How To Make the Most of Wildlands Weekend in Brisbane and Perth

Wildlands is pulling out all the stops for 2026, promising a festival that’s bigger and better than ever. 

The line-up is top-notch, with rap icon Kid Cudi, pop sensation Addison Rae and hometown hero Dom Dolla headlining a program that also includes festival favourite Kettama, tech-house powerhouse Chris Stussy, dance music producer Luude, British drum’n’bass rising star Sota and Berlin-based underground electronic up-and-comer Jazzy.

There’s all new site layouts featuring a custom-built main stage, as well as a second Summit Stage with increased production levels. A third “in the round” stage joins the line-up for your favourite electronic artists, with raised platforms on the dance floor and the DJ booth right in the centre.

VIP areas have been improved too, with new viewing platforms, bars, premium toilets, free cloak-checking, and premium food and beverage vendors.

Things kick off at Brisbane Showgrounds on New Year’s Day, before moving on to Arena Joondalup in Perth on January 3. 

Whether you’re travelling to Brisbane or Perth for the festival – or if you’re a local looking to keep the party going – here are our picks of where to eat, drink and stay during Wildlands weekend.

Brisbane

Breakfast: A festival day can be a mighty long one, so you’ll want to make sure you’re giving your body the fuel it needs to party into the early hours. Brisbane is a city full of early risers, and many of its best cafes and coffee shops are open by 6am. 

Pastry lovers are well catered for thanks to Brisbane’s topnotch bakery scene. Baker D Chirico, Lune, Cerin Pasticceria, Riser, Jocelyn’s Provisions and Time & Temp all serve flaky, buttery treats – take a crowd so you can order up a full range and share.

Head out to Snug in Coorparoo for a Korean-inspired breakfast of egg drop sandwiches, breakfast noodles and a truly sexy omurice. Idle, the evolution of Brisbane’s beloved Agnes Bakery, serves both takeaway treats and a dine-in menu, with smoky and tangy Baghdad eggs a clear star.  

Lunch: For lunch, it’s got to be noodles. Thai vinyl cafe So What Stereo is a new addition to the local scene, serving dishes like khao soi and boat noodles in an eclectic space packed with Facebook Marketplace finds. Or check out Biang Biang Noodle for thick-cut noodles with rich and spicy toppings. 

Dinner and drinks: Dinnertime is also prime party time, so you’ll obviously be at the Showgrounds. But for the night before or night after, head over to the flash new Marlowe, a heritage diner from the Southside and Central team that’s built on Aussie nostalgia. Or check out Golden Avenue, a Middle Eastern restaurant by the Anyday Group serving meze, woodfired bread, lamb shoulder, and more.  

Stay: You can’t talk about Brisbane without mentioning The Calile Hotel. Smack bang in the middle of Fortitude Valley, the hotel has picked up many prestigious nods like a Michelin Key and a spot on the World’s 50 Best list. It’s won all these accolades for a reason – and you can’t look past that pool. For something more intimate, there’s also Miss Midgley’s, a former New Farm schoolhouse which has been transformed into a chic boutique hotel. 

Perth

Breakfast: For a dine-in cafe experience, hit up either Side Piece Deli for morning pastries and lunchtime sandwiches, or The Cool Room, which has been newly revamped by chef Drew Dawson and baker Charlotte Beeton. Kith was one of 2024’s best new openings and made waves for its breakfast plates, two-toned drinks and for serving treats from Natasha Brownfield’s hugely popular Teeter Bakery.

Lunch: If you’re looking for lunch in Perth, you have to try a conti roll. The sandwich is locally legendary and dates back to the 1950s. It’s cold cuts, salty cheese and marinated antipasti in a baguette, and some delis have perfected it. These are the best conti rolls in Perth. 

Dinner and drinks: Asian flavours well-represented in the Perth food and drink scene. If you’re looking for Filipino cuisine that goes beyond adobo, Kayle Filipino Streats serves inasal, pares and desserts like a mango graham bar. For Japanese food, head to Ginza Nana Alley. The space houses five eateries and is inspired by a yokocho alley – there’s ramen, oden, tonkatsu, yakitori and dedicated bars serving saké, beers and cocktails. 

If you’re just looking for somewhere to sink a few drinks, check out Astral Weeks, a Japanese-style hi-fi listening bar, which will keep the post-festival party going. Or head over to Bar Love for cold drinks, warm service and hot bartenders. It’s run by two best mates and serves retro cocktails like a Peaches & Cream Negroni, a filthy Martini and a boozy take on the Mont Blanc coffee.

Stay: For a Perth stay in style, Como The Treasury is the height of luxury, with huge heritage rooms and deep bathtubs. If you’re in a group, check out the best Airbnbs in the city. 

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Wildlands.