Just because the party isn’t coming to you doesn’t mean you can’t go to the party! ~’Cause you know I’d walk (but probably drive) a thousand miles if I could just see Muse tonight~
1. Splendour in the Grass
Where: Byron Bay, NSW
When: July
Why: ‘A music festival in the middle of winter? Best idea ever!’ – Said no one… UNTIL Splendour in the Grass came along. From its humble beginnings in 2001, SITG’s popularity exploded and it evolved from a one-day to now a three-day festival. Its impressive line-up is always a good mix of local and international acts like Coldplay, Mumford & Sons, Flight Facilities, and who could forget Lorde’s iconic last-minute headliner fill-in for Frank Ocean and absolutely slayed the stage. Being one of the most iconic Aussie music festivals around, a little rain and mud never ruin the good vibes.
2. St Jerome’s Laneway Festival
Where: Melbourne, VIC | Sydney, NSW | Brisbane, QLD | Adelaide, SA | Fremantle, WA
When: February
Why: The boutique indie music festival, started in a Melbourne laneway (duh!) back in 2005, now tours five Australian cities and internationally in Singapore, New Zealand and US. From showcasing up-and-coming local talents to hosting a line-up of international big names, Laneway never disappoints. Whether you’re a music snob or a newbie bursting into the indie music scene, this is one for the bucket list.
3. Groovin the Moo
Where: Canberra, ACT | Bendigo, VIC | Oakbank, SA | Townsville, QLD | Maitland, NSW | Bunbury, WA
When: April – May
Why: One for the regional folks – GTM brings all the city peeps to the (rural) yard. Its founders wanted to create an affordable and engaging music event for young people in regional areas that would be given the same respect as a big city event, and boy did they succeed! GTM is incredibly important for regional youth – it’s a rare all-ages festival where you can see teenagers in their favourite band tees enjoying their first festival experience, very unique from the usual scene.
4. WOMADelaide
Where: Adelaide, SA
When: March
Why: The whole city of Adelaide comes to live when WOMADelaide comes to town. As its name suggests (WOMAD – World of Music, Arts & Dance), WOMADelaide is more than a music festival. The four-day fiesta attracts over 80,000 punters who gather to fangirl over its massive lineup from around the world and participate in various workshops that enrich the body and soul. You have to experience it first-hand to understand this spotlight South Australian event.
5. BIGSOUND
Where: Brisbane, QLD
When: September
Why: Similar to South by South West (SXSW) in Texas, US, BIGSOUND is a 3-day music industry conference-slash-festival that attracts not only musicians and record label delegates, but also a big crowd of music-loving public. By day, the program is packed with inspirational keynote speaker sessions and workshops for music industry representatives, by night, all the stages light up for artist showcase and the public is welcomed to join in and dance the night away. This is the very place the industry insiders scout for the next big thing, so you want to be here to be able to say ‘I knew them before they were big’ when that local band blows up next year.
6. Southbound Music Festival
Where: Busselton, WA
When: January
Why: Sort of like the Splendour in the Grass of the west coast (and summer), Southbound Music Festival is based on the gorgeous WA coastline and boasts a line-up not to be balked at. The weekend-long festival features market stalls, gourmet food trucks and chill vibes, time your visit to the west coast wisely to incorporate a road trip afterwards.
7. Dark Mofo
Where: Hobart, TAS
When: June
Why: Another winter festival, another must-do! Takes place in Hobart’s renowned MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), Dark Mofo is the largest contemporary music festival in Tasmania that showcases a wide range of art forms beyond music. Some describe it as the ‘Burning Man of Australia’, you’ll have to see it to believe it. You better make travel and accommodation plans early for this, as over 100,000 flocks to this festival, only early birds get a bed.
YHA is the biggest budget accommodation network in Australia. With more than 70 hostels around the country, there is a YHA ready to welcome you wherever your wanderlust might lead.
