Here is everything you need to know about your visit to Firelight Festival. Entry is free.
-
Free entry, no bookings required
Firelight Festival 2022 is a free event that does not require bookings. Simply turn up and enjoy free entertainment all night long. The only thing you’ll need money for is food and drinks—the rest is on us!
-
Opening hours
Firelight Festival runs from Friday 1 July to Sunday 3 July. Opening times: Friday and Saturday: 5–11pm, Sunday 5–10.30pm
-
Public Transport and Parking
We’re in Docklands on Victoria Harbour Promenade, Harbour Esplanade and New Quay Promenade. Public transport is available via the 11, 30, 35, 48 and 86 tram routes, or a 10 minute walk from Southern Cross Station. Due to event road closures, trams running along Harbour Esplanade, 70, 75, and 35, will stop at the Flinders West stop from 3.30pm each day.
Public Transport and Parking
Parking is available in paid car parks or via limited on-street parking. Coming from the Bellarine Peninsula? Take the ferry from Geelong or Portarlington direct to Docklands.
-
Weather
Firelight Festival will go ahead rain, hail or shine, so make sure you rug up.
-
Accessibility
Firelight Festival and most program activities are wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets are located throughout the festival. If you are taking public transport to the event, low floor trams and accessible stops are available on routes 11 (Collins St) and 86 (Bourke St) from the city to Docklands. There is an accessible drop off zone on Glenti Place and Merchant Street.
Accessibility
Travellers Aid provide a wide range of hire mobility equipment, conveniently available from their service site at Southern Cross Station. Contact them to discuss options for mobility equipment hire during the Firelight Festival. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact firelight@melbourne.vic.gov.au.
-
Sunflower initiative
We’ve partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme to deliver the Sunflower symbol initiative assisting those with hidden disabilities. People who need assistance can choose to wear a Sunflower symbol so that trained Firelight Festival staff can offer their assistance. These Sunflower lanyards will also be available at the information booth on Harbour Esplanade.
-
Keep it clean
Just one piece of rubbish can have an impact. Use waste stations to dispose of cans, organics, compostable plates and other waste correctly.
-
Bike & pedestrian changes
The Capital City Trail bike path will be closed from Bourke Street to La Trobe Street Friday 1 July – Sunday 3 July, between 4pm – midnight. Cyclists are asked to dismount and walk through this section of Harbour Esplanade.
-
Road closures
Friday 1 – Sunday 3 July, 4pm – midnight
- Harbour Esplanade closed between Bourke Street and La Trobe Street (northbound and southbound)
- Merchant Street closed from Bourke Street
-
Pets
The Firelight Festival site can be noisy and overwhelming for our furry friends, so please leave your pets at home. Read more on responsible pet ownership. Assistive animals and Guide Dogs are allowed.
-
Fireworks
Fireworks will not be part of this year’s Firelight Festival. Instead, the water and light show will run four times each night.

Firelight Social Story
Social Stories support children with disability by preparing them for what they will see, hear and do at an event. They are a way to prepare children with disability for an event, new activity or change to routine. With pictures and simple text, Social Stories help to lessen the anxiety of the new by introducing them to the things that they will see, hear and can do – ahead of time. This enables children to ask questions and familiarise themselves before the day – and supports everyone to have the best possible experience.
Download the PDF, or download a Microsoft Word document so that it can be customised to meet your family’s individual needs.