It’s only a few sleeps now until Unify Gathering 2020 begins! The camping music festival is our favourite way to kick start a fresh new year of music. We’ve all found belonging in music in some way, whether it’s the words, the emotions, the energy, or the community of like-minded people. Unify has us all come together from our individual walks of life and celebrate together!
To get sorted for the big event, we’ve collected information together from the good people at Unify, and put it all together in one place! Bookmark this baby and you’ll be set!
Tickets?
Tickets are still available for general admission to Unify Gathering 2020! Head HERE to reserve your place. Ticket holders should make sure they have their E-ticket PDF or phone handy for the big day!
Getting There
How are you getting to Unify? Options:
- Banana Bus Festival Transport – With so many pick-up points across Melbourne, this seems like a really handy option for the car-less. Book HERE!
- Driving – It’s a scenic view and the perfect time to brush up on your favourite Spotify playlists in preparation (Here’s a good one)! You could enjoy the serenity solo, or carpool with friends who also have good taste in music to keep everyone alert and focused and entertained, and save money on petrol and car pass at the same time. Make sure you grab a car pass HERE.
But wait – Where IS Unify Festival?
The festival has a new home, but is still nestled in Tarwin Lower. Walkerville Road in Tarwin Lower will have you on the Unify doorstep. We’ve created a Google Maps map of a straightforward route from Melbourne CBD to the festival.
If you want to get in ASAP (depending on the ticket you have), these are the gate opening times:
THURSDAY – 2pm
FRIDAY – 8am (with the arena opening at 1:30pm)
Weather
The weather gods are smiling upon us this year, with only Friday forecast for rain. Regardless, anyone that knows Melbourne and surrounds will know to be ready for potentially anything.
Here’s the forecast for Unify weather from the Bureau of Meteorology at the time of writing this:
- THURSDAY – LOW 16 | HIGH 31 *
- FRIDAY – LOW 23 | HIGH 33 *
- SATURDAY – LOW 14 | HIGH 19 *
- SUNDAY – LOW 13 | HIGH 23
* Extreme UV days: Use extra sun protection!
Fires
Tarwin Lower is fortunately well away from fire-impacted areas of Victoria. There may be impact from smoky air, however, so anyone who is already sensitive to air quality issues, and anyone generally wanting to be prepared should be sure to pack any breathing aids or medication they feel they may need. The Unify Gathering team have also reminded that there is first aid on hand for any issues that may arise. I’ve personally sourced a pack of P2 masks from RSEA, just in case!
What To Pack
We like the list that the Unify folk shared last year (below) for music festival basics! Your water bottle can be used at the water station for unlimited refills of chilled/filtered/still/sparkling water.
I’ll also be packing:
- Phone & extra power brick
- Clothes for 3 days (+ extras just in case)
- A cheap rain poncho
- Tent, sleeping bag, air mattress and anything else you want at your campsite
- Toiletries (Note: There are showers at Unify but baby wipes are a really handy alternative!)
- Convenient snacks that won’t melt or go off
- Bag for rubbish
Now is the time to coordinate and plan your costumes, wigs, hats, inflatable items, or just a few comfy outfits that will fare well in the pit. And don’t forget the UNO cards. Also feel free to add to this list all the things like beer bongs that sensible music festival reviewers wouldn’t be packing because they are working hard and being good and angel-like. 😇
Map/Directory
Maybe you’ll be hanging at camp for a lot of your time at Unify, or maybe the Arena will be your home base. Regardless, here’s the map of your home for Unify! Check it out.. There’s bars, food vendors, rides, hydration stations, and more! I’m excited just looking at this.
Pitcoin
Pitcoin is the wristband setup for paying for goods at the festival. It might sound complicated but it works like a dream for buying your food/drink/merch while at Unify. Once onsite, this is the process for all punters to get Pitcoin happening:
- Show ticket/phone on arrival
- Be provided the Pitcoin wristband in exchange
- Tap the wristband to pay for food, drinks, merch
- Top up at stations to add funds to the wristband
Once the festival is over, any unused credit will be refunded, or you can even donate it toward charities and groups who need the support due to extreme fires in Australia since September 2019.
Signings
Artist signings will take place on both Friday and Saturday, featuring both local and international acts. Here’s the timetable!
The Music!
Thursday 9th January
While Unify Gathering officially starts on Friday, we again have the pleasure of a pre-Unify event! The AM//PM legends are easing us into it in an emo and heavy fashion, with some of our favourite artists putting on some special sets to get us into the spirit and a dash of DJ-ing. There’ll also be food and drink options on the night.
Friday 10th January & Saturday 11th January
This is it. Two big days, stacked end to end with artists we’ve been dying to see. Some for the first time! Some long-awaited. We are beyond hyped and excited to show our appreciation in the arena!
Sunday 12th January
Winding down this mammoth event is the perfect cruisy hangout: Sunday Sessions. This year it’s presented by Maton. If it’s anything like the last two years that I’ve witnessed, this will be a really enjoyable hangout with your favourite musicians while they share some more sedate music. Perfect recovery session before we head back to civilisation!
A Preface
Lastly, leading up to the festival, the Unify Gathering team wish to remind us of key elements to keep us happy, healthy, supported, as well as aware of our surroundings. Music unites and we can enjoy it respectfully!
For all other details, questions, and information, we’d recommend heading to: https://unifygathering.com/
See you there!
