Australia’s Best Music Festivals

Australia’s festival season is upon us, and with that comes a melting pot of international artists and musical genres setting up home in the fields and gardens of this great big island. Providing an entirely different world as soon as you walk through the barrier, these are the best festivals in Australia – and we’ve got them all to look forward to in the coming months…

earthcore

One of the best boutique festivals in Australia, earthcore is all about gathering underground electronic artists from around the world together in Pyalong, Victoria. We’re talking Alex Stein from Brazil, Chris Liebing from Germany, Pig & Dan from the UK, Sam Paganini from Italy, Solar Fields from Sweden and Infected Mushroom from Israel – and we’re not even going to start on the dozens of Aussie acts. Luckily, there are five stages to accommodate them all for five whole days, and when you’re not getting lost in the music, you can enjoy the Fractured Reality Art Zone, Yellow Sunshine Chill Out, Muffplex Cinema and Kinky Karnival Freak Show. Opt for boutique camping for an added luxury with a little less effort.
Thursday 26th – Monday 30th November
Freddys Lane, Pyalong
www.earthcore.com.au

Stereosonic

Bringing the big guns every year, Stereosonic returns to Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane this November and December to give the crowds an opportunity to fully let go for one whole day. Never one to let us down with the talent, this summer we welcome some of the biggest names in dance music. On the roster this year includes Armin van Buuren, Axwell ∧ Ingrosso, Diplo, Major Lazer, Galantis, DJ Snake, Duke Dumont, Clean Bandit, Oliver Heldens, Gareth Emery, MK, Claptone, Carnage, Hannah Wants, and many more.
Saturday 28th November – Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
Sunday 29th November – Claremont Showgrounds, Perth
Saturday 5th December – Bonython Park, Adelaide
Saturday 5th December – Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne
Sunday 6th December – Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane
stereosonic.com.au

Subsonic

Subsonic Music Festival takes over Riverwood Downs in New South Wales from 4th – 6th December this year. Techno, house, jazz, funk, hip-hop and drum ‘n’ bass fans are all catered for with a wide array of artists including Francesca Lombardo, Max Cooper, KiNk, Rick Wade, Wolf + Lamb, The Opiuo Band, Alexkid, Dub FX and so many more. Besides music, ticket-holders can enjoy a weekend of an alternate universe with bars, markets workshops, live performance and a healing centre to get in touch with your inner Zen. With camping included in the cost of a ticket, you can enjoy two nights under the stars – or why not hire a campervan for extra comfort?
Friday 4th – Saturday 6th December
Riverwood Downs, Barrington Tops
www.subsonic.com.au

Falls Festival

A music and arts festival to welcome in the New Year, Falls Festival takes place in Lorne, Marion Bay and Byron Bay. The range of artists on the line-up speaks for itself, with local heroes like Courtney Barnett, Birds of Tokyo and Peking Duk playing alongside Foals, Bloc Party and Disclosure. Falls is so good, they’ve even got Fleetwood Mac on board. This being a music and arts festival, ticket-holders are encouraged to dress up and get creative, join in the parade, and head to The Village for samba classes, yoga sessions and comedy nights.
Monday 28th December – Friday 1st January – Lorne
Tuesday 29th December – Friday 1st January – Marion Bay
Thursday 31st December – Sunday 3rd January – Byron Bay
fallsfestival.com.au

Let Them Eat Cake

On New Year’s Day, Let Them Eat Cake is always the place to be. Covering the beautiful gardens of Werribee Mansion, just 30 minutes from Melbourne, the international line-up is a who’s who of electronic music. The 12 international names include Daniel Avery, Com Truise, DJ Tennis, Four Tet and Seven Davis Jr, but the local line-up certainly hold their own. Slick, stylish and sexy, the theme of architectural abstract-ism will delight all of the senses a celebration of electronica.
Friday 1st January
Werribee Mansion, Melbourne
www.letthemeatcakenyd.com.au

Electric Gardens

Where better to spend Australia Day weekend than partying with the Godfather of dance himself – Fatboy Slim. The UK’s very own Norman Cook will be headlining Electric Gardens following Henry Saiz, Hernan Cattaneo, James Zabelia, John Digweed, Nic Fanciulli, Nick Warren, Norman Jay MBE, Pachanga Boys and Stacey Pullen. Ticket-holders will get to let loose to such names within Sydney’s Centennial Park, for a full day of fun and frivolity in the Electric Gardens.
Saturday 23rd January
Centennial Park, Sydney
electricgardens.com.au