Why hire a motorhome for Strawberry Fields
It is a camping festival in late November bushland on the Murray. Daytime temperatures can push past 35 degrees and it gets dusty. A motorhome lets you do it properly without being wrecked by day two.
- Real mattress and climate control (heat and dust are common in late November)
- Keep food and drinks cold all weekend – no melting esky drama
- Private shade and a quiet retreat between sets
- Onboard kitchen, fridge and bathroom instead of relying on shared facilities
- Better for groups – shared base, storage and comfort for the whole crew
- Camp/park together means your motorhome sits at your campsite with your mates
- Perfect if you are turning it into a Murray River road trip before or after the festival
New to motorhome hire? Read our campervan hire guide for first-timers. Comparing festival options? See our guides for CMC Rocks QLD and Burning Man RV rentals.
Camping and vehicle rules at The Wildlands
All Strawberry Fields tickets include free general camping. The campgrounds work on a camp/park together basis, so your motorhome parks right next to your group’s tents. There are no assigned pitches – it is first come, first served.
Vehicle passes
- Every vehicle entering the festival site requires a Vehicle Pass, purchased separately via Humanitix. This includes motorhomes, campervans, caravans and anything they are towing
- Standard Vehicle Passes allow entry from Friday 12pm
- Early Access Vehicle Passes (limited) allow entry from Thursday 2pm – get in early to secure the best camping spots and enjoy extra time on the Murray. These sell out fast
- Vehicle passes are carbon offset via TREECREDS and include a recycling bag and drug/alcohol test for drivers
On-site rules
- All camping is off-grid – no power hookups. Bring batteries, solar or a quiet generator
- Do NOT park on marked roads within the festival – your vehicle will be towed
- Be mindful of where you park relative to others if you plan to leave before Monday morning
- No glass, no gazebos in bus/transport areas. Check the full banned items list before you pack
- All patrons must leave by 12pm Monday 23 November
Planning your motorhome trip to Strawberry Fields
Most renters pick up from Melbourne and drive north. Here is a practical timeline:
Suggested schedule
- Wed: Pick up your motorhome from Melbourne. Stock up on supplies, fuel and water. Do a shakedown check of the fridge, gas, water system and fans
- Thu: Drive north to Tocumwal (3.5-4.5 hours from Melbourne depending on route). If you have an Early Access Vehicle Pass, enter The Wildlands from 2pm and secure a prime camping spot near the river or close to stages. If not, camp overnight in Tocumwal or nearby
- Fri: Standard entry from 12pm. Festival begins. Music, art, workshops and markets run all weekend
- Sat – Sun: Full festival days. Music ends 8pm Sunday
- Mon: Pack up and leave by 12pm. Drive south to Melbourne or continue your road trip along the Murray
- Tue: Return motorhome to depot. A 6-7 day rental gives you comfortable buffer for pickup, the drive, the full festival and a relaxed return
What to expect at Strawberry Fields
Strawberry Fields is not your typical music festival. It is built around camping, community and the Australian bush. Here is what the weekend involves:
- Multiple stages: A mix of live bands and electronic music across several purpose-built stages in the bushland. Past artists have included Carl Craig, Moodymann, Yothu Yindi, Briggs and a deep lineup of emerging Australian acts
- Art installations: Large-scale interactive art throughout the bushland, including light projections on trees after dark
- Wellness: Sunrise yoga at The Beach, salt baths at the Bush Spa, workshops and creative activities throughout the weekend
- Murray River swimming: Over 1 km of river frontage with sandy beach areas. Bring a towel – swimming between sets is a highlight
- Markets and food: Extensive food stalls and market vendors. No BYO food restrictions, but plenty of options on-site
- Community: Strawberry Fields puts $35,000 annually into community grants for Berrigan Shire organisations. Berrigan Shire residents get half-price tickets. The festival takes place on Yorta Yorta Nation country
- Sustainability: Strong focus on recycling, renewable energy, mindful consumption and the Rewash Revolution initiative
Voted Top 10 Festival in the World by Resident Advisor every year since 2012. “One for the bucket list for sure” – Beat Magazine.
Getting to The Wildlands
Tocumwal sits on the Murray River near the NSW/Victoria border. The Wildlands venue is about 15 minutes from town via Tuppal Road. Expect regional roads and heavy traffic control on arrival days. NSW and Victorian Police run extensive road operations going into and out of the festival, searching vehicles and testing drivers.
