Party In The Paddock 2026

Party in The Paddock has been Tasmania’s staple multi-day music festival since its start in 2012. Each year, it only seems to grow, with larger names and global acts added to the bill. And Quercus Park, located in Carrick, TAS, serves as the perfect stomping ground.

The Bullpen mixes country with queer. A mirror ball cowboy hat tops this circus, where divas come to lip sync their hearts out and watch some of our finest drag performers in action. Like any festival, there is a fair amount of walking involved to get from stage to stage and The Bullpen was a bit of a trek in the heat. However, this small pen always kept a solid crowd who brought the energy (and the best outfits).

From country to metal, the Vibestown stage brought both big names and up-and-comers to a new crowd. I was personally a huge fan of heavier acts such as Devonport locals, Tranquillity Unknown who got a mosh pit roaring at 11:50 AM. 3% and Big Noter very quickly made a new fan out of me, especially through their proud and powerful cultural themes. Redhook closed that stage in a way it deserved, with lead singer Emmy Mack diving into the crowd. Vibestown is perfectly named; this stage transcends genre and brings just that… the vibes.

Having never been much of a raver or clubgoer, The Bigtop was a whole new world to me. This stage was a spectacle, especially at night, where a massive props needs to go to the lighting team! Doof sticks were aplenty, speed dealer sunglasses were worn by one in three of the shirtless men, and while this wasn’t my world, I was delighted to have my eyes opened to something new, which is what I came to realise Party in The Paddock is about.

With so many acts and so much diversity, you, as a festival goer, are bound to come away with a dozen new favourite songs and a couple of new artists to add to the rotation. I would urge every punter to check out artists they don’t recognise, get along to the early sets and support the up-and-comers because you will undoubtedly step away finding something wonderful to support.

But of course, we all know what we are here for at Party in the Paddock, and that occurs on the mainstage… It's The Veronicas! The Mainstage hosted a slew of big names in the lead-up to English headliner Sophie Ellis-Bextor. From Kelli Holiday, to Genisis Owusu, In Hearts Wake, Peach PRC, The Temper Trap, Sofi Tukker, Ocean Alley, Peaking Duk and Baker Boy, just to scrape the surface. Some stood at the barrier all day for the chance to be up close to Peach PRC, while others took to a circle pit during In Hearts Wake’s speaker-shattering performance.

I came into Party in The Paddock a little unsure of what to expect, both as a punter and a photographer who is very new to festivals. I came away having met so many new friends and having the most interesting and beautiful conversations. Music festivals and live music in general are the best euphoria one can experience, and Party in the Paddock certainly brings out the best of what our world has to offer: community, culture, art and music.

Thanks to Party In The Paddock and Vibestown for having us along.

Review & Photos by Eva Dudes for Music Festivals Australia