Wondering which festivals you should hit up on your travels? Or just wondering what’s happening close to you? Well, this one is for you! 🙂
Lots of these festivals have onsite camping available, some don’t, but most of the ones that don’t are in places where you can camp relatively close by.
I’ve popped the link to each festivals website or Facebook page next to each event so that you can check it out and decide if it looks like your kinda thing.
Everyone’s idea of kid friendly is no doubt very different from one person to the next so I’ll leave it up to you to decide which events suit your family, but I’d be happy to take mine to any of the events on this list and the websites state that kids are welcome.
There’s a whole lot of apps these days, like WikiCamps, that will help you to find a place to camp as close to each festival as possible.
Check out handy apps for camping & road tripping for a list of apps that might be worth downloading before you start planning the trip.
I’ll do my best to get all of these details right but please jump onto the website of each gig and double check facts just in case things have changed since I last updated this post.
I have popped a map of Australia with a pin marking the location of the festival next to each event to make it easier for you to work out what is near you or on your route.
Check out Festivals with kids – Stuff you need to know before you go for some handy tips before you set off…
Click on any of the links below to be taken straight to details of festivals in that state.
Queensland
Woodford Folk Festival –
“The Woodford Folk Festival is held annually over six days and six nights, from Dec 27th through to January 1st. More than 2,000 local, national and international, artists, musicians and presenters put on over 438 acts to an audience of an estimated 132,000 people.
The festival begins each year with the iconic Opening Ceremony and closes with the spectacular showcase, the Fire Event on New Year’s Day. It is the largest gathering of artists and musicians in Australia.”
This is one of my most favourite festivals in Australia and it’s awesome for kids of all ages.
Where: Woodford
When: December/January
Website: Woodford Folk Festival
Island Vibe Festival –
“Held annually on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) over the last week-end of October, Island Vibe Festival is a multi-faceted celebration of Island Culture that includes art exhibitions, interactive workshops, stalls, circus, eco-food and craft markets. 4 stages are host to over 80 mighty reggae, roots, soul and electronic acts – including Indigenous and Pacific Islander dance and cultural groups – gathering on Minjerribah for a celebration of music, dance, art and culture.”
Where: Stradbroke Island
When: October
Website: Island Vibe
Happy Daze –
“Happy Daze Festival is more then just a party, its a community, a place where you can grow, learn and connect with other like minded people. A place where you can come and be revitalised and re-energised to go out and take on the “real” world. There are plenty of workshops for the young and old in the healing village as well as massage and reiki.
Over the weekend the music will range through many genres. On the friday night it will be a funk, glitch and drum and bass session then saturday night your more traditional techno, progressive and psytrance, with diversity over the weekend being the main flavour.
There are a few things we at Happy Daze are extremely passionate about. One thing is providing a safe and respectful environment for the whole family from young to old.”
Where: Whitsundays
When: June
Website: Happy Daze
Kuranda Roots –
“Come and enjoy the winter solstice with a huge line-up of soul, reggae, ska, dancehall, Drum’n’Bass and traditional culture!
Kuranda Roots is the ultimate camp out musical experience, held at the stunning Billabong only 3 kms from Kuranda Village.”
Where: Kuranda
When: June
Website: Kuranda Roots
The Planting Festival –
“The Planting is a celebration of cultural expression through music, dance, art and folk lore and the nurturing of our forested parkland. Held at Woodfordia from 4-6 May 2018, The Planting hosts a diverse, informative and inspiring programme intended to contribute to the ever-growing global environmental and consciousness movement.
Come along with friends and family to plant trees, attend workshops, listen to talks and of course enjoy the music!”
Where: Woodford
When: May
Website: The Planting
The Adventure Bash –
“CRVC Adventure Teams first Annual Meetup. A camping festival for young families, who share in the love of Caravanning, Camping & Music.
Each day will be filled with Family friendly activities & daily children’s entertainment. Followed by nightly live entertainment with local musicians.”
Where: TBA (keep an eye on the website to find out where the next event will be)
When: September
Website: Adventure Bash
Gympie Music Muster –
“For almost 40 years, Queensland’s only camping country music festival, has been making a difference to community by bringing together Australian artists, mates and music in a quiet bush paddock not far from Gympie.
