Getting There

UPDATED PARKING PLAN

The weather for the concert weekend is looking good but due to recent heavy rains, the low-lying flat areas usually designated for onsite parking are not dry enough to facilitate parking for this weekend. A free park & ride shuttle service from Woodend and Kyneton is available for those planning on driving to the event due to the ground conditions. Everyone must arrive & leave the venue in a vehicle. Chairs are now provided so you can travel light.

Please take note of the additional services in place to help care for you and Country. Share the information with everyone in your party now, and allow plenty of time to get there and back safely. Thank you for your support.

MELBOURNE ON THE MOVE BUS SERVICES
Bus bookings through Melbourne on the Move have closed. These services will operate as normal for all patrons who have pre-purchased tickets.

VISIT MELBOURNEONTHEMOVE.COM.AU OR PHONE 1300 55 86 86.

PARKING – NO ONSITE PARKING
All cars will need to utilise the FREE Park & Ride shuttle service to and from the show, departing from the stops listed below. You will receive a text message 12 hours prior to the show to advise you on which Park & Ride location you should head to, it’s important you follow these instructions.

This service will begin at 12:00pm and run every 10 mins in both directions until all patrons have left the event after the last act.
FREE Park & Ride locations (Google map links)

Shuttle 1 – Kyneton Showgrounds shuttle Buses depart from / return to Beauchamp St
Shuttle 2 – Woodend shuttle Buses depart from / return to crn Forest & High St

All pre-purchased parking tickets will be automatically refunded.

CAR POOLING

Please car pool where possible to and from the FREE Park & Ride shuttle service.

DROP-OFF / PICK-UP / UBER AND TAXI
There will be limited drop-off, pick-up, taxi or Uber ranks onsite. All drop-off and pickups must use GATE 7 drop off and follow the traffic coordinators directions.

MINI-BUSES AND PRIVATE CHARTERS
Entry will via GATE 1 on South Rock Road.

DISABLED PARKING
The venue can be accessed via either Straws Lane or Colswell Rd through Gate 7.
There will be a limited shuttle service available to and from the disabled parking area. Please be patient as service is limited.

Disabled toilets are located near the disabled parking area. Please note that this event is held at Hanging Rock Reserve and therefore there are some uneven and rough surfaces.

ILLEGAL PARKING OR CAMPING
Strictly no camping – camping, sleeping in cars or leaving vehicles unattended within The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock at the conclusion of the concert is prohibited and may incur fines and risk towing.

Camping or sleeping in cars at The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock is strictly prohibited and may incur fines. Do NOT park in surrounding streets or roads, especially in any residential areas. Fines will apply for illegal parking.

ACCOMMODATION
Plan your visit and book accommodation in the beautiful Macedon Ranges well in advance.

LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TO STAY?
Find local accommodation
– Airbnb
– Riparide
– Stayz
– Unyoked

Please note: Camping at Hanging Rock Reserve is prohibited and may incur fines

FAQs

General

Where is The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock?
The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock Reserve is on South Rock Road,
Woodend – 75km north-west of Melbourne

When can I arrive at the event?
Gates open 1pm

Will you release a line-up order?
An artist playing order is available here – https://firstandforever.com.au/set-times/

What is the format of the concert?
Artists will perform short sets individually on one stage. Throughout the day, there will also be guest appearances and special collaborations – to ensure you get the most out of this unique concert experience, join us for the entire day and you won’t miss anyone!

Who designed the artwork?
The First & Forever artwork is a collaboration between Miimi & Jiinda and Mushroom Creative House. Miimi & Jiinda is founded by Aboriginal mother and daughter, Lauren Jarrett and Melissa Greenwood. Miimi & Jiinda’s aim is to create beautiful, unique artworks that connect with the world. The symbol for the letter ‘O’ in the word Forever can represent a meeting or gathering place.

Where are net proceeds directed?
Net proceeds will be distributed between the Archie Roach Foundation and the Adam Briggs Foundation.

Archie Roach Foundation. The Archie Roach Foundation was established in 2014 to nurture meaningful and potentially life changing opportunities for First Nation artists. The Foundation seeks to walk alongside those working in the arts and young people heading down the wrong track just like Archie was, to support them to be the best that they can be. Archie knew what it means to have someone walk beside you at key crossroads in your life; to help point you in a deadly direction and empower you to take the next positive step. He also understood the power of music and storytelling to communicate, connect and heal and is committed to helping others share their story which creates a stronger, more cohesive culturally respectful national story. More about The Archie Roach Foundation here.

Adam Briggs Foundation. The Adam Briggs Foundation creates quality programs with big impact. The Foundation nurtures and supports First Nations excellence within the creative industries, particularly music, by creating spaces, strong partnerships and developing support programs for emerging and established artists. Programs are nationally focussed, and reflective of community needs to develop skills with industry professionals and in a culturally strong and safe environment. More about The Adam Briggs Foundation here.

