Events at Riverwood Downs, Monkerai

About Riverwood Downs

Riverwood Downs is a sprawling family-run mountain resort and event venue in the Monkerai Valley, Barrington Tops (near Stroud, NSW). Founded in 1980 by Chris and Val Hall, it has grown into a **multi-award-winning 750-acre** property on 5 km of river frontage (www.cvent.com) (riverwooddowns.com.au). Originally a family cattle farm, it quickly became a country campsite and rural retreat. An early landmark was hosting 30,000 people for the Tanelorn Music Festival in 1981 (riverwooddowns.com.au). That bush event inspired the Hall family to build the iconic rustic **Woolshed** by 1983 (riverwooddowns.com.au) – providing a weather-proof hall for dances and concerts. By 1989 Riverwood Downs had become NSW’s first four-star rural resort (riverwooddowns.com.au), adding a boutique guesthouse, restaurant (Barrington Bar & Grill) and conference facilities. Today the site combines natural beauty and history: tall mountain peaks, shaded river pools, abundant wildlife (including platypus) and starry night skies (riverwooddowns.com.au) (riverwooddowns.com.au). Guests often spot kookaburras and even a resident bird nicknamed “Chuckles” (the valley’s unofficial mascot) from the fences or on the owner’s hat (www.evepla.com). The resort’s relaxed country hospitality and on-site amenities (swimming pool, canoeing, tennis court, games room (riverwooddowns.com.au)) make it a notable destination. With multi-generation ownership and use of local trades, Riverwood has deep community roots and a reputation as a premier rural venue. Its **5-paw pet-friendly** rating (riverwooddowns.com.au) and multiple tourism awards attest to its unique character. Riverwood Downs offers diverse accommodations – from a luxurious 6-bedroom Riverview Homestead (with 5-star comforts and WiFi (riverwooddowns.com.au) (www.bigcountrycampout.com.au)) to budgie-brand cabins, spa suites, motel-style rooms, a large group bunkhouse, riverside campgrounds and self-contained cottages (riverwooddowns.com.au) (www.bigcountrycampout.com.au). In total there are around 34 boutique lodge rooms plus cabins and campsites, so capacities vary by setup. (The main function hall – the old Woolshed – can seat about 150–200 for dinners or theatre-style events (events10.com.au).) This variety, combined with its remote mountain setting, makes Riverwood Downs a notable gathering place on the MidCoast tourism map.

Events and Programming

Riverwood Downs is active year-round with a mix of music festivals, cultural events, family celebrations, conferences and private functions. The rolling lawns and woolshed hall host everything from country music weekends to electronic dance festivals. An annual highlight is the **Subsonic Music Festival** (decades-old boutique EDM fest), which returned in 2023 and 2024 after a brief hiatus (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.songkick.com). Subsonic brings national and international electro and techno acts (recent lineups included Crooked Colours, BARKAA and Jitwam (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.songkick.com)) and attracts thousands of young fans camping on-site. Each Subsonic typically runs three days in late spring (e.g. Dec 8–10, 2023) with wristband-only entry. Another recurring event is the country-themed **Big Country Campout** – an “intimate weekend” of live bush and country music under the stars (riverwooddowns.com.au). It offers family passes and 2 nights of included camping (riverwooddowns.com.au). Past country artists have been booked for this cozy adult-oriented fest; tickets (about A$222 for adults, A$162 for kids) cover the entire weekend of entertainment (www.bigcountrycampout.com.au). Upgrades are available (riverfront camping, cabins, etc) on top of that base ticket (www.bigcountrycampout.com.au). Other themed weekends have included Mothers’ Day lunches/dinners (with live music and banquet meals) (riverwooddowns.com.au) and holiday brunch events. Beyond public festivals, Riverwood Downs is well-known for weddings, reunions and corporate retreats. The venue can be booked “sole-use” for private events (riverwooddowns.com.au). During weekdays it often hosts company conferences and training camps (with full AV support and team-building facilities) (riverwooddowns.com.au). A licensed restaurant on-site means even midweek guests can enjoy catered dining. In short, Riverwood’s programming mixes ticketed music festivals and open events (priced from a couple of hundred dollars per person (www.ticketfairy.com) (www.bigcountrycampout.com.au)) with private functions and lodging packages. Recurring events (annual festivals or club retreats) and one-offs both occur; checking Riverwood’s “What’s On” calendar or newsletters helps fans catch the next live show. Ticket prices vary: for example, 3-day festival passes have ranged A$380–400 (www.ticketfairy.com), while smaller daytime shows or lunches may be under $100.

