CMC Rocks QLD 2026

CMC Rocks QLD returns for its 19th year from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March 2026 at Willowbank Raceway in Ipswich, Queensland. This is Australia’s premier country music festival, drawing thousands of fans each year for three days of boot-scooting fun. Over 28 artists perform on two main stages (Rebel and Stampede) side-by-side, ensuring non-stop live country music. Headline acts include global stars Jordan Davis, Old Dominion and Riley Green, backed by Aussie favourites like Carly Pearce, Casey Barnes, Sara Berki and more. In addition to big-name concerts, the festival features Nashville-style Songwriters Show acoustic sessions and late-night parties, plus family-friendly activities – making CMC Rocks a full-weekend experience for country fans of all ages.

CMC Rocks 2026 takes place at Willowbank Raceway (38 Champions Way, Willowbank), a dedicated motorsport facility about a 15-minute drive from Ipswich CBD. The venue is largely flat grassland with two big stages and multiple bars, eateries and attractions scattered around. The festival is family-friendly – kids under 4 go free – and offers ample camping, so you can sleep under the stars. The vibe is inclusive and lively: expect cowboys and country hats, dance-offs at Big Time Charlie’s honky-tonk bar, and even a Ferris wheel for evening entertainment. Accessible facilities are also provided: elevated viewing platforms for patrons in wheelchairs at the main stages, accessible campground areas and amenities, plus accessible parking and drop-off points.

Tickets & Pricing

• Full Festival (Fri–Sun) – $459 (Adult 18+ and Youth 15–17); $219 (Child 4–14); 0–3 years free. (Includes three days’ entry to all stages.)

• Single Day (Fri, Sat or Sun) – $259 (Adult & Youth); $139 (Child 4–14); 0–3 years free.

• YETI Station VIP Bar – $269 (Adult & Youth); $149 (4–14 yrs); 0–3 free. (Requires a Full Festival pass; grants exclusive lounge access, dedicated bar, special menus, VIP toilets and a premium merch booth line.)

• Camping (onsite, no entry included) – Multiple campgrounds available. Basic tent/swag sites (Denim Ground) start at $269; mid-tier “Inn” sites (pre-pitched tents) are around $409–$999; Ace/Buck/Cowboy campground spots ~$659–$919; Glampstead large cabin-style sites up to ~$3,999. Each area offers different amenities and sizes – see official site for details.

• Extras: Paid day parking ($35/day, $100 weekend pre-purchase) and festival shuttle buses from Ipswich/Brisbane ($26–$216) are available. Children 0–3 ride free on buses.

(All prices include GST and booking fees.)

What’s On

• Star Country Lineup: Three days of live music with headline acts Jordan Davis, Old Dominion, Riley Green (USA) and top Australian artists. Expect chart-topping hits and a packed roster of ~30 artists across the stages.

• Songwriters Show: Intimate “in-the-round” sets where artists share stories behind their songs in an acoustic setting.

• Lil’ Buckaroos Kids Zone: A dedicated family area with music, face painting and country crafts for children – plus toddler toys and kids’ performances.

• Big Time Bootscooter: A high-energy line-dancing competition at Big Time Charlie’s honky-tonk bar. Beginners and pros alike are welcome – prizes included!

• Live Band Karaoke: Hop on stage at the Tailgate Stage and sing with a real country band!

• Late-Night Fun: The Amazon Music After-Party (Tailgate Stage) keeps campers dancing with country DJ sets after hours. Nifty’s Sports Bar plays live sports on big screens, plus Bundy Rum Bingo and trivia.

• Bars & Chill: Quench your thirst at multiple bars – the YETI VIP Bar (premium seating, specials and shade), Great Northern House (Queensland beer hall), and the Casamigos Tequila Garden (margaritas). Cold Bundy Cocktails and craft beers flow freely.

• Food & Markets: Indulge in Aussie festival eats (BBQ, burgers, woodfired pizza, tacos, sweet treats) from dozens of stalls. For sit-down dining, book The Boatshed Restaurant for hearty meals and local flavours. Stroll the Market Stalls and Music Shop to find country souvenirs, artisanal crafts and official CMC merch (tee-shirts, hats, posters).

• Photo Ops & Fair Rides: Grab a photo with the giant Neon Boot, Horseshoe or Gateway props, then enjoy festival views from the classic Ferris Wheel.

• Accessible Amenities: Viewing platforms for wheelchair users are set up in front of each main stage. Accessible campsite areas have ramps and amenities, and there’s wheelchair-friendly toilet/shower facilities in each campground.

Perfect For

• Country Music Lovers: Anyone who “speaks the language of three chords and the truth” – from die-hard country fans to those new to the scene. The epic international lineup makes this a bucket-list music trip.

• Families & Kids: With generous family ticketing and a dedicated kids zone, CMC Rocks is surprisingly family-friendly. Little ones stay entertained (and in most cases, stay free).

• Groups & Road-Trippers: Great for a mates’ weekend away or couples escaping the city. Camp together onsite or grab a comfy motel/Airbnb in Ipswich. The city’s train station is a short 10-minute walk from downtown, and special return buses run from Brisbane each day.

• Festival Enthusiasts: If you love all-day live music, country dancing, good vibes and all-inclusive fun, CMC Rocks QLD is for you. Fans from across Australia (and overseas) converge here every March for a non-stop party.

Plan Your Stay at Central Motel Ipswich

After a big day of music, relax in comfort at Central Motel Ipswich – your convenient base in town. This family-owned, pet-friendly motel offers free Wi-Fi and free parking, so you can stay connected and not worry about parking fees after a long night. Each room is air-conditioned and well-equipped for families or groups. Unwind in the peaceful garden and BBQ area – perfect for firing up burgers. Our motel is clean, affordable and known for friendly service.

Central Motel is ideally located for festival-goers: it’s just a short drive to Willowbank Raceway (about 15–20 minutes) and within easy access of the CMC festival shuttle. We’re also right in the heart of Ipswich, a quick 10-minute stroll from Ipswich Station and the city center. That means you can quickly jump on a train or explore local cafes and shops whenever you like. Whether you’re camping under the stars or sleeping in a cozy bed, Central Motel makes CMC Rocks QLD 2026 a weekend to remember!

We can’t wait to host you for CMC Rocks QLD 2026 – boot up and head our way for a country music adventure!