Latest News

Posted 14th April 2024

Sadly, our gig at Bathurst Panthers on Saturday 13th April was cancelled due to one member of the band becoming ill and unable to make the drive out to Bathurst. Happily he is improving today. Sorry to anyone who was coming.

Posted 17th July 2023

The next gig is a new venue for us, Bathurst Panthers on Saturday 5th August. Will post more when we know more.

Posted 15th May 2023

The next gig is at an old favourite of ours, Lithgow Workies, on 27th May 2023 at 7:30pm. We had a great gig here in March and are looking forward to more of the same.

Katoomba RSL Friday 2023/04/21

A really happy gig at the Katoomba RSL. There were not many people even when we arrived so maybe the public holiday on Tuesday meant many people were away. Nice bunch of people left at the end after a long 90 minute last set. We got to sing Happy Birthday, badly.

The Royal Hotel Springwood Friday 2023/04/14

A great gig at the Royal, particularly the first half of the evening. The staff are really great and the bistro is fab. It's such a pleasure to play within 15 minutes of home.
No scenic pix this time just some great shots from our talented photographer, Mother Wombat aka Rhonda. Which is odd because we are quokkas, in fact The Quokkas.

Lithgow Workies Saturday 2023/03/04

We had breakfast at Gold Fields Motel in Blayney which Luke owns and we can highly recommend.
Since we had a day to fill before playing at Lithgow we decided to go for a drive in the local area. Please excuse/enjoy the happy snaps.

We drove to the beautiful little town of Carcour, The Town Time Forgot, where we wandered around and up to the old railway station. There are no trains anymore.

The Town Time Forgot

A view from the station.

In this view you can see how far the town is from the station.

Lovely old station.

Did I mention the station wasn't in use?

This is me trying to be arty. A lovely spot at the Teapots Cafe.

We then drove to Cowra where Steve spend time as a child. It's a big town and famous for being the site of a Japanese POW camp in WWII.

Tourists in Cowra.

This is Barry being arty.

Then back to Lithgow with a bypass to Pearson's Lookout. Sadly, we couldn't get up to the lookout. The road had been damaged in the heavy rains and the the road menders are using the lookout to store vehicles, materials etc so we went down the hill and saw some of the view but not as good. We had driven through the rain to get there, then it stopped while we were there and started up again on the drive to Lithgow. When the lookout is open and the day is sunny it is a very beautiful scene. The Capertee Valley is the biggest such valley in the southern hemisphere.

The gig at Lithgow went well. Tired to start but picked up as we went along. Club very quiet. So quiet that we had more people in our room then in the rest of the club. A first I think. Maybe 20 people still there at 10pm which was nice. So another good gig. Then drove home and in bed by 1:50am.

Exchange Hotel Blayney Friday 2023/03/03

Blayney was having a "Blayney In The '80s" weekend and we were invited to play so we headed off on Friday afternoon on what was a very pleasant sunny drive. I took random shots out the window and surprisingly, some of them came out: a nice surprise. We were playing in the beer garden so we set up straightaway and played our four sets which went well. We met some Greg's and some more Steve's, a popular name in Blayney. Luke was the publican and a very nice and helpful guy. After the gig we had a very pleasant wine and cheese evening but for some reason I remember little about it and nor does Steve.

Blayney in the 80's

Lucky shot from the van

The Exchange Hotel

Relaxing Quokkas

Barry Stephen Quokka looking good

Katoomba RSL Friday 2023/02/17

During the week we received the worksheet from Katoomba RSL and it had a major change. Instead of just saying performance times between 6:30 and 10 it also said two sets of 90 minutes each with a half hour break. This is very difficult because it means a concert followed half an hour later by another concert. We decided to give it a go and it went quite well and we had a good crowd but it was really hard work. It also meant we didn't have time to talk to the crowd between sets. Nevertheless, a good night but very tiring.

Ian having a Flacco moment.

da band

The other two

The following little video shows the back of our photographer, my darling Rhonda, dancing with a Katoomba local who was supposed to be never able to walk again but nobody told him about dancing. We're not sure of his name but a lovely guy.
Rhanda & ?

Penrith Gaels 10th February 2023

There was a change in bookers a few years ago at the Penrith Gaels and we found ourselves no longer working there but swings and roundabouts and here we are again.

It was great to see some of the lovely people we had met several years ago still there. And new ones. So, a fantastic night all round.

