Byron Bay

Set in the beautiful hinterland of northern NSW, the Byron Bay Bluesfest is an internationally renowned blues and roots music festival held each year during the Easter long weekend. With more than 200 performances across seven stages over five days, the festival showcases music from around the world, and in previous years has boasted the likes of Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and James Brown on the bill. Since its humble beginnings in 1990, Bluesfest has won numerous tourism and music accolades and now attracts more than 100,000 festival goers over the long weekend. Held on 120 picturesque hectares at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, 11 kilometres from Byron, Bluesfest is a family-friendly event, with children’s entertainment and a daily kids’ program on offer.

An annual tradition in August, presented by the Southern Cross Soloists, this music festival delights audiences with a sublime program of chamber music. Spanning three days, the festival spotlights some of the highest acclaimed international soloists and Australia's most anticipated chamber music ensembles.

Enjoy four nights and three days of all things Latin dance and music in November. Catering to beginners and seasoned dancers, the festival offers an extensive program of dance workshops with international, national and local instructors. Nightly dance parties feature live bands, DJs and amazing dance performances in a wide range of Latin styles including salsa, samba and cha cha cha.

This is one of Australia's most celebrated writers' events and recognised for its stimulating program. Held over three days in August, the festival attracts some of the best Australian writers, plus many international authors, and includes panel discussions, book launches, workshops and dinners.

Splendour in the Grass creates its own community close to Byron Bay for a July weekend that is an exciting mix of contemporary performing arts. Past headline acts have included Coldplay, The Strokes, Kanye West, Arctic Monkeys, Devo, Mumford and Sons, and Bloc Party. Loved by music fans as much as by musicians, the festival offers plenty of other attractions beyond the main stages including craft markets, food stalls, an on-site mini shopping mall, and the Little Splendour children's festival.