FAQ’s
GEMs – GOURMET ESCAPE MONEY
What is a GEM?
In our Gourmet Village, like many other food and wine festivals Brand Events holds around the world, this festival has its own official currency. The Gourmet Escape Money (GEMs) is the official currency at the Gourmet Village. Each GEM is a business card sized token used to transact a purchase of on-site consumerable products in the Gourmet Village like a glass of wine, a food dish, a beer, dessert or picnic food. Remember these GEMs are real money so don’t lose them as they cannot be replaced, more can be purchased.
What is a GEM worth and what can I buy with 1 x GEM? 1 x GEM – AU$7.00
How do I purchase GEMs?
The best way is to buy your first 4 x GEMs in a Gourmet Village Adult Premium Entry ticket. This way they come in the post with your entry ticket saving you time and allowing you to kick start the fun when you arrive.
Do I have to use GEMs or can I just use cash?
Exhibitors and stand holders selling consumerable goods will transact each purchase with your token. They will also be used in the Gourmet Village program to book a seat a Chef’s Table, book a child into the junior cooking area etc.
Exhibitors selling products for off-site consumption can either use your GEMs as cash or take cash directly.
EVENT LOCATIONS
Where is the Opening VIP party and Gourmet Beach BBQ's being held?
The Opening VIP party is on the Thursday 22 November and will be held at Smiths Beach. This is the same venue as the Gourmet Beach BBQ events across the weekend.
Smiths Beach, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, Smiths Beach Road, Yallingup WA 6282.
Where is Heston Icon Dinner?
The Heston Icon Dinner on Fri 23 November 2012 starts at 6pm and is located at Voyager Estate, Stevens Road, Margaret River WA 6285.
It is just a 5 minute drive from Margaret River township.
Where is the Gourmet Village?
The Gourmet Village is located at Leeuwin Estate Winery, Stevens Road, Margaret River WA 6285
It is just a 5 minute drive from Margaret River township.
Where is the Long Lunch? To be announced soon.
Can I drive and where can I park at the Leeuwin Estate - Gourmet Village?
Yes, you can drive but please be responsible. It is illegal to drink and drive. On entering the Leeuwin Estate Winery you will be directed to the car parking area, the rows of which will be marked with a letter of the alphabet. Please be sure to note of the letter of the row you parked your vehicle in to make it easier to locate your vehicle when you wish to leave.
TICKETS
Ticket Conditions
By purchasing tickets, patrons accept and agree to the following terms and conditions.
Only valid tickets holders will be permitted admissions to the Gourmet Village. All adults and children entering the venue must hold a ticket. A Gourmet Village ticket is only valid for 1 day as stated on the ticket.
Minors: Those under 18 years of age who have purchased a ticket will only be permitted into the concert site if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
You must remain inside marked areas at all times and follow instructions given to you by officials.
Brand Events Australia reserve the right to vary performing artists and the advertised program should circumstances require it to do so.
You enter the Gourmet Village at your own risk and Brand Events Australia or Leeuwin Estate Winery will be NOT liable for any injury, loss or damage you may suffer.
Gourmet Village is an alfresco venue. The Gourmet Village will proceed rain, hail or shine. No refunds.
In the event of a cancellation, Brand Events Australia will not be liable for any expenses, costs, loss or damage, whether direct or consequential, that may be incurred as a result of cancelled accommodation, transfers, hire charges or by any other circumstances or matters.
No unauthorised on-selling of tickets permitted
Ticket Descriptions and Inclusions
Can I pick my tickets up at the event?
The Gourmet Village is the only MRGE event where there will be an official box office. The Box Office will only service tickets for Gourmet Village and pre-purchased GEMs. The Brand Events organised Satellite Events for the Margaret River Gourmet Escape will require visitors to have their tickets on arrival. These unique locations don’t have the infrastructure to support a box office so tickets will require prior postage or Ticketek agency pick up.
Events listed on our website under Regional Events are not the responsibility of Brand Events Australia and no liability for tickets or event misinformation is the responsibility of Brand Event Australia members of staff. These events are independently managed but support through the Margaret River Gourmet Escape marketing channels. Any questions, ticket purchase, ticket payment or onsite issues will be the responsibility of the specific events promoter. Please see our Regional Events page on our website (hyperlink) for best contacts.
Are tickets refundable?
No refunds. Regardless of whether the Margaret River Gourmet Escape venue is indoor or outdoor all events will proceed whether rainy or dry. Best plan ahead for appropriate clothing and bring your sense of adventure.
Are children permitted at the Gourmet Village?
