Laneway Festival Melbourne: Guide and Accommodation

portrait of hotel concierge
Author
10 minutes Feb 8th, 2024
the stage of Laneway festival 2024

Laneway Festival has become one of Australia’s favourites. What began as a boutique festival in literal laneways has blossomed into the perfect one-dayer for music fans of all types to see some of the hottest acts from Australia and overseas.

The 2024 iteration had to do some shuffling, with Eyedress pulling out due to some unforeseen hiccups, but Floodlights and Lotte Gallagher joined the party to fill the gaps! Read on for our must-see picks and some other handy tips so you can plan the perfect day and night at Laneway 2024.

Where is the Laneway Festival?

Laneway Festival in Melbourne takes place on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, at The Park, a super cool venue located at 448 Epsom Road in Flemington. You can expect all of the usual Laneway trimmings at The Park, including food stalls, bars, chill-out zones, and the Laneway stages bringing you the goods.

Our Melbourne Lineup Picks

Punthill Essendon’s local hosts have picked a few line-up inclusions you definitely don’t want to miss:

Steve Lacy

Steve Lacey
Source: @steve.lacy

Do we even need to explain why ol’ Stevey-boy should be top of your list? If you haven’t dived into his music yet, now’s the time. Check out his single ‘Dark Red,’ the top-played song on Spotify that rightfully holds a special place in the hearts of many. This will be the festival highlight for sure.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Source: @unknownmortalorchestra , Photography:@poonehghana

Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of West Coast soft-rock, classic hits, weirdo pop, and Hawaiian Hapa-haole music, Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s hits like ‘Swim and Sleep’ and ‘So Good at Being in Trouble,’ will offer up the most unique part of your day.

Miss Kanina

Miss Kanina profile photo
Source: @misskaninna

One of our favourite local acts, hailing from Lutruwita/Tasmania, Miss Kanina is a proud Yorta Yorta, Kalkadoon, and Yirendali woman whose performance at Meredith Music Festival in December left an indelible mark. With provocative lyricism and a silky smooth blend of pop, rap, and R&B sounds, Miss Kanina spits razor-sharp, unapologetic bars, using her art to express her experience as a young Blak woman.

Skin on Skin

Skin on Skin
Source: @skin0nskin

A fan favourite in the techno scene, Skin on Skin has earned a global reputation with his progressive blend of techno, UK drill, house, and alternative hip-hop. From Pitch Music and Arts Festival to Coachella, Skin on Skin has been making waves and festivals move – make sure you are in the thick of it!

Our Tips for Laneway Festival

As you gear up for an epic day at Laneway Festival, here are some essential tips to ensure you make the most of it:

people dancing at the Laneway Festival
Source: @lanewayfest
  • Once you enter the Laneway world, remember it’s a one-way journey. If you leave the festival grounds for any reason, re-entry is a no-go. Plan accordingly and make sure you have everything you need for the day.
  • Whether it’s rain, hail, or even a bit of snow (unlikely, obviously), Laneway Festival will go on! Be prepared by bringing a rain jacket and a hat. It’s Melbourne, after all; that’s four seasons in one day!
    While staying dry is essential, Laneway Festival has a strict no-umbrella policy. Opt for a stylish rain jacket or poncho to keep dry without breaking any rules. It’s all about dancing in the rain, so save the umbrellas for another day.
  • Don’t forget the essentials to keep you comfortable and sun-safe throughout the day. Slather on the sunscreen, throw on a stylish hat for extra flair, and, most importantly, bring a valid photo ID. Laneway is a licensed event for those over 16, so having your ID on hand is key to enjoying the full festival experience.
  • Festival days can be long and energetic, so staying hydrated is crucial. Laneway has you covered with plenty of free drinking water stations scattered throughout the site. Bring a clear, non-metal water bottle and keep it filled to ensure you’re ready to dance, sing, and groove all day long.

How to get there

Navigating your way to Laneway Melbourne is a breeze, and these are the best ways to ensure you arrive at the festival site with minimal fuss:

three girls walking into Laneway Festival
Source: @lanewayfest

Train/Tram

For a hassle-free journey, trains and trams are your go-to transportation modes. Conveniently, some stations drop you right at the festival site, making your arrival seamless.

Rideshare/Taxi

If you prefer the flexibility of rideshare or a taxi, the drop-off point is located at Epsom Road. This strategic location ensures you’re just steps away from the festival entrance, ready to dive into the festivities as soon as you arrive. When it’s time to bid farewell to the sensational sounds of Laneway, rideshare and taxi pick-up is a breeze at Racecourse Road.

Consider overnight accommodation
If you’re travelling from a distance or simply want to make the most of your Laneway experience, consider booking overnight accommodation in the area. Keep reading for our recommendations for this.

Where to Stay

Punthill Essendon and Punthill Essendon North are your best accommodation options for Laneway Festival 2024. A short ten-minute drive from the venue, these spots are also close to the airport for those who are flying in for the Laneway fun. Punthill’s contemporary and stylish studios and serviced apartments are the perfect places to start and end your festival!