Must-See Acts Touring Australia This Year
- 2025 is packed with major international tours and high-energy shows across Australia.
- Local talent is thriving, offering intimate performances that feel fresh and authentic.
- Music festivals provide the ultimate multi-artist experiences in scenic, festival-ready locations.
- Smart planning helps you catch more shows while managing your schedule and budget.
There’s something magical about live music that just can’t be captured on a playlist. The buzz of the crowd, the roar when the headliner steps on stage, the way your favorite songs hit different when you hear them live—it’s pure energy. And if you’re in Australia, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for live performances in recent memory.
After a few unpredictable years for touring artists, the live music scene has come back swinging. Global superstars, legendary rockers, and rising local heroes are all making their way to Aussie stages, and the calendar is already looking packed. Whether you’re into stadium spectacles or indie gigs in more intimate venues, this is the year to go big on live music.
Let’s dive into the acts you won’t want to miss—and how to make sure you snag the best seats before they’re gone.
Global Superstars Taking the Stage in Australia
If you’ve been dreaming of seeing some of the world’s biggest artists perform live, 2025 might just be your dream come true. Australia is hosting a stacked lineup of global headliners this year, and fans are already marking their calendars.
Taylor Swift is returning with her record-shattering Eras Tour, playing multiple nights in Sydney and Melbourne. Expect sold-out stadiums, jaw-dropping visuals, and a three-hour set that spans every musical era she’s ever touched. Ed Sheeran is also making the rounds, bringing his Mathematics Tour to arenas across the country with his signature loop pedal magic and stripped-back performance style.
And then there’s The Weeknd, whose After Hours til Dawn Tour promises to deliver a futuristic concert experience like no other. Complete with cinematic visuals, haunting vocals, and high-concept storytelling, this tour is already earning rave reviews internationally and is poised to do the same here.
Other big names making the trek Down Under include Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay, who will bring their high-energy shows and dazzling light displays to massive audiences. These are not just concerts—they’re full-blown experiences that fans talk about for years.
If you’re hoping to see any of these global superstars live, now’s the time to start planning. Tickets are moving fast, and the best spots are going quick.
Where to Find the Best Ticket Deals for Australian Shows
Let’s face it—concert tickets aren’t exactly cheap these days, especially when you’re eyeing multiple shows in one year. But the good news? With a little strategy, you can still score Australia’s best deals on live concert tickets and catch your favorite acts without blowing your entire budget.
One of the smartest moves is to sign up for artist mailing lists and fan clubs. These often offer early access to tickets or exclusive pre-sale codes before they go public. It might feel like a small step, but getting in even a few hours early can mean the difference between front row seats and disappointment.
Another tip? Don’t sleep on weekday shows. While everyone scrambles for the Friday or Saturday night spots, Tuesday or Wednesday gigs can be less competitive and sometimes a bit cheaper. And if you’re open to traveling, prices can vary between cities. A show in Brisbane might be more affordable than the same act in Sydney, depending on demand.
Also, if you’re attending music festivals, look for early-bird passes and bundle deals. Not only do you save cash, but you also lock in access before the lineup hype drives prices up.
Planning ahead and knowing where to look is key. With the right timing and a little insider knowledge, you’ll be dancing front and center without paying top dollar.
Rising Australian Artists You Shouldn’t Miss
While international headliners are grabbing a lot of the spotlight, there’s something electric happening right here at home. Australia’s music scene is bursting with fresh talent, and 2025 is proving to be a breakout year for a wave of incredible local artists.
Take Genesis Owusu, for example. His genre-blurring sound and captivating stage presence have earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Every show he plays feels like a celebration of creative freedom, wrapped in funk, hip hop, and something entirely his own. Then there’s G Flip—drummer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist powerhouse—who continues to deliver high-octane performances full of raw emotion and infectious energy.
You’ve also got artists like Budjerah, whose soulful voice brings goosebumps with every note, and Sycco, whose dreamy alt-pop vibes are turning heads on major festival stages. And let’s not forget Tones and I, still riding the wave of her meteoric rise, proving she’s no one-hit wonder with consistently bold and heartfelt performances.
Catching these artists live isn’t just about the music—it’s about witnessing the next big thing before they hit global superstardom. There’s an intimacy and authenticity to their shows that makes every performance feel personal. Plus, you’re supporting Aussie talent, which only helps fuel the growth of the local music community.
Whether they’re headlining their own tours or sharing stages with international acts, these rising stars are delivering some of the most memorable live music experiences you’ll find this year.
Epic Music Festivals Touring the Country
If you’d rather make a weekend (or even a week) out of your live music adventures, Australia’s festival scene is calling your name. Packed with diverse lineups, epic backdrops, and nonstop vibes, music festivals in 2025 are raising the bar.
Splendour in the Grass is back with its signature blend of global names, indie favorites, and surprise sets. Held in the lush Byron Bay hinterland, this iconic festival is as much about the atmosphere as it is the music. Think camping under the stars, art installations, pop-up food trucks, and dancing until your feet give out.
Then there’s Laneway Festival, which continues to deliver on its promise of championing cutting-edge talent. Known for curating lineups that blend up-and-comers with cult favorites, Laneway hits multiple cities, making it easier to catch wherever you are.
Falls Festival is another major player, turning New Year’s into a multi-day celebration with acts spanning rock, pop, and electronic genres. With locations in places like Fremantle and Byron, it’s the perfect summer escape with a soundtrack to match.
Other niche gems like Groovin the Moo and St. Jerome’s Laneway are also worth watching—they offer slightly smaller crowds and a more intimate feel, but the quality of acts remains top-notch.
Festivals offer the chance to see multiple artists in one go, but they’re also about more than music. The energy, the people, the discovery of artists you didn’t know you loved—it all adds up to an experience that’s totally unforgettable.
Planning Your Year of Music
With so many amazing tours and festivals on the horizon, putting together your own live music game plan can be just as fun as the shows themselves. The key is to balance excitement with a little bit of strategy, so you don’t end up burned out or over budget before the year’s halfway through.
Start by listing your must-see artists—the ones you’d regret missing. These are your non-negotiables, so secure those tickets first, even if it means snagging them months in advance. From there, look at your calendar. Are there festivals that line up with long weekends or holidays? Can you turn a concert into a mini getaway?
Mixing up the types of shows you attend can also make the year feel more dynamic. Go big with one or two massive stadium tours, but balance them with smaller gigs where you might discover a new favorite artist up close. Not every memorable night involves pyrotechnics and 80,000 fans—sometimes the most unforgettable performances happen in the most unexpected venues.
Keeping a shared calendar (especially if you’re coordinating with friends) is a game changer. Track ticket release dates, travel plans, and show times so nothing slips through the cracks. And always leave a little room for spontaneity—those last-minute shows often end up being the highlights.
When you plan it right, the year becomes one long playlist of incredible nights out. And trust us, 2025 is the perfect year to press play.
Conclusion
Australia’s live music scene is back in full force, and there’s never been a better time to dive in. Whether you’re catching global icons in sold-out stadiums, discovering local legends on the rise, or dancing your heart out at a sun-drenched festival, this year is packed with moments that music lovers will remember forever.
So grab your tickets, rally your crew, and get ready for a year where the music never stops.
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