Rabbits Eat Lettuce festival relocates to Stonelands

About 5000 people are expected to attend the Rabbits Eat Lettuce music and arts festival at a private bush camping area and cattle property in the South Burnett this Easter.

A popular alternative music event is coming to the South Burnett for the first time after losing their planned venue, and bringing thousands of visitors along with it.

About 5000 people are expected to attend the Rabbits Eat Lettuce music and arts festival at a private bush camping area and cattle property in the South Burnett this Easter.

The popular alternative music event has relocated to Crystal Springs after losing its venue in the Southern Downs.

Described as a “unique transformational sensory experience”, the Rabbits Eat Lettuce music, arts and camping festival will take place at Crystal Springs, Stonelands, north west of Goomeri, over the Easter long weekend.

The 16th annual event was due to be hosted at the Cherrabah Resort in the Southern Downs but according to the festival’s Facebook page, the council refused their permit two months out from the event.

“Southern Downs Regional Council refused to process our Temporary Event Permit for Cherrabah Resort,” the post said.

“But we weren’t about to let the magic disappear and as you know REL is a resilient bunny.”

A media release published by the Southern Downs Regional Council said the reason for the rejection was because the event was “incompatibility with the amenity in the rural zone”.

A media release published by the council said the reason for the rejection was because the event was “incompatibility with the amenity in the rural zone”.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton said her council had thoroughly considered the application and 65 public submissions it received and acknowledged the diverse perspectives and concerns of the stakeholders involved.

“After thorough consideration of all submissions and presentations, council has decided to refuse the application for additional music festivals at Elbow Valley,” she said.

“While we recognise the potential benefits of hosting large events, we must balance these with the vision and values of our community and ensure we have the right events in the right locations.”

Hundreds of festival goers took to social media to share their disappointment in the Southern Downs council and their delight at the support of the South Burnett Regional Council.

“Thank you so much to the South Burnett Regional Council for seeing the value in supporting the Australian music and festival scene,” one person said.

“Amazing work and well done!” another person said.

“Thanks to the South Burnett Regional Council for being absolute legends and providing a permit. We are grateful to you!”

“Definitely keen to spend my money in the South Burnett Regional Council district,” another person commented.

Hundreds of festival goers took to social media to share their disappointment in the Southern Downs council and their delight at the South Burnett council. Photo: John Gass

Rabbits Eat Lettuce became the first festival in Queensland to introduce pill testing in 2024 after the initiative was introduced the previous year.

Festival founder Erik Lamir said organisers had campaigned tirelessly for pill testing and were committed to empowering festival-goers to make informed decisions regarding substance use.

“By offering discreet, legal and medically approved testing, we aim to reduce the risks associated with substances to ensure our community can enjoy the festival’s vibrant offerings with peace of mind,” he said.

Five years earlier the festival came under fire after two people were found dead in a tent.

A coroner later found the pair died from “mixed drug toxicity” and had traces of MDMA, cocaine, heroin, codeine, ketamine and temazepam in their systems.

The event will run from April 17-21 and at the time of publishing tickets were still available.

Originally published as Rabbits Eat Lettuce festival relocates to Stonelands