Lithgow Workies Australia Day 26th January 2023

When we arrived for the afternoon gig at the Lithgow Workies on Australia Day it was very hot. We set up and as we were about to begin it started to rain and according to the BOM it was going to rain on and off for the next few hours. So we packed up and headed inside. There is a little stage area where kids usually play so we took that over to enable us to be in the lounge rather than the usual big dining lounge.
After that we had a pleasant, quiet, afternoon and people seemed to enjoy the more laid back approach.
There were photos taken and here be five more.
A very casual Ian.

Steve up close and, well, close.

Ian is leaving the building.

Lithgow Workies 7th January 2023

The first gig for the year was at the Lithgow Workies Club and for most of the evening we had a good crowd but after 10:30 it fell off and only a few dedicated music fans remained. Still, we enjoyed playing to them and the gamblers on the pokies.
We had no photographer so Steve took some selfies from which we selected one with Steve insanely biting a pick, Ian wondering where his teeth have gone and Dave with a vacant what the hell just happened look. Pretty normal for Quokkas.

Happy New Year - Goodbye 2022 and Hello to 2023

Katoomba RSL New Year's Eve 2023

We were offered the New Year's Eve gig at Katoomba RSL and we thought, why not. We usually get a good crowd there. NYE is one of those gigs which can be good or it can be bad. This time we had a great night as did the people who came. So they said and who are we to disagree.

Some shots taken before the fireworks.

And shots taken during the fireworks which you can see on the screen at the back.

Merry Christmas Y'All

St George Motorboat Club 13th November 2022

Not so much a cruiser as a coaster.

We had a great day with many people coming up to us and telling us how much they enjoyed the afternoon. Thank you all and also many thanks to our regular friends who came. Here are a couple of pictures from the day.

One of the people present ordered a lunch of fish and chips and underneath the meal was a newspaper, which for some reason they read, and it revealed an amazing coincidence. Steve the missing Quokka and now we know exactly what happened to Steve.

And to finish off we took some Christmas photos and here is one which we used for our NYE promotion.

Royal Hotel Springwood 28th October 2022

We were back at an old favourite on Friday 28th October, the Royal Hotel Springwood. Nice crowd with great dancing, yes you Gary T, plus singing and of course great meals before we started. We played on to after 1am when we had to stop. A few pictures follow.

This is Mick, Ian's late brother, who played many gigs at the Royal and whose poster is still on the wall after 10 years.

Sunday afternoon at the St George Motorboat Club is usually a great afternoon and 18th September was no exception. Lots of people, lots of music, lots of food, lotsa lotsa. Some photos.

Posted 10th September 2022
Another excellent gig at the Katoomba RSL with many people dancing and singing along and the kids enjoying themselves as well. Our official photographer was sick and so I am trying to get some photos from the punters. When I do I will put them up.

Posted 4th September 2022
Even though the weather was not so good the festival went ahead with one change. Davy was sick and couldn't play but Rob "Sparkles" Spark skipped up and filleted the gap. He was different but played some amazing stuff. Davy was very sorry not to be there but...

Posted 11th August 2022

The gig at the Family Hotel Bathurst was fantastic. It started off slowly partly due to a punter who loudly called out for AC/DC. Even if we had played some acca dacca we are acoustic and so I doubt he would have enjoyed it. But the whole room heaved a sigh of relief when he departed and we and the audience went on to have a great night.

There was lots of singing and dancing which is always nice. Because we stayed in Bathurst that night we could relax in the pub and chat with the people who had stayed to the finish. Overall a really enjoyable night.

Posted 18th July 2022
After a pleasant drive out to Bathurst RSL with the beautiful sunset we had a quiet night.

Sunset on the way to Bathurst.

Met some nice people but the cold, covid and other events in town kept the numbers down. So we did some songs we hadn't been going to including Breakfast at Sweethearts which we are still learning. It sounded great too.

The Blue Brothers.

Then it was -3 degrees Centigrade when we loaded out so I think we set a new record for loading the van.

Posted 10th July 2022

The Quokkas have a gig out west at a new venue, for us. The Family Hotel, Bathurst. It's not until 6th August but we thought we would mention it now.

We don't know much about this venue but here are some links.
https://www.familyhotel.com.au/
And a facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/familyhotelbathurst/

Posted 13th June 2022
We had an excellent gig at the St George Motor Boat Club on Sunday. The place was packed and stayed so for the entire four hours. There was lots of audience participation with singing and dancing and all the signs of having a good time. We are looking forward to being back there on 18th September.

Sunset at the St George Motor Boat Club taken during a set break.

Sited at the gig, a Quokka hiding amongst the hardware.

The Quokkas playing Horses at St George Motor Boat Club.

