The Lyrebird Festival 2026 runs Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 November in the Megalong Valley, below Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. It is four days of chamber music, talks, art and guided nature walks, with most concerts in The Old Stables at LOT 101 on Megalong Road.
Below: the full concert program, ticket prices, how to get there and park, and why Leura works as a base for the weekend. Details are from the festival’s own site and ticketing page, checked 27 October 2026.
Lyrebird Festival 2026 at a glance
| Dates | Thursday 12 – Sunday 15 November 2026 |
| Main venue | The Old Stables, LOT 101, Megalong Road, Megalong Valley |
| Second venue | Megalong Creek Estate, Aspinall Road (two afternoon concerts) |
| Concerts | Eight across four days |
| Festival Pass | $500 – all concerts and Hub events (walks extra) |
| Single concerts | From $40 adults, from $5 children |
| Hub day pass | $30 adult · $25 concession · pay what you can from $10 |
| Refunds | None |
| Run by | The Bowerbird Collective, with LOT 101 |
The festival’s stated aim is to bring together art, science and conservation. Concerts sit alongside talks and panels with scientists and conservationists, and guided walks go out looking for the valley’s birds and night wildlife.
The 2026 concert program
| When | Concert | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Thu 12 Nov, 7pm | Songs of Disappearance – Re:sounding the Wild, world premiere by The Bowerbird Collective | The Old Stables |
| Fri 13 Nov, 7pm | Soprano Lotte Betts-Dean with pianist Ronan Apcar | The Old Stables |
| Sat 14 Nov, 11am | Saxophonist Alice Morgan with Ronan Apcar | The Old Stables |
| Sat 14 Nov, 2pm | Joseph Tawadros, solo oud | Megalong Creek Estate |
| Sat 14 Nov, 7pm | Lior with cellist Anthony Albrecht (sold out as of 27 Oct) | The Old Stables |
| Sun 15 Nov, 11am | Mindy Meng Wang, guzheng | The Old Stables |
| Sun 15 Nov, 2pm | Where Water Meets – album premiere, Ashore, all to pieces | Megalong Creek Estate |
| Sun 15 Nov, 6pm | Festival Finale – Joseph Tawadros with The Bowerbird Collective | The Old Stables |
The organisers say seating in The Old Stables is limited and the program may change without notice. Check the ticketing page for current availability.
Talks, walks and free events
- Festival Hub. A marquee beside The Old Stables, new for 2026, with talks, film screenings and short performances. Hosted by Gregg Borschmann. Speakers include Anne Poelina and David Lindenmayer.
- Hub passes. Weekend $50 adult, $40 concession, pay what you can from $20. Day pass (Sat or Sun) $30 adult, $25 concession, pay what you can from $10.
- Night wildlife walks. Friday and Saturday, 8.30–10pm. $20 adults, $10 children. The meeting point is sent to ticket holders closer to the date.
- Birding walks with Fiona Lumsden. Saturday 7.30–9am and Sunday 8–9.30am, $20. Bring binoculars, warm layers and sturdy shoes.
- Exhibition opening. Thursday 5pm at Megalong Community Hall, before the opening concert.
- Sunrise yoga and shakuhachi on Sunday morning – free.
Walks are booked separately from concert and Hub tickets.
Getting to the Megalong Valley
By car. This is the easiest option. From Leura, drive west along the Great Western Highway to Blackheath, then take Megalong Valley Road down through Blackheath Glen. The road is narrow and winding in places, so allow extra time and take care on the drive back after evening concerts.
By train. Blackheath is three stops west of Leura on the Blue Mountains Line. The festival says it can arrange transport between Blackheath Station and the venue on request. Use the contact form on the festival site and include your events, group size and preferred return time.
Parking. The festival site says guests park at Megalong Community Hall and walk a short, signposted trail to The Old Stables. Parking at the Stables is kept for artists, volunteers and a very small number of limited-mobility patrons – contact the organisers ahead if you need one. Follow the signage on the day, as parking arrangements can change.
Food and drink at the festival
- Megalong Valley Tea Rooms, about 100m from the venue, open daytime over the festival weekend.
- Megalong restaurant at LOT 101 – Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, Sunday lunch. Book ahead.
- A coffee caravan on site, and you are welcome to bring your own food.
Where to stay for the Lyrebird Festival
Accommodation in the valley itself is limited. LOT 101 reports that Werriberri Cottages, next to the venue, are fully booked for the weekend. The festival points visitors to Blackheath, Katoomba and the Upper Mountains instead.
Leura works well as a base. It is on the same train line as Blackheath, a straightforward drive to Megalong Valley Road, and on non-concert hours you have the Mall, cafes and walks on your doorstep. The festival fills Thursday to Sunday, so a four-night stay lets you catch the opening concert and the finale without rushing.
Magnolia Cottage is a self-contained cottage in the heart of Leura, sleeping four, with an indoor fireplace and an outdoor firepit for mid-November evenings. Staying longer? See our long-stay rates.
Lyrebird Festival FAQ
When is the Lyrebird Festival 2026?
Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 November 2026.
Where is it held?
At The Old Stables, LOT 101, on Megalong Road in the Megalong Valley, with two afternoon concerts at Megalong Creek Estate on Aspinall Road.
How much are tickets?
A Festival Pass is $500. Single concerts start at $40 for adults and $5 for children. Hub day passes are $30 for adults, with concession and pay-what-you-can options. There are no refunds.
Can I get there without a car?
Take the train to Blackheath and ask the festival to arrange a transfer from the station when you book.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Child concert tickets start at $5, and Sunday includes a kids’ session.
Sources
- The Lyrebird Festival – program, walks, transport, parking, food and accommodation notes
- Lyrebird Festival tickets (Humanitix) – concert times, venues, prices and refund policy
- LOT 101 – Lyrebird Festival 2026 – venue, Tea Rooms and Werriberri availability
- Greater Blue Mountains Drive – Blackheath and Megalong – Megalong Valley Road conditions
Details checked 27 October 2026. Programs and availability change – confirm on the festival site before you book.
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