With a focus on music from Country origins, the Muster infrastructure rises from the hinterland landscape for a few weeks every year, to become a small settlement on the banks of the Mary River, lit by music, singing, dancing and a spirit of place.”
Where: Gympie
When: August
Website: Gympie Music Muster
World Environment Day Festival –
“Now in its 39th year, the Sunshine Coast Environment Council’s WED Festival is a celebration of our unique environment with live performances, wholesome food, sustainable stall holders, a fun kids program, live art, innovative displays, community and environment groups to meet and learn from, and more activities than you can poke a stick at!”
Where: Cotton Tree
When: June
Website: World Environment Day
Cairns ECOfiesta –
“Immerse yourself in a day of live music, interactive workshops, free kids activities and a massive expo of green-tech and sustainable living solutions.
Come and see why Cairns ECOfiesta is the festival with a difference.”
Where: Cairns
When: June
Facebook: Cairns ECOfiesta
Gemfest –
“Gemfest – Festival of Gems is an annual 4-day exhibition providing a unique gemstone and jewellery experience including offerings from respected local, national and international gemstone traders, quality entertainment and food, and some of the finest Australian Sapphires you will ever see.”
Where: Anakie
When: August
Website: Gemfest
Airlie Beach Festival Of Music –
“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is now in its 6th year and is fast becoming one of the countries most popular boutique music festivals.
The main marquee is set on the edge of the Coral Sea at the Whitsunday sailing club and we have another 16 venues in beautiful down town Airlie Beach.”
Where: Airlie Beach
When: November
Website: Airlie Beach Festival Of Music
The Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival –
Where: Burketown
When: August
Facebook: The Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival
Mitchell Creek Rock and Blues Fest –
“An Australian Premier Music Festival hosted on a private 100 acre property up in Noosa Hinterland’s beautiful Mary Valley, in Queensland’s amazing Sunshine Coast region.
Escape to the bushland for an adventure-filled weekend of rock blues and roots music. Enjoy FREE camping, and 2 x alternating stages offering you non-stop music, so you never have to miss a band or artist.”
Where: Kadanga Creek
When: September
Website: Mitchell Creek Rock and Blues Fest
Australian Camp Oven Festival –
“From modest beginnings in 1999, the Australian Camp Oven Festival has evolved to be one of Queensland’s most iconic biennial events.
Today’s event brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate Australia’s heritage and outback traditions.
The Festival is run by a volunteer committee dedicated to preserving and sharing traditions of Australian rural heritage, particularly with the younger generation.”
Where: Millmerran
When: October
Website: Australian Camp Oven Festival
The Big Red Bash –
“The Big Red Bash is a magical, uniquely Australian outback experience where people of all ages and nationalities are welcome. Since its launch in 2013, this family-friendly combo of desert camping and concerts has grown in popularity to become a ‘must-do’ bucket-list event.
Every year, iconic Aussie musicians head to Birdsville, on the edge of the Simpson Desert in south-west Queensland. They travel out of town towards Big Red – the highest sand dune in the Simpson Desert. And there, under a vast, star-speckled canopy they spend three nights entertaining people from all around Australia and beyond.”
Where: Birdsville
When: July
Website: The Big Red Bash
Music In The Mulga –
“The festival is held on a working sheep and cattle property, “Wandilla Station” 16km south of Eulo, south west Queensland. This unique festival of four days full of great country and country rock music has the atmosphere of a large family gathering and in true outback style everyone is made to feel welcome. The main rule for the festival is to simply have fun.
The Outback gathering is an opportunity to meet up with friends, old and new, have a chat, a drink and enjoy yourself and the whole experience. Walk Up concerts to share your talents, evening concerts, main concert Saturday, Charity Auction and Yabby Races with Fashions of the Field and much more. Don’t miss out on this great few days.”
