Where is this place?
Baalijin/Bellingen is a small town within the lands of the Gumbaynggirr Peoples and Nation located on the Mid North Coast of what is also known as New South Wales, Australia. This traditional gathering space is located off Waterfall Way along the Bellinger River, approximately halfway between the Gadigal Peoples of the Eora (Sydney) and the Turrbal and Jagera Peoples of Meeanjin (Brisbane). It is home of the Gumbaynggirr Peoples whose acknowledged lands extend along the Eastern coastline from Bagabaga (the Nambucca Valley) in the south, to the Clarence River in the north, to the lands of the Gambalamam and Anaiwan Peoples on the ridge of the Great Dividing Range in the West.
What’s the weather like?
Baalijin/Bellingen has a humid subtropical climate. December has average temperature highs of 26° - 32° C (79 - 90°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F) at night. It is predicted to be warm and sunny during the day, with warm nights. Subtropical rain showers are likely, so please dress accordingly.
How do I get there?
The closest International Airports are located at Sydney (6hrs drive) and Brisbane (5hrs drive)
The closest regional airport is Coffs Harbour (30 minutes drive)
Flying to Coffs Harbour Regional Airport from Sydney or Brisbane is less than 1.5 hours
Transport to Baalijin/Bellingen can be arranged by -
Driving - Rental cars can be hired at Brisbane , Sydney or Coffs Harbour Airport and returned to Coffs Harbour Airport (near Bellingen) for average $210AUD + per day.
Alternatively, transport can be arranged privately via Uber, Coffs Harbour Taxi
If you want to travel by train, the nearest point to the events venue is Urunga station. Train schedules vary and can arrive in the early hours of the morning when other transport may not be available if you have not prearranged it. The train trip takes 8.5 hours from Sydney (Central) (Train bookings ) to Urunga train station and between 5 hours (express) and 8 hours from Brisbane (Roma St) Train bookings to Urunga Station.
Bus from Sydney or Queensland travel can be up to 8 hrs and arrival times can vary. Overnight buses arrive in the early hours of the morning when other transport may not be available if you have not prearranged it – you will need to arrange pick up or lifts. Bus bookings
It is also possible to fly from Sydney or Queensland to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport which offers cheaper flights, but you will need to arrange travel to Bellingen. It is 2 hours 45 minutes by car and rental cars can be obtained at Ballina airport. Alternatively, you can fly to Port Macquarie Airport but you will need to arrange travel to Bellingen. It is 1 hour 30 minutes by car and rental cars can be obtained at the Airport.
If you require further information or assistance, please contact us at
Where can I sleep?
Accommodation Options include
camping onsite at the Bellingen Show Grounds – which has a shared shower and toilet amenities block. (you will need to bring your gear…) A limited number of powered sites are available (campervan and caravan spaces)
There is a Convenience shop within walking distance. The town of Bellingen is a 10-minute walk across Lavender's Bridge to cafes, shops and food. We ask that everyone is respectful of their 'neighbours' and of the local residents living nearby the campgrounds. Be respectful of the land, pick up your rubbish. Please be mindful of after hour noise. The Bellinger River is within walking distance where people can swim. There are also swimming beaches 15-20 minute drive from Bellingen, some with cold water shower facilities.
Accommodation is also available in the close by (car) areas of Urunga, Dorrigo, Repton, Nambucca and Coffs Harbour - AirB&B, Motels, Camping and Cabins nearby at Bellingen, Dorrigo & Urunga and surrounding areas. Please refer to the provided list or hyperlinks that have been provided.