What items are prohibited?
No alcohol – strictly no BYO, this is a licensed event. Patron bags will be searched upon entry to the event and any alcohol will be confiscated. Any patrons found with contraband alcohol within the venue may be evicted.
No deck / camping chairs sitting higher than 23cm
No cans of drink
No glass
No metal cutlery (including cheese knives)
No umbrellas (even if it’s raining)
No tables/couches/beanbags
No professional cameras, drones or video recording equipment
No selfie or Go Pro sticks
No tents/sun shelters
No animals (except guide dogs)
No gas bottles, gas kegs, lanterns, cookers, BBQs, generators, fireworks or lasers.
Please note: there will be a security check at the gate and prohibited items will be confiscated. Mushroom Live Pty Ltd does not take any responsibility for confiscated items.

What can I bring to Hanging Rock?
Your ticket!
Photo ID
BYO standard sized camping chair sitting no more than 23cm
Sealed bottled water, juice and soft drinks (no cans or glass)
You are permitted to bring a supermarket sized cooler bag into this area.
Food, but please note there is a variety of food available for purchase
Sensible footwear (gumboots in the event of wet weather) – there are uneven and rough surfaces on the event site.
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat – make sure you Slip Slop Slap during the day
A warm jacket as it can get very cold after sunset
Thermoses containing hot liquid will be permitted subject to security checking

Does my ticket include a seat or do I need to bring one?
All tickets are general entry. No seating is provided.

Are EFTPOS facilities available?
Yes all bars have EFTPOS and most vendors accept EFTPOS. Best to bring some cash just in case.

Are there any pass-outs?
There are pass-outs available until 8pm. You will need to get your pass out scanned by the gate staff on your exit – if not scanned, you will NOT be granted re-entry.
Please note: your bags will be checked again when re-entering the venue.

How do I know if my camera will be considered to be a professional camera /
a prohibited item?
This will be determined by security staff on the day and debate will not be entered into. The best bet is to leave SLR cameras at home and bring a ‘point and shoot’ camera instead. Generally, cameras with powerful zoom lenses or multiple lenses in a carry case are NOT permitted.

Can I bring children to the show?
Children under 12 years of age are free. First & Forever is an all-ages event. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or legal guardian at all times. Please consider if the environment is right for them. Some performers may have content and/or lyrics which you may consider inappropriate for children and as a licensed event alcohol will be available to patrons 18 years and older.
Please note: there is no shade or protection from sun or rain. Prams are welcome, please ensure not to block views or access paths for others.

Where can I find lost property?
On the show day, lost property will go to the main gate box office. From the Monday morning all lost property will be relocated to the Woodend Visitor Information Centre ((03) 5427 2033), High Street, Woodend, which is open 7 days a week between 9am – 5pm.

Can I get mobile phone coverage?
With so many people on one site in a regional area, coverage will be weak and all networks will be compromised.

Will there be free Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi will not be available.

Will there be first aid available on site?
Yes, first aid will be available. If you or anyone else requires the attention of first aid, please notify the nearest event staff or security that can make direct contact.
If you take medication, please bring this along with you – there is no pharmacy on site. If you have asthma and/or allergies, please come prepared with your medication and present to first aid early in the day if you are concerned or experiencing difficulty.

Will weather conditions affect the show going ahead?
If it does rain, the show will go ahead unless conditions are deemed on the day of the show to be dangerous. If the fire warning on concert day Code Red (Catastrophic), the show will be cancelled and The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock Reserve will not be open to the public. The decision to cancel the show will be made on show day. Please regularly check this website and our socials closer to the day for any updates.

Ticketing

Where do I purchase tickets for First & Forever?
Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing agent for the First & Forever at The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock.

How much are tickets and what type of tickets are available?
Ticket prices and types can be found here.

I’ve purchased tickets, when will I receive them?
As an anti-scalping measure, ticket delivery will be suppressed until Fri 14 Oct 2022. If you haven’t received your tickets within 7-10 business days of the ticket suppression lifting, please contact the official ticketing agency.

How will I receive my tickets?
Ticket purchasers will receive their tickets via email.

Can I get a refund or exchange my tickets?
When you purchased your show tickets, you agreed to the terms and conditions of purchase as outlined by the ticketing agency you purchased the tickets through (“Terms of Sale”). In most instances, these Terms of Sale only permit refunds and exchanges in limited circumstances; for example, if the concert has been cancelled, rescheduled or significantly relocated.

