Getting There
Newstead is a thriving, vibrant town on the Loddon River in Central Victoria, 15 minutes from Castlemaine and about 1.5 hours north-west of Melbourne.
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Details on trains to Castlemaine
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Details on public transport to Newstead
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Accommodation
Camping
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There are two campgrounds available during the festival:
The Oval
Located at the Recreation Reserve, where The Troubadour is based. There are basic facilities and there is no electricity. There are only a limited number of sites available. You must book and pay before the start of the festival. Cost is $50 for a single site and $70 for a double for the weekend.
Camping is on the playing surface of the oval and on the perimeter.
Restrictions on the playing surface are single axel vehicles only and no tent pegs allowed. Once you have set up your camp site, you can move your car off the playing surface if you plan to use it during the festival. You will not be allowed to drive in and out of the oval once you are set up. Adverse weather conditions may prohibit camping on the playing surface.
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The Racecourse Reserve
This is a little way out of town. There are shower and toilet facilities. There is no electricity. There is a shuttle bus that runs between the campground and the venues in the township – see details below. Cost is $10 a night for 2 adults, $5 for each additional adult.
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Other Accommodation
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Click here for other accommodation options in the area.
Other information
Food & Drink
There are numerous options available in town during the festival; The Crown Hotel, Dig Cafe, Supermarket & Bakery, The Country Store (eat in or take away), The Troubadour Wine Bar, Thai Cafe & Continental Breakfast at the Community Centre, and food vans in the Festival Village
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Shuttle Bus
Shuttle bus runs between the campground and the venues in the township. You can buy a weekend pass for $5 or pay a gold coin donation per trip.
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ATM
There is no ATM in Newstead. All businesses in our small town take cards but please note small businesses do not have the capacity to give cash out. Please bring cash if you need it.
What to Bring
A sense of humour, your dancing shoes, togs, towel, swag, musical instrument and a bottle of buckfast. The rest will look after itself.