Route tips
- From Melbourne: Take the Hume Freeway north to the Goulburn Valley Highway, then head through Shepparton and Cobram to Tocumwal. Alternatively, go via Seymour and the Murray Valley Highway. Allow 3.5-4.5 hours depending on route and traffic
- From Sydney: Hume Highway south to Albury, then Murray Valley Highway west. Allow 6.5-7 hours
- From Canberra: Hume Highway south-west to Wagga Wagga, then Sturt Highway to Tocumwal area. Allow around 5 hours
- Fuel up and top off water before entering the site. There are no services between Tocumwal and The Wildlands
Aim to arrive early. Entry queues spike hard, especially Friday. If you can get an Early Access Pass for Thursday 2pm, it is worth it for camping spot selection and an extra day on the river.
Practical prep for your motorhome
Late November in the Murray region means heat, dust and cool nights. Prepare your motorhome for off-grid conditions.
Before you leave
- Fill fresh water tank completely. Bring extra water containers for drinking and washing
- Check gas supply for cooking and fridge operation
- Charge leisure batteries fully. Bring a portable solar panel if your motorhome does not have one built in
- Test the fridge is cooling properly before loading food and drinks
- Pack a 12V fan or USB fan for airflow at night
What to bring
- Shade – tarp, awning or shade sail for your outdoor area
- Torch/headlamp for getting around at night
- Towels and swimmers for the Murray River
- Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent
- Camp chairs and a small table for your outdoor setup
- Reusable cup and plate (sustainability is a big part of the festival culture)
- Keep valuables locked in the motorhome when you are at stages
Off-grid wins: solar panel, leisure batteries, 12V fans, a well-stocked fridge and plenty of water.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a motorhome or campervan to Strawberry Fields?
Yes. Vehicle-based camping is common and campervans, motorhomes and caravans are all covered by the standard Vehicle Pass. Every vehicle entering the site needs a Vehicle Pass purchased separately via Humanitix. Your motorhome parks at your campsite in the camp/park together area.
How do tickets work for Strawberry Fields?
Tickets are sold via ballot through Humanitix. Register for the General Ballot when it opens. If you miss the ballot, there is usually a Limited Public Sale and then official resale through Humanitix. It sells out every year, so registering early is important. Vehicle Passes and Early Access passes are also available during the ballot.
Are campsites powered?
No. All camping at The Wildlands is off-grid with no power hookups. Bring your own power solution – leisure batteries, a portable solar panel and 12V fans are the standard setup. Some motorhomes have built-in solar and inverters which makes things easier.
Where should I pick up my motorhome?
Melbourne is the most practical major-city pickup. It is a 3.5-4.5 hour drive north to Tocumwal. Other cities work if you are building a longer road trip – Albury/Wodonga is the closest regional hub at about 1.5 hours.
Can I leave and re-enter with my vehicle during the festival?
Vehicle movement within the festival can be restricted once you are parked. Plan to stay in place and walk or ride a bike. If you need supplies, a free shuttle bus runs between the festival and Tocumwal township throughout the event.
What about water and waste?
Arrive with your fresh water tank full and a plan for waste management. Use designated dump points and follow on-site directions. The festival is built around Leave No Trace principles – pack out what you bring in.
What is the weather like in late November at Tocumwal?
Expect hot days (often 30-38 degrees), warm evenings and cool pre-dawn temperatures. It can be dusty. Shade, hydration and airflow are essential. The Murray River is perfect for cooling off between sets – bring swimmers and a towel.
What dates should I search for motorhome hire?
The festival runs Friday to Sunday in November, with site clearance by Monday. Search for pickup on Wednesday or Thursday and return on Monday or Tuesday. A 6-7 day rental gives you comfortable buffer for the drive, the festival and the return trip.
Is Strawberry Fields the same as Splendour in the Grass?
No. Strawberry Fields is a separate, independently run festival held at The Wildlands near Tocumwal in NSW. It focuses on electronic and live music, art, wellness and bush camping. It is 18+ only and limited to around 15,000 attendees – much smaller and more intimate than Splendour.
What is the Early Access Pass?
Early Access Vehicle Passes let you enter The Wildlands from 2pm Thursday (the day before the festival officially starts). You get first pick of camping spots, an extra day on the Murray River and access to light music programming and food stalls. These are limited and sell out quickly during the ballot.
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