FAQs

We’ve got your social calendar covered:

Friday 2nd May – 4pm to 8:30pm
Saturday 3rd May – 10am to 5pm
Sunday 4th May – 10am to 5pm

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!

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!

Heck yes! Volunteering = free ticket magic. So dust off that superhero cape and apply HERE.

We’re all about showcasing the region’s finest so please do get in touch with Kate at director@grampiansgrapeescape.com.au about our exhibiting policies to make sure we can make your stall the talk of the town in 2025.

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!

Right this way, friend! You can grab your tickets HERE

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

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.

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.

TASTING TICKETS – Get ready for an experience! Tasting Tickets come with a Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park souvenir tumbler for free wine, beer & cider tastings until 3pm (Sat & Sun only) so you can try before you buy. After that, simply purchase by the glass or bottle. 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!

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

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.

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.

You betcha! Get a head start on the festival fun by snagging your wristband, bag, and more on Friday between 2-7 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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

We know many of you love bringing trolleys to stock up on local goodies, but for 2025 we’ve had to make a slight change. Following updated safety advice, trolleys, beach carts and collapsible wagons won’t be permitted in the music stage and picnic area this year. The decision is all about easing congestion and making the space safer and more comfortable for everyone. We know this is a shift for many of our long-time festivalgoers, and we really appreciate your understanding.

Trolley parking
You’re very welcome to still bring your trolley — we know it’s a handy way of transporting goodies around Halls Gap when not driving. We’ve set up a trolley parking bay right at the entrance by the Information Desk. Feel free to unload at your picnic spot and return your trolley to the designated bay.

Need a secure spot to stash your valuables?

Our cloak room and wine store will be open all weekend for secure storage of wine, produce, jackets, picnic gear and anything else you’d rather not carry around. This service is complimentary for tasting ticket holders, or $5 per drop for General Admission. You’re welcome to collect your items anytime during the festival or by 10am Monday morning.

Feel-Good Friday is the perfect blend of low-key vibes and high-fun. Sometimes its as simple as good drinks, good food, good tunes. Stay tuned for updates on the 3-4 food trucks that will delight the taste buds, and come support the festival at our bar for the evening.

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

Wine in one hand, water in the other — that’s how we festival. With so much sipping, tasting and dancing to do, staying hydrated is a must. We’ll have water stations throughout the festival, so you can fill up as often as you need. Just remember to bring your own reusable water bottle.

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 is available online one week out. Download the 2025 Program Here.

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

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

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

Calling all super mums and dads! We’ve got a cosy pod 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. 

We’re committed to making Grampians Grape Escape as welcoming and accessible as possible. Accessible parking is available close to the festival entrance, and you’ll find two accessible toilets located in the main toilet block on the eastern side of the site. We’ve set up a dedicated viewing area within the picnic space near the music stage, so everyone can enjoy the live tunes comfortably. If you or your little adventurers need a break from the buzz, you’ll find teepee tents at the Stop and Play Stations, as well as a Quiet Space within the David O Jones Mitre 10 Little Adventurers Precinct to recharge.

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 and 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.

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.

PLEASE BRING 

Feel free to flex your interior styling with a picnic rug or foldable chairs. We also lay out furniture across the site — just not enough for thousands of people. Refillable water bottles are a must (hydration is key at a 3-day festival, right?). You’re welcome to bring a trolley to help carry your goodies to the entrance — just return it to the designated trolley parking bay after unloading.

CAN’T BRING 

Sorry folks—no BYO food or drink, pets (unless they’re assistance animals), tents or market umbrellas inside the Festival grounds. Trolleys, beach carts and wagons won’t be permitted in the music stage and picnic area. But we’ve got you covered with a trolley parking bay and secure cloak room at the entrance. There are a few other things best left at home — check our full Festival Terms for the list.

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!

Oh, you betcha! Our exhibitors are like culinary wizards, conjuring up delights for vegetarians, vegans, and the gluten-averse. We’ve even got exhibitors offering zero% drinks for those who like their beverages as pure as their intentions.

Hands full? Our Wine Store is your best friend. Free for Tasting Ticket holders and just $5 otherwise. Store your buys safely until Monday — we promise not to sneak a sip.

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

If you’re leaving your trolley parked (they’re not permitted in the picnic area), we highly recommend storing any valuables in the cloakroom for safekeeping.

We’ve got your parking plight covered! 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!

GGE is the talk of the town, so book your digs early (hit up those friends and family!). Have a camper or caravan? Awesome! Your options just got a whole lot greater, so start checking out those caravan parks.

Leave the car behind and hop on the Halls Gap Shuttle Bus for a hassle-free ride to and from the festival site!

Operated by Christians Bus Co, the service runs across multiple routes, with return transfers to the Halls Gap Recreation Oval from Friday 2 –  Sunday 4 May. Plan ahead and secure your seat! Links here to download timetable and book a bus.

Please note that trolleys, carts and bulky gear aren’t permitted on the shuttle buses. You’re welcome to leave any wine, produce or picnic items at our cloak room and wine store for safe keeping, with collection available anytime during the festival or up until 10am Monday.

We’re running return bus services from select local townships, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the festival without the hassle of driving. Whether you’re coming from Ararat, Moyston, Lake Fyans, or Pomonal, we’ve got you covered! Buses will depart at the end of each festival day, making sure you get home safely and stress-free.

Spots are limited and bookings close at 5 pm on Wednesday 30 April so don’t miss out! Secure your seat HERE

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. Details coming soon.