Australia is dripping with music festivals, but doofs are truly a special experience.
A doof is basically a music festival/rave that takes place in a picturesque field, forest or the beach. The music genre is typically focused on electronic and bass. The word “doof” comes from the onomatopoeia for the sound of bass drums. doof doof doof doof doof
Various healing, yoga and art workshops will be offered as well.
In my opinion, doofs differ from music festivals in that there is a heavy focus on dancing, camping, workshops and “leave no trace” campaigns. These events are more community-focused and promote self-healing and transcendence. There’s just a different energy.
The style of dress is more fairy/hobbit-like and people tend to dance in a “stomp” style that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Think lots of pounding on the ground with feet and hands, lots of earthy elements in people’s clothing. Topless and partial nudity is common. Rave-style clothing can be found at the larger doofs. You can be anything you want to be at a doof!
Doof sticks are wildly popular and while I don’t know where they originate from, they are the perfect way to keep your crew together and display some creativity.
BYO is the norm and you’ll see people haul their huge coolers into the stage area each day.
Themed tents can be found at many doofs. There are people who travel around the country setting up their unique camp at doofs. Some doofs allocate the best camping spots to people with themed tents with the agreement that they will give something to the doof community e.g. free drinks, massages, music, comfy sofas and big fans.
Drug use is rampant at every doof I’ve attended- weed, meth, K, DHA, MDMA, LSD, salvia, etc. You name it, they’ve got it! This is expected with the territory and while the larger doofs have drug dogs at the entrance, people still find a way to sneak things in. Brace yourself to see dilated pupils, clenched jaws, and out-of-their-mind folks. It’s all in good spirit though. Remember, the idea is to be part of a community and expand your mind.
If you find yourself visiting Australia, you MUST attend one of the below doofs. Or get some friends together and make your own doof!
2- Earthcore
3- Earth Frequency (one of the more family-friendly doofs)
6- Happy Daze
8- Elements
10- Esoteric Fest
Angela Killian 
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