Three of the best arts festivals in Australia

PARRTJIMA Festival, Australia.

1 Sara Dajani Parrtjima

September 28-October 7
Held in Alice Springs, this is Australia's largest cultural festival, recognising the country's indigenous heritage. Through modern technologies and traditional storytelling, their culture is showed through mesmerising colourful outdoor light shows showcasing local artists' work. It powerfully brings to light their history and meaningful connection to the land.

2 Melbourne Festival

October 3-21
Ever since it began in 1986, this festival has brought together a wide range of artistic creativity through dance, music, visual arts, outdoor events, theatre and more. This year's event features big public spectacle, in the shape of huge fiery installations from French artists Compagnie Carabosse, and tiny details, with Flight, a play crafted out of miniature figures and a giantrotating diorama.

3 Woodford Folk Festival

December 27-January 1
This festival, in Woodford, just north of Brisbane, brings together more Australian artists than any other event. Over the six-day period, more than 2000 artists and 438 acts will perform in this year's show. The grounds are perfectly suited to the folk theme as the grounds are filled with thousands of rainforest trees, ferns, orchards making it a suitable environment for butterflies and wildlife to flourish. The festival revolves around street theatre, musical performances, dances, comedy sessions, parades, circus performances, workshops and more. The festivities conclude with a mesmerising fire event and performance on New Year's Day.