Best festivals in Australia – A guide to the greatest music events Down Under
Australia has an unbeatable nature, phenomenal wildlife and attractions abound! But it is not just those typical sightseeing attractions that make Australia a great place to visit in a campervan. It is also about learning local customs and traditions to understand what the Aussie lifestyle is about. It’s the reason that makes it one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide! What better place to intermix with Australians than celebrating at one of the many incredible music festivals and historical events! One thing is certain – They know how to party! Hiring or buying a Toyota campervan is a great way to get to the best festivals in Australia whilst combining it with a once-in-a-lifetime holiday!
Best festivals in Australia 2017 – Customers reviewed the finest events
Many of our customers tell us about their highlights when travelling through Australia with a campervan. Some tell us, there is no better way to get to know the easy-going Australian mentality than by going to one of the best festivals in Australia. To help you find the greatest music festivals and events Down Under we have compiled a list. We have created a calendar for the best music festivals in Australia in 2017! Check it out and let us know how you like it on our facebook page.
January – Best festivals in Australia
The most impressive and giant event in Australia is without a doubt the Sydney firework on New Year’s Eve! Travelwheels recommends finding a great viewpoint as early as possible! Millions of people are going to watch the fireworks. It’s guaranteed to be packed like a can of sardines! The new year has just begun – so no time to lose! Get ready for some unforgettable experiences. The first thing to remember, party like a rockstar!
FIELD DAY
Field Day is particularly one of the best festivals in Australia! Every year starts off with a wonderful party at The Domain Park in Sydney. A splendid line-up of international artists is sure-fire! Thus, a bombastic atmosphere of different music genres caters for an exhilarating time. Hip-hop, house, indie and electronic – Everything is taken care of!
- When: January 1st (New Years Day)
- Where: Sydney
- Website:https://www.facebook.com/FieldDay
AUSTRALIAN OPEN
If you are into tennis you shouldn’t miss the Australian Open in Melbourne! Tickets and general information about the different tennis matches can be found on the Australian Open website. Do you want to save some money but still follow the games? Grab one of the sun chairs at Federation Square in Melbourne! Although you are not on the ground, you can cheer for your favourite player. Joined by many others that like to party, the giant outdoor screen area offers a great way to celebrate. Furthermore, you can find other places where you can watch the matches and that offer a live broadcast here.
- When: January/February (2017: 16 – 29 January)
- Where: Melbourne
- Website: www.ausopen.com
SUMMERNATS
Since 1988, one of Australia’s largest car shows has been held on the Canberra racecourse. The Summer Nationals are among the best festivals in Australia and attract more and more people every year! International bands, artistically painted cars and lots of burnt rubber are waiting for you. Activities during this four-day event include a car parade, fireworks and burn-out competitions. Another fun thing to watch is the election of a “Miss Summernats”. If you are looking for horsepower and hot tires, you will find the latest news on similar events at Street Machine.
- When: Beginning of January ( 2017: 5 – 8 January)
- Wo: Canberra
- Website:www.summernats.com.au
SYDNEY FESTIVAL
Since 1977 the Sydney Festival has been one of the best festivals in Australia. In fact, it entertains young and old with a variety of music, art and theatre performances over a period of three weeks. Among more than 100 different experiences there are plenty of free events and activities – A fun day out that you should not miss!
- When: January ( 2017: 7 – 29 January)
- Where: Sydney
- Website:www.sydneyfestival.org.au
TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Tamworth Music Festival is a two-week event. Many visitors arrive a week before the actual festive season. The reason for that is to save themselves a great spot for their campervan hire. As a result, they have enough time to get to know the city and visit some of its best attractions. For example, the music festival town is most popular for its giant golden guitar. The Big Golden Guitar is one of the Big Things of Australia, some of the significant, monstrous sculptures of the country. During the so-called Countdown-week, you can already find many buskers and participate in smaller concerts. However, from day one of the actual festival, you can expect a full-on amusing program! local and international artist try to impress with their best country music acts.
