The Definitive Ranking Of Australia's Most Popular Music Festivals

Bring back BDO.

16. Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Facebook: tamworthcountrymusicfestival

Does anyone that's not from Tamworth actually like it?

What you need to know: It's an all round country affair - city kids used to city festivals may find it very overwhelming. And rather bogan.

15. Stereosonic.

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If you're into the whole dancing/jumping to all music that sounds the same then Stereo is for you.

What you need to know: Stereo is held in November/December every year, so you'll have to start shredding by at least June.

14. Fat As Butter.

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The Newcastle festival can draw some good bands, but the overall the line-up isn't worth travelling for. Great for the local community and coastie kids however.

What you need to know: Don't bother with sneaking in alcohol. They're quite good at finding it.

13. Village Fair.

Facebook: villagefaircsu

The people behind Village Fair are kind-hearted music lovers, just trying to give the people of Bathurst something worth dancing for.

What you need to know: It's great for the uni culture, but if you live nowhere near Bathurst, probably not your thing.

12. Bluesfest Byron Bay.

Facebook: bluesfestbyronba

Bluesfest is the kind of festival that may have one of your all time favourite musicians on the line-up, then nothing else interesting.

What you need to know: It's a great one to take your Dad to.

11. Peats Ridge.

Facebook: peatsridgefestival

Peats Ridge was the most chilled out festival OF ALL TIME. Like, so chilled out, you can order Chai Tea and meditate while listening to the soothing sounds of Gotye to ring in the new year.

What you need to know: It's not on anymore. Sorry.

10. Festival of the Sun.

Facebook: fotsun

Festival of the Sun is great for showcasing amazing Aussie talent and encourages dress up themes - fun!

What you need to know: You're in for a good time, but not like wet-yourself-with-excitement good time.

9. Groovin The Moo.

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Groovin The Moo is pretty consistent at boasting a fun line-up; but over the last couple years the festival is getting a little too diverse with the musical experimentation. So if your music taste is picky, more likely than not, you won't be wanting to travel to go catch the festival for only one or two bands.

What you need to know: Dress warmly for the Canberra one. Otherwise your feet will turn into ice-blocks by the end of the night.

8. Future Music Festival.

Facebook: futuremusicfestival

Future is the dance/pop/rap manifesto that always draws the crowds back for a good time. Even Dizzee Rascal shows up when he's invited and that's something he doesn't always do.

What you need to know: Stay hydrated. It gets hot out there.

7. Mountain Sounds.

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Mountain Sounds is an awesome musical adventure situated on the Central Coast of NSW. Only a year old, the festival boasts a musically diverse line-up and showcases some fantastic Aussie acts.

What you need to know: The festival only runs for the Saturday but you have the option to camp both the Friday and Saturday nights - great for those who live out of town.

6. Secret Garden Festival.

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While it's colourful and the costumes are always fantastic there is a certain risk taken with going to Secret Garden - mainly the fact that you don't know who's on the line-up before purchasing tickets. But what's life without a few risks?

What you need to know: The festival donates a lot of their proceeds towards charity so it's all about good vibes and good samaritans.

5. St Jerome's Laneway Festival.

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Hipsters unite! Laneway Festival boasts a great array of international and local acts to wet your musical appetite.

What you need to know: There'll be at least 5 or more bands on the line-up that are so indie you've never ever heard of them.

4. Big Day Out.

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Big Day Out is the STAPLE of Australian festivals. The father figure. The one that you have to go to just for the novelty of it.

What you need to know: Currently no-one actually knows what the fuck is going on with BDO. Will it come back? We'll wait with baited breath.

3. Falls Festival.

Facebook: officialfallsmusicandarts.

Chilled tunes by day, followed by lovely MDMA tunes by night (Must Dance Magnificently Always).

What you need to know: There's a fair bit of walking so wear comfortable shoes and always keep a rain poncho handy. Face glitter isn't a must but may be looked down upon unfavourably.

2. Soundwave.

Facebook: soundwavefestival

One day many punk, rock, emo, metal and hardcore fans were praying for a festival that wouldn't let them down. Then A.J Maddah - Soundwave God - answered these prayers, and brought a festival with a consistently stellar line-up.

What you need to know: Even if you don't want to fork out for the festival, save your dollars. There's bound to be at least three sidewaves you'll want to hit up.

1. Splendour in the Grass.

Facebook: splendourinthegrass

It's Australia's biggest music festival and with good reason. Year after year Splendour constantly delivers and makes a perfect mid-year musical excursion.

What you need to know: If you love the Coachella line-up, chances are you'll rate Splendour and the all round good vibe.