So you’re one of the lucky peple who scored a ticket to Meredith, one of Victoria’s best outdoor music festivals. It goes for three days and two nights, rain, hail or shine. Here’s the essential things you need to remember so you can make the most of it.
1. The ‘No Dickhead Policy.’
In the early ‘90s festival-goers loved the lack of “dickhead behaviour,” which started a deliberate culture of courtesy that characterises the festival. This means no aggressive behaviour, harassment, drunk driving, or really messy campsites. If you see someone being an outright dickhead, let them know.
2. If you need to call in professional help, do so.
Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, doctors, welfare officers, private security and public safety officers are available on site. You can go to one of the 14 ‘Helper Huts,’ that are staffed 24 hours. There is also an on-site Police Station and Medical Centre at the right of the stage.
3. Head to First Aid early if you have health concerns.
That being said, try to prevent First Aid visits from the outset by looking after yourself and others. There’s no medication available at the festival, so make sure you bring everything you need. If you’ve come down with a viral or bacterial illness, don’t be a divvy, and stay home. You don’t want to ruin your mates’ experience by getting them sick.
4. Be smart about your transport.
Carpool in groups so you can have a designated driver for getting there and back. Gates open at 8am on Friday, so don’t come earlier than that. You have to drive in with your friends if you want to camp on the same spot. Alternatively, if your mates can’t come at the same time, you can just make new friends when you get there.
5. Remember your ticket and ID, for God’s sake.
No ticket, no festival. If you don’t have a valid wristband, you’ll be regarded as a trespasser and dealt with by the Police, meaning you could risk massive fines. And even if you’re 90, bring photo ID just to be safe.
6. Make sure your camping gear is really reliable.
A proper tent (or caravan) and equipment will make the whole experience much more enjoyable. Despite what your drunken self might believe at 2am, you do need a warm and sheltered place to sleep.
7. Prepare for both extremes
Any Melbournian will be familiar with scorching heat one second, and torrential rain the next. Bring a sleeping bag, jumpers, hundreds of pairs of socks, and gumboots. Also bring sunscreen and sunglasses. That way, the worst-case scenario is just that you don’t use something.
8. Nutrients
Bring plenty of snacks in non-glass containers and bulk drinking water. Free water is available on-site, but you still need a massive (10 litre) container for drinking, washing and cleaning.
Now you know the survival essentials to Meredith, all you need to do is go and enjoy this absolute gem of a festival.
