Great Southern Nights is cranking up the volume for 2025, with more headline artists and two new regions added to a stellar line-up of live gigs across NSW from 21 March to 6 April.
Alison Wonderland, Budjerah, Mallrat, The Screaming Jets, Thirsty Merc, Marcia Hines, The Paper Kites and more have been added to a line-up that already boasts Missy Higgins, King Stingray, The Cat Empire, Hoodoo Gurus, Lime Cordiale and Birds of Tokyo.
Great Southern Nights will bring vibrancy to five key entertainment precincts, including Inner and Western Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast, as well as numerous regional locations with the Hunter Valley and Bathurst joining Byron Bay, Broken Hill, Orange, Tamworth and Tilba, cementing NSW as Australia’s premier destination for vibrant cultural experiences.
With shows like Bec Sandridge, Boo Seeka and Missy Higgins already sold out, fans are encouraged to secure tickets soon to experience one of Australia’s best live music series, with a mix of award-winning artists and young rising talent to deliver unforgettable performances that showcase the diversity of the Australian music scene.
Delivered by Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), Great Southern Nights aligns with the NSW Government’s vision for a thriving live music scene that showcases the state’s experience tourism offering and supports the visitor and night-time economies across NSW.
With over 300 gigs taking place in more than 120 live music venues, Great Southern Nights will inject vibrancy into local communities and businesses, supporting jobs across our cities, regional centres and towns.
Tourism Research Australia data for the year ending September 2024 reveals that regional NSW contributed a record $26 billion, accounting for 49 per cent of the state's total visitor economy, with support for events such as Great Southern Nights remaining a cornerstone strategy for driving further growth in regional areas.
In October 2024, the Government unveiled its review of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030, introducing a bold new 2035 target of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure - a 40 per cent increase from the previous goal.
To purchase tickets to Great Southern Nights 2025 and to see the full artist line-up, go to www.greatsouthernnights.com.au.
Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: "This Great Southern Nights line-up keeps on getting better and better. This is part of the government’s push to bring back live music across NSW.
"Music fans, venues and artists have been doing it tough during the cost-of-living crisis. Great Southern Nights is about firing up the live music scene - getting bands back on stage, filling up venues and bringing communities together for great nights out."
CEO of ARIA Annabelle Herd said: “As the excitement builds, we're proud to unveil the latest lineup for Great Southern Nights, featuring an incredible array of talent - from the high-energy vibes of South East Block Party and Alison Wonderland to iconic Australian acts like You Am I, The Screaming Jets and Killing Heidi.
“Through Great Southern Nights, ARIA is proud to support artists, venues, and the broader music industry in partnership with the NSW Government. Our shared goal is one where music venues across NSW are pumping and Aussie artists are having a blast performing to crowds of excited fans, new and old."
Great Southern Nights performing artist Mallrat said: "I am so excited to be partnering with Great Southern Nights for a headline show in Sydney! Such an important event, and I am very appreciative of all the great work they do for Australian music."
The Screaming Jets, who will be performing in Broken Hill for the first time in more than 30 years added: “We’re pumped to be heading back to Broken Hill for a special show as part of Great Southern Nights. The last time we played there was in 1992 so it’s been a long time between Broken Hill beers!”