EGA’s Garden States: Regeneration Conference

General Overview

1. What is the Garden States: Regeneration Conference? I’ve never been — what can I expect?

Entheogenesis Australis (EGA) hosts a unique ethnobotanical, lifestyle, and art conference gathering that brings together a diverse community of thinkers, gardeners, scientists, artists, environmentalists, and plant enthusiasts. EGA’s work in the field of ethnobotany is world renowned and has been active for more than two decades.

Held outdoors in a beautiful bushland setting, EGA blends academic presentations, hands-on workshops, immersive art, plant wisdom, and cultural conversation into a vibrant and deeply connected experience.

The outdoor gathering is a cross between a conference and a festival. Expect inspiring lectures, meaningful connections, art, and ethnobotanical days and evenings under the stars—all wrapped in a spirit of learning, care, and respect for nature.

2. Where is the event held, and what is the venue like?

Garden States: Regeneration is hosted at Gilwell Park, an historic Scout camp nestled in the bushland of Gembrook, Victoria—about an hour’s drive east of Melbourne.

Set on over 450 acres of forested terrain, the site offers a peaceful and immersive natural setting ideal for camping and outdoor learning. Our event will take place in a designated section of this beautiful property, with activities and camping concentrated in this area. The well maintained facilities include flushing toilets, warm showers, and shared camp kitchens—similar to what you would find at a more basic style caravan park. The camping areas are surrounded by towering trees, walking trails, and open spaces—creating a tranquil environment for connection, reflection, and community.

Gilwell Park has a long history of hosting outdoor education programs and gatherings, making it a fitting home for EGA’s blend of nature, knowledge, and culture.

Camping & Transport

1. You say it’s a camping event. What does that mean?

Camping at an outdoor EGA event is similar to a festival experience. It’s mostly bushland camping, under trees rather than in open paddocks, and you’ll need to bring everything to be self-sufficient. Most attendees camp on-site, and we encourage it to get the most out of the event.

2. Can I drive and park at the conference?

Yes. Parking is available on-site. All entry tickets include long-stay parking at no extra cost. You may unload your gear near the campground, but your vehicle must then remain in the long-stay car park unless you have a Campground Parking Pass.

3. Is there a shuttle from Melbourne CBD or the airport? How do I time my flights?
Yes! The EGA shuttle will run again this year, departing from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport and Flinders Street Station after 11:15am on Friday 29 November 2025, and returning on Monday 1 December, arriving back in Melbourne around 4:00pm.

You're welcome to bring all your camping gear and food on the bus. We're also arranging for the shuttle to stop at a supermarket en route, where you can collect pre-ordered groceries (click and collect).

Further details, including exact departure times and booking information, will be shared closer to the event to assist with your travel planning.

4. Can I bring a campervan or camp with my car?
Yes. However, if you wish to camp with your vehicle, you must purchase a Campground Parking Pass ($65). Spaces are limited, and most attendees park in the long-stay area and set up camp separately.

5. Can I stay off-site (e.g. at an Airbnb)?
While we encourage everyone to camp on-site to experience the full sense of community, attendees are permitted to stay off-site. If staying off-site, please purchase an Off-Site Access Pass ($30) which provides flexible access to the short-stay carpark.
If you require off-site accommodation due to accessibility needs, please contact us—we’re happy to assist.

6. Do I need one Extended Camping Pass per person to stay Monday night?
Yes. Each person staying on Monday night must purchase an Extended Camping Pass.

7. Can we have a campfire at our campsite?

No. Individual campfires are not permitted anywhere on site due to safety and fire regulations.

However, we’re hoping to have one central community fire operating during the event, weather and fire conditions permitting. This shared space will offer a warm, welcoming spot to gather—as long as it's not a total fire ban day.

8. Can I use a camping cooker or gas stove on-site?

Yes. Gas camping cookers and stoves are permitted, as long as:

• It is not a total fire ban day

• Your setup is well-ventilated and used in a safe, stable location

• The cooker is never left unattended while in use

Permanently installed campervan stoves are also permitted under the same conditions.

Please always check the daily fire risk rating and follow any directions from event staff regarding fire safety.

9. Are there any shared kitchen facilities available if I don’t have my own cooking setup?

Yes. There is a basic, shared camp kitchen available on site. It includes hot water, cookers, and very limited refrigeration space.

Please note:

• The kitchen is self-managed by attendees

• Availability is first-come, first-served 

• You’ll need to bring your own cooking utensils, pots, pans, and cutlery

• You are expected to clean up after yourself and leave the space tidy for others

• It is intended for preparing and cooking food, not long-term storage

In addition, there are some external BBQ areas on site that attendees are welcome to use for grilling and preparing meals.

Facilities & Amenities

1. Are there toilets, showers, and BBQs on site?
Yes. The site is equipped with flushing toilets, warm shower blocks, and several camp kitchens for shared use.

