Pack the Van for Aussie Festival Fun and Adventure!
From country music to international culture, Australia’s festival scene has something for everyone. So, pack your van, gather your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure blending festival fun, camping and Aussie adventure!
Big Red Bash festival, located via Birdsville, Queensland. Photo Credit – Big Red Bash
Here are 11 iconic Australian festivals to help you plan your caravan trip:
NEW SOUTH WALES
Tamworth Country Music Festival (Tamworth) – January
Tamworth Country Music Festival parade; Photo Credit – Destination NSW
Brush off your cowboy boots and dive into the heart of Australian country music at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. There are campgrounds nearby so you can stay and enjoy the full ten days of toe-tapping tunes and cowboy culture, parades, and events.
Byron Bay Bluesfest (Byron Bay) – Easter long weekend
Festival crowd enjoying burgers at Grill’d Burger Park, Bluesfest 2014; Photo Credit – Destination NSW
With over 200 performances, food courts, beer gardens and family entertainment this iconic five-day festival is definitely one to add to your bucket list. The campground offers a laid-back atmosphere to unwind between sets, with free shuttle buses to take you back to the action.
VICTORIA
Meredith Music Festival (Meredith) – December
This super-cool festival in the countryside is known for its eclectic lineup and laid-back vibe. Camping on the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre grounds offers a truly immersive experience at this long-running three-day outdoor music festival where there’s always something happening on stage and across the site.
Port Fairy Folk Festival (Port Fairy) – March
This established festival has become one of Australia’s favourite events. Experience the magic of folk music, exhibitions, roving performances, theatre, writer’s program, glorious food and more across a multi-venue site in the charming coastal town of Port Fairy. There’s a range of camping options onsite and nearby.
QUEENSLAND
Big Red Bash (Birdsville) – July
Australia’s most remote festival combines music with outdoor adventure from its setting at the ‘Big Red Sand Dune’ on Adria Downs cattle station, near Birdsville in the Simpson Desert. There’s always a fantastic line-up of music acts across its three nights, along with a great atmosphere and even an annual World Record attempt for the most people dancing the ‘Nutbush’. An experience of a lifetime not to be missed.
Book early to ensure you get tickets and a camping spot; bookings are essential.
Woodford Folk Festival (Woodford) – December
Photo Credit – Destination TEQ and Woodford Folk Festival
Join in the fun at Woodfordia over six days and nights ending with the dramatic Fire Event on New Year’s Day. There’s music galore with 500 acts performing in the gorgeous sub-tropical nature haven in the heart of Moreton Bay region. At festival time the famous site becomes a vibrant village where you’ll find circus performances and workshops, street theatre, parades, a children’s festival, and many other events.
Powered sites are available on the festival ground and there are more camping options nearby.
ACT
Floriade (Canberra) – September to October
Celebrate the arrival of spring in glorious colour at Australia’s biggest flower festival. Commonwealth Park comes alive with garden displays, art, performances, workshops, and entertainment, along with NightFest, a four-night event with entertainment and garden illuminations. Don’t forget to join in the tradition of painting a gnome to enter in the Gnome Knoll competition or to pack up and take home with you.
Powered sites are available at Exhibition Park where a light rail stop makes it easy to travel into the city.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
WOMADelaide (Adelaide) – March
Held over four days in Adelaide’s beautiful Botanic Park, WOMADelaide is the place to head for a fantastic line-up of world music, dance, and culture. Find yourself some new favourite artists from the 60 plus groups featured across the festival’s seven stages. Camping is not permitted on the festival grounds, but Adelaide Caravan Park is a short walk away with two other parks located nearby.
TASMANIA
Cygnet Folk Festival (Cygnet) – January
Photo Credit – Tourism Tasmania & Steven Pearce Photography
First held in 1982, the Cygnet Folk Festival has become a drawcard for musicians from all over the world. Featuring a mix of genres, this delightful weekend of music, dance, handicrafts, workshops, food, and wine is set amidst the coastal town of Cygnet in Tasmania’s stunning Huon Valley.
Unpowered sites are available at Burton’s Reserve Festival camp for small caravans and campervans so talk to the organisers if you plan to bring anything larger. Dogs are not permitted in the reserve. Offsite, the Cygnet Holiday Park has 14 powered sites in a delightful rural setting but book early if you’re staying for the festival.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light (Alice Springs) – April
Parrtjima Festival display at night; Photo Credit – Tourism NT
Embark on an adventure to Australia’s Red Centre for this free ten-day festival celebrating Indigenous culture under the vast Outback sky. Experience a mesmerising display of light installations from a number Aboriginal artists, set against the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. Vibrant Aboriginal art projections compliment a program packed full of performances, interactive workshops, music by local and national musicians, films and talks at Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Desert Park.
Parrtjima is a festival of fun with a rich history, incredible sightseeing and an authentic, memorable experience.
There’s a choice of caravan parks nearby, including Discovery Parks – Alice Springs which features a water park to cool off after the festivities.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Nannup Music Festival (Nannup) – March
Discover the magic of Nannup, a family-friendly music festival set in the heart of Western Australia’s picturesque south west forests. The long weekend features new, emerging, and Indigenous music, food, artisan markets, and kid’s activities. You can even apply to be part of the entertainment yourself by registering for a busking spot!
Unpowered sites are available at the Nannup Golf Course a short walk from the festival venues, or you can hop on the ‘Cruisy Bus’ shuttle for a gold coin donation.
Do you have a favourite Australian festival or experience to share?
If you have a favourite Australian event or some useful festival camping tips, we’d love you to share them with us via our Facebook page – include a photo too!
Find out all you need to know about our Winjana RV vans on our website. Please also feel free to contact us direct at Winjana RV, and we will be very happy to assist and answer any questions.
Winjana RV (Adventure RV P/L)
Contact: Andrew Brennen on (07) 4638 3576