Tickets and Booking

Where to buy depends on the event. Riverwood’s official website and box office handle lodging and onsite events (like Mother’s Day dinners or weddings), while large festivals use partner ticket platforms. For example, the Subsonic festival sells passes through online platforms (often via Eventbrite) (www.subsonicmusic.com.au), and the Big Country Campout uses a dedicated booking link (riverwooddowns.com.au) (www.bigcountrycampout.com.au). Tickets typically go on sale months in advance. Early-bird deals or multi-day “first release” tickets are common for big fests, then final releases at higher prices (Subsonic’s 2023 general admission was roughly A$380–400 (www.ticketfairy.com)). Car-pass or camping fees may be extra – Subsonic required a separate ~$38 vehicle pass (www.ticketfairy.com). Popular events often sell out, so it helps to subscribe to the venue’s newsletter or follow its social pages. Some promoters also offer group discounts or coach packages (for instance, Subsonic sells shuttle-bus tickets from Sydney and Newcastle (www.subsonicmusic.com.au) (www.subsonicmusic.com.au)). For Riverwood’s own events, you can typically call the reservations team or use the online booking engine (often a Shopify/Rezdy system) to lock in both your event tickets and any needed cabins or camping spots in one go. In most cases, digital mobile tickets are accepted at the gate, and you’ll exchange those for a wristband or stamp to re-enter. At door sales are rare for big festivals, so plan ahead. Upgrades (like riverside camping vs. parkland camping, or cabin add-ons) are usually offered via the resort once a base ticket is held. Overall, book early for best prices and availability – especially for branded festivals and weekend events.

Seating and Layout

Riverwood Downs has a mix of open fields and indoor halls. The main indoor hall (called the Woolshed) is a spacious timber building with a raised stage, dance floor and dining area. It seats up to roughly **150 banquet-style** or **200 theatre-style** (events10.com.au), with rustic barn-chic ambience. There are no obstructions, so every seat can see the stage, making it ideal for concerts, weddings or conferences. Smaller indoor spaces include a private dining room (about 30 capacity) and meeting rooms (bookable for groups). Outside, the property’s rolling lawns slope gently toward the river. Outdoor stages are set up on grass clearings for festivals; here the “audience area” can hold thousands (paths radiate out from the stage). There is no fixed seating on the lawn – it’s mostly standing-room general admission with unmarked grassy observation spots. Many guests stake claim on the hill or bring chairs and picnic rugs for comfort. The ground is well-drained (Subsonic notes surprisingly “no dust” thanks to healthy grass (www.subsonicmusic.com.au)), but after rain it can be muddy in places, so wear appropriate shoes. Inside the resort complex, key buildings are set around a central courtyard by the river. The riverside Spa Cabins and Motel-style rooms sit near the pool, while timber Park Cabins edge into the bush. The new Homestead and cottage lodgings are a short walk away. If attending an event, the **best viewing spots** depend on your preference: front-and-centre up by the stage provides immersive sound, while the gentle grassy hill to the side offers a panoramic view (with a bit less bass in the ears). The area closest to the front is lively but louder; farther back (or on the riverbank) is more relaxed. If it’s an indoor function, any seat in the Woolshed has good lines of sight and sound. VIP or premium packages (when offered) may include reserved front tables or lounge areas near the stage. Generally, just avoid the back corners in the hall (these can be a bit echoey).

