• People socializing at an outdoor event with illuminated 'STELLA' sign in front and decorated umbrellas on a balcony in the evening.
  • An outdoor night scene with a crowd of people sitting and standing, watching a performance. The area is decorated with string lights and umbrellas. There are buildings with large windows illuminated in the background.
  • A table with various food items including sliced bread, strawberries, grapes, a chocolate dessert, potato chips, and pretzels, with large glass windows and outdoor seating visible in the background.
  • An outdoor concert or event at dusk with a large crowd gathered in front of a stage surrounded by trees, with a building to the left and a parking area with cars nearby.
  • A food truck selling drinks and desserts, with a menu displayed on the side, is serving customers at dusk or nighttime in a park or outdoor area surrounded by trees.
  • People gathered outdoors for a movie screening at dusk, sitting on blankets and chairs, watching a large screen in a park with trees and surrounding decorations.

  • What time do gates open?
    Gates open at 5pm. Arrive early to explore the sculpture park and enjoy live music, lawn games, food and drinks before the film program begins.

    What time do the films begin and finish?
    The film program begins at approximately 7pm, once the light is right for screening. There is an intermission between the two film sessions, followed by voting and the awards ceremony. General Admission and Luxe Lawn guests depart at approximately 10.30pm. VIP celebratory drinks continue after the awards, with the event concluding at midnight.

    Can I arrive after the films have started?
    Once the films have started at 6:30pm the gates will close. Security will be on hand to let in any latecomers.

    Can I transfer my ticket?
    Yes! If you can’t make it, feel free to pass your ticket on to a friend. Tickets are transferable and you do not need to let us know.

    Will tickets be refunded?
    Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled due to severe weather, at the discretion of the event organisers.

    Can I buy a ticket at the gate?
    No. All tickets must be purchased in advance.

    Do I need to print my ticket?
    No. Digital tickets are preferred as they don’t waste paper. If you have any technical issues, we can look up your name at the gate.

    Does my ticket include entry to McClelland Sculpture Park?
    Yes. Your ticket includes entry to McClelland Sculpture Park. It does not include entry to the gallery.

    Is there an age restriction?

    Stellar is a mature-audience event and is not recommended for anyone under 15. Guests under 18 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

    Do you accept Companion Cards?
    Yes. Tickets for Companions can be requested in a bundle with a GA ticket. A valid Australian Companion Card must be presented on entry. The Companion Card holder and companion must attend together.

    Can I bring my pet?
    Sorry, pets are not permitted. Registered assistance animals are welcome. goes here

  • The approximate event schedule is:

    • 4:30pm: Gates open

    • 6.30pm: MC welcome

    • 6.50pm: Bus Stop Films screening

    • 7:00pm: Film Program 1

    • 8.20pm: Intermission, interviews and giveaways

    • 8.40pm: Film Program 2

    • 10:00pm: Judging and audience voting

    • 10.15pm: Awards ceremony

    • 10.30pm: General Admission and Luxe Lawn guests depart; VIP celebratory drinks continue

    • Midnight: Event concludes

    Timings may vary depending on light and event conditions.

  • Does Stellar go ahead if it rains?

    Yes. Stellar is an outdoor event and will proceed in light or moderate rain. The event will only be cancelled if conditions are considered dangerous or unsafe for guests.

    How will I know if severe weather affects the event?

    Any updates will be sent to ticket holders by email and shared on Stellar’s social channels.

    Can I bring an umbrella?

    No. Umbrellas are not permitted in the screening area as they obstruct the view of other guests. Please bring a raincoat or poncho if rain is forecast.

    Is there shelter onsite?

    General Admission and Luxe Lawn areas are fully outdoors, with no undercover shelter. VIP guests have access to a sheltered area however the film screening area is not sheltered. Please check the forecast before arriving and dress for the conditions.

  • Where can I park?

    • General Admission and Luxe Lawn guests: Please park in the industrial estate directly across the road from McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery or along McClelland Drive.

    • VIP guests: Onsite parking is included.

    • Guests requiring accessible parking: Onsite parking can be arranged.

    • Uber, taxi and drop-offs: Guests can be dropped off at the front gate.

    Please carpool if you can, and do not drive into McClelland’s main car park unless you are a VIP guest or require accessible parking.

    Is there a designated rideshare or taxi collection point?
    There is no separate collection area. Pick-ups and drop-offs need to take place in a safe place, away from the main entrance.

    Is bicycle parking available?
    There is no dedicated bicycle parking.

  • Is accessible parking available?