Where: Eulo
When: May
Website: Music In The Mulga
New South Wales:
Mullum Music Festival –
“From humble beginnings, the picturesque village of Mullumbimby has hosted the Mullum Music Festival (MMF) since its inception in 2008. Nestled amongst the surrounding mountains in the Byron Bay hinterland, this diverse community of just over 3000 people has embraced this very different type of music event. The last decade has seen 600 world-class artists and thousands of people make their way to the festival, not bad for a little festival that started on the night of the electrical storm of the decade.”
Where: Mullumbimby
When: November
Website: Mullum Music Festival
Australian Celtic Festival –
“Every year crowds descend on Glen Innes (population 9000) for the Australian Celtic Festival. They are attracted by the unique Celtic experience, the opportunity to meet with friends and to enjoy famous country hospitality.
The Festival attracts clans, cultural groups, dancers and performers from around the world. Visitors experience Celtic music and dance at four stages at the Festival’s main venue, the Australian Standing Stones, and in many venues around town.
The Australian Standing Stones are an array of granite monoliths often shrouded in autumn mists. You definitely don’t want to miss rising at dawn and to listen to the haunting skirl of pipes amidst the stones.
The four day Festival features entertainment that includes a street parade, kirking of the Tartan, massed pipe bands, re-enactment village, buskers, workshops, yard dog trials, children’s entertainment, a fun run, dancing, flag raising ceremonies, poet breakfasts, market stalls and Celtic foods.”
Where: Glen Innes
When: May
Website: Australian Celtic Festival
Bello Winter Music Festival –
“Over the past three years BELLO WINTER MUSIC has presented a heart-warming selection of acts to bring alive the picturesque town of Bellingen NSW during the coldest months of the year.
During this time the lineup has consistently showcased a sensational mix of local, national and global acts including headliners, Grammy-nominated guitar and vocal harmony duo The Milk Carton Kids (US), roots and blues legend Ash Grunwald and his star studded band, Melbourne melodist with the arresting voice Ainslie Wills, gospel/hip hop outfit Jones Jr, folk pop darlings Tinpan Orange, soul diva Emma Donovan with her Melbourne funk band The Putbacks, exotic rhythms from Bobby Singh’s internationally acclaimed trio Rasa Duende and red hot flamenco from Arte Kanela, just to name a few.”
Where: Bellingen
When: July
Website: Bello Winter Music
Middle Rock Coastal Rhythm & Blues Festival –
Showcasing great local talent and offering tasty food & beverage stalls. Activities for the kids, jumping castle and face painting.
Where: Port Stephens
When: August
Facebook: Middle Rock Coastal Rhythm & Blues Festival.
Mount Hunter Stampede –
“The ‘Mount Hunter Music Stampede’ is far more than just a Country Music Festival. It will feature a multitude of events encompassing country life. Because of the unique nature of the venue,
K Ranch Equestrian Centre, Mount Hunter, the ‘Mount Hunter Music Stampede’ will also feature a line up of events such as traditional cowboy skills and equestrian events which are a huge tourist drawcard as well as giving up and coming contenders the opportunity to compete in an internationally recognised equestrian arena.”
Where: Camden
When: October
Website: Mount Hunter Stampede
Fairgrounds Festival –
“A carnival of music and discovery a little south of Sydney.”
Where: Berry
When: Novemebr/December
Website: Fairgrounds Festival
Wollombi Music Festival –
“Music – Markets – Food Trucks – Silent Disco – Camping & more.”
Where: Wollombi
When: September
Facebook: Wollombi Music Festival
Illawarra Folk Festival –
“The annual Illawarra Folk Festival is four exciting summer days of folk, world, roots, bluegrass, gypsy and Celtic music, as well as poetry, comedy and dance.
It commences Thursday with a Charity Concert and concludes on Sunday evening with a huge finale with the Festival Choir, Orchestra and special guests.”
Where: Bulli
When: January
Website: Illawarra Folk Festival
Cobargo Folk Festival –
“The historic and picturesque village of Cobargo on the Far South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, has been home to the Cobargo Folk Festival for the past 22 years. More than 6000 folk music lovers converge on the Cobargo Showground over the first weekend in March to enjoy great music, workshops, spoken word events and to reconnect with family and friends, in a beautiful rural setting. Hosted by the Yuin Folk Club Inc, the festival is a celebration of folk music and folk culture from Australia and the world.
