1. The Falls Music & Arts Festival || 28 Dec – 1 Jan 2012. fallsfestival.com.au

Described as a ‘music and art lovers getaway’ this one is a must celebrate New Years event. Pitch your tent and camp for the weekend in bushland a short way out from Lorne on the famed Great Ocean Road. Previous line-ups have included The Living End, Ash Grunwald, The Rapture and greats like Paul Kelly. With a sister event in Tasmania’s Marion Bay this one has buckets of industry cred.

2. Meredith Music Festival || Dec 2011. 2010. mmf.com.au

Over a full-weekend in the countryside, this annual music festival, which started back in 1991 (as an end-of-year celebration for 200 friends) has a worthy line-up of live music. Little Red, Sally Seltmann, Those Darlings and Cloud Country – to name a couple.  Cross your fingers that the weather stays good and be prepared if not as this one tends to get a bit muddy. Also be sure to check out The Meredith Sky Show – an impressive giant laser show.

3. Pyramid Rock Festival. 29 Dec – 1 Jan 2012. thepyramidrockfestival.com

Over New Years, pack up the car and camp two nights at this Phillip Island rock festival. Major local and international artists hit the main-stage while emerging ones star on the Pharaoh’s Annex. See successful Aussie favourites The Temper Trap and Xavier Rudd, Adelaide quartet LowRider as well as French DJ Yuksek and Swedish blues rock band Baskery.

3. Apollo Bay Music Festival. 2012 TBC. apollobaymusicfestival.com

After 19 years, this autumn music festival in scenic Apollo Bay is still going strong. Relax by the beach and hear a diverse range of new and emerging artists alongside experienced musicians. An internationally recognised three-day event, local venues and foreshore marquees have hosted greats like Kasey Chambers, The Whitlams and The John Butler Trio.

4. Port Fairy Folk Festival || 9 – 12 March 2012. portfairyfolkfestival.com

If you’re Labour Day long weekend is looking a bit drab, head to this cute little fishing village. See local and international folk artists perform over four-days, from folk and country, to acoustic rock and world roots, there’s something for everyone with a sideline of markets, fairs and street theatre. Celebrating its 35^th festival last year, the aim is to benefit the local community and promote folk music – be it diverse or traditional.