We had never heard of the Nariel Creek Folk Festival until it was randomly mentioned to us by a fellow camper one day. But, having no other plans over New Years, we decided to check it out and it literally changed our lives.
Situated by Nariel Creek, the folk festival runs for a week over New years and is, well, just so much fun. It seems almost everybody brings a musical instrument of some sort, some home made even! There are impromptu jam sessions all over the camp ground at any given time of day. It's so lovely to hear live music and people singing along all day long. Several times a day we would go in search of music and just dance and dance. Gypsy LOVED it!
Aside from music hopping, there are lots of other things to keep you entertained, the creek being the main one. The creek flows with a few slow rapids from the top to the bottom of the campground and all day long there is a constant stream of kids, teenagers, parents and everyone in between carrying all kinds of inflatables back up the river to float down it again. There is a little beach for the little kids to play at, and there is usually music playing close by to dance to whilst watching your child plays in the water.
On NYE and New Years Day there were organised singing and dancing in the main area known as "The Green.' We didn't know what to expect but it was AMAZING. Who knew folk dancing and the heel and toe polka could be so much fun?? Gypsy ended up staying up until 10:30pm, dancing and running around playing with the other kids and just having the best time.
There was more singing and dancing on New Years day and we spent the day dancing on the green, then taking a refreshing dip in the creek, then back to more dancing. It was the perfect day. It was the perfect festival. It was the perfect way to celebrate New Years. I'm almost 5000% sure we will be back again.
Oh, and the whole time we were there we went from "let's tell everyone about this festival!!" to "let's not tell anyone about this festival so it remains as quaint and non-commercial as it is now" and back again.
So.. Um, don't tell anyone!!? Ok!?
Place: Nariel Creek Reserve, Corryong, NSW
Cost: $25 per adult for the whole week.
Amenities: Toilets, food van over new years only, ice van everyday.
So.. Um, don't tell anyone!!? Ok!?
Place: Nariel Creek Reserve, Corryong, NSW
Cost: $25 per adult for the whole week.
Amenities: Toilets, food van over new years only, ice van everyday.