So Berry Good at Mundubbera Blueberry Festival
If you’re going to commit to one big road trip this year, make it a northwester to Mundubbera. Jodie Cameron discovers why this journey is ripe for the picking…
Did you know ‘town-envy’ is a real thing? As a former macadamia nut producer, I spent years traversing regional roads riding the festival circuit sharing the macadamia love, but every two years, one festival always stole my heart – the Mundubbera Blueberry Festival. With its rolling orchards, big blue skies and genuine country hospitality, it’s the kind of town that makes you think ‘geez they really have it going on here’.
Mundubbera might be known as the citrus capital of Queensland but come spring, blueberries take centre stage and the town quite literally turns blue for the occasion. Set in Queensland’s North Burnett region just a three-and-a-half-hour drive northwest from Noosa, the biennial celebration from 25 to 27 September is the best country festival you haven’t discovered yet.
The region is home to the largest undercover blueberry farm in the Southern Hemisphere, so it’s safe to say they know their berries well. This might be a small town, but they bring big energy so instead of a hurried dash, make it a slow weekend by staying a few nights – there’s plenty to explore beyond the festival gates.
Festival Coordinator Lisa Wain says while the berries are spectacular enough for a day trip, a weekend stay is a sure way to welcome the change of season while supporting a regional town that feeds the national supply chain.
“After a few tough years, the festival always brings our tight-knit community to life,” Lisa says. “It’s a celebration of local food, music, and good-old fashioned fun.”
The 2026 program is packed tighter than a punnet of premium blues and it’s big, bold and bursting with flavour!
The Marquee Muster kicks off the weekend – a relaxed festival welcome with street food, music and that unmistakable hum of a town gearing up for a big event. For the foodies, the Locavore 4626 dinner is a long-table experience under the stars, showcasing the best regional produce by celebrity chef Matt Golinski. Held in a mystery location, this gastronomical affair is over 80% sold so be quick!
On Saturday, the Berry Big Day Out takes over Bicentennial Park along the Burnett River. Expect more than 80 stalls, blueberry-inspired treats (there will be pie and yes, it’s worth the drive alone), local makers, superstars and winners from the local talent show, Spotlight North Burnett, and a relaxed, sun-soaked vibe that makes it berry easy to lose track of time.
“There will be a jumping castle for the kids, live performances throughout the day, and plenty of space to roll out a picnic rug,” Lisa says. “It’s the kind of event where locals, visitors, growers and creatives all come together and you’re instantly part of it.”
For those keen to dig a little deeper, the Berry Bonza Bus Tour is an essential add-on. Hosted by Central Burnett Landcare, this guided experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the region’s agricultural backbone – from citrus and mangoes to cattle, pecans and timber. Local producers often hop on board to share their stories, and you’ll finish with a curated goody bag. For a literal bird’s-eye view, Heli Tours can be booked to see the winding rivers, and that endless stretch of countryside that defines this part of Queensland.
If you’re a fan of live music, the icing on the cake is the Blueberry Jam Sesh where live music rolls into the night under a canopy of stars. The legendary Tex Perkins and Matt Walker of The Cruel Sea, alongside 19-Twenty, Bourbon Street and Australian Idol alum Keely Ellen will be kicking off the jams.
When you aren’t elbow-deep eating berries, the region offers plenty of soul-soothing detours so pack the hiking boots for Cania Gorge National Park with its ancient sandstone cliffs and hidden caves or visit the Mundubbera Heritage Museum for a time-capsule look of early 1900s life. For a slower pace, swing by the Three Moon Silos in Monto – the towering artwork is a literal
head-turner.
The real magic comes from slowing down enough to appreciate the country charm. So, start a playlist and head north-west this September – come for the blueberries, stay for the community, and leave with that unmistakable feeling of having stumbled upon something special. You’ll understand exactly what I mean by town-envy. Blue skies ahead!
BLUEBERRY BLISS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!
For festival info + tickets, visit www.mundubberablueberryfestival.com.au and follow the fun on social media @mundubberablueberryfestival
READER BONUS!
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Check out all the action from over the years!
