There are several great Australian music festivals (notable mention to Laneway and Falls Music and Arts Festival) but Splendour In The Grass is the standout frontrunner on the Australian music festival scene.
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1. The Location
Splendour In The Grass takes place near the picturesque town of Byron Bay which is a hard location to beat. I would highly recommend exploring the many cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques scattered around the town if you have time before or after the festival. Not to mention the beautiful beach and the iconic lighthouse which marks the most easterly point of Australia. The festival site is approximately 15 minutes from the town center and there are shuttles to and from the town running from 11am-12pm for $4.
The weather in Byron during late July is absolutely gorgeous! You will get cool nights where rugging up is a must, and the days reach 25-30 degrees.
2. The Volunteers
Friendly smiles and helpfulness all round, you can tell Splendour volunteers love being there. Having been a volunteer for two consecutive years I saw the behind the scenes of the operation. Volunteers are required to attend for a minimum of 4 days (during the 3-day festival) and are allocated 20-24 hours each. This leaves plenty of time to also enjoy the festival!
3. The Food
4 words for you… Byron Bay Organic Doughnuts.
My personal favorite is the cinnamon doughnut but I also highly recommend the chocolate fudge-filled option. If you have more self-control than I and can drag yourself away from the doughnut stand there are countless food options on every corner. The best food trucks from all around Australia vie for a spot at Splendour!
4. The Atmosphere
The campgrounds in particular have a sense of community that (considering its filled with 30,000 strangers) feels safe and comfortable. In a short 3-days, Splendour creates a home away from home.
5. The Fashion
It’s a fact: Splendour attendees ooze effortless cool’ I could sit and people watch all day.
While I do not consider myself a fashion expert (at all) I have complied a What to Wear to Splendour Wardrobe Guide based upon my previous experience to help you get your outfits ready.
6. And Obviously… The Music!!!
The consistently epic lineups speak for themselves. Not to mention each time I have attended Splendour I have discovered an artist I have never heard of. Splendour has a knack of predicting the ‘next big thing’ in the industry. Splendour has also shot the likes of Australian artists Vance Joy and Flume onto the international stage with both artists performing in consecutive years, the latter years scheduled for later gigs (in Flumes case, a headliner) due to their increase in popularity following their first Splendour appearance. The diversity of music on offer means you would be hard up finding someone whose music tastes aren’t catered for – electronic to pop, rock to hip hop, alternative to country, indie to dance, there is something for everyone.
If you are a live music fan I highly recommend putting Splendour In the Grass on your Queensland July itineraries as I believe it showcases the best of Australia’s music festival scene. Tickets sell out quick and usually go on sale early May. For more information visit the Splendour In The Grass website here.