Dive into a bygone era where rock n roll, classic cars, and retro fashion reign supreme!
Marking its 20th anniversary in 2024, the Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival celebrates the 1950s and 60s culture in Kurri Kurri, NSW. The festival takes place on the last weekend in March, except in 2024 with upcoming dates set for 23 & 24 March 2024, adjusted to precede the Easter weekend.
Situated in the Hunter Valley region, Kurri Kurri is within easy reach of Sydney and Newcastle, making it accessible for visitors.
The festival offers a range of attractions including classic cars, hot rods, retro market stalls, live music, dance demonstrations, and fashion parades. The retro fashion is simply stunning and the classic cars on display, well let’s just say if you into hot rods and classics it’s the place to be. There is plenty of good old style music with a full line-up of bands and entertainment including free and ticketed events. The festival attracts in excess of 40,000 people so word has gotten around.
Web and Social Media: the festival’s official site is www.kurrikurrinostalgiafestival.com.au, with active social media presence on Facebook (@KurriKurriNostalgiaFestival) and Instagram (@kurrikurrinostalgiafestival).
Kurri Kurri and Region
Kurri Kurri, the festival’s backdrop, boasts a rich coal mining heritage, reflected in its architecture and community spirit. The area’s history and development are closely tied to the Greta Coal Seam, influencing the local culture and economy.
The town was named in 1902 by District Surveyor T. Smith who believed Kurri Kurri meant “hurry along” in a language of the local Awabakal First Nations people. The town was the first in Australia that was fully planned before anything was built.
Kurri Kurri was founded in 1902 to service the local Stanford Merthyr and Pelaw Main collieries and mining communities. The local Progress Committee was responsible for clearing streets and supplying local services with State permission. The fire station and the hospital were built by locals with locally sourced money. The Kurri Kurri Hotel, built in 1904, is one of several built during the era of mining prosperity in the early 20th century.
Whilst there is little in the way of recorded history of any Aboriginal inhabitants of this area, the local First Nations people are the Awabakal. The Wonnarua people are traditional landowners in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. The Barkuma Neighbourhood Centre, located in Kurri Kurri, has been serving the Aboriginal community since 1994.
Today, Kurri Kurri is a charming town with a rich history and is an ideal departure point for people wishing to explore the Hunter Valley wine region. Local attractions include:
The largest display of outdoor murals in mainland Australia
The Big Kookaburra in Rotary Park, Kurri Kurri
The Pit Horse Statue and Mining Memorial
Richmond Vale Railway Museum and steam railway
Edgeworth David Memorial Museum
Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival – the last weekend in March
Field of Honour – ANZAC Day
Town of Murals Art Show in October
Local Tourism: visitkurrikurri.com
Beyond the festival, Kurri Kurri and the surrounding Hunter Valley offer various attractions, from the scenic vineyards and gardens to the historical Richmond Main Mining Museum and the Hunter Valley Zoo. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Watagans National Park or enjoy birdwatching at Hexham Swamp, making the region a diverse destination for visitors.
