Prepping for Rio

We’ve put together this handy guide to help you get the most out of your Ultimate Weekend Away. From exciting stuff happening and pro hacks we’ve learnt along the way, to bits and pieces to bring with you – this will set you up for your best Rio yet!

DON’T BE AN ECO TERRORIST – KEEP IT  TIDY

We don’t like to be ball-breakers but when it comes to the planet, we’re super strict about our Leave No Trace policy. A few words to live by – don’t bring anything with you that will create unnecessary rubbish; throughout the weekend keep your camp clean and leave the beautiful surroundings exactly as you found them (no matter how hungover you are!).

BEAT THE QUEUES AND STAKE OUT THE BEST CAMPSPOTS

If you can swing it with the boss, why not take advantage of our priority camping and arrive on Thursday? Not only will your crew be able to set up in the most sought-after spots, you’ll skip the queues too. It’s only an extra $30 per person (on top of the standard $100 camping cost) and when you’re peacefully dozing under a tree by the river, you’ll realise scoring the prime spots is priceless. Note: If you are arriving on Thursday, you’ll need to get there between 12pm and 9pm when Del Rio’s reception is open, otherwise you won’t be able to enter the site.

FEEL YOUR WORRIES MELT AWAY IN OUR NEW WELLNESS HUB

It’s important to us that when you step inside the world of Rio, you leave all your cares, worries and responsibilities at the door. So—to help you do just that, we’ve joined forces with the magical Brooke Barrett, and her highly-skilled team of therapists, healers, beauticians and hair stylists to help you relax, reset and rejuvenate. Whether you’re feeling a relaxing massage, energy work, crystal healing, Zenthai Shiatsu, Lomi Lomi, aromatherapy or tarot — or you’re just in the mood for new locks, lashes, or a fresh blow dry — we’ve got you. When you arrive at Rio, make sure you head straight to The Sanctuary and book your treatment to avoid missing out. We’re expecting spots to book up fast!

GET INVOLVED IN OUR VIBRATION-RAISING CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

This year, we’re all about bigging-up your festival experiences to elevate the vibes and increase community connection. And, we’re thrilled to share: we’ve added a packed program with some of the best-in-the-business workshop and class facilitators, all taking place in The Sanctuary. From meditation with Mr. C, to help you get into the moment and have more fun, a pumpkin carving workshop and cheeky burlesque life drawing, to a Thriller dance class and a collective Clay Mandala creation. So, don’t forget to BYO yoga or exercise mat. Plus, on Saturday, drop into our new cosmic tea lounge for free tarot and aura readings from 12pm – 4pm. And while you’re there, grab a cup of naturally uplifting tea from the wonderful SoulMATÉ team.

KINDNESS MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND

It’s simple: when you do good, you feel good – so why not spread some happiness around? We think the world would be a much better place if everyone made even a small effort to help out their neighbour, whether they’re a stranger or a mate. That’s why we ask everyone to bring a Random Act of Kindness to Rio. Whether it’s little gifts for new friends you make, or Bloody Marys for your neighbours – Rio encourages spontaneous selfless acts to make people smile. Come prepared to spread the love.

PREPARE YOUR OUTFIT FOR OUR PETRIFYING FANCY DRESS PARTY

On Saturday we host Australia’s biggest, weirdest and wildest fancy dress party. This year Rio falls on Halloween, so ditch your standard festival get-up and get creepy! There are no boundaries or rules here. We strongly suggest you start planning now though because the bar’s been set high, and if the past’s anything to go by – the competition’s going to be fierce. Our advice? The more outrageous – the better!

SKIP THE FOOD SHOP AND PLAN YOUR FANCY DRESS INSTEAD

We’re sure you’ve got better things to do than wasting time shopping, or planning your meals for Rio. Don’t stress – we’ve catered to all dietary desires with our selection of gourmet food trucks. Whether you want something naughty to soak up your hangover, a vegan-friendly dish or super-food smoothies for extra dancefloor stamina – we’ve got you covered. Select from tasty Mexican street food, wood-fired pizzas, organic fast food, freshly roasted fair-trade coffee, gourmet burgers and icy-cold smoothies just to name a few. And, if you’re lucky enough to have scored a glamping tent, the amazing Mikey’s Pizza team from Bondi Beach will be serving up hot breakfasts, coffees and New York style pizza slices right on your doorstep.

IT’S NOW EASIER THAN EVER TO STAY CONNECTED AT RIO

While we encourage you to switch off and disconnect at Rio (this is your chance to escape the real world!) we understand for a lot of people, this just isn’t possible. So, we’re pleased to say, we’ve partnered with the Tech Bros who will be offering their fast and reliable internet connection at the festival. They’re offering WiFi packages for the whole weekend, a day, or just by the hour. And, if you purchase your package before the event, you’ll get the best deal. To secure your WiFi for the Halloween Weekender, just head here.

GET FAMILIAR WITH THE SURROUNDINGS BEFORE LIFT-OFF

There are two main car parks and campsites, so before the music and madness kick off, we strongly suggest making a rough plan with your crew about where your group is going to be located. That way, you’ll know which car park to use, you’ll save valuable dancing energy by not carrying your gear all the way across the site, and you won’t waste time looking for your mates.

