About Us

Australian Festivals team at Sydney Harbor during Vivid Festival

Our Story

Australian Festivals Guide began in 2010 when our founder, Emily Thompson, found herself struggling to navigate the overwhelming variety of cultural events while planning her cross-country journey through Australia. What started as a personal blog documenting her festival experiences quickly evolved into a trusted resource for travelers and locals alike.

By 2015, we had assembled a team of passionate festival enthusiasts, cultural experts, and travel writers dedicated to providing comprehensive, authentic information about Australia's vibrant celebration scene. Our team has personally attended each festival we feature, capturing the unique atmosphere, cultural significance, and practical details that help our readers make informed decisions.

Today, Australian Festivals Guide has grown into the country's premier resource for festival information, reaching over 500,000 readers annually. We've expanded our services to include consultation for international visitors planning festival-centered itineraries, partnerships with event organizers, and cultural education programs that highlight the rich tapestry of Australian celebrations. Throughout our growth, we've remained committed to our founding principle: sharing the joy and cultural significance of Australia's diverse festivals with the world.

Company founder at first festival coverage event

Our Mission & Values

Team planning meeting for festival coverage

Mission

Our mission is to celebrate and promote Australia's rich cultural tapestry through its diverse festivals and celebrations, making these experiences accessible to everyone. We strive to provide accurate, comprehensive information that honors the cultural significance of each event while helping visitors create meaningful connections with Australian traditions.

Core Values

Cultural Respect

We approach each festival with deep respect for its cultural origins, particularly for Indigenous celebrations and traditions. We prioritize accurate representation and context in all our content.

Authenticity

We provide firsthand, honest accounts of festival experiences, never recommending events we haven't personally attended or thoroughly researched with local experts.

Inclusivity

We believe festivals should be accessible to everyone. We highlight accessibility information, family-friendly options, and diverse cultural perspectives in our coverage.

Sustainability

We promote responsible festival tourism and highlight events that demonstrate environmental and cultural sustainability practices.

Meet Our Team

Emily Thompson, Founder & Director

Emily Thompson

Founder & Director

With a background in cultural anthropology and 15 years of experience in event management, Emily brings expert knowledge of both indigenous and contemporary Australian celebrations. Her passion for cultural storytelling drives our mission to connect people through shared festive experiences.

Dr. James Wilson, Research Director

Dr. James Wilson

Research Director

James leads our historical and cultural research efforts, ensuring the accuracy and depth of our festival information. With a PhD in Australian Cultural Studies from the University of Melbourne, he specializes in the evolution of national celebrations and their role in shaping Australian identity.

Leah Nguyen, Content Director

Leah Nguyen

Content Director

Leah oversees our digital content strategy, combining her journalism background with her passion for multimedia storytelling. Having covered festivals across five continents, she brings a global perspective to our Australian celebration coverage, with particular expertise in multicultural urban festivals.

Uncle Ben Crawford, Indigenous Cultural Advisor

Uncle Ben Crawford

Indigenous Cultural Advisor

A respected Elder from the Bundjalung Nation, Uncle Ben ensures our coverage of Indigenous festivals is culturally appropriate and authentic. His deep knowledge of ceremonial practices, storytelling traditions, and protocols guides our approach to representing Australia's First Nations celebrations.

Our Achievements

Industry Recognition

  • Tourism Australia Excellence Award for Digital Content (2022)
  • Australian Travel Media Award for Cultural Tourism (2020)
  • International Cultural Tourism Network Gold Badge (2019)
  • Featured in National Geographic's "Top Cultural Resources" (2018)

Community Impact

  • Increased festival attendance by 15% across featured events
  • Contributed to 25% growth in international visitors attending regional festivals
  • Raised $75,000 for indigenous cultural preservation programs
  • Mentored 30+ emerging festival organizers across Australia

Research & Documentation

  • Published comprehensive archive of 150+ Australian festivals
  • Created educational resources used in 200+ schools nationwide
  • Documented 25 at-risk cultural celebrations for preservation
  • Contributed research to 3 university cultural studies programs

Digital Reach

  • 500,000+ annual website visitors from 120+ countries
  • 100,000+ festival guide downloads
  • 75,000+ social media followers across platforms
  • Featured in 40+ international travel publications

What People Say About Us

Tourism Australia Representative

Sarah Jenkins

Tourism Australia

"Australian Festivals Guide has become an invaluable resource for promoting our cultural events to international markets. Their detailed coverage, cultural sensitivity, and engaging content have helped countless visitors discover Australia's rich festival landscape. We regularly recommend their guides to tourism partners and visitors planning their Australian experience."

Festival Director

Michael Chen

Sydney Festival Director

"The team at Australian Festivals Guide brings a unique combination of cultural understanding and practical knowledge to their coverage. Their detailed research and genuine passion for our event helped us reach new audiences and better communicate our festival's significance. Their work goes beyond simple event listings—they're true cultural ambassadors for Australia's festival scene."

International Visitor

Emma Rodriguez

International Visitor

"Planning my Australian trip around festivals was the best decision I made, and I couldn't have done it without the Australian Festivals Guide. Their insider tips about transportation, accommodation near venues, and cultural etiquette made my experience truly special. Thanks to their recommendations, I attended Garma Festival and had a life-changing cultural exchange that I would have missed with standard tourist resources."

Connect With Our Festival Experts

Whether you're planning your Australian festival adventure, organizing an event, or interested in our cultural research, our team is ready to assist you. Get personalized recommendations and insights from people who truly understand Australia's celebration landscape.

Contact Us Today