General FAQ's

Who: Everyone’s welcome! Yabun is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, featuring artists, musicians, dancers, families, and all visitors are welcome.

What: Yabun (“music to a beat” in the Gadigal language) is one of the most significant cultural gatherings on the national calendar. As the largest and most powerful community-led celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Australia, Yabun brings First Nations people and allies together to honour history, acknowledge loss, and celebrate the ongoing survival, strength, and excellence of First Nations Peoples. The festival showcases the depth, diversity and vibrancy of First Nations culture through a full day of traditional and contemporary music, dance, panel discussions, workshops, markets and community activations.

When: Monday, 26th January 2026 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Arrive early to soak up the full experience and catch every moment.

Where: Victoria Park, Broadway, NSW, on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people.

Yabun is an all-ages event designed to welcome everyone, offering a wide variety of activities suited to any age group. From live music and traditional dance performances to interactive cultural workshops, panel discussions, children’s activities, and bustling market stalls, the event provides something meaningful and engaging for every visitor.

For safety reasons, all attendees under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian.

Yabun and its organisers are not liable for the supervision or welfare of minors left unattended.

Non-Indigenous people are warmly welcomed to attend and share in the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

To participate respectfully, we encourage visitors to:

  • Be mindful that Yabun is a cultural gathering first, created to honour the strength, survival, and ongoing cultures of First Nations peoples.
  • Listen, observe, and learn from Elders, performers, and speakers.
  • Respect cultural protocols, including any requests around photography, Smoking Ceremonies, storytelling or Elders.
  • Use appropriate language and be considerate of the significance of the day.
  • Support First Nations stalls, artists, and businesses where possible.
 

By approaching the event with openness, respect, and cultural awareness, non-Indigenous attendees can be part of a positive and meaningful day for everyone.

You can find the map here

Yes, an ATM is available onsite from ATM2Go.

ATM2Go provide ATMs that accept all types of cards (bank, credit, domestic and international).

ATMs are set up to accept all cards OR tap from your Phone. Your phone must be correctly set to use the tap facility (If not, it will not work)

The Fee for each transaction is $3.40, with a $200 limit per transaction.

Yes! Yabun has First Aid teams and dedicated care on-site from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.

If you or someone in your family feels unwell, gets injured, or needs support:

  • Visit one of the First Aid tents
  • Look for our roaming First Aiders in uniform
  • Or ask any staff member or volunteer to guide you

January in Sydney is very hot.

We recommend checking the weather forecast and dressing appropriately before you set out for
Yabun. Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Victoria Park also features Victoria Park Pool, which is open to the public (Free on 26th Jan) and can be a great place to cool down. Please note that the pool is operated independently from Yabun Festival, and all visitors must follow the pool’s entry rules and supervision requirements (all children must be accompanied by an Adult).

Yabun is a rain-or-shine event, and the event will continue in wet weather unless conditions
become unsafe for attendees, performers, or staff.

In the case of severe or dangerous weather, the event may be cancelled.

If any changes are required, updates will be communicated through our official channels.

Please check our website, social media and tune into Koori Radio for the latest information.

No. Yabun is a free public event suitable for attendees of all ages.

Can I bring a picnic blanket or chair?

  • Blankets are permitted. If you bring your picnic blanket, please make sure to set up away from the stage areas and follow the directions of the staff.
  • For safety, we need to keep the standing area near the front of the stage free from
    blankets and chairs.
  • Camp chairs are permitted. Lightweight, low camp chairs are permitted. Make sure they don’t block pathways or views. Chairs must also be set up away from the front of the stage. We will have some chairs available to the Elders in various locations.

Safety and Consideration Rules:

  • Keep walkways and emergency exits clear at all times.
  • Don’t put blankets or chairs too close to barriers, fences or stages.
  • Give other attendees enough space, share the park!
  • Pack up your items when leaving your spot to keep the site safe and tidy.

Cabanas or large sun shelters are not permitted for safety and crowd-flow reasons.

There is shade available around the site.

Yabun is a family-friendly event, so we kindly ask all attendees to refrain from smoking or vaping while at the event.

  • Strictly no smoking or vaping is allowed near food stalls, kids’ activities, or stages.

By law (NSW Smoke-free Environment Act), smoking is prohibited in:

  • Public transport stops, platforms, and stations
  • Entrances to public buildings (within 4m)
  • Children’s playgrounds
  • Near spectators at sports grounds
  • Outdoor dining areas, including footpath dining

Please be considerate of others, especially children, when outdoors.

Yabun is a drug and alcohol-free event.

You will be asked to leave if found with Alcohol or
Drugs.

Fill out the form here and we will contact you if anything is found.

If you find an item that doesn’t belong to you, please hand it to a Security guard or take it to our Gadigal Information Service tent.

Items will be held for a maximum of 14-days after the event.

For everyone’s safety, scooters, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, hoverboards and other ride-on items are not permitted at Yabun.

With large crowds, kids running around, Elders moving through the space, and busy walkways, these items can become a hazard.

What should I do with my bike or scooter?

  • You’re welcome to ride to the park and lock your bike or scooter at public racks.
  • Inside the event footprint, all ride-on items must be carried/walked.
 

Are mobility devices allowed?

Yes, absolutely. Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, mobility scooters and prams are always permitted and supported.

We appreciate everyone doing their part to keep the space safe, comfortable, and accessible for the whole community.

On-leash animals are permitted in Victoria Park; however, we strongly discourage bringing furry friends to Yabun. The day can get very busy, with large crowds, loud music, sudden noises, and plenty of movement across the park. For many animals, especially dogs, this environment can be stressful, overwhelming, and unsafe.

If you do choose to bring a four-legged companion, please consider whether your animal is comfortable in high-traffic, high-noise spaces and able to remain calm around children, Elders, other pets, and event activities.

Animal Safety Rules

  • All animals must be on a leash, in a crate, or otherwise safely controlled at all times.
  • Animals must be supervised by their owner at all times. Don’t leave them unattended.
  • Bring water and a bowl, and make sure your animal has access to shade and rest.
  • Owners must pick up all waste and dispose of it in the correct bins.
  • Aggressive or disruptive animals are not permitted. If your animal becomes unsafe, you may be asked to remove them from the event.
  • Keep animals away from children, performers, and other attendees who may be nervous or allergic.
  • Registered assistants or working animals are welcome, and we will have facilities
    available for service animal support.
 

Tips for a safe day

  • Bring a portable water bottle and a collapsible bowl for your animal.
  • Have a plan for heat, January in Sydney can be hot, and animals can overheat quickly.
  • Consider early arrival or quiet breaks if your animal is nervous around crowds or loud music.
 

Do I need to register my assistant or service animal?

It’s not essential; however, it does help us with planning. Please register your service animal in advance through the form here, so we can plan water, shade, and safe spaces.

Are there facilities for assistant animals?

Yes! We will have a space with water and shade. 

Check back later for the location.

Can I bring my working animal’s equipment?

Yes, including leashes, harnesses, or other necessary equipment.

Victoria Park Pool will be open with free entry all day on 26 January in support of Yabun. Due to the scale of Yabun, capacity limits to enter the centre and pool will apply throughout the day to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone. Please note:
  • Entry is subject to centre capacity
  • A 1 in, 1 out system will apply once capacity is reached
  • Queues and wait times should be expected
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work together to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.
Re-entry is subject to capacity at the time you return and is not guaranteed. If the pool is at capacity, you will need to queue before re-entering. This will also apply if you leave the facility.
 
Thank you for your patience and understanding, as this helps ensure fair and safe access for everyone throughout the day.

Be sure to follow us on our socials…

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