All the Margaret River Gourmet Escape venues are licensed. The Gourmet Village is a LICENSED VENUE - Those under 18 years of age who have purchased a ticket will only be permitted into the Gourmet Village if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
All children must have a valid ticket, those under the age of 5 years get in free. The Gourmet Village is a busy venue and there are nearby water hazards – parents wishing to bring children must supervise them closely at all times.
WEATHER
What happens if it rains on the day?
Leeuwin Estate is an alfresco venue and as per ticket conditions, the Gourmet Village shall proceed whether it is raining or dry. Please plan ahead and be sure to come prepared. The Gourmet Village is grass under foot so if wet appropriate closed shoes are recommended.
What happens in the case of extreme weather?
The safety of our patrons, staff and performers is of prime importance to us. In the event of extreme weather necessitating the delay or cancellation of the Gourmet Village festival will be posted on our website and social media pages via Facebook and Twitter. Should it appear that the weather may deteriorate to this degree once you are on site, information leaflets will be relayed to you on arrival and announcements for your safety will be made from the stage.
Is there anywhere to buy sunscreen or a hat if it is really hot?
Please plan for all weather. The Gourmet Village is an outdoor venue so please remember to enjoy your day wear a hat, bring sunscreen to reapply, wear comfortable shoes and of course drink enough water to stay hydrated.
SHUTTLE BUSES – BUS TRANSFERS
Bus tickets can be purchased from www.southwestcoachlines.com.au/mrge from 16th August 2012.
Do I need to pre-purchase tickets?
Yes. Tickets for our shuttle buses must be purchased in advance.
Who do I contact to buy tickets and book my pick up and drop off points?
Southwest Coachlines are the local bus company that will be taking bookings and payment for your transfers once you have confirmed your accommodation arrangements.
Where are the shuttle bus – transfer buses pick-up points?
Bunbury - City Transit Bus Station, Carmody Place.
Busselton - South West Coach Line Office, 39 Albert Street.
Broadwater - Bussell Hwy - cnr Holgate Road opposite Broadwater Shopping Centre.
Dunsborough - Caves Road, Opposite Dunsborough Hotel (formerly Three Bears Tavern).
Yallingup Beach - Surfside Beach Carpark cnr Corner Yallingup Beach Road & Valley Road.
Margaret River - Town View Terrace, cnr Wilmott Street, Margaret River.
Augusta - opposite Augusta Hotel, Buessell Highway
FOOD & DRINK
Can I bring my own food and drink to the Gourmet Village?
The Gourmet Village is a licensed venue and there are strict policies to protect the rights of the wine, produce and exhibitor stands. No food, drinks or alcoholic beverages of any kind are to be brought onto the site. There will be plenty of non alcoholic beverages for sale along with FREE water available onsite.
The event organiser reserves the right to search bags on arrival
In line with licensing and responsible service or alcohol laws intoxicated people will not be served
Can I take alcoholic beverages out of the venue?
No. It is a liquor licensing requirement that ALCOHOL IS NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE THE SITE under any circumstances.
The Gourmet Village will be made up of a mix of exhibitors and stands. They are more or less split into onsite consumerables and products for offsite consumption. The offsite consumerables are seen as take home products such as bottles of wine, gourmet produce and possible kitchenware goods.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Gourmet Village Disabled Parking
If you have an ACROD pass please enter the estate via the Main Gate and you will be directed to park in row A. You must display your ACROD pass.
Gourmet Village Seating
There will be plenty of available seating throughout the Gourmet Village for those uncomfortable with sitting low to the ground or with any back problems, etc. Any carers are, of course, welcome to use any available chairs with permission to move if required.
Gourmet Village Toilets
There is a disabled toilet on the western end of the winery verandah. This has flat access for wheelchairs.
GENERAL
Gourmet Village - How should I dress, what should I wear?
The Gourmet Village is a premium festival event where visitors are anticipated to stay and enjoy the day. With this in mind it is important visitors are comfortable. We suggest comfortable flat-heeled shoes, a hat, sunscreen and something warm to put on later in the afternoon. Margaret River nights are notoriously cool even following a warm day.
How can I book accommodation in Margaret River and the south west region?
Margaret River Gourmet Escape recommends the following websites to book accommodation in the south west region.
www.margaretriver.com
www.geographebay.com
Can I smoke at the Gourmet Village because it is an outdoor venue?
No smoking is allowed. Leeuwin Estate Winery is a smoke free venue.
Is Leeuwin Estate Winery open to the public over the weekend of the Margaret River Gourmet Escape? Brand Events Australia have hired Leeuwin Estate as the venue for the Gourmet Village so unless visitors have a valid ticket.
A private function in the Leeuwin Estate Winery Restaurant is booked for the Saturday 23 November 2012 – this is a private function. All visitors to the Gourmet Escape are required to leave the venue at the closure of the festival gates at 6pm each day.
