Every summer needs a soundtrack and a substantial amount of memories to get you through the year. There is something about the heat of an Australian summer that can make those music festival experiences feel surreal and cinematic. Below, find our favourite festivals for the summer that will leave you euphoric and sans Glastonbury-mud-PTSD.
Summer Camp
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When: 2–3 December 2023
Where: Melbourne and Sydney
A newcomer to the music festival scene in Australia, Summer Camp Festival is coming back with an even bigger line up than last year's debut, with Belinda Carlisle, Jessie Ware, Trixie Mattel and Rebecca Black (yes, really). An all-inclusive festival for the LGBTQIA+ community and their friends, Summer Camp is possibly the one festival where a bit of sparkle is essential. Founded by Kat Dopper of Heaps Gay, Summer Camp promises to be one of the most positive festivals of the summer and we need to start learning how to move from Ballroom Australia in preparation.
Good Things
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When: 1–3 December 2023
Where: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane.
Do you own (unironically) a Slayer T-shirt? Did you wear striped socks and too much eye makeup in highschool? Then Good Things is your festival. Metal, emo, rock, punk, pop punk, and whatever genre you want to call Limpbizkit, will all be showcased. Alternative absurdist heroes Devo are playing alongside Spiderbait, Enter Shikari, Fallout Boy and Pennywise. It will be loud and I think, safe to assume, relatively glitter free, unless you can buy black glitter?
Meredith Festival
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When: 8–10 December 2023
Where: Meredith, VIC
Hosted in Meredith (just outside of Melbourne) is a purist’s fantasy festival: no commercial sponsors, no commercial signage, no market stalls, no timetable clashes, and of course, no curfew. With a line up featuring Kraftwerk and Caroline Polachek, it’s essential there are no clashes, how could one choose? Meredith is known for its eclectic programming covering all genres so whether you’re there to see the Ballarat Brass Band or Gut Health, Meredith is an artist’s haven and not to be missed.
Heaps Good Festival
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When: 31 December 2023 – 6 January 2024
Where: Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide.
Heaps Good things are coming to Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide with headliners Flume, Foals and Avalanches. The wonderful thing about Heaps Good is that they are managing to condense a whole festival experience into one day, meaning you have time to only enjoy the good parts of the festival, not the hungover tent packdown. Championing new pop artists like MAY-A and bringing the Basement Jaxx to the decks, the line up is, well, heaps good.
Spilt Milk
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When: 25 November – 3 December 2023
Where: Canberra, Gold Coast, Ballarat, Perth.
Canberra, Gold Coast, Ballarat and Perth will be treated to Australia’s fastest selling music festival this year, with a mix of international and homegrown artists focusing on pop, hip hop and dance. Post Malone, Dom Dolla, Latto, Tkay Maidza and Ocean Alley are likely to draw huge crowds with The Buoys and Lime Cordiale being fan favourites. Ruel has recently been added to the line up for those who are fond of tall male pop stars..
Lost Paradise
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When: 28 December 2023 – 1 January 2024
Where: Glenworth Valley, NSW
If you absolutely hate over-priced taxis, hosting parties or doing anything normal for New Years, then I suggest getting your Lost Paradise tickets and packing your bags for Glenworth Valley. Surrounded by nature and set across 5 stages, festival-goers can expect to see Basement Jaxx, PNAU, The Jungle Giants, Flume, Kelis, Lastlings and Holly Humberstone. If you’re feeling flash, you can glamp onsite or set up in the village and admire the festival’s commitment to sustainability.
Image: @summercampfestival