The historic rural village of Cobargo, on the NSW Far South Coast, hosts the Cobargo Folk Festival, now into its third decade.”
Where: Cobargo
When: March
Facebook: Cobargo Folk Festival
Website: Cobargo Folk Festival
The End Festival –
Come up to ‘The End’ where it all begins, a free festival at Hill End Historic Site between Bathurst and Mudgee.The village’s historic buildings and spaces will come alive with music, arts, food, wine and craft beer tastings and historic tours.
Where: Hill End
When: April
Facebook: The End Festival
Blue Mountains Music Festival –
“The Blue Mountains Music Festival of Folk Roots and Blues, takes place in Katoomba in March each year. It runs from 7pm Friday ’til late. Saturday 9.30am ’til late and Sunday 9.30:00am til 9:30pm.
The festival site is home to 8 undercover performance venues (please see map for details) on which over 100 performances occur.”
Where: Katoomba
When: March
Website: Blue Mountains Music Festival
Summer Salt –
“A brand new concert event which exemplifies the great Australian outdoor summer.
SummerSalt will take place in some of the most picturesque and iconic locations around the country. On top of showcasing the best of home-grown and international bands – it will also bring cultural attractions, placing a very heavy emphasis on local community and sustainability.”
Where: TBA (check website for event locations)
When: There are multiple events running each year so, jump on the website to suss out when the next ones are happening.
Website: SummerSalt
Day On The Green –
“Good food, fine wine and great music in magnificent locations… welcome to a day on the green!
Michael Newton said: “Anthea and I started a day on the green as a way contemporary music could be enjoyed by music lovers in a new way, rather than having to go to smoky clubs or large arenas. The idea of enjoying good food and wine with your friends, while listening to some great music in spectacular environments just seemed like a great way to spend a day. A day on the green events are held in 18 wineries and outdoor venues in all states of Australia during the summer months.”
Where: Australia wide, check the website for this years locations.
When: December/January/February
Website: Day On The Green
Folk By The Sea –
“FOLK by the SEA is an intimate folk festival style event featuring the sounds of folk, world, roots, Celtic, bluegrass and gypsy music over 3 days in the picturesque seaside town of Kiama, famous for its blowhole.”
Where: Kiama
When: September
Website: Folk By The Sea
Jacaranda Festival –
“Join Grafton in celebrating the oldest family floral event in Australia. Riverlight Festival, River Feast, Art Exhibitions, Dragon Boat Racing, Fun Run, Music, Jacaranda Queen Crowning Ceremony, Float Parade and firework display are some of the highlights of this event.”
Where: Grafton
When: October/November
Website: Grafton Jacaranda Festival
Merimbula Jazz Festival –
“Merimbula is the “Festival for Musicians” – great musicians and their jazz music create memorable Merimbula Jazz Festivals. The format and organisation set down by the founding Committee has worked well for years, so, as the old saying still goes – “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.””
Where: Merimbula
When: June
Website: Merimbula Jazz Festival
The Byron Bay Bluesfest –
“Byron Bay Bluesfest is Australia’s Premier Contemporary Blues & Roots Music Festival.
It showcases music from around the world annually on the Easter long weekend on 120 hectares at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, just north of Byron Bay, NSW.
Bluesfest presents over 200 performances with various stages over 5, 12 hour days, as well as camping for up to 6,000 people, 5 licensed bars, over 100 food and market stalls, undercover food courts, beer gardens, and children’s entertainment”
Where: Byron Bay
When: April
Website: Blues Fest
Splendour In The Grass –
“Splendour In the Grass is an annual music and Arts Festival.
