Ballarat to Cloncurry

About the Artist

Penny has been wowing crowds since she was 12 years old. She has graced many festivals and venues over the years, including Tamworth, Charters Towers, Alice Springs, Mt Gambier, Lake Charlegrark, the Riverland, Tailem Bend, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Penola, ABC radio…and the list continues to grow. While her roots are in country music, Penny has been developing and honing her amazing and memorable voice to a point where she can handle almost any style of music. Australian country artist Penny Burke returns with her heartfelt new single Ballarat to Cloncurry, a deeply personal release inspired by a solo journey from regional Victoria to far north Queensland to celebrate her mother’s 70th birthday. The song captures the emotional pull of distance, home and the connections that shape us, delivered through Penny’s warm, unmistakable vocal style. A seasoned performer with a long history across Australia’s country music circuit, Penny brings authenticity and lived experience to every lyric. Ballarat to Cloncurry is the lead single from her forthcoming debut album Always Be There, a collection of 12 original songs exploring family, resilience and life’s defining moments. Honest and relatable, the release positions Penny Burke as a compelling voice in contemporary Australian country music.

The Story Behind This Song

There’s something about a long drive that gives you time to think… and sometimes, to heal. “Ballarat to Cloncurry” is a song that emerged from one of those reflective moments. After experiencing a life-changing time, I found myself heading north—back toward family, familiar faces, and the kind of connections that ground you when life feels uncertain. The journey from Ballarat to Cloncurry is a long road, but it’s one many Australians relate to in their own way. We travel distances for the people we love—for birthdays, for milestones, and for the moments that matter. This song is a tribute to that journey. Along the way, there’s reflection, a bit of heart, and yes… a cheeky little passenger keeping me company—my cockatiel, Terry.

Stats at a Glance