Venue Accessibility Guide
While the Yackandandah Folk Festival cannot guarantee the absolute accessibility of every venue, we strive to provide the following guidance to help you navigate our festival sites more comfortably.
Venues with Accessible Entry
- Public Hall: Accessible via the main ramp entry.
- The Marquee: Accessible via the main entry.
- Senior Citizens Hall: Accessible via ramp access.
- Yackandandah Courthouse: Accessible via the front ramp.
- Star Hotel: Please use the side/laneway entry for accessible access.
- St. James Church: Accessible via the front entry ramp. Note: The door width is limited to 870mm.
- Yackandandah Hotel: Please ask security or staff at the front of the venue to open the door for you.
Accessible & Ambulant Toilets
- Public Hall: On-site facilities available.
- High Street: Public toilets located behind the Pharmacy / Community Centre.
- The Marquee: Accessible portable toilet available on-site.
- Senior Citizens Hall: Accessible toilet available.
- Yackandandah Hotel: Ambulant female toilet located outside in the beer garden.
Accessible Changing Room
A dedicated accessible changing room is located at Sir Isaacs Park, Isaacs Avenue.
Access: Requires an MLAK key.
Availability: 24 hours
Ticketing & Companion Support
Companion Cards & Carers We proudly honour the National Companion Card Program. Cardholders receive a second ticket for their essential support companion free of charge.
Please refer to our Ticketing Page for specific instructions on how to book your complimentary companion ticket online or via our Box Office.
You must present your valid Companion Card upon entry to the festival.
What is the Companion Card?
The Companion Card is a government-issued card for people with a significant, permanent disability who require a high level of attendant care support to participate in community life. When a Companion Card holder purchases a ticket, their essential companion receives an additional ticket at no charge.
Eligibility & Conditions:
The complimentary ticket is strictly for the essential support person who provides attendant care to the Companion Card holder. It is not for friends or family attending for social reasons.
The Companion Card must be valid and presented upon request at the festival entry gate. The Companion Card is nationally recognised (including cards issued by the Victorian Government).
How to Book Your Accessible Tickets
To ensure you receive your complimentary Companion Ticket, please follow these steps:
- Purchase the ticket for the person with the disability (the Companion Card holder) through our standard ticketing process.
- Request the complimentary Companion Ticket by either:
- Select the ‘Companion Card’ ticket option during the online checkout process (if available for your chosen ticket type).
- Contact our dedicated ticketing email [Insert email] before your chosen session/day sells out.
- Present your valid Companion Card (issued by any Australian State or Territory) upon entry to the festival. Failure to present the card will require the companion to purchase a full-price ticket.
Documentation: Your valid, government-issued Companion Card is the required proof of eligibility for the complimentary companion ticket.
On-Site Facilities
Specialised Accessible Facility (Changing Places) We are proud to offer a high-quality accessible facility using the Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) system at Sir Isaacs Park, Yackandandah. This amenity provides a safe and dignified space for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.
The facility includes:
- Accessible Toilet and Basin
- Shower
- Adult-Sized Change Table
- Ceiling Hoist
Accessible Toilets: Standard, accessible toilets are available at all main public venues and are clearly marked on the festival map.
Getting Around
Wheelchair Access & Venues
We are working to ensure that all venues and key festival areas are as accessible as possible. Most venues are wheelchair accessible, including the main street stages and indoor performance spaces.
- Pub Venues: Due to the age and historic character of some private pub venues, we cannot guarantee full wheelchair or mobility access at these specific locations. If you plan to attend a performance at a pub, please check with the venue directly.
- Pathways: The town’s footpaths are generally accessible, though please be aware that some surfaces are uneven due to Yackandandah’s historic character.
Parking & Drop-Off
Dedicated accessible parking is available close to festival venues.
- Please display your valid accessible parking permit.
- Our volunteers can assist with drop-off points if preferred.
- See the festival map for the exact parking and drop-off locations.
Seating Areas
Dedicated accessible seating is available at all main stage areas. Our friendly volunteers will be happy to assist you in locating these reserved spaces.
Concession / Pension / Student Eligibility
To be eligible for a concession ticket, you must hold one of the following valid, government-issued cards:
- Pensioner Concession Card (PCC):
- Issued to recipients of payments such as the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or Carer Payment.
- Low Income Health Care Card (LIHCC):
- Issued to recipients who are 19 or older, an Australian resident, and meet current income thresholds.
- Valid Full-Time Student Card:
- Must show current enrolment for the corresponding year.
Important Note on Entry
When purchasing tickets at the concession rate, you must present your valid, government-issued card (like a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or student card) to prove your eligibility upon entry to the venue. Failure to present a valid ID will require the difference to be paid to upgrade to a full-price ticket.
Sensory & Companion Needs
Hearing & Visual Accessibility
- Assistance Animals are welcome at all festival venues. Please ensure your animal is appropriately identified.
- For those with vision impairment, we have copies of the program available in larger print. Please ask a volunteer or at the Box Office for one of these.