Getting There and Parking

Riverwood Downs is quite remote – plan to arrive by car. The address is **311 Upper Monkerai Road, Monkerai NSW 2415**; it sits between Stroud and Gloucester in the Karuah Valley. From Sydney or the south, take the M1/A43 north, turning onto the Pacific Highway past Newcastle, then the Bucketts Way (see site directions). Specifically, about 20 km north of Raymond Terrace, turn left onto Bucketts Way towards Stroud. Stay on Bucketts Way through Stroud and watch for the “Riverwood Downs” turn‐off on the left about 17 km later (riverwooddowns.com.au). The final 8 km is a gravel approach road signed for Riverwood (riverwooddowns.com.au). Driving time is roughly **2½–3½ hours** from Sydney (depending on traffic). From Newcastle, go north on the Pacific Highway to the same turn onto Bucketts Way (riverwooddowns.com.au). GPS can occasionally steer you wrong, so following these directions is safest. Parking at Riverwood is **ample and free on-site**. There are broad parking areas by the main lodge and event fields – often grass or gravel pads. For large festivals, parking is marshalled and may require a parking permit (e.g. Subsonic charge ~$38 per vehicle (www.ticketfairy.com)). Expect a short walk from your parking spot to the main venue entrance if the lots fill up (for big events they sometimes offer shuttle shuttles from overflow lots). Rideshare services (Uber/Taxi) can drop off at the gate, but coverage in the valley is spotty. The nearest towns for taxis are Gloucester (~30 km away) or Stroud (~15 km). Public transport is very limited – no train serves Monkerai, and local coaches stop in Stroud. If using a coach or train to Newcastle or Taree, you’d need to arrange a taxi or private transfer for the last stretch. During major events like Subsonic, organised festival buses run from Sydney and Newcastle (www.subsonicmusic.com.au) (www.subsonicmusic.com.au), which can be a convenient alternative to driving. In summary, **driving is the easiest and fastest way**. Once on-site, just follow signs to the car parks as directed by staff or volunteers.

Inside the Venue

The atmosphere inside Riverwood Downs is laid-back and country-rustic. When you arrive, you’ll enter through the main lodge reception area or event gate. For ticketed events, expect a quick entry routine – show your digital ticket to staff, get a wristband or stamp, and possibly a bag check. The dominant scent will be fresh pine, wood smoke and barbecue (usually fires are allowed on-site (riverwooddowns.com.au) (www.subsonicmusic.com.au)). Friendly staff and even some of the Hall family often circulate to welcome guests. Inside the main lodge you’ll find the **Barrington Bar & Grill** restaurant (licensed), which serves café-style breakfast, lunch and dinner (riverwooddowns.com.au). It’s open to both stayed guests and event-goers; menus feature hearty pub fare and local produce. Out on event days there may also be food trucks or market stalls selling snack foods (Subsonic lists multiple food vendors and water taps (www.subsonicmusic.com.au)). If you’re camping, remember it’s a BYO alcohol site, but note any “no glass” rules (most events ban glass bottles for safety) (riverwooddowns.com.au). The on-site shop sells basic supplies and Riverwood merchandise – and during special events (like the Mother’s Day dinner) the gift shop even offered discounts to guests (riverwooddowns.com.au). Restrooms are plentiful: there are flush toilets and hot showers at the amenity blocks near the campgrounds (you’ll likely use these if you’re camping (riverwooddowns.com.au)). Inside the Homestead and lodge facilities also have modern bathrooms. Keep in mind cell phone reception is limited (Telstra is best up here) (www.subsonicmusic.com.au); the site even provides a pay phone by the kiosk. Free Wi-Fi is available in common indoor areas and definitely in the new Homestead (www.bigcountrycampout.com.au), but don’t count on mobile data or Wi-Fi to work in the bush at night. Unique features include a rustic games room with pool/snooker tables (riverwooddowns.com.au) (riverwooddowns.com.au) and outdoor activities. Guests often go canoeing on the Karuah River (canoes can be rented at the lodge (riverwooddowns.com.au)), or swimming in either the river’s rock pools or the on-site pool. You can also roam the property’s walking trails. If you need anything (water refill, lost item, medical), the central lodge reception and kiosk are staffed during most event hours and lodge day use. There’s no formal coat-check – belongings are your own responsibility. Overall, plan to be self-sufficient: pack a daybag with sun protection, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle and any snacks, and keep valuables secured. The vibe is very casual – think “camping chic” or country-casual dress.

