Here’s everything you need to know about coming to play at The Garden Party.
Where do I collect my tickets?
You will need to print your tickets at home or work. If you have pre-purchased tickets to The Garden Party, venture down the left aisle with your printed tickets and photo ID in hand. If you need to purchase tickets, make your way to the transaction aisle located to the right of the entrance gate. We accept all methods of payment at the Box Office – cash, credit card and Eftpos.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, yes you can. These tickets are slightly more expensive than advance tickets to The Garden Party, but you can pay with cash, Eftpos or credit card. Make your way to the transaction aisle which is located to the right of the entrance gate.
What time does the music start?
Our music acts take the stage approximately 1 hour after gates open. We also have a beaut bunch of DJs who will be mixing some tunes in between the acts. We advise you arrive early though so that you can get a good view of the stage and explore the space. Visit thegardenparty.info/lineup for approximate set times.
Are there pass-outs available?
Yes. Show your wrist to one of our friendly staff at the entrance gates of The Garden Party and they will give you a stamp which will allow you to enter and exit freely.
Is The Garden Party all ages?
No. The Garden Party site is a licensed venue with designated smoking areas and is therefore suitable for grownups. However, those aged 10 years and over can enter The Garden Party site on Sundays as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult and under adult supervision at all times.
Is there an ATM on site?
Nope. The nearest ATM is located at the Sturt Street IGA (near The Malthouse) or the Arts Centre Melbourne car park. We have no cash-out option at The Garden Party Box Office either.
Is merchandise available?
Yes. There will be a limited range of merchandise available for various acts. Visit the merchandise window and see what musical goodies tickle your fancy when you arrive.
Is The Garden Party site wheelchair accessible?
Yes! The Garden Party venue, facilities and services are accessible to everyone, including people that require use of a wheelchair. We want everyone to have a great time with us, so venue staff are more than happy to assist where possible with your access requirements.
Can I bring water in to The Garden Party site?
Our safety and security officers will be emptying out all plastic bottles upon entry. But don’t worry, you won’t go thirsty because we have accessible water taps on site to keep you hydrated at all times.
Can I buy drinks on site?
The Garden Party will be selling tokens that you can then exchange for alcoholic drinks at the bar. Simply visit the token windows that are located to the right of The Garden Partyentrance gate. Soft drinks are available from the food vendors too (cash payments only).
Can I buy food on site?
Absolutely. We have a great range of food vendors who will be serving up some delicious festival treats to keep you energized at The Garden Party, including Soul Kitchen Cafe, Gumbo and Yogadiction. You don’t need tokens for the food, just cash.
Can I bring my camera?
It depends, you see.
Got a point and shoot camera or a camera on your phone? Yes! You can bring your camera to The Garden Party. Share you photos with us on Facebook, Twitter or via Instagram, we’d love to see your photos.
Got a professional-standard camera or video camera? No, please leave it at home. Here’s the thing – unauthorized photography may result in images being deleted by security staff. Media and professional photographers must arrange accreditation through The Garden Party management team (refer to Stage Door). Discretion as to whether your camera is deemed a professional-standard camera rests with The Garden Party management team and security staff. Debate will not be entered into. Cameras with powerful zoom lenses or multiple lenses in a carry case will not be allowed. The use of recording devices of any kind is not permitted.
Is there a cloakroom on site?
Nope. If you find you require more than just the bare necessities, you’ll have to bring a bag that is large enough to carry it all in, like Mary Poppins.
What’s the deal with Lost Property?
If you find an item that appears to be lost and in need of being found, hand it over to one of our friendly Garden Party staff who will then take it to Stage Door.
If you lose something, speak with one of our friendly Garden Party staff who will then liaise with Stage Door to see if any items have been handed in.
If it’s nice, we call dibs.
Joking.
I’m driving, where do I park?
For those with wheels, there are a variety of easily accessible car parks located in Southbank including:
- Arts Centre Melbourne Car Park (enter via Sturt Street) – 150 metres north along Sturt Street
- The Australian Ballet Centre Car Park (2 Kavanagh St) – opposite the Arts Centre Melbourne car park.
- Australian National Car Parks – Sturt Street, next to the ABC building.
If you’re quick, there is also street parking located along Sturt Street and Grant St next to The Malthouse and behind the VCA.
I’m catching public transport, how do I get to The Garden Party?
Travelling by tram?
The nearest tram stop is Stop 16 – (Southbank Boulevard/St Kilda Road) located in front of the National Gallery of Victoria. This is a platform tram stop providing level access to low floor trams, passenger shelter and protection from traffic. Melbourne Recital Centre is a short walk down Southbank Boulevard (approximately 200 metres). This stop is serviced by routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67, 72.
Travelling by train?
From Flinders Street station, catch any tram heading south along St Kilda road and alight at the Stop 16 (Southbank Boulevard/St Kilda Road). Melbourne Recital Centre is a short walk down Southbank Boulevard (approximately 200 metres).
Travelling by bus?
Melbourne Bus Link operates three routes along Southbank Boulevard: Route 216, 219 and 220.
The free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle runs in a loop through Melbourne’s CBD every 15 minutes, and stops at the corner of Southbank Blvd and Kavanagh Street (Stop 10). For more information please go to www.thatsmelbourne.com.au and click on the tourist shuttle logo.
What happens if it rains?
We all know Mother Nature can be temperamental, so we suggest you suss out the weather forecast prior to your arrival to see if sunscreen and a hat or a jacket and scarf may be required.
Basic wet weather rules apply to The Garden Party events. If it rains, the performance will go ahead. If inclement weather takes hold, our Concert Event Manager and associated staff will make the executive decision as to whether it is safe to go ahead with the performance or not. In this instance ticket holders will be notified as soon as possible via as many communication channels as possible including Facebook and Twitter.
Any more questions? Comment below and we will get back to you as soon as we can with the answer!