Posted 25th April 2022
The gig at the Royal Hotel at Springwood last Saturday went very well. Some old and dear friends turned up which was nice but we also had several tables of people singing at the top of their voices with some talent but plenty of enthusiasm.
The lines
"And I take a deep breath And I get real high
And I scream from The top of my lungs
What's going on?"
from 4 Non Blonds' "What's Up" shook the windows. Well done revellers.

Posted 7th March 2022
We received a late request to play at St George Motor Boat Club, a venue we had played one month before. It was a great afternoon with people enjoying the music, singing along and actually dancing, something verboten until recently.
Because the club was offering a special deal: $5 for 5 years, we became members. Wow, we made our money back in the discounts on our first meal and drink.
The club is very nice. Great food, excellent staff and spectacular views of the Georges River across to Tom Uglys Bridge and James Cook Bridge. There were some nice motor boats floating around as well.
All in all a very pleasant Sunday afternoon.
And now for more photos:

The view of the James Cook Bridge from St George Motor Boat Club.

Ian doing his thing at St George Motor Boat Club.

Steve putting his best foot forward. It was a small stage, no room for another step.

Dave nodding off again.

Posted 26th February 2022
The gig last night at the Katoomba RSL went very well and we had a great time. The weather was terrible. If it wasn't rain it was fog or both but there were plenty of people, many who had come especially to see us, having not seen us for nearly two years due to covid. The staff were great and the food was delicious as always. Steve even won a tray in the meat raffle. So, a night to remember.

Posted 1st February 2022
The Quokkas were offered a gig last night for Sunday 6th February at 3pm at St George Motor Boat Club, Sans Souci. Here is a link https://stgeorgembc.com.au
It's a nice relaxed Sunday afternoon performance starting at 3pm. We haven't played here before so we can't tell you anything about the venue but looking at their website it seems pretty impressive.
Here is address

Saturday 5th February 2022
The gig at the Royal went well. There is still a lot of covid resistance out there but the people there enjoyed themselves although some too much as they were asked to leave due to their dancing. A first for us but we play dance music, that's what we do.

Another gig coming up is Friday 4th February at the Royal Hotel in Springood.
https://www.royalhotel springwood.com.au but don't look for us on the entertainment page because I think it is a tad out of date.
It's always a pleasure to play at the Royal because the crowd is friendly and jumping although covid has dampened that somewhat.
The staff are great and the venue has a excellent bistro. Always a fun night.
Here is address

Royal VIP blurb February 2022

Friday 31st December 2021
2021 is finally over and we had a very enjoyable gig at Club Grand Views. There was not a lot of people there due to the late decision to have live entertainment at the venue but the people there enjoyed it and it was great for the band to rock out the year with a long gig to get us back in shape. It was a great venue with great food also. Friendly and helpful staff.

Posted 28th December 2021
We had a gig for NYE then we lost it before we could tell you about it, then out of the blue, we get another.
The Universe works in mysterious wags.
Said gig is at:
Club Grandviews
821 Forest Rd, Peakhurst
Friday 31st December 2021
8:30pm to 12:30am
I don't know much about this place but to be honest, I don't know anything about it except what I can get from here: https://clubgrandviews.com.au
and they have a Meta (once was Facebook) site at https://www.facebook.com/ClubGrandviews/ but that didn't say much either so it's a leap into the unknown.
So if you were contemplating sitting at home dining and whining, or maybe wandering around some dangerous urban battle zone, come leap with The Quokkas into a new venue, a new song (maybe), a new year, a new life. Things can only get better unless they get worse.
Oh, and btw, it looks like a great reastaurant so grab a meal but also
you must be double vaxxed and practice appropriate social behaviour.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

13th November 2021
Starting at 4pm The Quokkas are playing in The Tuscan Gardens at Lithgow Workies. We have not played in this area before but it sounds great. And with luck it will be a nice sunny afternoon, not too hot but a glorious spring afternoon.
The picture below comes from the Workies website.

You can find more aout the Tuscan Gardens and the Workies in general at https://www.workies.com.au/tuscan-gardens-and-bar

Sunday 14th November 2021
We had a great afternoon at the Lithgow Workies yesterday although it wasn't quite what was planned. The afternoon was very windy and on and off wet so management decided to shift the location from the lovely Tuscan Gardens to the main room upstairs. That was a pity because we had a look at the Tuscan Gardens and it woud have been great and we are hoping that we get the chance in future on a sunny day.
Meanwhile we still enjoyed ourselves meeting new people who enjoyed what they were listening to, not to mention the singing, dancing kids. Lots of people eating and listening so all in all a great day.
Here be some views of said "Tuscan Gardens".

Plus the picture above.

