bar
• Entry to dedicated beer garden located at the rear of the concourse
• Access via the Fast Pass Entry Lanes
• Unreserved tables / chairs throughout the beer garden
• Dedicated cash bar
• Private Toilets
• BBQ Dinner served at 5:30pm
ABOUT THE VENUE
Lazy River Estate is a magnificent open-air venue located on 29R Old Dubbo Rd, Dubbo NSW 2830
PARKING & TRANSPORT
Due to high demand, traffic in and out of the venue will be at a premium, and extensive delays can be expected. Patrons are strongly encouraged to arrange alternative transport or utilise the shuttle bus service.
Ogdens Coaches will operate continuous Gold Coin Donation shuttle buses to and from Lazy River Estate on event day.
Getting to the event
11:30am - 2:30pm only
Shuttle buses will depart from the following locations:
- Rotary Park, Whylandra Street (next to Club Dubbo)
- Bus shelter, Whylandra Street (opposite the Westside Hotel)
- Dubbo Visitor Information Centre, Macquarie Street
- Bus Shelter, Darling Street (near the corner of Talbragar Street)
- Western Plains Cultural Centre, Wingewarra Street
- Elston Park, Gipps Street
- Orana Mall bus bay, Wheelers Lane
- South Campus bus bay, Boundary Road
Return from the event
From 8:30pm
Continuous shuttle buses will operate from Lazy River Estate back to all the above locations.
PARKING
Limited parking is available adjacent to the venue.
WHAT TO BRING
You may bring to this event:
- Camp Chair
- Sealed Still Bottled Water (not carbonated)
- Rain Poncho
- Non Professional Camera (No professional lenses or video cameras)
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Items strictly prohibited from entry include:
- Picnic Rugs
- Alcohol
- Soft Drink & Non Alcoholic Beverages (apart from Still Sealed Water)
- Umbrellas
- Cheese Knives
- Glass (including Glass Jars)
- Metal Cutlery
- Shade Structures
- Tents and Canopies
- Offensive Clothing
- MC Club Attire
- Bicycles
- Scooters
- Trolleys
- Pets
FOOD & BEVERAGE
This event will have a large range of food and beverage outlets open for the duration of the day. A public Bar will operate offering a range of Beer, Wine, Cider, Spirits and Non-Alcoholic Beverages. All vendors will accept cash or card payments.
Patrons can BYO a small amount of food and snacks, as well as sealed bottles of still water - No Soft Drink or other beverages / No metal or glass.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
This event is All Ages. Patrons under 6 years of age will be permitted free entry with a paying Parent / Guardian.
All patrons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent / guardian and remain with them at all times.
Rock Bar patrons must have a paid ticket regardless of age.
FIRST AID
First Aid is located on site for the duration of the event. If you are feeling unwell or need medical attention at any time, please visit the First Aid Marquee.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
PARKING:
Parking for Accessible Permit holders is not always assured; however, in the absence of parking close to the gates, there will always be a pick-up/drop-off point located as close to the entry as possible. Traffic management and/or signage will be available to direct Accessible Permit Holders.
QUEUING:
An Accessible Entry Lane will be available for those in a wheelchair and accessibility requirements. Please look out for signage on arrival.
INTERNAL:
There is an Accessible Viewing Area with an Accessible toilet. This can accommodate all registered wheelchair patrons and their companion. Only one carer per person unless there are exceptional circumstances.
BOX OFFICE
The Box Office is located at the concert entry point and will be open from 60 minutes prior to gates opening, and until the headline artist commences.
Please have your ticket downloaded and ready to scan at the gate, with your phone brightness turned up.
TICKETING POLICY
The official ticketing agency for this event is Ticketmaster. The event organisers take no responsibility for tickets purchased outside of the official agency. Tickets purchased through third parties such as Viagogo, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Ebay or other sites are done so at the customer’s own risk. Fraudulent tickets will not be honoured.
Once a ticket purchase is completed, there are no refunds or exchanges available. In purchasing a ticket to this event, the purchaser acknowledges that any government mandates, public health orders or inability to attend due to illness or other changed circumstances does not render the purchaser eligibility for a refund or exchange.
WEATHER POLICY
This event is an open-air concert that will proceed rain, hail or shine. In the very unlikely event of a cancellation, ticketholders will be advised by SMS, Email and social media.
The event will only be cancelled if the site is deemed unsafe to proceed/continue. This decision will be made by Event Management, Venue Management and Emergency Services. Patrons are advised to come prepared for the elements with appropriate attire, footwear, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and rain poncho.
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
It is a condition of entry that all bags, chairs and personal belongings are presented to Security Staff for inspection.
Patrons detected with contraband items such as alcohol will be refused entry without refund.
Please also note that the event has a no Pass Out policy, so please come prepared for the full day.