With 2016 on the horizon, you may be in holiday planning mode for next year. And if you love non-stop entertainment and crowds of like minded mixed up with your travel itinerary, then building your break around a festival can be a great way to go.
Here’s eight of the best:
What: A must attend family friendly festival.
Why: It’s a scintillating combination of traditional and contemporary world musicians, dancers and DJs, inspiring workshops, street theatre and visual artists, plus the food has a reputation for being exceptional.
When: 11–4 March 2016
Where: Botanic Park, Adelaide, South Australia.
Bookings and info: www.womadelaide.com.au
What: Australia’s premier Blues & Roots festival.
Why: There’s a reason up to 100,000 people go to this festival for their annual Easter pilgrimage: The sheer quality of music and the chance to see the biggest names and the rising stars of blues and roots make this a hot ticket. Not to mention the beautiful local beaches and laid back holiday town of Byron Bay.
Where: Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, north of Byron Bay, NSW.
When: 24–28 March 2016
Bookings and info: www.bluesfest.com.au
What: A city festival for foodies and wine lovers.
Why: For the chance each year to join over 300,000 people indulging in the delights of some of the best chefs and winemakers from around the world.
Where: Various venues around the city of Melbourne, VIC.
When: 4–13 March 2016
Bookings and info: www.melbournefoodandwinefestival.com.au
What: A festival for mind, body and spirit.
Why: Wanderlust brings together yoga, meditation and mindful living in a self-described ‘transformational retreat’. And you don’t have to be a seasoned meditator or a master of the downward facing dog either. Classes and workshops are for all levels.
Where: Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast, Qld.
When: October 2016 (dates to be confirmed)
Bookings and info: www.wanderlust.com/festivals/sunshine-coast
What: The biggest arts festival in Australia.
Why: With more than 2000 performers and over 1,536 shows, featuring local, national and international guests, this week long festival is huge in every way. Highlights include, the diversity of acts, the sustainability the entire event, the parade and the spectacular fire ritual. Volunteering is a great way to experience this festival for free.
When: 27 December–1 January 2015/16
Where: Woodford, Sunshine Coast, Qld.
Booking and info: www.woodfordfolkfestival.com
What: The perfect urban summer festival.
Why: A celebration of all things Sydney featuring music, theatre, dance, opera, visual arts, ideas, free and family events and much more, for over two weeks across the city.
When: 7–26 January 2016
Where: Various venues across Sydney, NSW.
Booking and info: www.sydneyfestival.org.au
What: Tjungu means meeting or coming together and that’s exactly what this family friendly festival is all about.
Why: From a bush tucker masterclass to a footy match with music, fashion, film and art in-between, Tjungu is a vibrant celebration of Australian Indigenous and local Anangu culture. And it's free!
When: 22–25 April 2016
Where: Ayers Rock Resort, Northern Territory
Booking and info: www.ayersrockresort.com.au/events/detail/Tjungu-Festival
What: Rightfully ranked as one of the world’s great arts festivals
Why: A heady mix of theatre, music and dance together with a brilliant line-up of acclaimed writers and innovative visual artists.
When: 26 Feb–14 March | Writers Week 27 Feb–3 March 2016
Where: Adelaide, South Australia.
Booking and info: www.adelaidefestival.com.au
And before you go, consider taking out Domestic Travel Insurance, so you can be protected against mishaps while you're having fun at the festivals.
Disclaimer: SGIC Travel Insurance is issued by Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) PLC trading as Great Lakes Australia and promoted by Insurance Australia Limited trading as SGIC. Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Limited acts under a binder authority from Great Lakes Australia to arrange for the issue of and to administer the product on their behalf. This is general advice only so to see if the product is right for you, always consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide available at sgic.com.au/travel.
