A Guide to Australia's Best Summer Festivals in 2017–18

The best camping festivals, one-day dance parties and multi-day arts meets hitting the country this year.
Jonathan Ford and Concrete Playground
Published on December 13, 2017

When it comes to summer, Australia hits it out of the park. Proof? Just look at how many high-quality festivals are held in the sunny months. From camping festivals with a secret lineup in a dairy farm, to a one-day inner city dance parties, there's pretty much something for every inclination (and intensity) this summer.

And with all the frivolity and letting loose that happens on festival grounds, it's forgivable to forget who'll be gracing the stages. The 2017–18 season shows off an incredible crowd of Aussie musicians, with names almost eclipsing the international talent they'll be playing alongside. Matt Corby, Gang of Youths, Meg Mac, Client Liaison and RUFUS are a representation of the hundreds of Aussies doing the rounds, joined by international artists such as ScHoolboy Q, Phoenix, Anderson .Paak, Mac de Marco, Beck, The Internet and Justice headlining.

But it's not just about the music. There'll be no shortage of visual art and the food offerings, like every year, are more and more gourmet and accommodating to dietaries (even at some of the more remote locations).

So we've put together a list of this 2017–18's must-attend festivals in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane — and all the stops in-between — so you can plan your summer around them. If you're road tripping, consult our guide to camping between Melbourne and Byron Bay.

Camping Festivals

Dust off your tent, let go of your day-to-day inhibitions and dance in the dirt for a few days.

One-Day Festivals

No annual leave necessary — these inner-city events are an easy way to get your festival fix.

Multi-Day Arts Festivals

Plan a long weekend around the country's best music, art and theatre.
  • Mona Foma 2018

    Mona Foma 2018

    This year, MONA's annual summer festival will bring 11 days of art, music and pure creativity to venues across Launceston and Hobart.

    Buy Tickets
  • Sydney Festival 2018

    Sydney Festival 2018

    This time round, the annual fest features a stunning hit ballet, a circus-inspired trampoline playground, a tonne of artists and a karaoke carousel.

    Buy Tickets
  • White Night 2018

    White Night 2018

    Melbourne's all-night arts festival features virtual dogs, drag queens singing from balconies and two installations from Burning Man.

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