Perhaps you are an edgy traveler who would like to add live performances by some of the planet’s hottest and most talked-about bands to your Australia luxury vacation package. After all, packed summer concerts are a global custom. This year, sun-stroked music fans will be lining up to see big tours like Lilith Fair, Van’s Warped Tour and Lollapalooza. For visitors of Australia this July and August, however, music’s coolest acts can be found in the grass.
Splendour in the Grass, Australia’s largest winter music festival, has played host to some of music’s most critically acclaimed acts since its inception in 2001. PJ Harvey, Coldplay, Ladytron, Brian Wilson, MGMT and Devo are just a handful of the acts that have played Splendour in the Grass over the past few years. This year’s festival, which takes place on July 30, July 31 and August 1, promises to be another can’t-miss event for music fans. Headliners like The Strokes, The Pixies and Ben Harper & Relentless7 keep with the festival’s tradition of booking international acts as each three hail from different parts of the United States. Goldfrapp, LCD Soundsystem, Passion Pit and The Ting Tings represent the best in electronic music from around the world. But some of Australia’s most acclaimed new and emerging artists are also the most anticipated acts at Splendour in the Grass. Empire of the Sun, hailing from Sydney, has sold millions of albums and collected dozens of awards. The band is known for its epic electronic sounds and visually stunning live performances. Other Aussie acts include Washington, The Temper Trap and Wolfmother.
Many a dust-covered festivalgoer will be camping at Splendour’s campsite in Woodford, Queensland; the charming town also is nearby the Sunshine Coast, which plays host to several top spas and resorts. A short car ride to hotels on the coast and music lovers will be able to replace the ringing in their ears with the sounds of crashing waves while they watch stunning sunsets. Most hotels in the Sunshine Coast come equipped with heated pools and Jacuzzis, perfect for those tired dancing legs. Hard-core music fans that won’t want to miss a thing may sigh at the Sunshine Coast’s distance from Splendour in the Grass but luxury junkies will be thrilled to know that they can have their rock and their massage, too.
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