Following a two year, pandemic-induced lay-off, the four-day Beyond the Valley festival finally returns to the calendar this December. With an enormous new home at Barunah Plains, 40 minutes west of Geelong, this year’s sprawling event will see the likes of Nelly Furtado, Confidence Man, Denzel Curry, Kaytranada and more soundtrack festivities over the New Year’s period.

But any great festival knows it’s not just about the headliners. With the new site welcoming more punters than in any previous year, organisers are ensuring there will be more than ever to do on ground. Here’s a quick guide to some of the fun.

Podcast Stage
A nice way to recharge the batteries before a long day of dancing will be lying back and taking in the sounds of a live podcast on Australia’s first music festival interactive podcast stage. Recorded before a possibly rowdy festival audience, Beyond the Valley will feature a podcast stage hosting the likes of Dylan Alcott’s Listenable, news-focused The Daily Aus, and sex education with Feeling Sexy with Chantelle Otten.

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Drag Bingo
Once the sun goes down, the Podcast Stage will transform into the more colourful Drag Bingo stage. Hosted by the legendary Poof Doof, Drag Bingo is like regular bingo but with an irreverent charm that will threaten to derail any hope you have of keeping track of your numbers. Outside of bingo, Poof Doof will be roaming the festival for regular drag performances, so be ready to boogie at a moment’s notice.

Schmall Klub
Beyond The Valley veterans will know Schmall Klub from previous festivals but for the uninitiated, it’s what it says on the tin: a very small club. This year, Schmall Klub will be accessible via a hidden door in the back of a portaloo at an undisclosed location. If you find your way there, you’ll see a bar, DJ booth and furniture – all small, but accompanied by big vibes. Get ready to scout.

Beach Club
Another festival favourite from 2019 returns, but the Beach Club has had a few upgrades. As in previous years, it’s a sandy getaway where you can take a cooling dip in a pool and catch some rays away from the bustling main festival. The big news this year is that you can see all the main stage action from the water, which means you don’t have to decide between pool time and the stacked line-up.

Lux Camping
Camping is back this year, but if that’s not your thing know this: a Lux Camping package will snag you a glamping tent (including a proper mattress), supplied food and drinks, chauffeur service, VIP bar access, shower and toilet facilities and a communal lounge. It’s more than a little fancy, but will definitely help you stay in good shape for the full four days.

Beyond The Valley tickets are on sale now. If you don't have New Year's Eve plans yet, you can also grab a single day pass. See more information and the full line-up.

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Broadsheet Access members had the chance to win tickets to Beyond the Valley. Find out more with Broadsheet Access.