What It’s Really Like Going to a Festival in Australia ?

By Nina Vincent, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

If you’re a music lover, festival goer, or simply curious about what it’s like to party under the Aussie sun – this one’s for you.

After spending nearly a year living in Australia as a UK exchange student, I’ve had the chance to experience a few festivals that honestly changed how I see live music events. Here’s what sets Aussie festivals apart, plus a few tips to help you make the most of the experience while you’re here.

The Vibe: More Chilled, More Clean, More Respectful

The first thing that struck me was the overall vibe. Australian festivals are much more chilled out. Like the people and culture here, everything is much more laid back more respectful, and less intense.

Crowds are kinder — People give each other space and there’s none of the aggressive pushing or shoving that’s become weirdly normal at some UK events.
Respect for Land / Lack of Litter — Festivals here are so much cleaner. Aussies genuinely respect the land, and it shows — litter is rare and clean-up crews have it way easier (more on that in a bit).
Nature is part of the experience — Many festivals are set in stunning natural landscapes, and that connection to Country is often woven into the event itself.

Practical Tips: What I Wish I Knew Beforehand

Here’s what I would tell any newcomers heading into the Aussie festival scene:

BYO : A lot of festivals are BYO (bring your own drinks), which is both fun and budget-friendly. Just double-check rules beforehand.
Dust is no joke: As festivals are during summer months (November to March), the dust can be intense. Bring a scarf or bandana to cover your face — this is a non negotiable.
Doof sticks are iconic: Think Glastonbury flags, but cooler. These tall, decorated poles help you find your friends in a crowd and add such a playful, creative energy. Many people attach their eskies (portable cooler boxes) to them, which also helps mark out personal space.
Volunteering is a smart move: If you’re on a budget, look into volunteer roles. Most festivals offer free entry in exchange for a few shifts — and it’s a great way to meet people too.

Festival Highlights: My Favourite Aussie Experiences

🍓 Strawberry Fields – My Favourite Festival Ever

If there’s one festival I would recommend above all others, it’s Strawberry Fields.

Held in Tocumwal, Victoria (not far from Melbourne), this festival felt like stepping into a dream. It’s smaller in size but overflowing with creativity, art, and good energy. Set beside a lake, it was created by a group of friends about two decades ago, and you can still feel that original love and vision pulsing through the event.

There were live bands, incredible DJs, wellness zones with massages and plunge pools, and the most thoughtful crowd I’ve ever encountered. I attended as a volunteer sustainability officer, which meant free entry in exchange for two four-hour shifts. Easiest job ever — people were so respectful, there was hardly any litter to pick up.

🔊 Pitch Music & Arts

Another Victoria-based gem, Pitch happens in March and is perfect if you’re into dance music. It’s much bigger than Strawberry Fields, but the respectful crowd culture still holds strong. The setup is beautiful, the stages are next level, and it’s a great way to close out the Aussie summer.

🎤 Laneway Festival – Your Favourite Spotify Playlist, Live

If you’re not keen on camping or just want to dip your toes into the scene, Laneway is an awesome one-day festival. I caught the Sydney edition and saw an unreal lineup — Charli XCX, Clairo, Beabadoobee, Barry Can’t Swim, Olivia Dean and more.

It definitely had a different feel compared to multi-day camping festivals, and while I missed the deeper connection you get from spending days on-site, it was still a top-tier experience. If you’re more into a quick hit of live music magic, Laneway is the move.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Go

There’s something uniquely special about experiencing festivals in Australia — the people, the respect for land, the creative energy, and the sense of community. Whether you’re dancing barefoot in the dust or floating in a lake between sets, it’s hard not to feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

So if you’re living Down Under for a while go to the festival. Even just one. Volunteer if you have to. Wear a scarf. Make or find a doof stick. Dance in the dust. You might just have one of the best weekends of your life.