LOCAL HEROES

The relatively under-the-radar local festivals to get to now, before the crowds do

“Its’ ONE PART SUPERCOOL POP-UP, TWO PARTS the BEST PARTY YOUR MATE’S EVER THROWN”

STRAWBERRY FIELDS

Where: Tocumwal, on the Nsw/victoria border – about a three-hour drive from Melbourne. When: November 29December 1, 2019. Line-up: Cc:disco!, Milan Ring, Mildlife, Roza Terenzi and Wax’o Paradiso. Who goes: Your mates who love a bush doof. strawberry-fields.com.au

MEREDITH AND GOLDEN PLAINS

Where: Both festivals are held in Meredith, a 1.5-hour drive west of Melbourne. When: Meredith is December 13-15, 2019. Golden Plains falls in March. Line-up: This year’s Meredith includes Róisín Murphy, Julia Jacklin and Helena Hauff. Who goes: Anyone who loves a feel-good atmosphere and BYO alcohol policy. mmf.com.au; goldenplains.com.au

VANFEST

Where: Forbes, a five-hour drive west of Sydney. When: Usually falls in May. Line-up: This year’s acts included Willaris K, Golden Features, Pnau, Broods, Methyl Ethyl, Mallrat and Eves Karydas. Who goes: Your little bro and his mates. Tag along. vanfest.com.au

BOOGIE

Where: Tallarook, Victoria, an hour or so north of Melbourne. When: Usually falls in April. Line-up: Has included Kurt Vile & The Violators, Magic Dirt, Bad//dreems, Angel Olsen and Tropical Fuck Storm in previous years. Who goes: Those who dig alt-rock. boogie.net.au

INNER VARNIKA

Where: A secret country-victoria location that’s announced closer to the date. When: Usually falls in April. Line-up: Expect a range of international and local dance/ house/techno acts, with a bit of disco and soul thrown in (think Umfang, Bjørn Torske, DJ Bone — if you know, you know). Who goes: Friends who dream of getting into Berlin’s Berghain. innervarnika.com