Holy smokes… it’s happening! ExplorerFest is just days away, and the excitement is building. We’ve talked about activities and inspiration, now it’s time for the entertainment.

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We’ve got that same energy as the last day of school – a giddy anticipation, like the first taste of summer freedom. The tents are ready, the gum boots are on, the line-up’s stacked, and we’re gearing up for one hell of a weekend. 

ExplorerFest has three pillars, and number three is Entertainment. Boy, do we have a lot of it. Let’s dig in.

Osprey Basecamp

As our Pinnacle Sponsor, Osprey has played a massive role in bringing ExplorerFest to life – and let’s be real, they also make some of the best hiking and travel packs you’ll ever sling over your shoulders.

Head to their inflatable marquee beside the Main Stage to get fitted for a pack, watch packing demos, and chat with the team. Look out for the Mountain Climber machine, where you can compete for the most elevation!

Dometic Chill Zone

Need a breather from the action? Swing by the Dometic Chill Zone, your oasis of calm in the heart of the fest. With free phone charging, chilled water refills, and a viewing deck to take it all in, it’s the perfect place to kick back like an off-grid camping lord.

There will also be lawn games and a gallery to check out stills from Project Zero – a documentary following a global expedition of the planet’s most vulnerable and remote areas.

Sea to Summit Hub & Camp Village

As an Aussie brand with over 30 years of crafting award-winning, high-quality gear, Sea to Summit is bringing fun and games with challenges, featuring their kit. Make sure to stop in to play, win, and celebrate adventure with the crew.

The North Face Story Slam

Gather ’round the Main Stage for a proper yarn. Thanks to The North Face, we’re bringing some wild and wonderful tales of adventure – and misadventure – to life, with a lively crowd to match. Think campfire storytelling meets open mic night, all hosted by MC Caro Ryan from Lotsafreshair. There’ll be a judging panel and prizes for the top storytellers!

 

Winners of The North Face Adventure Story Slam Share Their Tales of Misadventure – We Are Explorers Podcast Ep 20 - Jack Saward on stage credit @inciteimages

Tree Planting

This is your chance to give back to the land you’re enjoying for the weekend. MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare Connection will be on site with all the tools, trees, and know-how for you to put roots in the ground. Simply rock up and plant to your heart’s content!

 

Project Zero Premiere at the Dometic Pop-Up Cinema

We’re chuffed to be hosting the world premiere of Project Zero, a stunning new adventure film by Dometic about a two-year climate change-focused expedition. Head to the Dometic Chill Zone for a special screening, followed by a live Q&A with the filmmaking crew. It’s raw, real, and seriously inspiring.

 

Explorer Cinema

Kick back and relax in the Explorer Cinema, where we’ll show a rolling curation of hand-picked adventure films! Perfect for when you need some adventure inspo or a bit of chill time in the evening.

Wood-Fired Sauna and Icebath

Get ready to kick back and relax your muscles in Cedar & Salt’s authentic Finnish wood-fired sauna. With space for 12 people, the sauna (which is clad in New Zealand redwood and features a huge window!) is the perfect place to warm up before or after an ocean dip. Or, you can chill right out in their ice bath.

 

Sydney is Getting a Pop Up Sauna by the Sea Next Week, Photo by Danielle Nieuwendyk, Cedar and Salt, Manly, sunrise, sauna

Live Music and DJs

Thanks to our production and entertainment sponsor, JC Entertainment & Events, we’ve got a stunning crop of local artists taking over the Main Stage both nights to keep the vibes flowing into the evening. Head on down, grab a bevvie, and groove to something new!

Friday

6:00-6:50pm: Laura Brooker
7:05-7:55pm: Cormac Grant
8:10-9pm: Asha
9:00-10:00pm: DJ Bo Bella

 

Saturday

5:15-6:05pm: Nina Romeru
6:30-7:20pm: Salarymen
7:45-8:35pm: Joel Leggett
8:35-10pm: DJ Bassick

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Heli Hub

WRHS do fantastic work keeping us safe in the great outdoors, so we figured they’d make a great charity partner for ExplorerFest!

The Heli Hub is where you’ll learn more about their life-saving work, grab a sausage sizzle or bacon and egg roll, and nab a raffle ticket (with Explorer-themed prizes). Catch their crew doing Q&As and telling incredible rescue stories.

OM System Photobooth

All good festivals need a photobooth, and our mates at OM System have delivered!

The OM System team will have a backdrop set up, complete with a dreamy forest image, plants, wooden logos, and swing chairs so you can capture the kooky ExplorerFest magic with your crew.

We Are Explorers Merch Tent

We’ll have a merch tent there to supply you with exclusive ExplorerFest goodies! Come and visit us to nab some kit with beaut designs by Aidan Howes. Stock will be pretty limited though, so don’t miss out!

ExplorerFest is shaping up to be a wild weekend of adventure, stories, and unforgettable moments. Dust off your hiking boots, charge your camera, and get ready – we’ll see you out there.

Get the Lowdown on the Rest of ExplorerFest

 

Feature photo by Mark Watson / Incite Images

At We Are Explorers we take great pride in presenting content that is fact checked, well-researched, and based on both real world experience and reliable sources. As a B-Corp we uphold high ethical standards and strive to create content that is inclusive, with an an increased focus on underserved communities, Indigenous Australians, and threats to our environment. You can read all about it in our Editorial Standards.