GENERAL

What are the 2024 festival dates and times?

We’ve got your social calendar covered:

Friday 3rd May – 4pm to 8:30pm
Saturday 4th May – 10am to 5pm
Sunday 5th May – 10am to 5pm

Where is the festival located?

Join us at Halls Gap Recreation Reserve. Find us on the corner of Grampians & Mount Victory Roads, Halls Gap, Victoria. We promise there won’t be a treasure map involved!

Is GGE a non-profit organisation?

Yes indeed! We’re like the wine and tourism region’s fairy godmother, creating magic to support local producers and businesses. Your ticket’s impact is more than just a sip—it’s #trythenbuy and #stopandshop for a cause!

Can I volunteer for the festival?

Heck yes! Volunteering = free ticket magic. Registrations HERE and then dust off those superhero capes!

Can I apply to be an exhibitor at the festival?

We’re all about showcasing the region’s finest. Expressions of interest are now open but first chat with Kate at director@grampiansgrapeescape.com.au about the exhibiting policies to make sure we can make your stall the talk of the town.

What else can I do that weekend?

Oh, the adventures you’ll have beyond the festival gates! If you’re into wining and dining (who isn’t?), a heads-up: reservations are the golden ticket for eating out. But hey, we’ve got a solid Plan B—grab takeaway delights from our food truck convoy as your festival farewell feast. Picture this: paella, pizza, Indian, and more to-go treats than you can shake a grapevine at!

TICKETS

How can I purchase tickets?

Right this way, friend! You can grab your tickets HERE or hop over to our official resale partner Tixel HERE.

Can I resell my tickets?

Tixel is our ticket resale hangout. Join the party HERE and spread the GGE joy!

Can I get a refund because I am sick? 

Nah, we’re not the doctors of ticket refunds. But Tixel’s the place to pass on the love!

Does my name need to be on my ticket?

We like to keep things personal. While it’s not a dating profile, your name on the ticket helps us play matchmaker if needed. Changes can be made via your Humanitix account or Tixel when reselling, and no stress, we’re also good at sorting things out on the night.

Can I buy tickets or upgrade at the gate?

While tickets may be available at the gate, we strongly recommend pre-purchasing. But if you decide to try your luck on the day, don’t forget to bring the swear jar for a little price increase (that could otherwise be spent on wine 😉)! Please Note: upgrades to tasting tickets at the gate are unavailable, so choose your ticket wisely. For enquiries, contact director@grampiansgrapeescape.com.au.

What’s the scoop on General Admission vs. Tasting Tickets?

TASTING TICKETS – Get ready for an experience! Tasting Tickets come with a souvenir tumbler for free wine, beer & cider tastings until 3pm (Sat & Sun only) so you can try before you buy. It’s like a cellar door adventure, minus the dusty barrels. Also, enjoy free Cloakroom and Wine Store service – a $5 value. Just remember, there are no tastings at Feel-Good Friday, but we’ve got local drops to purchase at the festival bar!

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS – No free sips here! GA’s are the go-to for designated drivers or those who’ve got their beverage playbook down. Whether it’s by the glass or bottle, you’re in control of your liquid destiny.

With all the festival buzz, both GA and Tasting Tickets promise a cracking good time!

Is there a cap on tickets? 

Yup! We’re all about ensuring a comfy experience and chances to meet the maker, so we’ve capped the numbers.

Do I need to bring back my tumbler on the Sunday?

Of course! Keep hold of that tumbler like it’s the last grape on the vine. For Sat & Sun tasting ticket holders, that trusty vessel and your wristband is your passport to continued tastings—so guard it with your wine-loving heart.

Do I need to print my ticket?

Forget paper jams! We’re in the digital age—bring your ticket on your phone, and let’s save some trees together. Paper tickets? No stress, they’ll have a second life as recycled paper.

Can I collect my wristband (and stuff) on Friday for quicker festival access on Saturday and/or Sunday?

You betcha! Get a head start on the festival fun by snagging your wristband, bag, and more on Friday between 3.30-7 pm at the festival site. Feel-Good-Friday will be happening between 4 – 8:30 pm so keep your eyes peels for signage or ask one of our super-duper vollies. But also, feel-free to feel-good and grab a ticket to Feel-Good-Friday while there.

Can I get a group booking discount?

Unfortunately, no group hugs for discounts this time. But hey, gather your crew and split a pizza instead!

Can I get a refund?

GGE is an all-weather event and will only offer a refund, partial refund or exchange if the event is cancelled, rescheduled or significantly relocated or to the extent otherwise required by law (including the Australian Consumer Law). Sheesh, heavy.

So, you see, once you’re in, you’re in! We don’t do refunds or exchanges for those “changed my mind” moments or sudden life plot twists. Rain, hail, or shine – we’re committed to the Grape Escape life. Check out our Festival Terms for all the nitty-gritty before taking the plunge. And hey, if your great Aunty’s corgi throws a birthday bash you can’t miss, register your tickets with Tixel for resale!

What about kids tickets?

Little legends under 2? They waltz right in for free—they’re the VIPs of the tiny tot world! Kids aged 3 to 17 get a golden ticket with a smidge of a fee but unlock a treasure trove of free activities.

What happens if I lose my wristband/tumbler?

Oops! Losing these festival essentials is like a broken corkscrew—a bit unfortunate. We’ll handle it on a case-by-case basis at our Info Marquee, so keep ’em safe like treasure!

Will I need an age verification wristband?

Are you aging like a fine vintage? We might ask for ID just to compliment your timeless style.