As well as the latest and best in music from Australia and overseas, the festival also features local arts and crafts and cuisine.” Splendour Facebook Page
Where: Byron Bay
When: July
Website: Splendour In The Grass
Lost Paradise –
“We’re into the little things that make for great experiences. A Hidden Wonderland is discovered…Dancing under the Stars. Nurtured by Nature. Sparkling Conversations by Water. Yoga in Full Flow. Acoustic Sessions. Inspirational talks. Pop-up Performances. Twinkling Pathways. Rejuvenating Massage. Disco Yurts. Twilight Parades. Electronic Alcoves. Sumptuous Feasts. Four-Poster Day-Beds. Late Night Speakeasy’s. Astounding Aerial Acrobats. Fabulous Friends. Flamboyant Spectaculars. Costumed Wonders. Outstanding Community.”
Where: Glenworth Valley
When: December/January
Website: Lost Paradise
Tamworth Country Music Festival –
Australia’s largest music festival. “The variety of country music is endless during the festival with over 700 performers and 2,800 shows across 120 different venues. There are hundreds of buskers in Peel Street alone, providing a diverse range of entertainment each day – it’s no wonder we attract over 300,000 visitors across the 10 days!”
Where: Tamworth
When: January
Website: Tamworth Music Festival
Burning Seed –
“Australia’s regional “Burning Man” event. A five day festival dedicated to creativity, collaboration, gifting & leaving no trace in the bush.”
Where: Matong State Forest
When: September/October
Website: Burning Seed
Nimbin Roots Festival –
Narara Music Festival –
“Narara Music Festival will be returning bigger & better on Saturday 16th of November 2019 at Mt Penang Gardens & Event Park, Kariong on the Central Coast.
As it’s been the last 2 years the music shall be all rock, blues, blues rock & psychedlia plus all the great festival trimmings such as the best food trucks around, market stalls, quality alcohol & most of all serious good times shared with great people.”
Where: Kariong
When: November
Website: Narara Music Festival
Ephemeral Festival Pambula –
“Art and creativity will be at the heart of Panboola wetlands Saturday 28 April 2018. The Pambula Wetlands and Heritage Project, in collaboration with the Lonely Arts Club Pambula, have organised Ephemeral – a one day festival – to celebrate the landscape of Panboola and the creativity it inspires.”
Where: Pambula
When: April
Facebook: Ephemeral Festival
Giiyong Festival –
“Giiyong (pronounced GUY-YOONG) is a one day multi-arts festival, celebrating traditional and contemporary Aboriginal culture. It is the first such event held within the Yuin Nation.
There are cultural demonstrations such as weaving, shellwork, traditional cooking, didge making, wood burning and more. There are dance groups, cultural ceremonies, films, art and history exhibitions. The Arts Market will feature a range of amazing stalls with beautiful Aboriginal art and craft from around the region.”
Where: Broadwater
When: September
Website: Giiyong Festival
Victoria:
Rainbow Serpent –
“Rainbow Serpent Festival has come a long way over the years. From a small gathering in a secluded clearing, to an internationally recongnised, multifaceted weekend of dance, colour, expression and celebration. People now travel from all over the world to Western Victoria to experience what is widely regarded as one of the best music, art and lifestyle festivals in the world.”
Where: Lexton
When: January
Website: Rainbow Serpent
Healesville Music Festival –
“The Healesville Music Festival has gone from strength to strength since its humble beginnings in 2010 as a free 1 day event showcasing local acts. Now in its 9th year and running over 3 days, the festival includes multiple venues throughout the picturesque town of Healesville as well as a main stage and camping at the beautiful Healesville Racecourse.
Over the years the festival has had acts such as Mick Thomas, Tinpan Orange, The Northern Folk, The Little Stevies, Didirri, Hugh McDonald and Opal Ocean to name but a few. As well as music, the festival is expanding it’s programme to include spoken word, children’s activities and a market.”
Where: Healeseville
When: November
Website: Healesville Music Festival
A Hitch To The Sticks Festival –
“If you ever dreamed of being in a band on your own tour bus, then here’s your chance! The world first sensation – A Hitch To The Sticks Festival – is baaack! As announced exclusively on Triple J on Monday, A Hitch To The Sticks is now running TWICE a year – yep, bigger, better, and badder than ever this October.
Equal parts Rock Star and Almost Famous, A Hitch To The Sticks Festival offers 50 bold adventurers a wild three-day, all-inclusive adventure like nothing you’ve ever experienced – it’s the chance to write yourself into the pages of Australian music history and have stories to tell for a lifetime.”
