FESTIVAL OF KING ISLAND

Welcome to Festival of King Island

Share an eclectic selection of live music, great food and wide smiles with the cruisy King Island locals at this laidback summer festival.

In a clearing between dense trees overlooking the calm Currie Harbour sits the Festival of King Island (locally known as FOKI) – an annual event emulating the cruisy, down-to-earth vibes of this tiny Bass Strait haven off Tasmania’s north-west coast.

Expect renowned King Island produce – from juicy crayfish to grass-fed steak to specialty cheese – and feel the energy of the crowd as talented artists perform catchy folk, blues and indie tunes. The festival is held annually in early February, when the island’s warm weather invites relaxed outdoor partying. Whether you’re bringing the little ones for a casual family outing or getting merry with mates, two days in the King Island sun will have you feeling relaxed, indulged, and connected to a place that does things a little differently.

The festival

Journey to the remote King Island for a summer weekend of pop and indie music, tasty local craft beer, and all the pies you could ask for.

The Festival of King Island reels in talented musicians each year. Previous instalments have hosted electropop artist Boo Seeka, award-winning country performer Andrew Swift, Tasmanian electronic duo Sumner, and indie-folk Aussie artist Kim Churchill: a repeat-headliner at the festival known for singing and playing live guitar, harmonica and percussion all at once.

The spacious lawn surrounding the stage plays host to soothing group yoga sessions – setting the relaxed tone for the festival. The grounds soon fill with happy revellers as the program of performers kicks off. Sit on a beanbag, deck chair, or patch of grass in the sunshine and be serenaded by gorgeous music.

Let the kids run free through the sloping, lush green grass. Explore the tantalising food stalls and immerse in some quirky Festival of King Island traditions. The raft race invites people to create their own water transport in an amusing competition, where many participants learn the hard way that their engineering feats won’t keep them dry. Or, on the island known for its tasty crayfish pies, come ready for a whole lot of pastry in the festival’s pie-eating contest. There’s a good chance competitive eating isn’t your thing – in which case, it’s just as entertaining to enjoy the contest and commentary from the sidelines.

As the sun sets into a deep red over the harbour, the energy swells, and those who were lazing on the lawn during the afternoon begin dancing into the night in a lively throng.

Don’t let the fun stop when the weekend wraps up. While you’re here, embrace the ocean rhythm on wild surf beaches; fill up at foodie hotspots, and discover the treasures of this isolated isle.

Accessibility

Unless you know someone with a yacht, the best way to get to King Island is to fly. King Island Airlines and Regional Express wing into King Island Airport at Currie from Melbourne. Sharp Airlines accesses the island via direct flights from Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.

Once you’re on the island, the easiest way to get around, in most circumstances, is to hire a car at the airport and go exploring. Beyond Currie there are few formal footpaths, and there’s no public transport on the island. However, several local companies do provide door-to-door private and group transfers, or can show you around on guided tours. These include King Island Coach Tours, King Island Tours and King Island Pleasure Tours. Tour options range from single-day escapes to multi-day adventures which are customisable and cater to a wide variety of interests ranging from golf and fishing to ‘meet the maker’ experiences and unique wildlife encounters. Guided tours typically include audio commentary from knowledgeable local guides, helping to familiarise visitors with the island and its hidden treasures.

For further details about the Festival of King Island, including the latest program information, please visit foki.com.au (that’s f-o-k-i.com.au) or the festival’s Facebook page.

The site of the festival at Currie Harbour is approximately 1 kilometre from the centre of Currie township. There’s a range of accommodation options available around town, ranging from hotels and self-catering holiday cottages to luxury lodges and welcoming bed and breakfasts.

Ask your airline and accommodation hosts in advance if you have any particular access requirements or questions. The King Island Visitor Information Centre, located in the KIRDO Building at 5 George Street, Currie may also be able to assist with enquiries. They are open from 11am-3pm Monday to Friday and 10am-12noon Saturday.