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 fee
Youth (12 -17 years) $20.00  + ticketing fee
Child (5-11 years) $5.00 + ticketing fee
Under 5 years free 

Tickets are on sale now and we recommend pre- purchase of tickets prior to the event to avoid disappointment.  We cannot guarantee that tickets will be available at the gate.  Upon presentation of your ticket at the gate, you will be issued with a wristband that is valid for the entirety of the 2024 festival event and enables you to come and go over the weekend.

Tickets for paid experiences and workshops?

Workshop participation is on a first in first served basis and purchase can be made direct with the workshop host at the festival.  Pre-bookings are not available.

Where does the money go?

All ticket sales, sponsorship and grant funding goes to the Bagala Aboriginal Corporation and is then distributed and managed by the Aboriginal Investment Group to meet the cost to deliver a safe and friendly festival event.

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.