Drug detection dogs are coming to Splendour in the Grass which kicks off on July 21 in Byron Bay.
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NSW police said highway patrol officers would also be stationed around the North Byron Parklands targeting speeding, reckless behaviour and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Festival-goers should be aware that cannabis is detectable in drug-driving tests for up to 30 days after consumption.
"Police have been working closely with event organisers and stakeholders for months leading up to this weekend's event, to ensure the safety of all staff, performers and music fans throughout the festival," superintendent Dave Roptell said.
Lizzo, Flume, Mumford and Sons, Thelma Plum and Pussy Riot will take the stage alongside a list of the most in-demand acts from around the world.
Plan the whole weekend using the festival map and schedule. Gates open between 9am and 2am.
Three day festivals can be a slog so it's best to come prepared with strategies and supplies.
Festival veteran Brendan Lalor said the most important things to remember are "pack warm clothes, pick a meet-up spot if you get lost and stay hydrated".
"And remember to enjoy the music!"
The weather forecast
BoM predicts the weather will be mild in Byron Bay between July 21 to July 23.
The festival is off to a sunny start on Friday which is forecast for clear skies with a top of 21 degrees celsius and a low of 12 degrees celsius.
Chances of rain rise on Saturday with a top of 18 degrees celsius and low of 13 degrees celsius.
Rain, between three to 15 millimetres, is likely on Sunday with a top of 18 degrees celsius and low of 11 degrees celsius.
Don't forget ID
Attendees will need to show a valid ticket and photo ID before they can enter the festival and organisers have said there will be no exceptions.
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Under 18s
Splendour in the Grass organisers require all minors to have a responsible adult accompanying them throughout their time at the festival.
Youth attendees who don't have a driver's licence or passport can provide a copy of their birth certificate plus a student ID card, bus pass or bank account statement.
How's the phone reception?
Telstra and Optus are putting up temporary towers to provide 3G, 4G and 5G service but reception could still be patchy, event organisers said.
Phone battery won't be a problem with charging stations throughout the festival.
What to leave at home
Festival organisers have provided an extensive list of items that won't be allowed into the event.
- No bags larger than an A4 piece of paper - 30cm x 20cm
- No illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia
- No alcohol brought in from outside of the event and no bottles of water, juice, soft drink. But empty sealed unopened bottles are allowed
- No sealable pouches except for families with children under 12 years of age
- No glass
- No weapons of any kind including fireworks, flares, fire twirling paraphernalia and laser lights
- No milk or bread crates
- No folding, portable, camping chairs or inflatable furniture
- No video and audio recording devices except mobile phones though some small still cameras are allowed
- No selfie sticks or drones
- No protest paraphernalia and banners
- No umbrellas, organisers ask attendee use a plastic poncho or a raincoat instead
- No water pistols
- No skateboards
- No culturally sensitive items and attire
- No non-biodegradable glitter
- Don't wear anything that's studded or clothes that display a gang name
- No animals with the exception of service or assistance animals, such as guide dogs
Splendour in the Grass organisers said patrons should keep an eye out for their friends and fellow revellers.
Seasoned festival attendee David Lockwood said the only stimulant needed for a fun time is dopamine activation breathing.
"The real trick to a good knees-up is to deserve it," he said.
"If you've been working like an eight-year-old coal miner in the 1900s you'll have a great time at Splendour in the Grass regardless of what you do."
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan reports on crime and social issues affecting regional and remote Australia in her role as national crime reporter at Australian Community Media (ACM). She was ACM’s Trainee of the Year in 2023 and, aside from reporting on crime, has travelled the country as a journalist for Explore Travel Magazine. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