Do you provide anti-lost child wristbands?

We’ve got your back! Write your number on a wristband at our entrance; it’s like putting your digits on speed dial for your little festival explorers.

 

AT THE FESTIVAL

ATM Facilities

Need cash? No sweat! Our money-magic machines are here to save the day.

Feel-Good Friday Food & Drink 

The suspense is killing us! Stay tuned for a delightful menu that’ll make your taste buds boogie.

GGE Program

Your treasure map to the ultimate Grape Escape! Dive into this playbook of fun and plot your weekend adventure. Get ready to groove with the masters, hear top artists, and sip divine wines! Programs will be in your eco-friendly festival bag and also available online closer to the event.

Lost Property

If you lose it, we might find it! Lost goodies will hang around at our Festival Info Marquee till 11 am on Monday.

Mother’s Day

Get ahead of the curve and find those heartwarming Mother’s Day goodies amidst the festival fun. Gift shopping? Sorted!

Smoking/Vaping

We’re chasing the aroma of good food, wine, and produce, not smoke clouds! However, designated areas exist for those needing a puff.

Parents’ Room/Family Facilities

Calling all super moms and dads! We’ve got cozy pods equipped with everything from a baby change table, comfortable feeding chair and mini kitchenette. You will find these next to the David O Jones Mitre 10 Little Adventurer’s Precinct. For those minor cuts and bruises, we also have first aid onsite

Can I bring my dog/pet?

We adore furry pals, but this party isn’t for them. Certified assistance animals get the VIP treatment, though —because they’re real stars.

Accredited assistance animals include:

  • Guide Dogs and Seeing Eye Dogs
  • Lions Hearing Dogs
  • Autism Assistance Dogs
  • Service Dogs – for those with a physical disability or post-traumatic stress disorder

Assistance animals must be wearing a harness, identification lead or a vest/coat identifying them as working animals. In addition, the owners must carry a photographic identity badge or card as proof of accredited status, which they must show our gate staff. While therapy dogs may be assistance dogs in some situations, the certification required to be an assistance animal means the animal has been trained and accredited, having met the state standards for public access rights.

Gate staff will request to see the proper accreditation upon entry. Without this there will be no access for your animal.

Can I bring in food/drink?

We’re here to support our exhibitors, so BYO feast or bevvies are also a no-go. Water stations are plentiful, so leave your hydration strategy to us. And yes, our security will give your bag a once-over for the sake of festival harmony.

What can/can’t I bring to the event?

PLEASE BRING – 

  • Feel free to flex your interior design skills with a table (no throne-sized tables please), a foldable chair, or a picnic blanket. We also lay out furniture throughout the site, just not enough for thousands of people. Don’t forget the reusable water cups because hydration is key for a 3-day festival right?!
  • CAN’T BRING – 
    • Sorry, no bringing your own tent or market umbrella. There is also a whole bunch of other stuff within our Festival Terms.

What To Wear

Alfred Wainwright — ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.’

As much as we’ve tried to get her to join the GGE crew, we have no command over Mother Nature. We celebrate rain, hail or shine, so layer up, party shoes and all, as life is to be enjoyed in all kinds of weather!

Will there be Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free options?

Oh, you betcha! Our exhibitors are like culinary wizards, conjuring up delights for vegetarians, vegans, and the gluten-averse. We’ve even got a zero% drinks supplier for those who like their beverages as pure as their intentions. Got specific dietary quirks? Email us at director@grampiansgrapeescape.com.au, and we’ll do our best to work some magic.

Wine Store/Cloakroom

Hands full? Our Wine Store is your best friend! Free for Tasting Ticket holders and only $5 otherwise. Store your buys safely till Monday – we promise not to sneak a sip! Tasting Ticket holders have free access to this service, otherwise it is just $5.

You can even Cloak your jacket, camping chair and card table overnight with us! It’s like a sleepover for your stuff! Our cloakroom keeps your belongings cosy and safe while you soak up the festival vibes.

ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT

Accommodation

GGE is the talk of the town, so book your digs early (hit up those friends and family!). Have a camper or caravan? Awesome! There are oodles of spots in surrounding areas like Ararat, Stawell, Dadswells Bridge, Pomonal, Lake Fyans, Moyston, Great Western, and Horsham. Buses are all set to zip to and fro the festival—home away from home, sorted! Stay tuned for the finer details.

Parking

We’ve got your parking plight covered! Check out our options right HERE. Limited slots at the Recreation Reserve, but hey, let’s be responsible and snag a bus or shuttle for a hassle-free ride. Disabled parking is a stone’s throw from the festival entrance so it’s easy access for everyone!

Halls Gap Shuttle Bus

Hang tight! Details on this magical shuttle are on the way. Stay tuned!

Regional Bus Transfers (outside of Halls Gap)

Buses are gearing up to whisk you away from Ararat, Stawell, Dadswells Bridge, Pomonal, Lake Fyans, Moyston, Great Western, and Horsham. Psst, limited spots available, so don’t snooze on these details when they do arrive!

Visit the Grampians

Why stop at just the festival? Extend the adventure! Plan a mini-vacay and stay a few extra days. Dive into the Grampians region, explore the local wonders, and uncover what’s hot and where to crash here 

2025 FESTIVAL DATES

Start planning for 2025 if you so desire. Dates are the 2nd – 4th of May.

Enjoy your 2024 GRAMPIANS GRAPE ESCAPE and stay connected on our Facebook page,  Instagram and Mailchimp and get involved with the conversation using #ggefest #trythenbuy #stopandshop