2. Are there powered sites in the campground?
No, there are no powered sites. However, charging stations for phones and small devices will be available at the information tent.

3. Will there be accommodation on-site?
Accommodation is very limited and will be used for operational purposes. However, We’re working to offer a very limited number of camping convenience packages for those seeking a hassle-free accommodation option. These ready-to-use spaces would come furnished with beds and bedding, offering a convenient alternative to DIY camping. 

Details and pricing will be announced closer to the event. As these packages depend on third-party provider availability, we cannot guarantee this option at this stage. If this option interests you, email us at tickets@entheogenesis.org with your ticket number to join our waitlist for priority access and information. Alternatively, stay tuned to our newsletter and website for updates.

Program & Participation

1. Will there be outdoor amplified sound after 11pm?
No. While some conference sessions and performances use amplification, all outdoor amplified programming concludes before 11:00pm to comply with EPA noise regulations and respect nearby neighbours.
After this time, activities shift to non-amplified or indoor spaces, including art installations, quiet community gatherings, and informal late-night sessions.

2. Can I contribute a lecture, workshop, or other offering?
Yes! EGA welcomes community contributions. Click here to see current submission opportunities for lectures, workshops, wellness offerings, and art/performance proposals. We will make an announcement when applications open for volunteers and market stalls.

3. Are there testimonials or previous programs available to learn more?
Discover what past attendees have to say on our testimonials page, explore highlights from some of our previous programs to see the depth and diversity of past content, or visit our photo gallery for a visual experience of the event atmosphere. 

4. Are there opportunities to volunteer at the event?
Yes. A limited number of volunteer positions will be available. More details will be released in the lead-up to the event via our newsletter and website.

Tickets & Pricing

1. Why do tickets cost what they do?
EGA is committed to keeping ticket prices as accessible as possible. Hosting a multi-day outdoor conference with camping, infrastructure, and a carefully curated program involves significant costs—particularly given recent bushfires, global disruptions, and inflation.

If attending remains beyond your means, we invite you to explore our YouTube channel for hundreds of hours of free educational content from past events.

2. Do I need to pay for parking?
Long-stay parking is included with your ticket. However, if you wish to keep your vehicle in the campground, you must purchase a Campground Parking Pass (limited and best for interstate and campervans).
If staying off-site, an Off-Site Access Pass is required. Contact us if you need to stay off-site due to a disability.

3. Do you offer concession, hardship, or subsidised tickets?
Yes. A limited number of concession and hardship tickets are available for those experiencing financial difficulty. This system works on trust—we do not require proof of financial hardship.

4. Are there discounted tickets for First Nations peoples?
Yes. We offer a discounted First Nations ticket as part of our commitment to recognition, access, and inclusion. If you identify as a First Nations person, you’re warmly invited to select this ticket type during booking.

Food, Water, and Market Stalls

1. Is there drinking water available on site?

Yes. Drinking water refill points are available on site, including near the campground and main event areas.

If you’re camping, it’s a good idea to bring a small supply of drinking water to keep at your campsite for convenience, especially for your arrival and setup. We also recommend bringing a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the event—this supports both self-sufficiency and our sustainability goals.

There is also access to some onsite BBQs where you can do some cooking. 

2. Can I bring alcohol?
While alcohol is not encouraged in event spaces, BYO is allowed at your campsite. We ask everyone to enjoy responsibly and help maintain the respectful and educational spirit of the gathering. 

3. Is glass allowed on-site?

No glass is permitted on-site—please bring canned drinks and decant other beverages into suitable containers. Designated recycling bins will be available on-site for the disposal of empty cans.

4. What are the food and drink options on-site?

This is a BYO food and drink event. We recommend you come prepared for a self-sufficient camping experience, just as you would for any multi-night stay in the bush. 

That said, there will be a limited food and market stall area on-site offering a selection of meals, snacks, and drinks. While it’s a great way to support local vendors and grab a bite, availability may be limited—so we strongly encourage attendees to pack for the full three nights where possible.

Less than 10 minutes from the site is the township of Gembrook, with an IGA supermarket for any last minute supplies. Other large supermarkets you might consider stopping at with a larger selection and later opening hours could be Belgrave, Monbulk, and or Lilydale, depending on how you are approaching the site. 

Unanswered Questions

1. Where can I find more information?
Additional details will be released in the lead-up to the event via our newsletter and website. This FAQ will be regularly updated as new questions arise, so we encourage you to check back periodically. If you have specific questions that aren't addressed here, please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you. 

2. How do I keep up to date with EGA events and publications?
Subscribe to the EGA newsletter to receive the latest news, event announcements, and community updates.

3. I’d like to ask a question. How can I get in touch?
No worries! Please direct your enquiries to:

• General enquiries: info@entheogenesis.org

• Ticket enquiries: tickets@entheogenesis.org

We’re happy to help and look forward to seeing you at the gathering!