Australia enjoys the bulk of its festival fun from December to March, with stellar entertainment line-ups and gastronomical variety for music, art and food lovers across the nation.
For those yet to lock in their own summer schedule, Cheapflights.com.au has pulled together ten awesome Aussie festivals to consider.
1. The Meredith Music Festival – VIC
When: 11 – 13 December 2015
Where: Meredith Amphitheatre
What: The Meredith Music Festival (MMF) is a three-day outdoor music festival held at the Supernatural Amphitheatre, which boast music, nature, nonsense and humanity at its most wonderful. A self-funded, non-commercial event that has been running since 1991, it takes place on Nolan’s Farm, a private property owned by the family of one of the organisers, Chris Nolan. With things going on at all hours, expect to find yourself in the middle of a hub of constant activity.
For more info visit: MMF.com.au
2. Woodford Folk Festival – QLD
When: 27 December – 1 January 2016
Where: Woodford, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland
What: The Woodford Folk Festival is a beloved annual event that brings together more than 2,000 global performers across 35 venues. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the festival line-up includes concerts, dancing, street theatre, comedy, art workshops, writers’ panels, a film festival, circus acts and a festival for children. You can even learn about folk medicine and debate major environmental issues as part of a special program.
For more info visit: Woodfordfolkfestival.com
3. Falls Festival – VIC, TAS, NSW
When: 28 December – 3 January 2016
Where: Lorne, Marion Bay and Byron Bay
What: A relaxed music and arts festival, the Falls Festival launches in Lorne, with Marion Bay and Byron Bay hosting sister festivals at the same time. Listen to acoustic guitar artists, stand-up comedy and cabaret shows, have a go at line dancing, take part in a circus workshop or simply fix up your ‘do at a hair salon station. This year’s big music acts include Bloc Party and Disclosure.
For more info visit: Fallsfestival.com.au
4. Rainbow Serpent Festival – VIC
When: 22 – 25 January 2016
Where: Lexton
What: Now in its 19th year, the Rainbow Serpent Festival is an electronic music festival where you can experience a unique combination of music, art, performance, spiritual education, relaxation and healing. The name Rainbow Serpent comes from the Aboriginal Dreamtime Creation story told by Australia’s first people, and is one of the few dreamtime stories common to all tribes.
For more info visit: Rainbowserpent.net
5. Saltwater Freshwater Festival – NSW
When: 26 January 2016
Where: Coffs Harbour
What: The Saltwater Freshwater Festival celebrates the music and culture of Australia’s first people and coincides with Australia Day. Launched in 2010, it is one of the East Coast’s premier indigenous cultural events and run by the 10 local Aboriginal Land Councils of mid-NSW. Featuring prominent Aboriginal artists, the event also includes cultural workshops, indigenous dance troupes and art and craft markets. Entry is by gold coin donation.
For more info visit: Saltwaterfreshwaterfestival.com.au
6. St Jerome’s Laneway Festival – QLD, NSW, SA, VIC, WA
When: 30 January – 14 February 2016
Where: Singapore, Auckland, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle
What: Covering seven cities and three countries, St Jerome’s Laneway Festival always features cutting-edge acts, such as this year’s headliners Chvrches. Originally founded in Melbourne, the festival opens in Singapore on 24 January before heading to Auckland on 1 February. The Adelaide show opens the Australian leg of the tour (5 Feb) and is followed by festivals in Brisbane (6 Feb), Sydney (7 Feb), Melbourne (13 Feb) and Fremantle (14 Feb).
For more info visit: Lanewayfestival.com
7. Perth International Arts Festival – WA
When: 11 February – 6 March 2016
Where: Various venues in Perth
What: The annual Perth International Arts Festival celebrates the work of contemporary artists from around the world. It includes the Perth Writers Festival (18-21 Feb) and, over the course of three weeks, showcases theatre, music, film, visual arts, street arts and literary events that transform the whole city into a stage.
For more info visit: Perthfestival.com.au
8. Adelaide Fringe Festival – SA
When: 12 February – 14 March 2016
Where: Various venues around Adelaide
What: Adelaide Fringe Festival is where Carnivale meets Mardi Gras. The entire city of Adelaide is transformed and more than 900 events are held in places such as parks, warehouses, theatres and cafes. The event features an eclectic program of cabaret, comedy, circus, dance, film, theatre, music, visual art and design.
For more info visit: Adelaidefringe.com.au
9. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – VIC
When: 4 – 13 March 2016
Where: Various venues throughout Melbourne
What: Food and wine lovers descend on Melbourne in their hundreds and thousands each year to indulge in more than 200 events. The city becomes a gastronomic playground across the network of restaurants, laneways, low-lit basements and lofty rooftops. The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival even spills out into regional Victoria, known for its high quality and artisanal local producers.
For more info visit: Melbournefoodandwine.com.au
10. WOMADelaide – SA
When: 11 – 14 March 2016
Where: Botanic Park
What: Now in its 20th year, WOMADelaide is the southern hemisphere’s biggest world music and dance festival. As diverse as it is wonderful, more than 30 countries are represented across seven stages, showcasing incredible talent from around the globe. Things to enjoy include The Planet Talks, Artists in Conversation, Taste the World, a KidZone and the Electrolounge,
For more info visit: Womadelaide.com.au
To find out more and book your flights, head to Cheapflights.com.au