Food & Drink

Will alcohol be available for purchase?
A selection of local wines, premium beers, ciders and ready-to-drink spirits will be available for purchase at all bar locations. Our liquor licensing limits the amount of drinks that can be purchased per person and these restrictions may be altered by police during the event.
Will food be available for purchase?
Yes, there will be a wide variety of food – including options for various dietary requirements including vegetarian/vegan and gluten free food – available for purchase throughout the venue from the time that gates open until after the concert finishes.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, you may bring your own food but note that alcohol, soft drink, glass and metal cutlery are prohibited. There will also be a wide variety of food available for purchase from vendors on the day.
Can I take eskies into the reserved seating area?
You are permitted to bring a supermarket sized cooler bag into this area.
Will there be drinking water available?
Yes, free drinking water is available.

Transport

What is the best way to get to The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock?
Please take note of the additional services in place to help care for you and Country. Please refer to the information for the FREE Park & Ride service above. Thank you for your support.

Are there any other public transport options?
First & Forever does not have any partnerships with public transport providers.
Please check the V/Line train schedule closer to the event and allow plenty of time to get there, which may require leaving before the end of the event.

I am dropping off/picking up people, is there a designated area for this?
Please refer to the drop off / pick-up / uber and taxi information above.

Will there be a Taxi and Uber rank?
Please refer to the drop off / pick-up / uber and taxi information above.

Will there be a booze/drug bus?
Police will have a presence at the event and it is likely there will be a booze bus operating on the road in and or out of the event. Do not drink and drive.

Can we camp overnight?
There is strictly no camping at The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock. Camping or sleeping in cars at The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock is prohibited and may incur fines. Do not park in surrounding streets or roads, especially in any residential areas. Fines will apply for illegal parking.

Can I leave the venue on foot as a pedestrian?
For your safety, First & Forever and Macedon Ranges Shire Council strongly recommend you do not leave the venue to walk on the roads around The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock. We encourage you to use the shuttle service to Woodend or the drop-off and pick up zones. If you must do so, pedestrian foot traffic must remain on designated pathways at all times. We encourage you to use the shuttle service to Woodend or the drop-off and pick-up zones.

Accessibility

Do you have facilities and access for disabled people?
Yes, the venue can be accessed via either Straws Lane or Colswell Rd through Gate 4. There will be a limited shuttle service available to and from the disabled parking area. Please be patient as service is limited.
Disabled toilets are located near the disabled parking area. Please note that this event is held at The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock Reserve and therefore there are some uneven and rough surfaces.

I will be in a wheelchair; do I need to make any prior arrangements?
Please contact the Ticketmaster Contact Centre if you have wheelchair or special needs seating requirements in either the general admission or reserved seating area prior to the event

Phone: 1300 446 925
Email: mail.bookings@ticketmaster.com.au

Conditions Of Entry

  1. All bags are subject to a safety and security search upon entry. Any alcohol, weapons, or other items deemed or considered dangerous or prohibited will be confiscated.
  2. Cameras, audio and video recorders may not be permitted to First & Forever. The right is reserved to broadcast or telecast First & Forever and if you are photographed, filmed or taped whilst attending First & Forever you consent to Mushroom Live Pty Ltd or third parties appointed by the Present photographing, filming or taping you. Third parties appointed by the Mushroom Live Pty Ltd can broadcast, publish, license and use any photographs, film, recordings or images of you without compensation. Mushroom Live Pty Ltd, the third parties and anyone acquiring from them a right to use the material are not liable to you in any way for its use.
  3. All patrons must adhere to local licensing laws. Venue Management and their appointed representatives reserve the right to refuse admission or eject from the venue any patron found to be in possession of alcohol or illicit drugs or any patron who is deemed to be affected by the consumption of alcohol or drugs.
  4. Mushroom Live Pty Ltd’s rights to refuse Entry to First & Forever event include but are not limited to:
    1. if the ticketholder’s ticket has been cancelled or is not valid (including but not limited to tickets that have been cancelled because they were sold by an unauthorised seller or at an inflated price in breach of these Terms); or
    2. if the ticketholder’s ticket is defaced or damaged.
  5. Pass outs are permitted until 8pm but there will be strictly no pass outs granted after this time. Please note on your exit you must get the pass out scanned by the gate staff, failure to do this means you WILL NOT be granted re-entry to the event. Bags will be checked on re- entry.
  6. Where any patron is refused admission or ejected from the venue for any reason in accordance with these Conditions of Entry, no refund will be paid in respect of the relevant ticket.

For details relating to conditions of sale, including further details on conditions of entry, please read our Terms of Sale policy [here].

Things To Do

Hanging Rock

Find exciting things to see and do at Hanging Rock here.

Macedon Ranges

Find all the exciting things to do in the Macedon Ranges here.

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We acknowledge the sharing of this land with all three tribes, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri and acknowledge that this was known as a gathering place for each tribe to come and trade. We acknowledge the sorrow for the personal, spiritual and cultural cost of that sharing and in the hopes that we may walk forward together in harmony and spirit of healing. We would like to pay our respects to each tribe and also acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.
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