Australia is no stranger to holding world-class music festivals, and whether you like blues or EDM, folk or rock music, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of the best music festivals that are worth putting on your bucket list.
Golden Plains Festival
Golden Plains is the place to go if you want to escape and not only have a great time with friends and family, but to also get back in touch with who you are as a person. Designed to satisfy almost every taste in music, you’ll have to put in a lot of effort to not enjoy yourself.
Stock up on some Liquorland spirits and go dance the night away at this fantastic festival that not only aims to please, but will blow away any expectations you may have had.
Birdsville Big Red Bash
Found in the remote Simpson Desert, Birdsville Big Red Bash is all about losing yourself in the music and nature. The three-day-long adventure isn’t just about the music, as it offers visitors so much more.
Sit back and watch the sunset over the sand, take a camel ride across the dunes, enjoy a sunrise yoga session, or sing along to countless fan-favourite tracks that fill the air.
Savannah in the Round
If you love Country music and a spot of camping then you are in luck, because Savannah in the Round has both for you. Located in Queensland between the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest, and mixing in some of Australia’s best music acts, this is an unforgettable festival.
This 3-day-long festival is held in Mareeba, a small town just outside of Cairns, and offers a variety of camping and glamping options. It is the perfect place to go to if you want a huge dose of modern and classic Country tunes.
Woodford Folk Festival
Woodford Folk Festival has been called the Woodstock of Australia since it was first held almost 40 years ago. This enormous festival, which takes place between late December and early January, quite literally has something for everyone.
The immense lineup boasts over 2,000 acts, ranging from local heroes to massive international acts, and when combined with the beautiful backdrop of Queensland, it is the ideal place to ring in the new year.
Lost Paradise
Don’t be fooled into thinking Lost Paradise is just another camping New Year’s festival. While it does often boast exceptional music lineups, there is far me to see, do, and get lost in during this 4-day extravaganza.
While the nearby stream is a great place to relax and recover, there are also plenty of talks, workshops, and spiritual and wellness experiences to keep your body and mind in check.
Beyond the Valley
If you are purely after huge artists and the biggest tunes local and international acts have to offer, then there is no better place to spend New Year’s than at Beyond the Valley. Found 90 minutes outside of Melbourne, this is the place to be to lose yourself in music and forget about the world around you.
While the offerings are simple, they are done incredibly well, which not only makes Beyond the Valley as big as it is, but also as popular as it is with Australians from around the country, and countless tourists descending on the festival every year.
Splendour in the Grass
Splendour in the Grass is one of the biggest festivals in Australia and has been taking over North Byron Parklands since 2001. With an incredible mix of music, entertainment, and art, many believe it is the benchmark festival that other events always try and match.
Some of the artists that have taken the stage here are a few Australian juggernauts, as well as acts like MGMT, Flight Facility, and even Kendrick Lamar.
Bluesfest Byron Bay
Another huge music festival that draws in people of all ages from all walks of life is Bluesfest Byron Bay. Not let the name fool you, a trip here will indulge you in far more than just blues, as you can also enjoy rock, folk, reggae, hip hop, and jazz.
A few of the names to take the stage here include Iggy Pop, Led Zeppelin, Tom Jones, James Brown, Robert Plant, and Bob Dylan. To say it draws in some of the greats of music is a complete understatement.
Groovin’ in the Moo
Groovin’ in the Moo sets itself apart from the other festivals on this list by being a traveling festival. From April to May, it travels to several towns, bringing the best music and live acts any festival-goer could ask for.
Some of the acts to perform include Fat Boy Slim, alt-J, and Ocean Alley, to name a few. Not only is this is a great way to experience a festival, but also to explore a few Australian towns you may not have known about.
As you can see, Australia is most definitely not lacking in the festival department, and as mentioned before, whether you are an electro-head, a rock n’ roll lover, or someone who wants to sit back and enjoy some fine blues or jazz, there is a festival out there that will check all your boxes.