The 13th Groundwater Country Music Festival (CMF) has wrapped up after three huge days of country music by the beach, transforming Broadbeach into a country carnival, bringing together tens of thousands of music lovers and artists from across Australia and overseas.
From country music legends Kasey Chambers and James Blundell to international stars Kaylee Bell and Dan Davidson, the Gold Coast beachfront came alive across the weekend with live music, line dancing, country markets, cornhole, a Ferris wheel and plenty of boots-on-the-sand good times.
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said there's something special about seeing Broadbeach buzzing with country music fans, discovering new artists, and enjoying everything our city has to offer.
"Groundwater continues to grow each year, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the Gold Coast, filling our hotels and supporting local businesses," Mr Warn said.
“The festival's country carnival atmosphere extended well beyond the main stages, with live music spilling into surrounding venues and festivalgoers filling local restaurants, bars and businesses throughout Broadbeach.”
The festival also shone a spotlight on Australia's next generation of country music talent, with emerging artists including Tyla Rodrigues, Denvah, the RB Brothers and Bo'Ness Brothers sharing the program with some of the industry's biggest names.
Experience Gold Coast Festival Director Mark Duckworth said seeing emerging performers connect with the artists who inspired them was one of the festival's greatest strengths.
"We've had some incredible young talent coming through and seeing these artists share the festival with their mentors and idols is what it's all about," Mr Duckworth said.
"Country music is attracting a whole new generation of fans, and it's been fantastic to see people of all ages embracing the festival.
New Zealand country music star Kaylee Bell lit up the Surf Parade Stage on Saturday night, with fans spilling into the surrounding Broadbeach streets.
"Groundwater is like walking into a five-star everything - accommodation, venues and hospitality," Kaylee Bell said.
"The Gold Coast is one of my favourite destinations on earth, so getting to play country music in a holiday destination is like paradise. I'm very fortunate to be here and to be able to play country music here this weekend."
Canadian country music star Dan Davidson returned to Groundwater this year after making his festival debut in 2022.
"This is my favourite music festival, hands down, without question. We've played all over the world, and there's nothing quite like Groundwater Country Music Festival," Dan Davidson said.
The festival went out on high note on Sunday night, with Kasey Chambers, James Blundell and Kingswood delivering powerhouse performances to packed crowds at the Surf Parade Stage and
Kurrawa Big Top, bringing three days of country music, dancing and beachside celebrations to a close.
This year’s festival was proudly supported by the 2026 Sponsor Family, including Gold Coast Airport, The Star Gold Coast, EVENTelec, TFH and Griffith University, alongside media partners iHeartCountry, 102.9 Hot Tomato and ABC Country, and charity partner Farm Angels.
Groundwater Country Music Festival is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
GROUNDWATER COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Friday 16 - Sunday 18 October 2026
THE LATEST
News
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.