BE WARNED: DRUG DOGS WILL BE GOING THROUGH CARS

We don’t want this to come as a surprise: there will be a police presence throughout the weekend, and drug dogs will be in attendance and going through cars on arrival. Return to Rio has a strict zero drug policy, so please don’t bring illegal drugs of any kind. The police will also be conducting drug swabbing and random breath testing on the roads around the festival during the weekend. Please don’t risk driving if you’ve had a big night. Newtown Coaches are running coaches up and back from Central Station at different times, to make sure you arrive at your destination safely. And you can book your ride here.

CAMPING? GET YOUR CASH OUT FOR EXPRESS ENTRY

In exchange for using the stunning Del Rio Riverside Resort’s facilities for the weekend, the site charges everyone staying on site overnight, $100 per person on entry (minimum flat rate), whether you’re camping, glamping, sleeping in your car or bringing a camper van – no exceptions. This cost also includes parking your vehicle for the weekend. To get into the party as quickly as possible, make sure you have the correct cash on you. Otherwise you’ll be waiting in a queue for the EFTPOS machine… you have been warned.

CHECK IN ON YOUR NEIGHBOURS, LOOK OUT FOR YOUR MATES

While you’re on the dancefloor, please keep an eye out for your friends. And remember – it’s a big weekend, so take care of yourself and don’t overdo it. Make sure you rehydrate at one of our free water stations and head to our new 24-hour Chill Out Zone for a dance break every now and then. If you need help or a chat, look for the friendly DanceWize team, if you or someone else feels unwell head straight to First Aid, and if you ever feel unsafe, find Security, someone in hi-vis or head to one of our Help Points. We’re all here to help you.

TAKE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL

You’ll find the full list of what to bring and what to leave at home here but we thought we’d also share a few of our pro packing items. These often get forgotten but will make all the difference to your weekend.

• Refillable water bottle. Only amateurs don’t rehydrate. We shouldn’t have to tell you that H2O helps keep hangovers at bay. We’ve got the water stations covered, so bring a bottle and help us save plastic. 
• Notepad. We’re all about being in the moment, not attached to our phones. When else can you forget about real life and throw all responsibility to the wind? Grab a pen and paper to jot down all your amazing new friends’ contact deets instead.
• Yoga mat. There are bunch of guided meditation and yoga classes, and sound healing and cocoa workshops that you’d be mad not to take advantage of. Mats are recommended for extra comfort.
• Your pumpkin creation. This year, our very own Mark Craven will be judging our pumpkin carving competition. The winner will receive four Rio festival tickets AND a glamping tent for 2024! You’ve got to be in it to win it. So, bring your creation along to The Sanctuary on Saturday.
• Disposable camera. Not only do these bad boys mean no time wasted retaking snaps of your narcissistic mate (we’ve all got one), what’s more fun than picking up your film and reliving the hazier moments?! Not needing your phone for photos is an added bonus.  
• Esky. With take-away drinks and ice now available at the Del Rio Bottle Shop (located in The Shack), this Australian staple will become your new Rio best-friend and should be an essential part of any camping kit. You can thank us with ice-cold beers. 
• Portable phone charger. While we encourage you to digitally detox during Rio, if you know the separation anxiety’s going to set in – we suggest you grab yourself a portable phone charger. That way you won’t have to hangout by a power point.
• Eco-friendly glitter. Everyone’s better in glitter, and sharing sparkles on the dancefloor is a serious ice breaker too. But be a friend to the planet and keep it bio-degradable. No one wants to be shouted at by an angry hippy either.
• Bin for your butts. We get it. Smoking happens at parties. There’s no judgement here. But please don’t just dump your butts. Bring a portable ashtray/butt container. Pro tip: empty Eclipse mint tins work a treat.
• Something to swim in. Whatever your bathing get-up is, you’ll want to bring it. As well as kangaroos, the site’s home to an epic splash park and a pool that you’ll want to take advantage of too.
• Baby Wipes. If you’ve ever been camping before you’ll know these are like gold dust. Pro tip: grab the eco-friendly type for bonus points.
• Sunscreen. It’s a bit of a no-brainer, but nothing takes the fun out of festival faster than sunburn. Make sure you pack your 50+ to combat the Australian sunshine.

And a little reminder to make sure you leave these items at home

• Glass and glass bottles of any kind (any beverages in glass will be confiscated)
• Your sound system (leave the tunes to us!)
• Pets (to protect the natural wildlife)
• Any illegal drugs (searches will be conducted prior to entry)
• Weapons, knives (including pocket knives), fireworks or anything dangerous (these will be confiscated during searches)
• Any fire-starting equipment (fires of any kind are not permitted on site)

BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY SO SECURE YOUR STUFF

Theft isn’t common, but it can happen. And why chance it and risk ruining the weekend? If you’re bringing valuables, either keep them on you at all times, or stash them safely in your car. And if you’re lucky enough to be staying in a cabin, campervan or any other kind of lockable weekend abode, don’t leave it unlocked.

TRAVEL LIGHT SO PACKING UP IS A BREEZE

While it might seem like a great idea at the time to bring everything you own ‘in case you need it’, when it comes time to pack up and head home – it’s a completely different story. At Return to Rio, we have a strict Leave No Trace policy and will not tolerate people leaving behind belongings that they just can’t be bothered to take home. Let this be your packing mantra: carrying loads of crap to your car is not fun with a sore head. There’s also a certain freedom in travelling light.