Aussie music fans are spoilt for choice when it comes to big-name, multi-city festivals. Big Day Out, V Festival, Good Vibrations and SummaDayze need no introduction. All guarantee international line-ups and an epic day of music mayhem.

But if these show ponies are too commercial for your musical cravings (or you missed out on sell-out tickets), cast your net a little wider and you’ll discover festivals to tickle every taste from rock to reggae, blues to indie, each offering a unique musical experience.

Bellingen Global Carnival

Celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity by savouring the sounds, sights and tastes of the world at this all-in-one carnival. 

Spread over the October long weekend, there’s a packed program of ethnic, indigenous, acoustic and traditional music from local and international acts, plus vibrant outdoor theatre, exotic food & craft stalls and side events. 

The town manages to buzz with energy yet still feel chilled out. Catch a gig, enjoy a coffee with a party of street performers, check out another band, picnic by the river… you get the idea.

Dates: 1-3 October, 2010   More info: globalcarnival.com

Island Vibe, Stradbroke Island  

Slip into island time on picturesque Stradbroke Island. It may be just one hour from Brisbane but it’s a million miles from the bustle of city life.  

Possibly the most eco-friendly Aussie festival around, Island Vibe is a celebration of soul, reggae and roots brings together some of the finest acts in the genre from Australia and the Pacific. Embrace the laid back island vibe with sweet tunes flowing over three days – this is therapy for the soul.

Best of all, the setting at breathtaking Point Lookout overlooking the Pacific offers the perfect way to escape the city rat race!

Dates: 29 -31 October 2010  More info: islandvibe.com.au 

Woodford Folk Festival

Woodford Folk Festival, draws up to 130,000 revelers keen to ring (or rather sing) in the New Year with this 6-day celebration of music, the arts, the environment and culture.

This family friendly event, located between Brisbane and Maroochydore, is one of the world’s largest folk festivals and is set to a backdrop of lush hinterland valleys framed by the scenic Glasshouse Mountains.

Sounds enchanting? Well it is, and the diversity on offer is hard to beat; from musical sets, dance acts, workshops, forums, and street theatre, to writers’ panels, a film festival, comedy and acoustic jams. Phew. 

Dates: 27 December 2010 - 1 January 2011  More info: woodfordfolkfestival.com 

 

Tamworth Country Music Festival

You don’t have to be a country music fan to enjoy the fun fair of amusements on offer during Australia’s love song to the genre.

Described by Forbes as one of the world’s coolest music festivals (yes, really), Tamworth is 10 days of boot-scootin fun, pulling a surprisingly young and up for it crowd.

When you’re not star-spotting or catching a show from drawcards such as John Butler Trio, Keith Urban, Missy Higgins and Kasey Chambers, cheer on the rodeo, join in the Longest Line Dance, or vote in a talent quest.

Don’t forget to have your photo taken with the big gui-tar.

Dates: 14 – 23 January 2011  More info: tamworthcountrymusic.com.au

Playground Weekender, Sydney

Venue, vibe, lineup, crowd, and plenty of ‘other’ entertainment all come together at this 3-day camping festival to create what’s being whispered as, among those in the know, the best fest ever.

Step off the boat 90 minutes north of Sydney at Wisemans Ferry, and you know you’re in for something special. Pitch a tent to an audience of local ‘roos and eclectic soundtrack of alternative, house and Britpop.

Discover the next big thing in indie music at an intimate teepee show, party by the pool as DJs spin their wheels, or catch headline acts such The Streets on the big stage. Playground Weekender will live long in the memory.

Dates: 17-20 February 2011

 

Cairns Blues Festival

Head north to discover reef, rainforest and the blues! The newest notch on the festival calendar, this event offers you and the family the perfect backdrop to get down and boogie to the soul of the blues on the Cairns Esplanade

Big name blues artists and up-and-comers take to the stage over one big day and night of cruisy tunes. In between sets you can check out the car and motorcycle display, or pick up lunch and a souvenir at the market stalls. There’s even a kids zone to keep the little ones entertained.

If you’re looking for blues and a community festival with plenty of character and charm, Cairns Blue Fest is looking for you!

Dates: early May each year  More info: cairnsbluesfestival.com.au