Nearby Amenities

Because Riverwood is in the bush, the nearest town of Stroud (15 km away) is your go-to for supplies and dining off-site. Stroud has a handful of pubs and shops: the **Central Hotel** (52 Cowper St) offers meals, a bar, basic accommodation and a bottle shop (www.subsonicmusic.com.au). The Stroud General Store (“Lucky 7”) and Stroud Road Liquor & General store provide fuel, groceries, take-away food and alcohol (www.subsonicmusic.com.au). For more options, drive another 15–20 km north to Gloucester. Gloucester has supermarkets, cafés, bakeries, hotels (pubs) and specialty stores. If you arrive early or want a pre-show dinner, a couple of good spots nearby include the Central Hotel in Stroud and the Gloucester Servicemen’s Club. There are also small local bakeries and cafés in Stroud for coffee and pies. (Tip: services can close by 8pm, so plan ahead.) For overnight stays off-site, Stroud’s Central Hotel has motel rooms, and Gloucester has motels and bed-&-breakfasts if Riverwood lodging is full. After events let out late, note that Stroud and Gloucester have limited public transport – you’d likely need to rely on a taxi or a pre-arranged shuttle to get home. Rideshare apps are patchy out here, so consider booking a return coach or driving together with friends.

What Makes This Venue Special

Riverwood Downs stands out for its **rugged charm and family story**. Unlike a city arena, it feels like a hidden wilderness retreat. The iconic red iron *Woolshed* (built 1983) gives events a memorable backdrop – imagine concerts in a big timber barn under fairy lights. The riverfront setting is legendary: there are named spots like “Platypus Point” where you can actually see platypus and native birds at dawn (riverwooddowns.com.au). The property’s mix of historic and new structures (original homestead, modern spa cabins, grand rural lodge) adds character. Cultural significance also comes from Riverwood’s origin: the Hall family literally built the venue from scratch, installing high-voltage power, roads and water lines to tame the frontier bush (riverwooddowns.com.au). Early 80s bush dances (on a flatbed trailer stage!) and the 1981 rock festival event laid a legacy that modern festival-goers still feel. Today it’s a piece of local lore — third-generation Hall family involvement keeps it personal. The kookaburra “Chuckles” greeting guests each morning is a fun local legend (www.evepla.com). These stories and the friendly, rural service (including a Five-Paw pet-friendly policy (riverwooddowns.com.au)) make artists and audiences feel at home here. Riverwood also has measurable community impact. It sources local produce and labor wherever possible, which keeps money in the Barrington Tops region (riverwooddowns.com.au). Local businesses benefit enormously when 2,000+ festival-goers pour into Stroud and Gloucester for supplies. The venue’s tourism awards (riverwooddowns.com.au) underscore its role in promoting rural NSW. It has hosted TV commercials and music videos, raising the area’s profile. Finally, there are famous moments only whispered about: the underground beats of Subsonic echoing in the mountain air, country legends performing around crackling campfires, and generations of families making memories by the riverside. All these – history, people, landscape and love of music – combine to give Riverwood Downs a personality that guests often say you “have to experience” in person.

