This December, prepare to welcome in 2015 by letting your hair down at The Falls Music & Arts Festival. Spread out over three days and three different venues, this event showcases… well, music and the arts. The event takes over Lorne, Victoria, from 28 Dec-1 Jan; Marion Bay, Tasmania, from 29 Dec-1 Jan; and Byron, New South Wales, from 30 Dec-3 Jan.
From some of the top names in alternative music to stand-up comedians to works by up-and-coming fine and decorative artists, the event offers culture abound as well as an all-around good time.
Some of the top names in alternative music are going to be taking the stage at these three venues. A few names you may recognise include Alt-J, The Black Lips, Cold War Kids, George Ezra, John Butler Trio, Julian Casablancas The Voidz, La Roux, Sticky Fingers, The Temper Trap, Spiderbait, Jamie XX, Glass Animals, Dan Sultan and Kim Churchill.
That's not all, either. There are more names yet to be announced, so you may discover the next big thing at the festival.
In the first night at each venue, festivalgoers will be related to Boogie Nights, a giant dance party at which you should dress to impress. This year's theme is Deep Sea Disco, so bring your nautical and marine-inspired gear and dance to the tunes of Salt N Pepa, Twerkshop, DJ Fletch, Alison Wonderland and Client Liaison.
In need of a good laugh? You're in luck - The Falls Music & Arts Festival also features a number of comedians ready to put you in an uproarious mood. Well-known names such as Damien Power, Harley Breen, Tommy Dassalo, Urzila Carlson, Daniel Townes and Luke McGregor will be taking the stage.
"For those times when you don't want to visit multiple establishments in one night just to satisfy your desire for top-quality food and drink, we've put together a list of Darwin's top venues for excellent meals and beverages."
There are three separate venues for the event, giving you three incredible options of places to explore.
Lorne, Victoria, is located along the Great Ocean Road, about a 1 hour, 15-minute drive to Geelong and a 2-hour drive to Melbourne. It's gorgeous coastline offers scenic views, and its far-south location gives it perfect weather for enjoying the New Year. The area is peppered with seaside towns with restaurants, resorts, and ocean activities, so it's a great place to spend a holiday, even apart from the festival. In terms of holiday accommodation, Consider Mantra Lorne, located right off the Great Ocean Road and offering gorgeous beach views and plenty of amenities.
Marion Bay, Tasmania, is located on the southeastern side of the island, backing up to its gorgeous namesake bay. The Falls Music & Arts Festival is probably the biggest event that comes to this quiet region - it's the Tasman Sea and all its glory that attract people to the region on holiday, not the area's amenities. The closest large city to Marion Bay is Hobart, at a driving distance of about one hour. Stay at the Mantra One Sandy Bay Road hotel while you're attending the festival.
Last but certainly not least, Byron, New South Wales, is located along the gorgeous eastern coast of the state. It's just a beautiful 2-hour drive south of Brisbane, a trip which is made breathtaking through gorgeous ocean views. If you're attending the festival in Byron, consider staying at Mantra on Salt Beach in Kingscliff, just a 30-minute drive from Byron Bay. Or head to Gold Coast and stay at Mantra Circle on Cavill for an option near Surfers Paradise.
No matter which festival venue you choose, you'll be treated to the same exciting New Year's-season celebration, complete with great performances and an artistic vibe.
Photo by Paul Smith.