Bust out your fancy dress outfits, camping gear, and get your squad together – because New Years Eve is upon us, and there are some epic festivals in Australia to choose from!
In my opinion, there is no better place to celebrate the new year than at a music festival! The energy and atmosphere that’s created when you’re surrounded by friendly people, incredible music, and beautiful scenery is simply unbeatable!
When it comes to music festivals in Australia, there really is no shortage of quality events. I decided to do some research and find out the best festivals in the country to celebrate the new year. If you don’t have your new years eve plans sorted yet, definitely look into one of these incredible events!
1) Lost Paradise
“LOST PARADISE WAS BORN OUT OF A LIFE-LONG DREAM TO BRING TOGETHER KINDRED SPIRITS FOR A GOOD OLD FASHIONED PARTY AMONGST NATURE…”
When: December 28, 2019 – January 1, 2020 *CANCELLED*
Where: Glenworth Valley, NSW (75 minutes outside Sydney)
One of Sydney’s most popular music festivals is back for another 3 days of camping, music, food, art, and yoga. The festival community you’ll find while at Lost Paradise is what makes this event so special, and it’s definitely one of the best music festivals in Australia. Every year they bring a top-notch line-up, and with artists like Rufus du Sol, Hilltop Hoods, Green Velvet, and Golden Features for this 2019 edition – it’s guaranteed to be an amazing experience!
I was one of the festival photographers in 2016. Read my Lost Paradise Festival Review for all the details about last year’s event!
Website | Lost Paradise 2019 Facebook Event | Tickets
UPDATE: LOST PARADISE 2019-2020 HAS UNFORTUNATELY BEEN FORCED TO CANCEL THIS YEAR’S Edition:
“After extensive consultation with the Rural Fire Service, emergency personnel and other key stakeholders, the difficult decision has been made to cancel this year’s Lost Paradise festival. Our beautiful home in Sydney’s Central Coast is facing intense and unpredictable fire conditions that are sadly expected to deteriorate. We simply cannot put anyone’s life at risk. We have been working around the clock to explore all possible options to relocate the festival, but it is just not feasible within the timeframe.
We would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard over the past twelve months to create this year’s event – the artists, performers, teachers, yogis, vendors, sponsors and production crew, and of course our amazing Lost Paradise community who have supported us for six incredible years. We are truly devastated that we won’t be able to bring the festival to life. We would also like to express our immense gratitude for the brave emergency teams who are doing all that they can to protect the bushland around the site. This is a heartbreaking time for our country. Our thoughts are with the affected communities across Australia, and the hero firefighters who continue to work in extreme conditions.”
2) Beyond The Valley
“Beyond The Valley, now on the way to delivering it’s fifth successful annual event, is a distinctive, unique and most of all carefully curated music festival over the New Years’ Eve period.”
When: December 28, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Where: Lardner Park, Victoria (90 Minutes outside Melbourne)
WOW! Just look at that line-up!!
This 4-Day festival is guaranteed to be an experience you’ll never forget. I personally think that Beyond The Valley has the best line-up of all the festivals on the list, and if I were down in Melbourne over New Years Eve – this is where I would be…
Beyond The Valley is already Sold-Out though for their 2019 edition, but I’m sure you’d be able to buy a second-hand ticket as the event gets closer. Just be very careful, and don’t get scammed!
Website | Beyond The Valley 2019 Facebook Event
3) Fall Festival
“The Falls Music & Arts Festival has been at the forefront of the east coast Australian festival scene, defining the real difference between a mere music festival and a true festival experience. Capturing the essence of the Australian summer spirit, Falls embraces diversity, sustainability, and community within a contemporary music event like no other. Transcending the common festival model, taking the time to curate a sophisticated experience that properly respects and honors time, people and place.
When: December 28, 2019 – January 5, 2019 (Various Dates for each edition)
Where: Lorne, Victoria | Marion Bay, Tasmania | Bryon Bay, NSW | Fremantle WA
Falls Festival is one of Australia’s longest-running music festivals, and each edition they seem to manage to top the previous years. The festival always provides incredible line-ups, massive stage productions, and a solid festival atmosphere. What’s even better is they have four different events throughout the country during the New Years Eve season, so they make is pretty easy to catch at least one of the events!
The 2019 Line-up is looking absolutely stacked with artists like Halsey, Disclosure, Peking Duk, and so many more!
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK EVENTS | BUY TICKETS
4) Origin Fields NYE19 + NYD20
“Since 2006, Origin has pulled together some of the top underground performers, DJ talent and house music for the biggest new year party in Australia! Celebrating Thirteen Years in 2019, Origin Fields returns to Claremont Showgrounds, in what is set to be the biggest year yet.”
