Welcome To The Deep North: Sydney’s New Festival Is Taking Over the Beaches

Whether you’re a saltwater local or rolling in for a summer weekender, Sydney’s Northern Beaches are the place to be in late 2025. This year, the coastline is stepping things up with the debut of The Deep North Festival, a three-day celebration taking over Avalon, Whale Beach and Palm Beach from 5–7 December. Expect a full sweep of music, art, film, food, wellness, and community—and yes, tickets are officially on sale now.

Know what you want? Skip to:

• The Lineup
• Beyond The Main Stage
• Retail & Local Activations

The Lineup

It all kicks off under the full moon. On Friday night, South Avalon Beach hosts a huge Full Moon Picnic and Concert, led by William Barton, whose soaring compositions will set the tone for the entire weekend. He’s joined by Ben Morgan and Mia Burlinson, easing everyone into the festival with a sunset soundscape.

The festival’s beating heart is The Town Tent—a 450-person coastal concert hall anchoring Avalon Village. This is where the big names land, and where you’ll find the weekend’s most unmissable performances.

And the headline announcement we've all been waiting for? Meg Washington will take over on Saturday night, backed by rising talent Tilli K. If you haven't seen her live in concert before, this is your chance—she’s a multi-award-winning alt-pop icon for a reason, and this set is tipped to be the show of the summer.

Across the weekend, The Town Tent also plays host to a stacked list of musicians and storytellers, from James Morrison and Joseph Tawadros, to Le Shiv, The Super Silly Seaside Circus, and an in-conversation session featuring Bob Brown and Pulitzer Prize–winning Geraldine Brooks. No two sessions look the same, so you're bound to be wowed no matter when you rock up. 

Beyond The Main Stage

Once you step outside the tent, Avalon’s laneways and rooftops take on a life of their own. DJs and live acts (including Sam La More, Bentley, DJ DT, Rob Madden, and Kid Kenobi) will be spinning from day to night, turning the village into a breezy coastal block party.

Unexpected musical moments continue across the peninsula thanks to The Bowerbird Collective, who’ll be popping up with intimate world and classical performances in hidden corners.

Film lovers are spoilt too, with screenings of Point of Change, Modern Day Castaway, and The Best of Annecy Animation Festival. A standout addition this year is Chanamee, Never Die, an immersive audiovisual exhibition at the Avalon Recreation Centre that leads viewers deep into the Tanami Desert with the Karrinyarra people. It’s open all weekend, 8am–5pm.

If movement is more your vibe, the wellness program stretches from sunrise surf sessions and yoga to skate nights, drumming circles, guided nature walks and family-friendly workshops—plus circus shows, treasure hunts and kids’ entertainment across Avalon.

Retail & Local Activations

And when it’s time to swap beats for boutiques, Avalon’s makers and retailers are stepping up with exclusive festival collabs—so you can take a little piece of The Deep North home with you. We've put together our top picks so that you can add them to your calendar.

Wayfarers Trading Co.

Tattoos, Flash Sheets And Creative Workshops

Walk in for festival-designed flash tattoos or get something custom from the team. Artist Sam Clarke is also running a beginner drawing workshop for anyone keen to try their hand.

Sunset Diner

Spritzco Disco, Live Music And Signature Burgers

Expect $12 spritzes, disco-leaning DJ sets, acoustic sessions and all the classic Sunset Diner burgers, including the Cheezy and Ode to Solstice (a must-try for any die-hard fans missing the OG).

Nash & Banks

Whiskey, Wine & Fine Design

A 90-minute guided tasting of whisky and wine served in Denver & Liely glassware, led by expert educators and designers—a thoughtful session built around great drinks and good design.

Peggy Concept Store

Artist Residency And Styling Sessions

Daniel O’Connell unveils new works, including pieces featured in Colette Dinnigan’s cookbook. Outside, Maison Balzac and Alex & Trahanas run live styling demonstrations throughout the day.

Leilah

Grazing Table Masterclass

Learn how to build a standout grazing table with Karima Hazim, followed by Lebanese wine tasting and styling tips from Rouba Alamein. A hands-on session for anyone who loves hosting.

Pocket Pizza

Limoncello, Vodka Pasta And All The Classics

Pocket’s fan-favourite lunches return for one weekend with their iconic vodka pasta, daily spritz happy hours, antipasto and all the usual staples.

Bar Elvina

Sunset Deck, Oysters And After-Party

A vinyl-only sunset DJ set runs across the weekend, with complimentary Albany Rock Oysters offered with every drink. Saturday wraps with an after-party featuring $5Bill and Danny Bass.

Sauna Amalfi

Rooftop Spritz Party And Ice Baths

An elevated rooftop session with spritzes, music and complimentary ice baths across the afternoon. Perfect for a reset between festival events.

Natalie Marie Jewellery

Silk Wrapping, Champagne And New Collection

Explore the new Sana Collection in-store with furoshiki-style silk wrapping and champagne for visitors. All pieces are 10% off for the weekend.

Dunk A Hunk

Simmonds Lane Takeover

Jamie Durie and the Avalon Bulldogs step into an old-school dunk tank for a festival fundraiser. Every entry receives a wellness pack worth over $200, with major prizes on offer.

The Sattva Life

Breathwork For Surfers

A guided breathwork session with two-time world champion Tom Carroll and teacher Marcus Hamill. Designed to support focus, stamina and ocean confidence.

Classic Coffee

Surf Board Swap Meet

Bring a board, buy one or trade up at this second-hand surf swap on South Avalon Headland, plus a charity raffle raising funds for FindYaFeet.

Winona Wine

Free Tastings All Weekend

Drop in for complimentary tastings from the Winona Wine shelves all weekend long. A casual way to discover something new—and maybe leave with a bottle or two. 

Little Lane Rave

Avalon’s Secret Dance Floor

A pop-up laneway dance floor runs from 2–7pm with house, electronic and disco from local DJs. A nod to Avalon’s iconic 2006 Market Day setup and completely free to attend.

Casa De...

Kid Kenobi Festival Finale

Finally, this Sunday Session will be anchored by Kid Kenobi—with DJs, cocktails and food to close out the festival on a high.

For more info, announcements and FYI's, follow the journey online and on their socials.

Book Tickets Online

Image Credit: The Deep North | Supplied

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