Australia is a land that resonates with word, sound and power – perhaps primarily because, against all odds, its indigenous population has preserved its unique musical and storytelling traditions.
One thing’s for sure though – Aussies love good vibes and believe in the powerful communal combination of live music and movement. To paraphrase Bob Marley, they’re first to move their feet, forget their troubles and dance.
So if you’re heading Down Under in 2020, you might be seeking some advice on which musical gatherings to make a bee line for – in which case you’re in luck, because this blog steers you towards five fair dinkum Aussie festivals for next year.
- Ultra Australia
If shaking a tail feather in a crowd of likeminded revellers as you listen to EDM artists like Afrojack, Cirez D, DJ Snake and Tay-G sounds terrific, grab tickets for Ultra Australia at Parramatta Park, Sydney on March 7, 2020 and perfect your running man and big box, little box moves.
- CMC Rocks
There’s nothing like Country for bringing a tear to your eye as well as making you move your feet. And if you hightail it to CMC Rocks at Ipswich near Brisbane on March 18-19, you can slip on your Stetson and spurs and sing along to the likes of Kip Moore, Morgan Evans and Miranda Lambert – see cmcrocks.com for details.
- Wide Open Space
For something a little more off the beaten track, head to Wide Open Space on May 1-3 in Central Australia. It’s been described as the Aussie music scene’s best kept secret and the amazing rural backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges merges with Avant Garde music, circus and cabaret, abstract art and cultural workshops to create an atmosphere that’s truly unique.
- The Town
The Town Festival will be held between May 1-4 at Licola, Victoria and, in many ways, it’s the most unusual offering on our list. Organised by Melbourne creatives Culture Jam, it’s essentially a miniature pop-up community where bad vibes are banished for the duration and its brought to life by actors, performers, spectacular sets and illuminating installations. Culturejam.com.au has the lowdown.
- Strawberry Fields
Fancy getting lost in music? Then the Strawberry Fields festival in Tocumwal, New South Wales is the very dab. Held annually at the end of November, it usually features an eclectic lineup of artists like Amadou Suso, Cassettes for Kids, Digital Afrika and Squid Nebula. Ah what’s more, it’s a sustainable gathering which dedicates a portion of profits to community grants and respects the environment – find out more at strawberry-fields.com.au.
Getting there and getting around
No matter where you’re arriving from, skyscanner.com is always worth checking for cheap international flights to Australia.
And finally, hiring a classic VW van from kombihireaustralia.com.au is a pretty cool way to get around, while you can find airport parking at Looking4.com for Sydney and a host of other Aussie hubs.
So ends our list, but please share your own Aussie music festival tips in the comments section.