MOTELS and Hotel accommodation may be limited due to Summer Holidays in Australia. The Lodge Hotel, Bellingen, The Diggers Hotel, Bellingen, The Belfy Guesthouse, Bellingen. Dorrigo, Urunga, Sawtell, Coffs Harbour and Nambucca also offer hotel accommodation, but you will require transportation. Some links for you to look at -
Airbnb - Bellingen Online Reservations Stayz.com – Bellingen Trivago – Bellingen Wotif – Bellingen
Tripadvisor – Bellingen Booking.com - Bellingen Expedia – Bellingen The Lodge – Bellingen
Lombok Retreat – Bellingen Riverside Cottages – Bellingen
Bella Vista Self Contained Accomodation – Bellingen
Nearby Accommodation: Hungry Head Cabins - Urunga
In case you get lost -
Map of Bellingen & Surrounding Areas
And here’s a local area map that Mark put together for us (thanks Mark!) -
What about animals, insects and plants that live there too? - Though not expected at the campgrounds, animals which live in Gumbaynggirr country include The Diamond Python (non venomous), Red Belly Black Snake (Venomous – but quite shy of humans) and eastern brown snakes (quite venomous), Bullrouts (freshwater stone fish) found in rapids of rivers (Painful non-lethal barbs if stepped on that require a quick visit to hospital for pain relief). Beaches/Ocean areas can have Blue bottle jelly fish – stinging tentacle - carefully remove & wash in salt water & apply hot water for 20 mins. and occasional shark sightings – beaches are closed when sharks are sighted. Please always swim between the Life Savers flags, as our beaches may contain strong rips and currents. Ticks – please apply cream or ointment to kill before removing and then of course mosquitoes, March Flies, Bees, Wasps and Stinging Nettle also reside in the area! Oh yeah, forgot about the bats...
Please help protect the biodiversity of this sacred place!
Will there be anything to eat when I get hungry?
Well, for many traditional and ONP the very foods we partake of are part of cultural identity, part of how we practice relationships with each other and our environment. This gathering recognises the importance and need for emotional, mental, physical and spiritual nourishment - we ask you to join us in this expression! Yes - there will be plenty of food and drink providers to choose from and we hope you enjoy it!
Rubbish and Waste - We will provide bins for 'General Waste,' 'Recycling' and 'Food.' No Littering allowed. Please respect the space you are in and use the correctly designated bins provided. We want this place to stay beautiful during the time we are here and be clean when we leave. If you are really eco-aware and like to be proactive you can always consider helping us with the final clean up!
If I drive, where can I park my car? To keep everyone safe and the camping area open for more campers there will be designated parking areas. Everything will be within walking distance. Staff and Signs will indicate where vehicles can be parked.
Is there Mobile phone service/reception in case I am expecting a really important call? There is mobile phone service in the events area, some cafes in town and the local library provide access to free WiFi.
Please note: There will also be some 'phone free’ and ‘device free’ area during the events - These areas will be identifiable via signage. We ask you to respectfully honour these areas by leaving your phone behind or turn it off.
A think about photos and taking pictures - Everyone taking photos or videos, including with your cell phone and for personal use, will need to register as media and get a media badge. Ceremonies and ceremonial areas are off limits for picture-taking. The moderators/MC will announce if any of the presenters do not want to be photographed. Please also plan to share your photos with YAC & INITC for our record of the event. Much appreciated.
Here's the thing - we hope that you are so present and aware in each given moment that the thought of needing to take a picture or film someone never enters your mind. There are specific areas that will be posted where no photography, filming or recording of any kind will be permissible. Being courteous and respectful also includes asking permission before you take photos of participants or anyone for that matter, it’s really important in the case of children and checking with parents as an example.
Medical emergencies and first Aid - Emergency Medical Providers will be on site to provide first aid. Notify security or Summit staff immediately if there is a medical problem. If you are not from Australia you might want to know that ambulance and emergency services are reached through dialing 000 and not 911...
Can I bring my dog, cat or pet rhinoceros with me? There will be no pets allowed, except certified guide or service dogs. You are responsible for cleaning up after your service animals.
Is there anything for my kids? While there will be no daycare or childcare provided on-site, there will be lots of activities for kids which you will find listed in the program guide. You are responsible for your own children. We support and encourage all young people to participate in the Summit, please see the program guide.
Hey one last question - can I help out in any way? If you would like to volunteer to help out, please see the volunteers link - all help is welcome as this a working together gathering!
Hey, I just realised that I am or know someone that would love to be part of the performance times of the event - The International Earth Summit 2024 invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) to be part of this years' Summit program of traditional and contemporary song, dance, film and storytelling from around the world. You can send an expression of interest to
PS - The Gumbaynggirr Nation, Bellingen Show and Camping Grounds are not liable for theft, loss or damage to personal property and vehicles or for personal injuries. So Please - let's take care of yourself and each other.
PSS - When you arrive please check in at the Welcome/Information booth at the entrance to receive your entry stamp - We look forward to seeing you soon!
