The Grounds & Surrounds

The Grounds & Surrounds hold everything that lives beyond Golden’s major venues, the pathways, pockets, clearings and children’s activity spaces that give the festival its texture, movement and sense of discovery. This is where you’ll find The Visioning Hearth, the Keeps of the Beasts & Relics in The Creation Tent, The Wellspring, the Keepers of The Feast in the festival kitchen and dining area, the Offline Lounge, and the Healing Grounds with hands‑on bodywork practitioners. These spaces form the connective tissue of the festival: places to pause, wander, create, recalibrate and encounter experiences that unfold gently between destinations.

The Vision Hearth

A welcoming space guided by professional life coaches Emma Sodamaco founder of Collective Reverie, and creator of ANIMA, Gen Ward of Good Life Careers and Kerri Aitken of Kerri Aitken Coaching. Explore what wellbeing means to you, create a vision for the season ahead, and leave with practical selfcare actions, inspiring take-home resources, and a renewed sense of direction.

(left to right) Emma Sodamaco, Kerri Aitken and Gen Ward

  • Emma is a writer, coach, and founder of Collective Reverie, holding space — through coaching and gatherings — for people to reflect, reconnect and reimagine the life waiting to be lived.

    Her writing moves between philosophy, intentional living and the quiet power of human connection, shaped by three guiding threads: connection, curiosity and creativity.

    She is also the creator of ANIMA, a conversation salon in the Macedon Ranges, gathering people over dinners and breakfasts to think, talk and be together differently.

  • Welcome dear one

    Are YOU ready for a change?

    Do you want to BE focused, grounded & heart centred in your daily life?

    Would you like to HAVE time for self care throughout your day?

    “Whaaat is that??” I can hear you say!

    Do you long to FEEL passionate,connected and energised again?

    Are you ready to move from "Grit to Grace” , and give yourself the space to get clear in the unfolding of your next season in life. 

    I would love to journey and support you in your next phase with deep listening, reflection, and practical tools for you to gain clarity, and move from Burnout to Brilliance.

  • Based in Castlemaine, Gen provides career coaching to people who seek a career change, new job or are unsure about which direction to take. At The Good Life Careers, Gen helps you uncover career options and build up the skills you need to put your best foot forward when looking for work. 

The Wellspring

Co-presented by Secret States
10am - 4pm

A welcoming gathering place to pause, connect and share festival stories over delicious alcohol-free drinks, botanical blends, tonics, elixirs and nourishing wellness beverages. Meet friends old and new, enjoy meaningful conversations, and soak in the festival atmosphere.

Music at The Wellspring

11am, free entry
Steph Mansour with Handpan

I didn’t go to Bali intending to buy a Handpan. But the moment I played one at Sirvan hand pan Bali in Ubud, something really shifted inside me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it the entire trip. Louise (earth angel that she is) walked with me all over Ubud, trying different pans, researching, encouraging me to follow that pull. Without her I don’t think I would’ve had the courage to say yes.” You can also find Steph in The Pavilions.

12pm, free entry
Georgia & Simon

A musical partnership of over 12 years, Georgia Darcy and Simon will bring their joy, love, golden voices and fancy fingers on the keys to this wonderful Golden Wellness space. Bringing a repertoire of French chansons, folk and sing-a-long mantras celebrating Life and Connection, they can't wait to be with you to create a vibe of joy and wellbeing.

1pm, free entry
Kavisha Mazella

Born in the UK to Italian and Anglo-Burmese parents and migrating to Australia at an early age, Kavisha Mazzella AM is attuned to the power of cultural diversity. She is a warm, engaging, and thoughtful singer-songwriter who also invites audience participation in her concerts. She has been a valued part of the Australian Folk movement since the 1990s. Her motto is Sing For No one, Sing For Everyone !

The Creation Tent

Home to The Keepers of Beasts & The Relics

Step into the Creation Tent and become part of something magical. Join the Keepers of Relics & Beasts to co-create the Closing Ceremony’s Beast of Transformation through colour, texture and imagination. Guided by local artist Madeleine Sommers.