There’s nothing better than a warm spring or summer evening, the sound of cicadas chirping, and the smell of a barbie sizzling away in the backyard. It's the heart of the Aussie lifestyle. And the one thing that ties it all together and takes an average deck or patio from drab to fab is the magical glow of outdoor festoon lights.

These classic string lights are the number one accessory for Australian outdoor living, perfect for creating a relaxed, festive, and inviting atmosphere. But with our sometimes wild weather, you need to make sure you're choosing a set that's built to last.

What to Look For in Outdoor Festoon Lights for Australia

Our climate can be pretty full-on, from scorching sun to torrential rain. A standard indoor light just won't cut it. Here's what you need to look for in a proper set of outdoor festoon lights in Australia.

Weatherproofing is Non-Negotiable (Check the IP Rating)

This is the most important feature. Look for an IP rating on the box. This 'Ingress Protection' rating tells you how well the lights are sealed against dust and water. For outdoor use, you want a rating of at least IP44. This ensures the lights are protected against splashes of water from all directions, so they can handle a bit of rain.

Shatterproof Globes are a Must

This is a big one for safety and durability. Forget the old-school, fragile glass bulbs. Modern outdoor festoon lights use globes made from tough, shatterproof plastic or acrylic. This means they can handle a few knocks, a bit of wind, or the odd stray footy without shattering into a dangerous mess.

LED is the Only Way to Go

Any new set of festoon lights you buy should be LED. The benefits are a fair dinkum no-brainer:

• Energy Efficient: They use up to 90% less power than old incandescent globes, so you can run them every night without a massive power bill.
• Long-Lasting: They have a massive lifespan, often 20,000 hours or more. You can set them up and forget about them for years.
• Cool to the Touch: LEDs run cool, making them much safer to hang through trees or on a pergola compared to old, hot globes.

Power Source: Solar vs. Plug-in

• Solar-Powered: The ultimate in easy, flexible installation. No power point needed! Just place the panel in a sunny spot. They're great for atmosphere, but might not be as bright as plug-in models.
• Plug-in (Low Voltage): The best choice for reliable, consistent brightness all night long. These kits plug into a standard power point via a transformer.

Ready for a Permanent, Switched Solution?

Most outdoor festoon lights are simple plug-in kits that are perfect for a DIY setup.

But if you’re tired of running extension cords across the deck and want a proper, permanent setup with a switch on the wall, it’s time to call in the pros. Any permanent, hardwired outdoor lighting in Australia must be installed by a licensed electrician. A qualified professional can install weatherproof power points and switches, ensuring your whole setup is safe, compliant, and incredibly easy to use.

Whether you're setting up a temporary party vibe or creating a permanent backyard feature, the quality and safety of your electrical setup are paramount. For these trade-quality, permanent installations, professional installers rely on specialised gear from trusted electrical suppliers. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of all the components needed for a robust and compliant outdoor electrical system. They stock a huge range of IP-rated weatherproof GPOs (power points), outdoor-rated switches, and all the compliant wiring and circuit protection a qualified professional needs to create a safe, stunning, and long-lasting outdoor entertaining area. To power your perfect Aussie backyard, the pros start with quality gear from a supplier like Schnap Electric.