Safety at The Yowie Festival
The Yowie Festival is a family event, and everyone's safety is the top priority. The festival is an outdoor community event, and conditions can change quickly, particularly with weather, fire and river conditions. Children must be supervised at all times. Please follow the directions of event staff, volunteers and marshals at all times, and look out for each other over the weekend.
Before and during the festival, keep up to date with weather warnings and forecasts, and follow any directions issued by festival organisers or emergency services. If severe weather is forecast, please follow instructions from festival staff and move to a safe location when directed.
Phone service in the area can be intermittent — Telstra appears to be the most reliable carrier.
In an emergency
Call 000
For police, fire or ambulance, call 000 immediately and tell the operator you're at The Bellbrook Hotel, Bellbrook.
Slim Dusty Room
Approach a member of the Security Team, Festival Volunteers or Bellbrook Hotel staff, who can assist you and direct you to first aid support in the Slim Dusty Room.
AED location
A defibrillator (AED) is on the front wall of The Bellbrook Hotel, at the General Store end (left-hand side when facing the hotel). Familiarise yourself with its location when you arrive. In an emergency, alert Security, a Festival Volunteer or Hotel staff member immediately.
Muster point
See the map below. Report a lost child or person to the nearest event staff member straight away.
Centred on The Bellbrook Hotel for now — the exact muster point on the grounds will be added here once confirmed. Open in Google Maps to get directions or save the location.
Good to know
Slip, slop, slap
Early October can still be warm. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle, and take breaks in the shade.
Rain or shine
The festival runs rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe. Check this site or the festival's Facebook page for any updates.
Responsible service
Any licensed bar on-site is subject to responsible service of alcohol (RSA). Photo ID may be required.
Camping & campfires
If you're camping, follow all festival fire safety requirements and any directions from the NSW Rural Fire Service. Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure fires are completely extinguished before leaving them.
Follow the marshals
Please follow the directions of parking marshals and drive slowly and carefully around pedestrians on-site.
Accessibility
If you have accessibility needs, contact us ahead of the event so we can help plan your visit.
Beat the heat
October in the Upper Macleay can bring warm and sunny conditions. If the weather is hot, please take care of yourself and your family:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Carry a refillable water bottle.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.
- Wear a hat and use sunscreen.
- Take regular breaks from the sun.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption in hot weather.
- Check on children and anyone who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
- Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink water.
If you start feeling unwell from the heat, move to a cool or shaded area, drink water and seek assistance from Festival Volunteers, Security or Bellbrook Hotel staff.
Camping & fire safety
If you're camping at The Yowie Festival, please follow all festival fire safety requirements and any directions issued by the NSW Rural Fire Service.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Make sure fires are completely extinguished before leaving them.
- During periods of high or extreme fire danger, additional restrictions may apply.
- Please follow all instructions from festival organisers and emergency services.
Questions?
For anything not covered here, email us before the event, or ask any event staff member on the day: