The Best Music Festivals in Australia

Now, you'd be lying to yourself if you haven't ever dreamed of getting away down under for an escape from the monotony of Britain, and (more importantly) its dull weather. With sun-soaked beaches of white sands, crystal clear beaches lined with surfers, and, what we're here to talk about, their fantastic record of creating great music that fills up their festival bills year-round.

The only thing you have to be aware of when looking at music festivals in Australia is, to hopefully no one's surprise, it's on the other side of the planet, and that means their seasons are pretty much flipped. Whereas here in the UK our summertime is in the middle of the year June - September time, over down under they finish and start each year bathed in sunshine. What this does mean, however, is that many of their festivals fall on the New Year, and boy do they celebrate it in style. 

So, if you want to escape the winter chill to a glorious paradise of amazing music, then you're in the right place. From Sydney to Perth, Brisbane to Adelaide, Melbourne to Darwin, the Aussie vibes are endless come festival season. And whilst there are only a few more to catch before theirs finishes, it's never too early to start planning, especially if you're jetting off to the other side of the globe.

So scroll down, secure copious amounts of suncream, and get your adventure down under started at one of these incredible Music Festivals in Australia. 

Byron Bay Bluesfest

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When: April

Where: Byron Events Farm, Byron Bay, Australia

If you like your music tinged with the nostalgic soul of the blues, then there are few festivals on the planet, never mind Australia, better than Byron Bay Bluesfest.

Each year the festival attracts some of the world’s biggest blues and roots performers for five days over the Easter long weekend. Delivers more than 200 gigs across multiple stages, as well as camping, food stalls and children’s entertainment, over 105,000 music lovers, attend to enjoy a diverse array of artists, gorgeous weather and the happy vibe around the festival.

Laneway Festival

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When: Dates throughout February

Where: Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth - Australia

Now this one is quite special. You'll rarely find a festival elsewhere in the world that tours like a band does. But, Laneway is just that. Travelling down under and stopping off in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth it brings a specially curated wagon of incredible talent to every venue for a day of music that never disappoints.  

Strawberry Fields

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When: November

Where: Tocumwal, New South Wales, Australia

A widely loved annual celebration of art, sound and creative expression held for three days each November, Strawberry Fields has a cult-like reputation amongst the locals, and it's clear to see why. Only a few hours outside of Melbourne, Australia, the festival brings a diverse selection of both renowned and breakthrough electronic music from Australia and overseas. The whole weekend is a sensory feast for the soul, where you and like-minded ravers can escape reality and 

The festival is not light on amenities either, with a soul-shaking sound system, mind-altering decor, dozens of eclectic market stalls, artistic installations, live performance art, workshops, live discussions and more. If you are a thinker who loves a dance, and appreciates a well-run festival, there's no better you could pick.

Lost Paradise

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When: Between December and January

Where: Glenworth Valley, Sydney, Australia

You know those New Year’s Eve festivals in Australia we keep going on about? Well, Lost Paradise pretty much takes the cake. This 3-day camping festival is jam-packed with musical prowess spanning nearly every genre, amazing food, art, and even yoga, all beautifully wrapped in a huge package that maintains its community-driven roots.

Beyond The Valley

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When: Between December and January

Where: Gippsland Parklands in Lardner, Victoria, Australia

Yet another year-ending bash down under, Beyond The Valley has been a mainstay on the Aussie Circuit for a while now. Distinctive, unique, and one of the most carefully curated music festivals happening over the New Year’s period, Beyond The Valley welcomes thousands upon thousands of people to the stunning grounds of Lardner Park, Victoria for a celebration of monumental proportions.

One of the coolest aspects of the festival is its main stage, which is a whopping 60 metres wide. This is truly a sight to behold (you can get glimpses above) and year after year creates truly breathtaking visuals, lighting, stage production and decor that bring the performances of their nationally and internationally acclaimed artists to life.

Ultra Australia

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When: April

Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl & Kings Domain, Melbourne, Australia

Ultra Music Festival is one of the landmark events on the Australian festival calendar. Whether it's its mammoth main stage, the 50,000-strong crowd, the emphasis on underground talent at their resistance stage, or just the generally amazing quality of organisation, sound, lighting and facilities; the festival is an unreal experience. Plus, the jaw-dropping technological marvels and wicked custom stages being set to the beautiful backdrop of some of the finest in the Australian landscape don't do much harm either.

ULTRA Australia takes pride in creating an all-encompassing entertainment experience for fans, and the lineup is always stacked with incredible talent from the dance music scene.

Spilt Milk

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When: December

Where: A touring Festival that stops off in Canberra, Gold Coast, Ballarat, and Perth

Spilt Milk returned in 2023 for an eagerly anticipated tour of incredible music, weather and vibes. Featuring some of the biggest names from a plethora of genres including pop, dance, hip-hop and more, it never disappoints. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.