Global hip-hop icon Kendrick Lamar swapped stadium lights for the lush canopy of a Victorian rainforest this week, taking a well-deserved break from his Australian tour schedule. The 38-year-old rapper was spotted embracing the great outdoors, preparing to tackle the famous 1000 Steps Trail in the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
A Scenic Escape Between Shows
Fresh from delivering two monumental performances at Melbourne's AAMI Park, Lamar sought tranquillity in the picturesque Victorian hinterland last Friday. He was accompanied by a substantial group of companions as he geared up for the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, a popular hiking route known for its natural beauty and historical significance.
The Not Like Us hitmaker appeared perfectly prepared for his rainforest adventure. His outfit consisted of a practical long-sleeved grey shirt paired with matching shorts. Footwear was a key component, with the star opting for a pair of distinctive blue Nike Zoom X sneakers, complemented by long white Nike socks pulled right up to his knees.
Looking relaxed and in high spirits, Lamar was seen smiling broadly, a backpack slung over his shoulders, clearly eager to commence the trek. He chatted amiably with members of his entourage before setting off on the steep, tree-lined path. His down-to-earth demeanour was further highlighted when a fan approached him; Lamar happily paused to oblige with a handshake.
Australian Tour Itinerary and Fan Frenzy
The nature walk served as an interlude in Lamar's packed Australian tour, which features his own headline stadium shows alongside performances at the travelling Spilt Milk Festival. His schedule is as follows:
- December 10 & 11: Headline shows at Sydney's Allianz Stadium.
- Spilt Milk Festival dates:
- Saturday, November 30: Victoria Park, Ballarat.
- December 7: Claremont Showground, Perth.
- December 13: Exhibition Park, Canberra.
- December 14: Finale on the Gold Coast.
At Spilt Milk, Lamar will share the stage with artists including Doechii and Sarah Landry. Festival organisers have already reassured fans that set times for Lamar and Doechii will not clash, addressing a key concern among attendees.
The announcement of Lamar's Australian visit back in June sparked significant online discussion. Initial plans for only two headline shows in Melbourne and Sydney drew some criticism for the limited scope, prompting the addition of extra dates. The short 48-hour window between the tour announcement and the presale also frustrated some fans.
"2 shows isn’t a tour and presale 48 hours from an announcement is ridiculous," one fan commented online. Another noted a scheduling conflict, writing, "Same day as Usher too wtf, this is not a national tour with only two cities??"
However, the overwhelming response was one of excitement. Many fans expressed sheer elation at the chance to see the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist perform down under. Reactions to the Spilt Milk lineup were equally fervent, with one fan declaring it "THE LARGEST Lineup I have seen for an Australian festival in YEAAARSS."
Balancing Stadiums with Serenity
Kendrick Lamar's hike in the Dandenongs illustrates a star finding moments of peace amidst a demanding international tour. His choice to explore one of Victoria's most beloved natural landmarks offers a glimpse into the artist's life offstage, endearing him further to his Australian fanbase as he prepares to deliver the high-energy performances for which he is globally renowned.
