About the Annual Country Music Marathon
The Music Marathon is held in February each year, on the foreshore of Lake Charlegrark.
Set against the serene backdrop of Lake Charlegrark near Minimay, Victoria, the Annual Country Music Marathon promises a weekend filled with outstanding country music, vibrant camaraderie, and the rustic charm of the countryside.
From Friday through to Sunday, audiences can immerse themselves in more than just a music marathon – it’s a FULL WEEKEND of entertainment featuring talented artists, family-friendly activities, market stalls, delicious food, and the unique experience of camping by the lakeside.
The Event
The festivities kick off on Friday afternoon, leading into the Weekend Warm-Up Variety Night. Saturday offers a full program of country music performances, culminating in a high-energy late-night show, keeping the crowd dancing under the stars. On Sunday, the celebration continues with live music and bustling market stalls, rounding out the weekend in true country style.
Camping Experience
What makes this event special is the chance to truly embrace country life. Guests with a Weekend Pass are invited to enjoy free camping in the paddock (first-in, first-served; camping at own risk). It’s the perfect way to break away from the hustle of city life and soak up the serenity of nature, the warmth of community, and the music echoing under starry skies.
HISTORY
Lake Charlegrark Country Music Marathon (LCCMM) was originally formed by a committee of 6 local people back in 1992 to raise funds for the Childrens Hospital in Melbourne as they had been a huge support to a local family.
From there it has grown to be run by a dedicated committee, combined with a volunteer workforce of over 80 people for the weekend acting as Gate keepers, Bar managers, Cooks on the BBQ, Stage and Lighting assistants etc.
Since inception in 1992, we have donated over $200,000 to the local Edenhope Hospital and other local charities, and we are committed to helping fund the Lake Charlegrark foreshore & facilities.
Many people return each year as the atmosphere at the event is very relaxed, easy listening and family friendly.
Congratulations to Roy & Betty Pretlove – over 25 years of service to the Lake Charlegrark Country Music Marathon
Roy was on the first Committee, known back then in 1992 as the Neuarpurr Angling Club. As the event grew it was changed to the Lake Charlegrark Country Music Marathon.
Thank you Roy and Betty for all of your hard work.
Love from the 2017 LCCMM Committee.
Photo: Flo Burgwin, Betty Pretlove, Roy Pretlove, John Naylor (President), Paul ‘Bruiser’ Skinner.
Location
Lake Charlegrark is situated near the Vic/SA border, approximately 390kms from Melbourne and 360kms from Adelaide. The closest towns are Minimay, Frances, Kaniva, Edenhope and Naracoorte.
Just 12kms north is the Little Desert.
In the summertime, the lake is a very popular spot with locals for camping, water-skiing, swimming & canoeing.
Fishing is also a drawcard for the Lake, as it contains Murray Cod and Redfin.
