5 Cool Autumn Australian Camping Festivals in May
It’s starting to cool down now and we’re assuming that because you’re reading this, you already know that camping in Australia in the cooler seasons is the absolute best, so you have to make the most of it, right?
There are a few camping festivals this month, which as usual make for a perfect excuse to pack up the car and get amongst it in the bush, so here are five cool Autumn Australian camping festivals in May for you to consider.
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Big Country Festival, NSW
7th and 8th May, Nowra
It’s a bit tight now to get to this one if you live a long way away, but the Big Country Festival is one hell of a good show, with fantastic country music artists from all around performing, as well as bull riding and other entertainment and heaps of food options. The event starts on Friday afternoon with shuttle buses around town markets and music, but the big-name headline acts and main entertainment will be there on Saturday – and there are a lot of them.
Camping is at the Nowra Showground and there are free shuttle buses to the event. Only tents, small vans and swags are allowed in the cap ground due to the potentially boggy areas in there. There’s also a Rent-A-Tent option. A great festival, especially worth getting to if you missed the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Big Country Festival Facebook page
Wild Women’s Bush Camp, Queensland
14 – 19 May, Mareeba, North Queensland
This is a longer festival, which gives a full immersion for women in reconnection and rediscovery of self through rituals, ceremonies, music and art, and getting into nature through swimming and hiking activities.
There are no showers and bathing is done in the river or via your own camp set up, which they prefer is a tent or swag arrangement rather than a vehicle. Although May’s event is booked out you can get onto the waiting list, or book for their next camp on August 25-30. All camping, food and activities are included in the price for the event.
Wild Women’s Bush Camp website
Wild Women’s Bush Camp Facebook page
Festival of the Sun, NSW
May 19-21, Port Macquarie
Billed as the BYO Beachside Boogie, this festival is basically a music festival only, aimed at a younger crowd, with little in the way of workshops or other activities. The performances start in the middle of each day so there’s heaps of sleeping in each morning after a long night before.
There’s plenty of camping only a 5 minute walk to the main stage, and this is included in the price, but they also offer cabins and glamping options for a more pimped out festival adventure.
Festival of the Sun Facebook page
Fearless Women's Forest Gathering, WA
Fri 20 – Sun 22 May, Dwellingup
A Western Australian event in a beautiful region of the state, aimed at women on their journeys of spiritual and individual self-discovery, with multiple workshops, meditations, healings, dance, live music, entertainment, markets and nature walks. This festival has a strong focus on mental and physical health as well as connection and empowerment – very timely with all that’s going on in the world.
You can purchase catered and uncatered event options, with camping included – tent, swag or vehicle camping is okay. They also offer pre-set-up glamping options and bunkhouse as well.
Fearless Women's Forest Gathering website
Fearless Women's Forest Gathering Facebook page
Pranafest, Queensland
From 27 to 29 May on the Sunshine Coast
To round off our May camping festivals, the Pranafest is a wellness retreat style offering that promotes connection through yoga, meditation, breathwork and lots of music and art. The community-building nature of this and its fully laid back and accepting style might be just the breath of fresh air you need as the year rolls out.
Your event ticket also includes your camping fees, with the scheduled camping on Friday and Saturday nights, but Sunday night camping is available for free as the event will be finished then. Glamping options are also available for an extra fee for that extra comfort and convenience
Conclusion
We’ve published this one pretty late, as the month has already started, but anything earlier was either sold out or included in last month’s round up as it carried over to May. But hopefully there are still some options open, no matter what your getaway style, and you still have time!