Where: All over Victoria, check out the website for details of each gig.
When: October
Website: A Hitch To The Stix
The Lost Lands –
“The Lost Lands is a festival for the adventurer in all of us. Experience one incredible weekend at the spectacular Werribee Mansion, filled with music, art, installations, entertainment, food, wine and dedicated kids entertainment. The Lost Lands is a festival where you can bring the whole family.
Ignite the festival lover in you and share a wild and wonderful experience with your family and friends. It’s a family holiday, reimagined in a festival setting.”
Where: Werribee
When: November
Website: The Lost Lands
The Man From Snowy River Festival –
“The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival is held annually in Corryong, Victoria in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains halfway between Melbourne and Sydney. It is a unique bush gathering of mountain riders, poets, artists and lovers of the Australian High Country and pioneering spirit. Held every April, the Festival brings together people from around Australia as well as international visitors to celebrate traditional high country and bush culture and in particular the imagery created by AB Banjo Paterson’s and Australia’s most famous poem “The Man from Snowy River”. The Festival offers contestant and visitor alike a unique opportunity to be part of the celebration of traditional Australian Bush skills that remain an essential part of Australia’s heritage.” TMFSRF Facebook page
Where: Corryong
When: April
Website: The Man From Snowy River Festival
Australian Capital Territory:
Canberra Moon Festival –
Enlighten Canberra –
“Over 16 days the nation’s capital comes alive to celebrate the best events Canberra has to offer!”
Where: Canberra
When: March
Website: Enlighten
Canberra Country Blues and Roots –
“The Canberra Country Blues & Roots Festival was originally established as the Canberra Country Music Festival to promote, showcase and grow Country Music (across all its sub-genres) in Australia’s national capital and surrounding regions – the largest inland market in Australia comprising over half a million people.
We see the Festival as securing Country Music in all its diversity including blues and roots within the community through holding an event comprising performances, exhibitions, workshops, talent quests, dancing and industry forums. While open to all, the Festival also endeavours to provide a showcase for regional music artists and the next generation of performers.”
Where: Canberra
When: November
Website: Canberra Country Blues & Roots
Fireside Festival –
“Warm your heart and fill your stomach next to a roaring fire this winter. That’s the seductive call of the Fireside Festival, held each August in Canberra and neighbouring villages such as Yass, Hall, Murrumbateman and Gundaroo. Their month-long program of food, wine and entertainment is guaranteed to lift your spirits alongside some chill-combating flames.” Australia.com
Where: Canberra Region
When: August
Website: Check out Australia.com for some more info.
South Australia
Adelaide Fringe –
“The Adelaide Fringe is Australia’s largest Arts Festival and the second biggest Fringe Festival in the world!
We completely take over Adelaide and its’ surrounds for 31 magical days and nights each year, and if you ask anyone who’s ever been lucky enough to experience the Fringe, they’ll tell you that it’s the best time of year to be in Adelaide.” SouthAustralia.com
Where: Adelaide
When: February/March
Website: Adelaide Fringe
WOMADelaide –
“WOMADelaide is the four-day festival of Music, Arts and Dance presented annually in Adelaide’s Botanic Park as part of the Adelaide Festival on the middle weekend in March.”
Where: Adelaide
When: March
Website:Womadelaide
Western Australia
Boyup Brook Country Music Festival –
“The Boyup Brook Country Music Festival is a Festival steeped in the local community. This Festival doesn’t just happen; the local community with hard work, patience and an unending love creates it. Dedicated volunteers from Boyup Brook and various other towns in WA have, for the last 32 years, given their blood, sweat and a few tears, to make it the iconic Country Music Festival of Western Australia it is today!”
Where: Boyup Brook
When: February
Website: Boyup Brook Country Music Festival
Nannup Music Festival –
“Nannup is a small, historic timber town in the centre of Western Australia’s stunning Southwest, on the banks of the beautiful Blackwood River. Nannup Music Festival is held annually over the WA Labour Day long weekend, over which time the streets come alive with stalls, performances and activities.”
