Folk singer songwriter Daisy Kilbourne relocated from her hometown of Daylesford to Geelong a few years ago and leans into a ‘70s introspection on the surf coast. She’s channelling the hallmarks of folk – from Joni Mitchell to contemporary British folk singer Laura Marling.
Kilbourne will perform at the Port Fairy Folk Festival in March 2026, while a special partnership with Boroondara Arts sees her join the bill of some of Australia’s brightest upcoming folk musicians for an evening at Kew Court House on March 6th.
Daisy Kilbourne spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I’m based in Geelong and I love it for so many reasons. It’s peaceful, yet only a train away from Melbourne and I’m only a 20-minute drive from some of the most beautiful beaches. There is also such a strong sense of community here in Geelong, everyone is so inviting and strangers become familiar faces and friends in the blink of an eye which feels really special.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
I love food! But the dish I always come back to is the spaghetti napoli from Melbourne’s best restaurant, Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar. I could probably eat it every damn day, it’s always my go to recommendation for anyone visiting Melbourne. I have so many fond memories eating there with my family over the years, that place is just so special to me.
FAVOURITE BAR
There are so many bars that I love for very different reasons but one of my favourites has to be Heartbreakers in Melbourne. It feels like you’ve just walked into the set of some rock ’n’ roll movie. There’s a jukebox full of all the classic albums, neon signs and swinging lights, what more could you want in a bar? Drink wise when I’m there it only feels right to be sitting back listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival with a pint. They’ve always got some funky beers on tap so I’ll always try something different and maybe even play a game of pool.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
A spicy margarita – an all-time favourite. I was once told that in Spanish, Margarita means The Daisy Flower, maybe that explains my obsession with them. Don’t get me wrong, all margaritas are delicious but there’s something about the kick of a Spicy Marg that just hits different.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
I’m so glad you asked, I have the perfect cure! My go to has always been a stupidly large amount of chips and gravy and you definitely need an ice-cold Coke! Not just any Coke, it’s got to be a post-mix! That’ll fix you right up, thank me later!
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Double Deuce Lounge in Sydney. Such a cool venue with the ultimate 70’s vibes, which was right up my alley. Sadly, it closed down a month ago, but they have plans to reopen elsewhere we hear! This underground bar’s location is what made it super cosy, their menus was in old VHS cases and you walked down the stairs into the dim lit bar you kind of feel like you were time travelling to the swinging 70’s. They truly nailed the aesthetic and good times in that place.
OVERSEAS BAR
In Amsterdam I recommend GlouGlou. It’s a super cute wine bar I’d followed for years on social media, I was so stoked to finally check them out. My sister and I sat outside in the sun with this delicious orange wine and truly never wanted to leave. We always talk about that late afternoon and wish we could just walk down to the corner and sit for a few more hours.
FAVOURITE WINE
The one that comes to mind is Joshua Coopers Spring Pinot Noir 2022. I used to work at a venue that had such an amazing list of wines and there were so many I’d never heard of before; this was one of those and I fell in love with it! I’m such a sucker for packaging and this particular bottle had a tiny little label that’s just a red daisy so I obviously had to get it. I got to meet the winemaker maybe a year later and we talked all about the wine and how he made it which made it so much more memorable to me.
FAVOURITE WINERY
I love going to Jack Rabbit Winery on the Bellarine Peninsula. The wines are delicious and they have the most stunning view of the bay. I could sit out on the deck with a bottle of pinot and some friends and stay looking at the view for hours.
NEXT DESTINATION
I’ve been excited to get to Hope St Radio in Collingwood. I’m always looking at their Instagram eyeing off all the yummy food and their drinks list looks insane. The venue itself looks incredible and really unique, I am so ready for a nice summer night there with friends and good vibes! It seems like they are doing great things.
boroondara.vic.gov.au/events/port-fairy-folk-festival-future-folk
