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 8pm when Del Rio’s reception is open, otherwise you won’t be able to enter the site.

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.

GET INVOLVED IN AUSTRALIA’S MOST EPIC 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.

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.
• 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.