- When: January ( 2017: 20 – 29 January)
- Where: Tamworth
- Website: www.tamworthcountrymusic.com.au
RAINBOW SERPENT FESTIVAL
The Rainbow Serpent is the main figure in this aboriginal mythology. The festival counts as one of the most famous celebrations of the Australians and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! For this reason, it is a must-do for all music festival junkies!
The 4-day festival is a chance to connect with like-minded people that praise nature, community and harmony! It is an Electronic music festival, as well as it is a unique combination of music, art, performance, spiritual discussion, relaxation and healing. Start into the morning with a tranquilising yoga class! Alternatively, make use of numerous workshops whilst dancing through the day!
- When: End of January ( 2017: 27 – 30 January)
- Where: Centennial Park, Sydney — Perth Ampitheatre
- Website: www.rainbowserpent.net
ELECTRIC GARDENS FESTIVAL
Electric Gardens Festival – Now, we are cookin’! People go bananas as this party is absolutely ballistic! The one-day event takes place in four big cities – Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth! In conclusion, this electronic house festival is a necessity for all party people!
- When: End of January ( 2017: 26.01 in Melbourne, 28. 01 in Sydney, 29.01 in Brisbane and 04.02 in Perth)
- Where: Moonee Valley Racecourse, Melbourne – Centennial Park, Sydney – Riverstage in Brisbane & Red Hill Auditorium, Perth
- Website: www.facebook.com/electricgardensfestival
February – The best festivals in Australia
There are some well-known festivals in Australia which are equally important and have the same interesting and prestigious line-up as major events in Europe. As a result, you can look forward to some extravagant fiestas! The best way to enjoy Australia’s music festivals is by hiring a campervan. In light of hiring a home on wheels, you can enjoy a bit of glamping whilst discoing in the fields! Call now on 0412766616 and we will help you plan your trip.
LET GO FEST
What a wonderful bash at Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne! Several stages, fabulous dance music, delicious food and a rocking entertainment program ensure a thumping day out with the crew! RÜFÜS, Hayden James and Remi are just a few of the Let Go Fest 2017! At the same time, jump on the ferris wheel and observe the spectacle from a birds-perspective. This is the best way to enjoy an exclusive atmosphere! To top it all up couple it with a tour around the area. Find out more in our free route planners for the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island and Wilsons Promontory! Not to mention, it is the perfect excuse for an unforgettable holiday!
- When: Beginning of February (2017: 04 February)
- Where: Mornington Peninsula near Melbourne
- Website: www.facebook.com/letgofest
March – The best festivals in Australia
March is super busy! Hire a campervan in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and visit the best festivals in Australia! We have great campervan hire deals for all occasions. Hire a van and combine a festival visit with a road trip to Australia’s most famous sights. Consequently, you are in for a holiday you won’t forget! Remember, do not forget to book your tickets in time. For detailed information about the festival, please visit the website.
SYDNEY GAY & LESBIAN MARDI GRAS PARADE AND FESTIVAL
Another FREE phenomenon is the colourful Mardi Gras Parade in Sydney. Incomparable costumes, painted bodies, fabulous parade floats and lots of glitters bring the city to a standstill. Hundreds of thousands celebrate and protest peacefully for the equality of the gay and lesbian community. However, if you do not make it to the parade, don’t worry! After all, you have almost 2 weeks to visit 80 other events of the Mardi Gras Festival. The live entertainment of the festival includes cabaret, comedy, music and theater.
- When: Second Thursday each February until first Saturday each March (2017 Parade: 04 March at 7:30PM)
- Where: Oxford & Flinders Streets, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
- Website: www.mardigras.org.au
MAITREYA FESTIVAL
For starters, Maitreya Festival is a true hippie event with lots of surprises! Let yourself be moved by the music and meet many new friends. Moreover, it is a festival in which origin, religion and prejudice remain at the doorstep. For this reason, everyone deals with the possibility of a utopian cohabitation. The ultimate goal is to create a global platform to explore the inner-self and the environment in which we live. Furthermore, it is about discussing the places we explore together as intrepid travellers and explorers! Surely this sounds crazy enough to give it a go!