Where: Nannup
When: March
Website: Nannup Music Festival
Fairbridge Festival –
“Fairbridge Festival is Western Australia’s most popular family camping festival. This friendly celebration of folk, roots, blues, acoustic, Celtic, a capella and world music takes place annually in April, in the traffic-free, self-contained bushland site of Fairbridge Village on the South West Highway, 5 km north of Pinjarra and 100 km south of Perth’s outlying south-eastern suburbs.”
Where: Fairbridge
When: April
Website: Fairbridge Festival
Fremantle Folk Festival –
“A family friendly boutique festival of music, culture and fun in the heart of the port city.”
Where: Fremantle
When: December
Facebook: Freemantle Folk Festival
Fremantle Festival –
“Immerse yourself in the colour and pageantry of the Blessing of the Fleet, discover the beauty of Australian Indigenous culture at Wardarnji or bring the family down to a blaze on the beach with the return of Kraken.”
Where: Fremantle
When: October/November
Website: Fremantle Festival
Western Australian Circus Festival –
“The festival itself has a focus on theatrical marvels of skill and strength. Each performer and troupe brings a unique aesthetic, from ninja themed juggling to angelic aerials and everything in between. There’s family fun, workshops, market stalls and even the opportunity to have a go on the flying trapeze. to go The bar is open, with a selection of cocktails, spirits and locally brewed beers and locally supplied wines. Our sponsor, Bootleg Brewery, has created the Lunar Lager available on tap from the Reg Bolton Bar. Circus takes a risqué turn with the late night cabaret and sideshows not for the faint of heart.”
Where: Karridale
When: January
Website: Western Australian Circus Festival
Northern Territory
Barunga Festival –
“An iconic event on the national festival calendar, Barunga Festival boasts a long and proud tradition of celebrating the best of remote Indigenous Australia.
This much-loved Territory festival attracts a 4000-strong audience of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people from all over the world who descend upon the small remote community to camp and take part in a program of music, sport, traditional arts and cultural activities over the 3-day long weekend in June each year, welcomed by the traditional owners.”
Where: Barunga
When: June
Website:Barunga Festival
Parrtjima –
“Parrtjima is the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind. The annual festival takes over Alice Springs with ten nights of light installations from a number aboriginal artists set against the majestic MacDonnell Ranges.
Alongside the artworks you can enjoy a program packed full of live talks, events and music by local and national musicians.”
Where: Alice Springs
When: April
Website:Parrtjima
Tasmania
The Falls Music and Arts Festival – 
“The Falls Music and Arts Festival is a major Australian music festival recognised globally. It is an annual festival held in Marion Bay, Tasmania from 29th Dec to 1st Jan.
The Falls Music and Arts Festival is held on a beautiful farm in Tasmania overlooking the stunning Marion Bay and out over Maria Island, with the backdrop to the stage being the Tasman Sea!
Tickets entitle patrons to three nights of free camping on site and three glorious days and nights of entertainment on two stages. Acts include a diverse range of top bands, DJs and comedians.” DiscoverTasmania.com
Where: Marion Bay
When: December/January
Website: Falls Festival
Cygnet Folk Festival –
“The Festival is a showcase of eclectic music genres featuring both local and international talent, dance, poetry, masterclasses, film, kids’ entertainment, food, wine, art and local handicrafts all set in the breathtaking scenery of Tasmania’s Huon Valley.”
Where: Cygnet
When: January
Website: Cygnet Folk Festival
A Festival Called Panama –
“A festival called PANAMA is an intimate two-day, three-night festival held at Lone Star Valley in North East Tasmania. Staged on a secluded 50 acre property and small-batch cider brewery, PANAMA showcases a tightly curated line-up of critically acclaimed acts as well as late night cabaret, spoken word, on point DJs, pop up markets and delicious local food stalls.”
Where: Lone Star Valley
When: March
Website: A Festival Called Panama
Well, there you go! I hope that gets you started on planning your next adventure. Got any favourite festivals in Australia that I need to know about? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll add them to the list…
Lily x
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