What is the capacity of Riverwood Downs for events?
The main indoor hall (“Woolshed”) can seat around 150 people for dinner or up to 200 theater-style (events10.com.au). For outdoor events on the lawns, capacity is essentially unlimited by venue (festivals sometimes attract thousands). The resort offers about 300 beds^ in cabins, spa rooms, cottages and motel rooms combined, plus extensive camping space. Always check with organizers for official limits.
How can I buy tickets for events at Riverwood Downs?
Ticket sales depend on the event. Riverwood’s own site or residents handle lodge and dinner events (e.g. Mother’s Day lunch). Music festivals on-site (like Subsonic or Big Country Campout) sell tickets via partner websites (Eventbrite, festival-specific platforms or ticketing agents). Always check the official Riverwood or event promoter page for “Buy Tickets” links. Early booking is advised as popular events often sell out.
Where do I park at Riverwood Downs and is there a fee?
On-site parking is free and plentiful. Just enter through the main gate and follow signs or parking attendants to the nearest lots. During large festivals, parking is organized into fields, but again at no charge (you may need to show a car pass for big events (www.ticketfairy.com)). After parking, walk to the lodge or event area. Overflow parking is available on grass; vehicle speed is very slow, so watch out for pedestrians.
Is Riverwood Downs wheelchair accessible?
The main lodge, conference rooms and the Woolshed have ramp or flat access, and accessible restrooms are available in those areas. One of the newer buildings (the Homestead) has level floors and accessible features. However, outdoor areas (campgrounds, grassy fields) are uneven. If you require special assistance or specific ADA accommodations, it’s best to call ahead. Staff are generally very helpful with mobility support.
Can I bring my dog or pet to Riverwood Downs?
Yes – Riverwood prides itself on being pet-friendly. It was one of the first resorts to allow dogs everywhere and even earned a 5 Paw rating for pets (riverwooddowns.com.au). Most cabins and outdoor areas are pet-friendly (though pets are not allowed in the indoor restaurant unless in a carrier). Bring a leash for the property or use a pet-safe cabin. Always clean up after your pet; the friendly staff even provide water bowls for visiting dogs.
Are campfires allowed at Riverwood Downs?
Yes – campfires are allowed in designated fire rings on the campground. According to event info, campfires are explicitly permitted at the Big Country Campout (riverwooddowns.com.au). Always use the provided fire pits and don’t gather random wood. Be extremely careful with fire safety, especially in dry weather. If you bring camp chairs or cooking gear, you are welcome to sit around the campsite fire in the evenings.
Where is the nearest public transport stop?
Riverwood Downs is very remote. There is no direct train or local bus to Monkerai. The closest public stop is in Stroud on the Bucketts Way (Stroud General Store or Central Hotel) – several regional coaches stop there. From Stroud you would need a taxi for the ~17 km out to Riverwood. For major events, scheduled coach services often run from Sydney/Newcastle directly to the site (www.subsonicmusic.com.au). Otherwise, driving is the recommended way to reach Riverwood Downs.
What types of seating and viewing areas are available?
The Woolshed hall has standard seating and tables for indoor functions (up to ~150 banquet) (events10.com.au). Outdoors, all viewing is general admission: guests stand or sit on the grass. It’s best to bring a foldout chair or blanket if you want guaranteed comfort. The grassy hillside to the festival stage offers a waterproof sound experience (though it’s slightly sloped). VIP ticket holders (if any special runs) might get reserved seating near the stage, but otherwise first-come spots on the lawn are fair game.
What is the dress code at Riverwood Downs events?
Casual and comfortable-mostly. For daytime festivals, typical attire is outdoorsy or “festival casual” – think T-shirts, jeans or shorts, sunhats and rain jackets (weather can change). For evenings at the lodge, a nice casual outfit is fine; some people dress up a bit for the barrington bar’s dinner. If you’re attending a wedding or formal party at Riverwood, then cocktail or semi-formal wear is appropriate. But there is no strict code – no heels on grassy areas, and most guests wear boots or sneakers outdoors.
Are outside food and drink allowed?
For lodging guests, you can bring food into your cabin or camp and use on-site BBQs or kitchenettes. For ticketed events, each event has its own policy. Generally, outside **alcohol** is allowed in campsites (up to a person’s discretion), but many events ban glass bottles and all major festivals strictly enforce “no outside alcohol” inside the event perimeter. Outside **food** is usually allowed at camping sites, but once you’re inside the festival grounds, you typically buy food from vendor stalls.