Visitor Tips and Information

• Accessibility: Most main areas (lodge, restaurant, woolshed) are on flat ground with ramps, and at least one lodge building has an accessible room. However, terrain is grassy and uneven in places. We recommend contacting Riverwood staff ahead if you need specific mobility aids. Service vehicles can drop off guests at venue entrances on request.
• What to bring: This is an outdoors setting, so bring sturdy walking shoes for trails, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for daytime, and warm layers (it can cool off at night – August nights are ~7 °C (www.theweathernetwork.com)). In summer, insect repellent is essential. If camping, pack a flashlight, camping chairs, and a refillable water bottle. For festival events, ear plugs can help with loud music. Most cabins and rooms provide bedding; at the bunkhouse or cottage you’ll need a sleeping bag (linens are provided in spa cabins and motel rooms). Cash is handy for small purchases (ATMs are only in Stroud/Gloucester) and card payment is accepted at the bar and food vendors.
• Arrival time: For concerts and events, gates are strict. Plan to arrive well before showtime. For example, big multi-day festivals often open campgrounds around mid-day (Subsonic opens Thursday at 11 am and Friday/Saturday at 8 am (www.subsonicmusic.com.au)). If you reach the gravel turn-off after dark, have a map or directions ready as GPS can be unreliable here (www.subsonicmusic.com.au) (riverwooddowns.com.au). During check-in, info kiosks distribute programs and answer questions. Weekday retreat arrivals can usually check in to lodging from mid-afternoon. Late arrival after dark should be coordinated with reception by phone in advance.
• Parking and transport: Follow parking signs on arrival. There is no charge for parking, but space is first-come. Car stacking tightly is expected (park closely to fit everyone). If you’re sharing cars, remember one parking permit per vehicle for main events like Subsonic (www.ticketfairy.com). Rideshare or taxis drop off at reception or the main gate. Public bus service is extremely limited; if coming by train or bus, you’ll likely need a private transfer from Newcastle, Taree or Stroud. Organised shuttles or coach packages (especially for festival weeks) can be a stress-free option. (www.subsonicmusic.com.au) (www.subsonicmusic.com.au)
• Age and tickets: Check event age rules. Nationwide festivals (Subsonic) are 18+ only (ra.co) for safety and licensing. Family-oriented events (Big Country Campout, Mother’s Day) allow children (often with cheaper child tickets) (riverwooddowns.com.au) (www.bigcountrycampout.com.au). Riverwood public dining and bar areas are typically all-ages; just note that the bar will stop serving alcohol by 11 pm at night unless event permits extend it.
• Venue policies: No glass bottles on the lawns (the venue enforces a strict “no glass” policy at events (riverwooddowns.com.au)). Outside alcohol is generally allowed in campsites (BYO) but check each event’s rules on outside food/drink. Fireworks and drones are prohibited. Tents, gazebos or canopies must be freestanding (drive stakes with permission). Smoking is only in designated outdoor areas away from crowds. Follow all staff and signage – this is a farm environment, so please respect livestock and wildlife (keep gates closed, and don’t feed animals).
• Food & drink: Besides the Bar & Grill, there are water taps around the site for refills (stall water is fine filtered). At festivals, many drink vendors sell bottled water, and ice is available for coolers. The on-site cafe and bar accept cards, as do most food trucks. Take advantage of the bonus like free mimosa or photo ops at special events (e.g. complimentary mimosa at Mother’s Day lunch (riverwooddowns.com.au)). If you have dietary needs, inform the kitchen at check-in – they often accommodate gluten-free or vegetarian requests if asked.
• Common mistakes to avoid:
  • Overpacking boots: you likely won’t need heavy hiking gear unless exploring the national park beyond. But decent sneakers or boots are recommended over sandals for uneven ground.
  • Skipping cash: some smaller vendors or remote store might not take cards.
  • Not checking the weather: elevation can mean surprises – even in summer, frosty mornings happen. Keep a raincoat handy during the cooler months.
  • Ignoring quiet hours: If you’re camping or in the bunkhouse, be mindful of lights and noise at night so others can rest.
• Dress code: Totally casual applies. For festivals, creative festival wear is common. For the Barrington Bar on any night, casual country or smart-casual is fine (leave the bare feet and muddy gear at the door). If attending a wedding or formal dinner at Riverwood, cocktail attire would be appropriate for the Woolshed dining function.

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