29th October 2021
That grand establishment The Royal Hotel, Springwood reopens on Monday 11th October and the Premier, Dominic Perrottet (3 ts no gs), assures us that it will not be forced into lockdown again. So I can say with some confidence that The Quokkas will be playing at said Royal Hotel on Friday 29th October at 9pm. According to the blurb only patrons double vaxxed will be permitted entry but who knows, that might change by then. Also social distancing so none of that old time dancing allowed, assuming any dancing is allowed. Bistro reopens on 15th so superb meals will be available. Just remember the Royal Hotel motto - serviendo guberno which means according to the Big G, "By Serving" assuming that it is Latin. Maybe it's Spanish which might mean "Serving Governor", appropriate for Macquarie Rd.
Royal blurb October 2021

Friday 29th October 2021
A great night at the Royal. Lots of loyal friends and fans.

We hadn't managed as many rehearsals as we would have liked but we made up for it with enthusasm.
And here's Davy tucked away out back.
Davy Quokka on stage at Royal

26th July 2021
Our second gig for 2021 has also been cancelled. We could see that the Sydney lockdown due to end on 30th July, one day before our gig at Lithgow, is almost certain to be extended so in discussions with the club we decided to cancel, or postpone, until later in the year.
We still have one gig left, booked at Lithgow Workies again for 13th November 2021 which is nearly 4 months away. We surely must be out of lockdown by then.

The sad consequences of Covid-19

30th June 2021
The terrible 2020 year of covid has not allowed us to have as many gig ready songs as we would have liked. Because of social distancing and all the rest, we have not been able to get together in any meaningful way and zoom doesn't cut it for music. It might work for David Tennant and Michael Sheen in Staged but alternating notes and beats so as not to cause the others to go dead in a song is just not possible.
So we learned songs individually but when we did get together, some of them just didn't work. The New Songs Added Recently list in Set Lists is made up of the survivors. Without an audience we have not been able to road test them so some of these could also get the axe. We will see.

Wentworth Falls Bowling Club 26th April 2019

One gig we always enjoy is the Wentworth Falls Bowling Club. We played there on Friday and it was great to catch up with many of the people there who have come along regularly to our gigs.
We always like to contribute to the club by buying raffle tickets and this week we did really well with both Barry and Joe winning a meat tray each.

Front steps of the warm and cheerful Wentworth Falls Bowling Club.

Here's Barry doing his marvellous Kate Bush impression.

We are not sure when we will back at the Wenty Falls Bowlo as the new Katoomba RSL will be open soon, having been rebuilt after the terrible fire, and we may be playing there as well. We will have to wait and see.

Valley Heights Rural Fire Service 60th

This weekend Saturday 6th April 2019 the Valley Heights Rural Fire Service (RFS) are celebrating 60 years of protecting our community.
The Quokkas feel very privileged to be asked to perform at this event, along with others, as we believe the RFS here and all around NSW do a fantastic job.
They risk their lives to protect ours and our property. They are amazing.

Time and place are:
Saturday 6th April, 2019
Springwood Primary School, 1-59 Burns Rd, Springwood.
Full event is 3pm to 8:30pm and The Quokkas play at 4:45pm for an hour or so.

The growers market will be happening, The BlueMugs for ukele heaven, sausage sizzle and more but finishing with a fireworks show at 8:30pm.
Here is the link for Valley Heights RFS facebook page
and here is a nice little promo they put together using something we recorded.

And our thanks to Rob Sparke for putting our name forward.

Saturday 6th April, 2019
The Valley Heights RFS 60th was a great day. There were many stalls and sideshow events. Three acts supplied the music for the afternoon. Ant Zarb, The Quokkas and The Blue Mugs.

Ant Zarb in flight. Sadly,he lost all his musical instruments in the 2013 fires.

Ian, Steve and Dave aka Joe, Barry and Davy on a beautiful afternoon at Springwood

The Blue Mountains Ukelele Group or Blue Mugs are, as you might guess, a rather large ukelele band playing great popular songs with skill and zest.

Some of the large crowd on what was a really great and enjoyable day.

Live and Local Music Hawkesbury

On Saturday 24th March The Quokkas will be playing at The Right Bite Cafe, 219 Windsor St, Richmond.
This is one of a series of mini-concerts in Richmond on the day and is part of an
initiative by Hawkesbury City Council and the State Government.
You can find out more about the day at Live and Local Hawkesbury
and also Live Music Office

Here is a picture from the Christmas party Wentworth Falls Bowlo.

The Quokkas at the Wentwoth Falls Bowlo Christmas Party

The Quokkas at the Wentworth Falls Bowlo Christmas Party.