When: December 31, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Where: Claremont Showgrounds, PERTH
For all the Perth party people – there’s no better place to ring in the new year than at ORIGIN FIELDS. The 2019/ 2020 Line-up is absolutely stacked with names like RÜFÜS DU SOL, TYLER, THE CREATOR, GOLDEN FEATURES, JAUZ, RL GRIME, SKEPTA, WHAT SO NOT and lots more!
WEBSITE | Origin Fields NYE FACEBOOK EVENT
5) Gold Coast Island Festival
When: 2019 Dates TBA
Where: SECRET ISLAND LOCATION
“White Party is Australia’s premier New Year’s Eve party and for the past decade has been rocking the Gold Coast with top DJs at our tropical island location – offering you the best in music, scenery, style, experience, and glamour as we bring in the new year.”
Unfortunately, the 2018 event was forced to be canceled, but keep an eye on the White Party NYE Facebook page for dates for their 2019/ 2020 festival!
6) Island Life New Years Eve
“We are bringing in the New Year with a bang on Magnetic Island, a sun-kissed Island in North Queensland which sits within the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park!
When: 2019 Dates TBA
Where: Magnetic Island, Queensland
“Experience the best combination of a bucket list destination with the element of international artists, food, drink and lifestyle activities. Four days of amazing food, beers, babes and that good ol’ tropical sun, is just a few reasons why Magnetic Island, is the worlds 5th best destination in the world.”
While they haven’t announced their return for their 2019 edition (since they’re currently promoting their Halloween party), just follow their page Full Moon Down Under presents for upcoming announcements!
7) NYE in the Park
When: December 31, 2019
Where: Victoria Park, Sydney
Sydney’s only New Year’s Eve festival NYE in the Park are thrilled to announce their bumper 2019 line up, lead by iconic Sydney-based powerhouse duo Hermitude and plunderphonic maestro Girl Talk (USA) with an exclusive performance. They spearhead a bill of luminaries alongside exciting young talent, all descending on Victoria Park’s natural tree-lined amphitheatre to ring in the new year.
Following last year’s sold out event, organisers will continue their mission to provide a fuss-free, affordable and fun-filled festival environment, all ending in a crescendo of the festival’s own curated fireworks – the backdrop to its two festival stages.
Am I Missing Any Other New Years Festivals in Australia?
While I like to think I’m pretty knowledgeable on the subject, I’d love to hear of any others I may be missing! So if you think I need to add any specific festival, party, concert, or event – please do let me know so I can keep this blog post as up-to-date as possible!
Image via Beyond The Valley festival
So where will you be spending New Year’s Eve in Australia?
Now I’ve only personally attended Lost Paradise when I was living down in Sydney, but I can guarantee you’d have the time of your life if you go! I’m actually seriously contemplating heading back to Australia for the holidays this year, and attending Beyond the Valley & Falls Festival are definitely high up on my list!
This is me at Lost Paradise Festival in 2016/2017
Planning a trip to Australia…?
I’ve spent A LOT of time living, working, and traveling around Australia, and it’s truly one of my favorite countries in the entire world. My travel blog is filled with helpful destination guides, travel itineraries, and stunning photography, and I’d love for you to check out a few of my favorite posts below! As well, if you ever have any questions about traveling Australia, feel free to message me on Instagram and I’d be happy to help any way I can!
- The Ultimate SYDNEY ITINERARY | How to Spend 4-7 Days Exploring Sydney
- The BEST MELBOURNE Itinerary | How to Spend 4-7 Days Exploring Melbourne
- The Best PERTH Itinerary | How to Spend a Week Exploring Perth
- The 20 Best Things to Do in Airlie Beach, Australia
- The 13 Best Things to do in Surfer’s Paradise & The Gold Coast
- The 19 Best Things to do in Byron Bay, Australia
- 14 Words You’ll Start Saying When you Move to Australia
- The Ultimate Guide for Moving to Sydney on a Working Holiday Visa
- My Australian Outback / Northern Territory Travel Itinerary
- Top 30 Music Festivals in Melbourne To Experience Before You Die
- Cairns – Sydney: The Ultimate Greyhound Bus Pass Itinerary
- The 20 Best Rooftop Bars in Melbourne
- The 20 Best Day Trips From Melbourne
- Top 20 Adelaide Music Festivals To Experience Before You Die
- The 20 Best Brisbane Festivals To Experience BEfore You Die
Field Day in Sydney is also another one of my all time favourites!
Yeah definitely! I’ve been to Field Day and loved it!