Best venues for live music in regional Victoria

If you’re looking for live music in Victoria’s Goldfields region, don’t discount Castlemaine. First built in 1854 (rebuilt in 1855 due to fire) The Theatre Royal consistently brings in talented performers and shows across theatre, comedy, film- and of course, live music. So much so, that it was named the Best Regional Venue (under 50 gigs) at The Age Music Victoria Awards 2017- making it the third time they’ve won that title. The line-up regularly offers up a diverse selection of artists- from up-and-coming local talents like Thelma Plum to Aussie and international favourites like Paul Kelly.

Tucked away in the Macedon Ranges, Woodend, Hanging Rock was a sacred place for local indigenous people before being made famous by Joan Lindsay’s classic novel, Picnic at Hanging Rock. Now, the natural preserve is home to a number of community events throughout the year, and provides one of the prettiest spots in Victoria to catch some live music. It draws in big names too, Midnight Oil and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band having graced the stage, to name a few. Not to mention their next big star set to perform- Elton John, on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

Just about an hour out the CBD, Geelong draws in some big musical talents- many of them bee-lining for The Worker’s Club (the cousin of the Fitzroy pub of the same name). The club focuses on bringing in a mix of acts, including touring bands and national big names, but not forgetting their home-grown local talent from the coastal town. Catch punk rock one night and acoustic covers the next.

We’re back in Geelong for this one, this time with a classic live-music-at-the-pub experience. The Barwon Club has been a home for local musicians since 1990 due to its friendly atmosphere, quality food and drink- and even higher quality performers. We’re talking Ball Park Music, Magic Dirt and up-and-coming local talents. Order yourself a parma before the gig, chat with the locals and settle in for a good night.

What started out as a nice place to grab a couple of drinks after a day at the beach, the Torquay Hotel has turned into a venue sporting some of Australia’s favourite musicians as they make their way around Victoria. From the likes of upcoming talents Holy Holy to seasoned performers Spiderbait, the venue is tailoring their line-up to suit a wide range of customers in a bid to celebrate the broad spectrum of talented musicians Australia has on offer. Basically, your dad is as likely to find a band they like as much as your sister is.