Travel back to the rockin’ vibes of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s at the Cooly Rocks On festival in Coolangatta.
Established in 2011, the festival is the largest of its kind in Australia, based in Coolangatta and spanning across 5 days. The nostalgic event celebrates everything rock n roll related, the lifestyle, dancing and eccentric outfits to come with it. The highlight of the event is the car shows displaying over 1300 custom and classic vintage cards made before the 1970s. There’s also two retro beauty pageants during the event, as well as vintage markets for you to peruse. So head to down to Coolys Rock from the 5th to the 9th of June for the ultimate party atmosphere and relish in the spirit of the 1950s and beyond!
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Events
With events like Miss Cooly Rocks, Miss Rockabilly, classic cars run and the Poodles and Pug Parade, there’s an event sure to knock anyone’s socks off.
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Retro markets
Many attendees head to the festival just for its vintage markets! It’s a treasure trove of vintage items and memorabilia all set alongside the beach, and if you get hungry just stop at one of the many eateries nearby.
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Show ‘n’ shine
The highlight of the festival is the Show ‘n’ shine which runs along Marine Parade, showcasing vintage cars and hot rods.
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Indian Motorcycle National Gathering
For the first time ever, the Indian Motorcycle National Gathering will make its way to Coolys Rock On where rides can join group rides and events. Have a sneak peek at the newly released 2019 Indian models and buy apparel.
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Music
Music in the 1950s paved the way for the newer genres that came today, but there will always be an appreciation for the rock n roll, rockabilly and honky tonk of the swinging decade. With that in mind, dance workshops teaching the hokey pokey and rock n roll will be hosted throughout the five-day event, so that when you’ve got your moves down pat you can roll on over to the Harvest Moon Swing Ball and dance the night away! If you’d rather watch the experts, head on to the Kooly Kat Dance Championships to watch cheery couples battle it out for the trophy.
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The Lincolns
This 4 piece boyband have become major icons on the Australian Rock N Roll scene during the 9-year career and will be performing both original pieces and much-loved classics at the festival.
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Australia Buddy Holly Show
Featuring Kris Knight as Buddy Holly, come along to this authentic music show as he sings Buddy Holly hit singles and more.
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Shelly Minson
Based in Tamrock, this retro queen of fashion sings Honky Tonk and rockabilly accompanied by her husband on guitar. She’s a regular judge on Australian pin-up pageantries thanks to her eclectic and polished style and has performed at a variety of shows like the Tamworth Country Musical Festival. She first caused waves at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend in Vegas with her 2017 debut album and hasn’t looked back since.
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Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.