The 2018 Western Australian Circus Festival
Friday 26th January until Sunday 28th January.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Western Australian Circus Festival located?
At the Lunar Circus site – Vansitart Rd, Karridale, Western Australia. The property is 30 kms south of Margaret River and 350km south of Perth.
Drive to Karridale, then continue 1.7km south. Turn left at Twenty Four Rd, then right at Vansittart Rd. The circus is about 1.7km along the road, on your left. Click here for a map.
Can I catch public transport?
To get to Karridale by bus from Perth, contact South West Coachlines on (08) 9261 7600 or TransWA on 1300 662 205.
You’ll need to make your own way into the festival from there. It’s 5km. There’s always lots of traffic going to the festival so it’s usually pretty easy to find a lift.
There is a pay phone at the Karridale General Store where the bus makes the drop off. Please bring some change in case your phone doesn’t work with the limited phone coverage in the area.
What about accommodation?
Camping is available onsite from 6pm on the day before the festival for those with weekend tickets. We provide unpowered camping sites, toilets and showers. Please bring your own tent and sleeping gear. Caravans and mobile homes are very welcome, of course.
If you prefer other accommodation, check out some local deals on Wotif, visit www.margaretriver.com or ring the Augusta-Margaret River Tourist Bureau on (08) 9780 5911.
When do gates open for campers?
Gates open at 6pm on Thursday and close at 11pm. They reopen at 9am on Friday.
What are water supplies like?
Water is limited – please bring along a sturdy water container for use at your campsite and bring as much drinking water as possible.
Can I bring my own food?
Absolutely, though there will not be facilities to store or refrigerate food that you bring to the festival so you may need an esky and some ice.
There will be plenty of affordable, tasty food available onsite.
Can I bring alcohol?
No BYO into the festival grounds – this is a licenced event.
What will the weather be like in January?
January is one of the hottest months in the Margaret River area with the highest temperatures up toward the 40C mark, but seldom higher. The average maximum temperature is about 28C. Please make sure that you stay hydrated and drink lots of water. It can still get cool in the evenings, so make sure you bring along some jumpers and extra blankets too.
Are we allowed to have open fires?
No, the fire ban season is in place.
Can we bring our dog?
No dogs or pets are allowed onsite.
What recycling facilities are available onsite?
There are recycling bins located around the site. Recycling bins will be clearly marked – please do not mix recyclable materials and remove all of your own non-recyclable waste.
What about money onsite?
Unfortunately EFTPOS is not available onsite so you’ll need enough cash to see you through.
The closest EFTPOS terminal is at the Karridale Tavern, and EFTPOS is also available in Augusta and Margaret River.
I’d like to help out, can I volunteer?
Helpers before, during and after the Festival are always needed. During the festival, our volunteers work for 9 hours( 3 hours per day ) in exchange for their weekend ticket, which includes camping. Volunteer applications are open now.
Is there contact with the outside world at the Lunar Circus site?
The property has mobile coverage. We get reception with Telstra but we can’t vouch for other carriers.
What can I expect at the Festival?
Circus shows are performed from midday to midnight on all 3 days of the festival. Our performers come from all over the world and perform every circus skill you’ve ever heard of (and more) in both large and small troupes.
There are funny shows and moving shows, short shows and long shows, award-winning incredibly polished shows and debut shows, shows for kids and shows by kids, aerial shows and ground shows, heart-stopping shows and “I can’t believe he can do that!” shows. There is even the Circus Olympics – you will not believe your eyes when you see what some of the competitors can do.
Live bands play for most of the day and take you dancing late into the night. There are several bars around the site, including some that open during particular shows such as the Adults Only Late Night Cabaret.
Workshops start at midday and continue for most of the day. Have you ever had a go on a Flying Trapeze? This is your chance.
There are market stalls and food stalls with everything for sale from beef, fish and tofu burgers to wood-fired pizzas, coffee, cakes and a delicious salad bar.
There’s a big top and a little top. There are small, intimate venues and big, outdoor venues. Every year we improve and increase our venues as our festival grows.
Perhaps best of all, there’s a delightful feeling about the festival. Everyone is happy, relaxed and having a great time. People always tell us, “I had no idea what to expect but this is absolutely amazing!”
What’s the age for a child’s ticket?
3 – 12 inclusive. We also have a youth ticket for those aged 13-17.
Once a child turns 18, we consider him/her an adult.
Both youths and children can come in on a family ticket.
Can one day ticket holders camp the night of the ticket ?
Yes, they can camp and the price is included in the ticket. They must be off site 12 noon the next day.