- When: Mid March (2017: 10-13 März)
- Where: Variable – 2017 in Byron Bay
- Website: www.maitreyafestival.com
MOOMBA FESTIVAL
FREE: The Moomba Festival in Melbourne is the largest free community festival of the year. Thus, it is one of the most popular and fun outdoor activities in Victoria. Take your campervan hire down to Melbourne and enjoy a free treat at the 4-day event. Up to the present time, it takes place from Friday until the second Monday in March. In a word, you can expect many enjoyable activities! For example, kite boating, live music, parades, carnival, fireworks and international food are all highlights by its own. Relaxation, good vibes and a variety of music genres are guaranteed!
- When: Friday – 2. Monday of March ( 2017: 10-13 March)
- Where: Melbourne
- Website: Moomba
BYRON BAY BLUESFEST
The Byron Bay Bluesfest pays tribute to blues, folk and roots music. Over 5 days more than 200 performances will be presented on up to 7 stages – Bob Dylan is there too! The otherwise so cosy surfing and hippie village bursts from all seams and is in an absolute exceptional state! In spite of the large crowds there is also a fun program for the whole family.
- When: Every long Easter weekend (2017: 13-17 March)
- Wo: Byron Bay
- Website: www.bluesfest.com.au
GRAND PRIX IN MELBOURNE
Since 1985, the Grand Prix has been part of the Formula One World Championship. At the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne the start of the Formula 1 season has been held since 1996. So off you go – Come and hire a campervan in Melbourne to check out the Grand Prix Races! Tickets should be booked in time, because this is a very popular event. Ear-buckling fighter jet displays and the constant buzz of helicopters serve as a reminder that the world is really watching. However, being on-site instead of in front of the TV is another level for all fans of the high-octane action!
- When: March (2017: 23-26 March)
- Where: Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne
- Website: www.grandprix.com.au
GOLDEN PLAINS FESTIVAL
Golden Plains is an outdoor camping festival in the Australian bush. The biggest difference between this and any other festival is that the Golden Plains has no commercial sponsors. In conclusion, it is best to bring everything you need to live whilst boogieing at the 3-day oasis. Hiring a campervan is therefore a great way to get prepared! Our vans include all cooking and sleeping equipment you need. Consequently, they make a long weekend at the Golden Plains Festival luxurious and most enjoyable! Great music and excellent entertainment is provided by fantastic Djs.
- When: Victoria Labour Day long weekend (2017: 11-13 March)
- Where: Private bushland near Meredith in Victoria
- Website: aunty.goldenplains.com.au/what-goes-on
April – The best festivals in Australia
Also in April, there are many party opportunities. Go and visit these great events with a campervan hire. Coupled with a campervan holiday, stopping at one of Australia’s legendary music festivals and events is something you won’t forget! Let’s throw the spotlight on what April has to offer:
ORANGE FOOD WEEK
Orange F.O.O.D Week (Food of Orange District) is Australia’s longest regional food fair. It is celebrated as one of the Australian Top 10 Food Festivals. There will be a series of fabulous events that make the ten-day event a feast of the senses. Of course, this is something you should not miss!
The FOOD Week Night Market is one of the favorites among the numerous events. What is more beautiful than to romp about a series of delicious treats – The next one being more addictive than the previous one? On a wonderful autumn evening with new and old friends, this is a fabulous way to enjoy the sunset. Here is a link to the program.
- When: Long Easter weekend (2017: 31 March – 09 April)
- Where: Orange
- Website: orangefoodweek.com.au
RABBITS EAT LETTUCE
Open your Heart – Develop your Mind – Move your Body! This is what this excellent festival is about! Four days of camping coupled with 24 hours of the finest music, several yoga courses and a variety of workshops are part of the program. It is a BYO festival. Make sure you fill your campervan hire fridge with plenty of goodies. If you are heading to this extraordinary celebration you sure need them.
- When: Long Easter Weekend (2017: 14-17 April)
- Where: Byron Bay
- Website: www.rabbitseatlettuce.com.au
THE TOWN
This event is about the imitation of a real village. The Town Festival aims to explore what makes an ideal city. Of course, sustainability is a big part of it! Therefore, a near zero waste policy applies and the focus is to find the joy of nature again. Consequently, the motto is “back to basics”! Cycling, writing letters and dancing under the full moon is a must! The whole thing is of course accompanied by grandiose music. Last but not least, the entertainment program offers a series of fabulous popping effects. Hence, dive right into this dream world and dance into your happiness!
