The Strawberry Fields

The small township called Tocumwal can be found deep in the New South Wales bushlands, two hundred and forty seven kilometers beyond Melbourne. It has a population of 1,970, a home to just one primary school and perhaps is not the most obvious place to host one of the most progressive and exciting festivals in the southern hemisphere, but Strawberry Fields has thrived there since 2009.

Strawberry Fields just gets better and better as each year passes, just like the local Australia bushland success stories. It started out as a techno-focused event but has broadened its scope to include a wide range of electronic music and a showcase for artists, entertainers and different types of performers.

A strong encouragement is given to Strawberry Fields' attendees to participate in the festival, whether they contribute to art and installations, do performances as musicians or even devise and host their own theme camps. This democratic attitude and dance music-focused lineup makes it a draw for those who like to expand their consciousness all day and all night long.

In the past, attendees have been commonly placed under close scrutiny by the local authorities while making their way in to the event. But even with the presence of the town law enforcement outside the festival, it's a very relaxed affair and one which allows you to give your mind some time off and just let loose.

For those attendee travelers that are not only there for the rave atmosphere, there's a cozy Tea Lounge which gives away warm brews and the festival also has a variety of workshops going on all throughout the event. Previous and regular additional activities include classes on African drumming, poi or fire dancing, shiatsu massage and even sunset yoga.

With an accommodating 6,000 capacity event area, Strawberry Fields operates in that perfect small festival space for a mix of urban weekend warriors, hippie mainstays and techno kids. And with four stages and one bar, there's definitely enough room to play in.