FAQ’S

Getting there

When is Barunga Festival?

Barunga Festival falls on the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend each year. The next festival is on the FRIDAY 7 – MONDAY 10 JUNE 2024. Gates open 9am Friday and close midday on Monday.

Do I need a permit to access Barunga Community?

Permits are not required to attend Barunga for the festival weekend. 

What are the behaviour protocols?

You are guests on Jawoyn land. Dress conservatively and be sun wise. Please respect the community and stay within festival areas and camping grounds. Please show respect and ask permission to take an individual’s photograph.

How do I get to Barunga? Will I need a 4WD?

Barunga is situated 80 km southeast of Katherine in the Northern Territory via sealed roads – there is no need for a 4WD. 
Make sure you fill up in Katherine before you head onto Central Arnhem Road, as fuel is unavailable for sale in Barunga. Fuel is available 24 hours a day at Beswick Community, 30km west from Barunga on sealed road. 

Ticketing

How much do tickets cost?

Adult (18 years and over) $55.00 + ticketing minimal fee
Youth (12 -17 years) $20.00  + ticketing minimal fee
Child (5-11 years) $5.00 + ticketing minimal fee
Under 5 years free 

Tickets are for sale ALL WEEKEND at the gate from 10am on Friday 7 June 2024 until capacity is reached. Best if you pre-book online and present your tickets for scanning to save queuing. You will be issued with a wristband and free to come and go over the weekend.

Tickets for paid experiences and workshops?

Tickets are available cultural experiences through Moshtix in the lead-up to the event and we strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance as most things sell out and have capped numbers. Refer to the program to avoid overlapping. No refunds are available. Present your workshop ticket for scanning at the Barunga Festival tent to collect a wristband and maps of muster points.

Where does the money go?

All ticket sales, sponsorship and funding grants needed to put on the festival go to the Bagala Aboriginal Corporation and is then distributed and managed by the Aboriginal Investment Group. For example the Barunga School benefits from the community tours and their t-shirt sales which means you are directly helping the community by your participation.

Is there a concession price?

No, there is only one type of adult ticket.

Tickets on sale now at Moshtix

Can I buy a ticket for just one day?

You are more than welcome to come for just one day however there is only one festival ticket available that covers the full festival experience. We encourage people to stay at the event for the whole weekend and do not encourage people driving at night. If driving at night take it slowly and be aware of wildlife, wandering stock including buffalo and donkey on the road. 

Camping

Self-sufficient camping is the tradition at Barunga. There are no hotels at Barunga. Hotel, motel and caravan park options outside Barunga are available in Katherine (80 km NW) and Mataranka (83 km SW). 

Are there showers and toilets available?

There are four toilet blocks in the community and supplementary port-a-loos are situated near all campsite areas.  There are some shower facilities available plus a refreshing (croc-free) creek  *Swim at own Risk! 

Can I have a fire in the campground?

Campfires are permitted, but you must bring your own firewood. Please be respectful of surrounding campsites.

Is there anywhere to swim?

Yes, there is a croc free creek in the community. Children must be supervised at all times.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

There are very limited facilities to cater for disabled guests. Internal roads are made of bitumen but there are no gutters or sealed footpaths. One disabled toilet is available.

Can I bring my caravan/campervan/camper-trailer/bus?

Yes you can, there will be a charge for vans this year. All vans will park in Camp 1 ONLY. Powered campsites are available and generators are not permitted.

Festival Time

What will the weather be like?

Daytime temperature hover around 30°C. At night time, the temperature drops to around 13°. Bring warm clothes for the evening.

Can I bring my camera?

Will there be mobile phone service?

Telstra signal is available at Barunga. Optus does not work here.

Where can I buy bags of Ice for my esky?

The general store sells bags of ice and is well stocked.

Is there an Info Booth and Merchandise?

The Festival Tent selling merchandise is located in Heritage Park (behind the Main Stage). It is open over the festival for up-to-date info on what’s happening, program changes, workshop wrist bands, lost property and children.

Is there an ATM on site?

There is an ATM at the local general store. During the Festival, however, it can be unreliable due to increases in mobile phone traffic and limited internet access. It would be a shame to miss out on sales (merch, food stalls, activities) if the signal drops out so come prepared.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not encouraged at Barunga Festival and there are lots of community dogs who have freedom to roam. If you do choose to bring your fur babies, please do so at your own risk.

Is food available and can I use EFTPOS?

There is a variety of healthy food available from the food stalls in Heritage Park open early to late. These stalls accept cash and card. The local general store is a well stocked ‘mini mart’ and is open during the day throughout the festival. Eftpos is available at the store.

Is there First Aid available?

St John’s Ambulance will be in attendance during the day and will be based at the football oval. Barunga Sunrise Health clinic will be open all weekend for more serious health issues. Barunga does not have a chemist or pharmacy, please bring all your medications with you. Closest chemist is Katherine.