- When: Long Easter Weekend (2017: 14-17 April)
- Where: Strathbogie Ranges near Melbourne
- Website: thetown.culturejam.com.au
WIDE OPEN SPACE
Three reasons why you should go to the Wide Open Space Festival:
- Three festive days in a resort at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges
- Just about one hour drive from Alice Springs
- Accompanied by Australia’s best underground beats
Let’s face it, this sounds like the ultimate outback festival! To understand what makes it so special, stop by and experience it for yourself.
- When: End of May ( 2017: 28-30 April)
- Where: Central Australia
- Website: wideopenspace.net.au
GROOVIN THE MOO
The best festivals in Australia are mostly in big cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Be that as it may, Groovin The Moo changes this! It lets the great artists come to the rural regions of Australia. In other words, this event takes place in smaller cities of ALL six states. Thanks to the impressive line-up, the festival has always been sold out since 2005.
- When: End of April/ Beginning of May ( 2017: 29-30 April, 06-07 & 13 May)
- Where: Oakbank, SA – Maitland, NSW – Townsville, QLD – Bendigo, VIC – Canberra, ACT – Bunbury, WA
- Website: www.gtm.net.au
May – Best festivals in Australia
May is great for some of the best festivals in Australia! The Vivid Light Show is one of the highlights. Therefore take your campervan hire to Sydney and don’t miss this fun event! Furthermore, it won’t hurt your wallet as it is a free event!
VIVID SYDNEY
Vivid Sydney is Australia’s most significant winter event. It is considered to be the largest event of its kind worldwide. It combines light, music and innovative ideas. The best thing about it is the free entry! As a result, it beat every record with 2.3 million visitors in 2016.
The best artists of the year are spoiling all visitors. Crazy, unusual 3D lighting sculptures and interactive games are jaw-dropping! Lightshows at some of the largest buildings in the city will take your breath away! The opera house sticks out the most since the deformed roof is used as an active screen. A wonderful show with a perfect backdrop! Truly, this lightens up the dark winter season mood!
- When: May/June ( 2017: 26 May – 17 June)
- Where: Sydney
- Website: www.vividsydney.com
BIG PINEAPPLE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Whether it is the magical energy of untouched nature or the relaxed atmosphere that brings out the best in the artists and spectators, one thing is certain: The one-day camping event is a special experience and attracts people from all corners of the country!
- When: End of May ( 2017: 27 May)
- Where: Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Website: www.bigpineapplemusicfestival.com
June – Best festivals in Australia
HAPPY DAZE FESTIVAL
A fun-tastic 3-day Open Air Music & Arts Festival: The Happy Daze Festival brings fresh electric sounds to Central Queensland. Ready for a party at a magical landscape between the Whitsundays & Mackay? The subtropical environment is the perfect addition to the diverse festival music. Expect a full weekend with amazing sounds. What they play: Glitch Hop, Techno, Psytrance, Breaks, Livebands, Drum and Bass. Hence, it is the place to be in June!
- When: Beginning of June ( 2017: 02.-04. June)
- Where: Central Queensland
- Website: happydazefestival.com
Best festivals in Australia – Guide to the best events in the southern hemisphere
Are you looking for the best music festivals in Australia? Want to party like a rockstar and travel Down Under? Hire a campervan and tour the continent at the same time! Time for glamping! Therefore, drive to the best festivals in Australia in a van. This way you can enjoy the comfort of a proper bed and cooking facilities. In fact, everyone else sleeping in a tent will be jealous! Especially when staying on a muddy ground, no doubt! Need more ideas of what to see and do along the way? Check out our travel section. We have compiled a number of free route planners. This list of the best sights in Australia!
Check out our great camper hire rates and send us an email at [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call us on 0412766616. Then again, feel free to put in your travel dates below and get a quick quote in no time:
Best festivals in Australia – Updates
Curious about the best festivals in Australia next month? Come back in a couple of days. We are updating this list when we can. Therefore, keep your eyes peeled! We announce new updates and great campervan hire deals on Facebook.