Does Riverwood Downs offer a shuttle or transport within the venue?
Riverwood Downs is quite spread out, but no on-site shuttle is needed for most. All accommodations and major venues (restaurant, pool, halls) are within easy walking distance. If you have mobility issues or a large group gear, staff can sometimes arrange a golf-cart or staff vehicle for short hops. During big festivals they might offer shuttles from outlying parking to the site entrance, but parking is so close that it isn’t normally required.
What is the capacity and layout of indoor function rooms?
The main venue, the Timber Woolshed, is about 3200 sq ft (300 sqm) and can be arranged with tables or open seating (www.cvent.com) (events10.com.au). Its banquet arrangement seats ~150, theatre up to 200. A separate private dining room seats ~30. There is also an “Indoor Conference + Activity” building of similar size. For detailed layouts (where to sit, where the stage is), ask the event organizer, but generally any seat in the Woolshed offers a clear view of the performance area.
Is the resort weatherproof (rain policy)?
Riverwood Downs provides both indoor venues and covered areas, but outdoor events do depend on weather. The property’s motto is that weather “won’t dampen the fun” because it has substantial facilities: if it rains, concerts continue under tents or move into the Woolshed. The land drains quickly, but the grass can get slippery when wet. For camping, there are hot-shower amenities in covered blocks to warm up. Always bring rain gear – mountain weather changes fast. In winter, it can be quite cold (average August low 7 °C (www.theweathernetwork.com)), so dress warmly for evening events.
What are the busiest times of year at Riverwood Downs?
Summer months and holiday weekends are peak season, as the weather is best for camping and swimming. Particularly, late November–early December sees Subsonic festival; Easter and April can be busy with camps and weddings. The Hall family often schedules promotions or runs small concerts in summer and on special holidays (Mother’s/Father’s Day). School holiday periods fill the cabins too. Winter is quieter, though Riverwood still hosts events like winter getaways and concerts – in fact, some visitors prefer the snow-capped vistas in mid-winter.
Is there cell phone coverage or Wi-Fi throughout the property?
Cell coverage is limited and patchy across the site. Telstra generally works best (there are a few dead zones). The venue is famous for its natural setting, not connectivity – so don’t expect reliable 4G. There is complimentary Wi-Fi in some indoor areas (especially the new Homestead and main lodge (www.bigcountrycampout.com.au)) but the signal may not reach far outdoors. It’s wise to download directions, playlists or contacts beforehand. A pay phone by the kiosk provides a guaranteed line if you urgently need service (www.subsonicmusic.com.au).
What are the check-in/check-out times if I stay on-site?
Unless a special event package says otherwise, standard check-in is after 2 pm and check-out by 10 am for cabins, spa rooms and motel units. The park camping check-in is also usually around 2 pm (some events allow earlier entry with a special pass). You should check the exact schedule for your booking. Early-arrival fees may apply if you arrive well before official check-in. On event weekends, they might have extended front-desk hours to accommodate concert schedules.
Are there age restrictions for Riverwood’s public events?
It depends on the event. Family-friendly events at Riverwood (like Mother’s Day lunch or camping weekends) welcome children, often with special kids’ tickets (riverwooddowns.com.au) (www.bigcountrycampout.com.au). Nighttime concerts and electronic festivals are usually strictly 18+ (ID required) (ra.co). The resort itself, outside ticketed events, has no age restriction – families are common customers. Always check the event listing: if it’s 18+, it will be clearly advertised; otherwise assume kids are fine but supervise them near the river and stage areas.
Is there disabled parking or shuttle?
Yes, disabled parking spots (closest to the lodge) are available near the reception area. If you need drop-off, staff can arrange a vehicle to bring you right to the entrance of the hall or campsite. Because the terrain is somewhat uneven, guests with mobility needs should mention this in advance. Otherwise, a standard walk from any parking lot is about 100–200 m on compact gravel or grass – not usually arduous. No formal shuttle runs on-site, but with notice the team is very accommodating.
What currency is used for purchases?
Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD). The on-site restaurant and all vendors accept cash or EFTPOS cards (Visa/Mastercard). For festivals, food and drink tents generally accept plastic, but it’s wise to have a little cash for small vendors or tips. There is no currency exchange on site – the nearest ATM is in Stroud or Gloucester. If you’re visiting from overseas, it’s easiest to exchange or withdraw AUD before arriving at Riverwood Downs.
