Stone Country Festival 2025

All are welcome to visit this extraordinary community and learn about their culture that continues to thrive in harmony with nature.

Step into a world rarely seen—Western Arnhem Land, a breathtaking landscape normally closed to the public to protect its ancient cultural heritage, pristine environment, and the people who are its custodians.

This is a rare invitation to experience one of the last strongholds of traditional Aboriginal culture.

Spend two unforgettable days immersed in the rich traditions of the Kunwinjku people.

Ticketing and Attendance.

Stone Country Festival Cultural protocols

When attending the Stone Country Festival, it's important to respect country and follow guidelines set forth by the custodians of Western Arnhem Land. This includes respecting the environment, other festival-goers, and the local community. It's critical to familiarize yourself with cultural codes of conduct for visiting Gunbalanya and the event to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

Acknowledging and valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, wisdom, and practices is essential for building strong relationships and achieving positive festival outcomes.

Purchasing a ticket to the Stone Country Festival means you agree to specific code of conduct while on country and in the community.

The Northern Land Council has approved the festival to be a permit free weekend. This will allow you to pass into Arnhem Land via Cahills crossing on the morning of Saturday August 30 and return by 6:00 pm on Sunday August 31. You do not need to apply for a permit.

Follow all road signs from Cahills crossing. There will be local rangers, police and festival staff to welcome you and guide you into the community.

· Do not drive off the main road as there are numerous forbidden areas and sacred sites on the way to, and around the community and camping area. These areas are places of significance which link Aboriginal people to their cultural traditions and country. Do not wander out of the designated festival area into the community.

Entering such areas will result in your immediate removal from the festival and Arnhem Land.

· Stone Country Festival is a drug and alcohol-free event. Police will be conducting vehicle checks and there will be security throughout the weekend.

· There is a cultural dress code. The dress code is particularly important when meeting older members of the community and in the company of members of the opposite sex. To dress inappropriately can cause offence and shame.

Acceptable • skirts and dresses (below the knee, not above) • blouses, shirts and tops with sleeves • loose trousers • comfortable, enclosed shoes.

Unacceptable • short skirts (above the knee) • singlets • sleeveless tops • tops showing midriffs • tight-fitting shorts • tight-fitting or very casual jeans • thongs or flip-flops.

Festival Preparation

Take full responsibility for the being in a remote region of Australia. Prepare yourself with adequate water, emergency preparedness and environmental protection. Be SunSmart.

· Water: Make sure to bring an adequate supply of water with you, as staying hydrated is crucial, especially in hot and remote areas.

· Environmental protection: Be mindful of the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact. Respect wildlife and their habitats and avoid leaving any waste behind. The festival is a plastic bottle free zone. Bring your drink bottles. Chilled filtered water will be available.

· Emergency preparedness: Carry a first aid kit, navigation tools, and extra supplies in case of unexpected situations.

· SunSmart: Australia has high levels of UV radiation, so it's essential to protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to shield your skin from harmful rays. Seek shade during peak sun hours and stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses.

· Visitors dogs are not permitted at the festival or within the community

· Be crock wise. All water bodies in the area you travel will be inhabited by large Saltwater crocodiles. Stay away from all water bodies. DO NOT SWIM

· Show respect and ask permission to take an individual’s photograph.

· Support Injalak arts and crafts, the local Aboriginal run art centre. Pricing at the centre is set and facilitates fair purchase agreements with local artists.

Ticketing

$80 Adult - $40 children - for the weekend – non camping.

What you get…

Entry to the festival for the weekend.

Free tour of Injalak Art Centre

Free T-Shirt screenprint with local design. Bring your own T-Shirt

Bring –

· Enthusiasm and openness…

· Water bottle. Stone Country Festival is a single use plastic and plastic water bottle free event. Free filtered water available.

· Picnic blanket or ground covering…

· Low seats that will not obstruct the stage view.

· Sun protection.

$100 - Camping Saturday night only.

What you get -

· Entry to the festival for the weekend.

Free tour of Injalak Art Centre

Free T-Shirt screenprint with local design. Bring your own T-Shirt

Overnight camping.

As festival campers you will a guest of the community of Gunbalanya. As a camper you agree to take full responsibility for your vehicle, caravan and all camping equipment and assets. Conditions for camping is that you are completely self-sufficient.

Bring –

· Enthusiasm and openness…

· Water bottle. Stone Country Festival is a single use plastic and plastic water bottle free event. Free filtered water available.

· Picnic blanket or ground covering…

· Low seats that will not obstruct the stage view.

· Sun protection.