There are a lot of different aspects of a festival that draw people to festivals each year in the thousands, and while many of those reasons will be the names on the lineup, it takes more than a great lineup to make for a memorable festival experience.
When you’re going to spending a whole day, or even a whole weekend, in the same spot, it certainly makes a massive difference when that spot is making the most of the gorgeous terrain our country has to offer.
With summer in the air and festival season beginning to kick back off, we’re taking a look at some of the Aussie music festivals with the most stunning, picturesque locations in the country.
Caloundra Music Festival
Held right on the shores of the Sunshine Coast, it’s hard to deny the beauty of the Caloundra Music Festival – the entire experience is essentially one big beachside carnival. The September 30 kickoff provides for ideal weather as punters are treated to one of the most crystal clear beachside views Australia has to offer, ferris wheel and all.
This year’s lineup features the likes of Michael Franti & Spearhead, Illy, The Cat Empire, Icehouse, Blue King Brown and Montaigne, an ideal soundtrack to beachside relaxation. Tickets and more info can be found here.
Paradise
Held at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort right on the cusp of summer, Paradise is perhaps the most apt name for a festival on this list. Overlooking the Great Dividing Range, for the last three years Paradise has treated punters to the absolutely stunning views of the Victorian alpine forest. The most arresting aspect has got to be the ghostly white trees that line the festival grounds, a remnant of the bushfires that swept through the region years back. Being a ski resort, it does get cold at night, but punters can head right into one of the all-night clubs to keep warm with non-stop beats.
This year’s lineup features great talent as always, such as Gold Class, friendships, Baro, LUCIANBLOMKAMP, Julia Jacklin and BUOY. Check out the immaculately-curated lineup here.
Let Them Eat Cake
Perhaps the fanciest looking festival on this list, Let Them Eat Cake has helped punters nurse hangovers and celebrate the first day of the New Year with style in the absolutely sublime gardens of the Werribee Mansion. With an astounding attention to detail, Let Them Eat Cake would without a doubt take the award for the most sophisticated venue for an electronic festival going around.
This year’s Cake features the usual hand-picked assortment of talent gracing the incredible stages, including Cut Chemist, Tokimonsta and Dusky, with more info here.
Falls – Marion Bay
Held on a farm overlooking the Tasman Sea, there is little not to love about catching Falls Festival at Marion Bay. Roughly an hour-long drive from Hobart, this secluded little area is the perfect antidote to those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the Lorne leg. Offering a more family-friendly vibe alongside some of the most beautiful views in Australia, patrons can even take a stroll down to the beach and avoid the often all-too awful experience of festival showers.
This year, you’ll be able to catch artists like Childish Gambino, London Grammar, Grouplove and Catfish & The Bottlemen, and with the Lorne and Byron legs sold out, it might be the ideal time to duck down to Tassie this year – more info here.
Snowtunes
One thing all of the festivals on this list share in common is that they take place in the warmer months of the year. While the evenings of some of these events may get more than a little chilly, Snowtunes takes it to another level. Held at Lake Jindabyne, Snowtunes definitely provides punters with one of the most unique festival experiences you’ll find in Australia.
In addition to catching acts like What So Not, Ball Park Music and Hot Dub Time Machine this fest just gone, punters were also able to catch the ski lifts up to the Thredbo ski resort during the day, making for a very pleasant combo of skiing by day, partying by night. Check it out here.
Golden Plains/Meredith
Twice a year, punters religiously trek out to the little rural town of Meredith, about 90 kilometres from Melbourne, to attend Golden Plains and Meredith. Famous for the beautiful lookout that has been dubbed ‘Inspiration Point’, the two festivals offer perhaps one of the most beautiful sunsets at a music festival. The sole stage is nestled in a grove of Australian eucalyptus trees known as the ‘Supernatural Amphitheatre’ (or ‘the Sup’ for short), which offers unimpeded views of the stage and plenty of room to plant a couch – just please take it home once you’re done.
This year you can catch King Gizz, Peaches, Angel Olsen, Badbadnotgood and plenty more, so check it out here.