    Yes. Guests with accessibility requirements can park onsite in McClelland’s main car park. Please contact us in advance so we can arrange access.

    Is the route to the screening lawn wheelchair accessible?

    Yes. The route from the onsite car park to the lawn is wheelchair accessible.

    Can I visit the site before the festival to assess accessibility?

    We offer an opportunity to visit McClelland before the festival to assess whether the venue will meet your needs. This will be on the Sunday before the Stellar weekend. Please email us to arrange your visit.

    Are accessible toilets available?

    Yes. Accessible toilets are located inside McClelland Gallery, with additional portable toilets available throughout the event.

    Are the films closed captioned?

    A second screen with closed captions is available, with additional space surrounding it. The area does not usually become crowded, but volunteers can help you find a suitable position.

    What other accessibility support is available?

    Volunteers, security and McClelland staff are available throughout the evening. If you need assistance, please speak to a team member.

    Is there somewhere quiet I can take a break?

    Yes. McClelland is a large outdoor venue with plenty of space away from the main screening area.

    Are assistance animals permitted?

    Yes. Registered assistance animals are welcome.

  • Can I bring my own food?

    Yes. You are welcome to bring your own picnic, although we’d love you to support our fantastic local food vendors. Small tables, eskies and picnic baskets are welcome. BBQs and other cooking equipment are not permitted.

    Will dietary options be available?

    Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are generally available.

    Can I bring my own drinks?

    You are welcome to bring your own water bottle. Water stations will be available onsite for refills. BYO alcohol is strictly prohibited.

    Are drinks available to purchase?

    Yes. Local beverage stalls will serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the evening. McClelland is a licensed venue. Please bring valid photo identification if you look under 25. Alcohol will not be served to intoxicated guests.

    Will there be coffee?

    Of course! We’re big coffee lovers at Stellar and partner with fantastic local coffee vendors.

    Can I pay by card?

    Yes. Card payment is available at the festival stalls.

  • Is seating provided?

    • General Admission: Please bring your own seating.

    • Luxe Lawn: A beanbag and cosy blanket are provided.

    • VIP: Reserved seating and a cosy blanket are provided.


    What seating can General Admission guests bring?

    Low-back chairs, picnic blankets and beanbags are all welcome. Regular or high-back camping chairs must be positioned at the back or sides of the screening lawn so they don’t obstruct anyone’s view. Volunteers will be available to help you find the best place to settle in.

    What else should I bring?

    We recommend bringing:

    • A picnic blanket or low-back chair

    • A warm coat or extra layer

    • A blanket

    • Insect repellent

    • A reusable water bottle

    • A raincoat or poncho if rain is forecast

    Even after a warm day, McClelland can become cool once the sun goes down.

    Can I bring a small table or esky?

    Yes. Small tables, eskies and picnic baskets are welcome, provided they do not obstruct other guests.

    Can I bring a marquee or sun shelter?

    No. Marquees, tents, gazebos and sun shelters are not permitted because they obstruct sightlines and affect other guests.

  • What is included with a Luxe Lawn ticket?

    Luxe Lawn guests receive:

    • A designated place in the Luxe Lawn area

    • A cosy blanket

    • A gourmet picnic by Le Pique Nique

    • A delicious, zero alcohol drink by ETCH Sparkling

    • A comfortable beanbag

    Volunteers will direct you to the Luxe Lawn area when you arrive.

    Where do Luxe Lawn guests park?

    Luxe Lawn guests park with General Admission guests in the industrial estate across the road.

  • What is included with a VIP ticket

    VIP guests can expect:

    • Orange-carpet arrival

    • Cocktail-style dinner

    • Open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

    • Reserved seating

    • A cosy blanket

    • Movie treats and dessert

    • A VIP gift bag

    • Onsite parking

    • Celebratory drinks following the awards ceremony

  • Is first aid available?

    Yes. First aid is available onsite. Please speak to a volunteer, security team member or McClelland staff member if you need assistance.

    Can I smoke or vape?

    No. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the McClelland property.

    What should I do about lost property?

    If you lose something during the festival, please speak to a volunteer. After the event, contact Stellar directly and we will follow it up with McClelland.

    Will photography or filming take place?

    Yes. Photography and filming will take place throughout the festival, and guests may appear in Stellar’s promotional content.

    Can I explore the sculpture park

    Guests are welcome to explore the sculpture park before the film program begins.

    Are there any other venue rules

    Guests must follow McClelland’s conditions of entry. Smoking, vaping, BYO alcohol, BBQs, drones, tents and gazebos are prohibited. Please do not touch or climb on the sculptures.

FAQs