We’ve rounded up our top picks for upcoming music festivals in and around Sydney, catering to every taste from indie music with beachside vibes to electrifying city experiences.
Sydney’s festival season is packed with some of Australia’s biggest names in music, and nearby Melbourne adds a few iconic stops of its own. From electronic extravaganzas to indie bliss, here’s your ultimate list of must-attend summer music festivals in Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond. We’ve covered the top festivals, dates, locations, and what makes each event unmissable, plus a peek at their stellar lineups.
Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
Location: Mundi Mundi Plains, NSW
Date: 21st- 23rd August 2025
Why It’s Worth the Hype: Set against the striking red dirt plains of the outback, the Mundi Mundi Bash is Australia’s most remote music festival – and proudly so. This all-ages, dog-friendly event is equal parts road trip and rock concert, drawing families, grey nomads, music lovers and campers alike. The journey to Broken Hill is part of the adventure, and once you arrive, you’ll be treated to sunset singalongs, starlit skies, and a proudly Aussie soundtrack. Expect bucket hats, caravans and timeless tunes.
Lineup Highlights: The Cat Empire, Missy Higgins, Ian Moss, Pete Murray, The Angels, Kasey Chambers
Wanderer Festival
Location: Pambula Beach, NSW
Date: 4th–5th October 2025 (camping from 3rd Oct)
Why It’s Worth the Hype: Set on the stunning Sapphire Coast, Wanderer Festival is a cultural escape blending big-name artists, international talent, art, theatre, and community vibes in a picturesque beachside town. Perfect for families, music lovers, and those after a feel-good long weekend, Wanderer brings together music and creativity like no other. With only one lineup drop for 2025, this is your shot to see the likes of Missy Higgins, Saint Motel, Boy & Bear, and Petit Biscuit in an unforgettable setting.
Lineup Highlights: Missy Higgins, The Living End, Boy & Bear, Saint Motel (USA), Jacob Banks (UK), Petit Biscuit (FR), Nikki Lane (USA), Hockey Dad, Magic Dirt, Cut Copy (DJ Set), Grace Cummings, and more.
Strawberry Fields
Location: Tocumwal, NSW (on the banks of the Murray River)
Date: 21–23 November 2025
Why It’s Worth the Hype: Strawberry Fields is more than a music festival — it’s an otherworldly celebration of art, self-expression, and connection, all set in a dreamy riverside location. With immersive installations, wild fashion, sunrise dancefloors and a community that feels like family, “Strawbs” is where the underground comes alive. Expect genre-blending beats, sunrise sets, and a kaleidoscope of colour. Tickets are via ballot, so get in early to join the magic.
Lineup Highlights: Afrodisiac, Aldona, Babycino, Berie, Byron Yeates & College of Knowledge
Lost Paradise
Location: Glenworth Valley, Central Coast (1.5 hours north of Sydney)
Date: 28th Dec 2025 – 1st Jan 2026
Why It’s Worth the Hype: Escape the city for a camping festival that merges music, wellness, and nature. Lost Paradise is set in the lush Glenworth Valley and includes everything from yoga and art workshops to an impressive lineup of indie, electronic, and hip-hop artists. It’s a New Year’s destination that feels like a music retreat.
Lineup Highlights: To be announced
Beyond the Valley
Location: Barunah Plains, Victoria (near Melbourne)
Date: 28th Dec 2025 – 1st Jan 2026
Why It’s Worth the Hype: Just outside of Melbourne, this festival is perfect for a getaway from Sydney or an adventurous road trip. This annual celebration combines music, art, and camping, and has been delighting attendees for nine years. Over four days, you can enjoy a lineup of top-tier artists, creating an unforgettable experience.
Lineup Highlights: To be announced
