How to Prepare for Festival Season in Australia

Field Day, Rainbow Serpent, Ultra and pitch are music festivals coming up in Australia - and that’s just in the first quarter of 2020.

If your New Year calendar is already full of live music and muddy boots, you might be wondering how to prepare for a music festival like the pros. This guide from Payday Deals covers all the basics to ensure your event runs smoothly, so you can create positive memories that last a lifetime!

We’ve covered everything from the essentials, such as what you need to pack, through to general advice for a safe, fun experience.

What you need to pack for a music festival

Whether you’re a first-timer or a music festival veteran, it always helps to have a checklist you can track as you pack. We’ve done the hard work for you, to make sure you don’t arrive in the middle of nowhere without everything you need!

  • Adequate shelter - invest in a high quality tent and sleeping bag, that can last you season after season. The Australian days might be hot, but you don’t want to spend the nights shivering. Make sure you have enough blankets, pillows and everything else for maximum comfort.
  • Bits and bobs - it’s easy to forget the little things. We recommend making sure you have a first aid kit, portable phone charger, toilet paper, paper cups/plates, cash, gaffer tape, reusable bottles, insect repellent, deodorant, hand sanitiser and of course, sun protection lotion!
  • Food and drink - grab yourself an esky and fill it with food and drink to keep you nourished and hydrated in times when it’s all too easy to forget to look after your body! Bananas and coconut water are good to tackle hangovers. Take veggies, sandwiches, chips and hummus for quick snacking. You could also take tinned beans, pasta and pasta sauce as long as you have a portable stove with you (make sure your festival provider allows these). Water can be hard to come by and in the peak of our summer, make sure you take heaps of bottles with you.
  • Clothing - when you look good, you feel good, and festivals in Australia have become something of a fashion show. Don’t feel like you have to copy everyone else’s style - do you own thing and make comfort a priority. Comfortable shoes, cool clothing, warm clothing and waterproofs are all essentials.
  • The festival pro - not your first rodeo? Prepare for a music festival (and make other campers envious) with luxury items like a blow-up sofa and a portable toilet or shower. Trust us; you’ll thank yourself when you’re living like a king or queen later!

  • Staying safe at a music festival

    Now you know what to pack, it’s important that you know how to have fun and stay safe at the same time! Some of our top tips are:

    • Go with a group of friends you know well - and trust
    • Don’t wander off by yourself - those campsites can be huge and in the dark, everything looks the same 
    • Choose a designated meeting spot if someone does get lost (remember you might not have phone service to reach your friends)
    • Stay hydrated and apply SPF 50 regularly
    • Drink alcohol in moderation
    • Try and get at least a few hours of sleep every night!
    Festivals can be expensive - from buying tickets to arranging transport to the campsite and stocking up with all the right gear - so it’s important to save some money in the run-up. Read our 7 savvy grocery tips to monitor your spending and prepare for a music festival in every way!