The NSW Sapphire Coast will once again provide a stunning backdrop for one of the country's most distinctive cultural celebrations, as the Minns Labor Government investment has ensured the return of the Wanderer Festival at Pambula Beach over the October long weekend, 4-5 October 2025.
Supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, the boutique multi-day music and arts festival will transform the Bega Valley into a vibrant hub of music, arts and family-friendly entertainment, drawing thousands of festivalgoers to the idyllic coastal haven of Pambula Beach.
The event is an important catalyst for regional tourism on the South Coast and is expected to provide a significant boost to local businesses injecting more than $1.6 million into the local visitor economy over the October long weekend.
Following two acclaimed editions in 2022 and 2023, Wanderer Festival will move to a biennial format to continue delivering a world-class program of local and international music, theatre, comedy and circus.
The 2025 program will feature a strong line-up of First Nations artists from the local Thaua and Djiringanj peoples of the Yuin Nation, and will showcase the region's renowned artisan culture through stalls offering the best in local food, wine, spirits and crafts.
Visitors can enjoy on-site camping or take advantage of surrounding accommodation, restaurants, and retail via a dedicated festival shuttle service.
Investment in major events like Wanderer Festival is a key pillar of the NSW Government's strategy to drive year-round visitation to regional NSW and achieve its stretch goal of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035. Wanderer Festival at Pambula Beach will run from Saturday 4 - Sunday 5 October
2025, with ticket sales and festival line-up to be announced soon.
For festival updates visit www.wanderer.com.au
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
"We are thrilled to back Wanderer Festival and see it return to its rightful place on the NSW major events calendar. It proved an enormous hit with festivalgoers and will again draw thousands of people to one of Australia's most pristine locations, supporting local businesses and jobs.
"Delivering major events like Wanderer Festival in the South Coast of NSW will help us to drive visitation across the state, and ensure people visit the wonderful offerings of our regional communities."
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland said:
"Pambula Beach has got to be one of the most inspiring festival locations anywhere in the country and Wanderer Festival provides a unique opportunity to combine a world-class cultural experience with the breathtaking natural beauty of the Sapphire Coast.
"I'm thrilled we are bringing Wanderer Festival back to the region. Major events like this provide an enormous boost to our local restaurants, hotels, cafes and retail. We look forward to welcoming thousands of visiting festivalgoers with the warm hospitality and fine produce that Bega Valley is famous for."
