It’s there when Aussies want to quell fears, steel their resolve, express joy, celebrate victories or lament defeats.
As our unofficial national anthem, ‘Waltzing Matilda’ has inspired a nation and in April 2018, Australia will celebrate the re-opening of the iconic Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton with one of the biggest inland music and culture festivals ever held in Queensland, Winton’s Way Out West Fest.
Bringing together artists from country, pop, rock and blues, the first Winton’s Way Out West Fest will present Jessica Mauboy, John Williamson, The Living End, Sheppard, Busby Marou, Russell Morris, The Black Sorrows, The Pierce Brothers and direct from the US Kip Moore and Lee Brice and more to be announced will play across the four-day festival from April 19-22.
Jessica Mauboy said it will be “a real honour to play with such a great line-up of stars for Winton’s Way Out West Fest”.
“Waltzing Matilda is one of the icons of Australian folklore and the reopening of the Waltzing Matilda Centre will itself be a new chapter in the history of our nation,” she said.
“I can't wait to share the occasion with the thousands who’ll come from all corners to celebrate with us."
After it’s devastating destruction by fire in 2015, the newly rebuilt $23 million Waltzing Matilda Centre will be the pride of Western Queensland once more, as the journey of Waltzing Matilda turns another chapter.
With a country race meeting, live entertainment in many venues across the town, markets and more, Winton will come alive with country hospitality, creating not just an amazing music festival, but a completely unique outback experience.
Winton Council CEO Alan Rayment said The Waltzing Matilda Centre is an essential aspect of the region and to welcome it back in such spectacular fashion is a testament to the spirit of the community.
“With some of the country’s finest talent combining with our region’s country hospitality, Winton’s Way Out West Fest is going to be a unique experience. Wherever you are in Australia, we welcome you to Winton in April,” he said.
With travel agents providing easy flight, ground transport, camping and other travel packages and options, Winton’s Way Out West Fest is the perfect excuse to get out and explore Australia.
The Queensland Government is proud to support Winton’s Way Out West Fest through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar, showcasing Australia’s best live events in Australia’s best destinations.
Tickets for the festival are now on available, to book visit www.wintonswayoutwestfest.com.au.
For more information, call the Way Out West Fest hotline on 1300-MATILDA.