Accessibility at BIGSOUND

QMusic and BIGSOUND are committed to help drive long-term cultural change for safer, more accessible spaces in the music industry and wider community.

#BIGSOUND CONFERENCE

All Conference Venues are accessible by wheelchair and have accessible bathrooms:

Fortitude Music Hall
The Outpost
The Precinct - Level 3 Event Space
The Precinct - Stair Stadium
The Artist Hub @ Brewdog
Content House @ The Magee*

*Accessible bathrooms at The Magee are located on the lower level via the side entrance. Please speak to a BIGSOUND Crew member or The Magee staff if you are in need of assistance.

All Conference sessions in The Fortitude Music Hall, The Outpost, and The Precinct will have live closed captions:

Tuesday 1 September

Artist in Conversation - trials: 1PM - 1:45PM @ The Fortitude Music Hall
BIGSOUND Decides: Current & Future Leaders: 2:30PM - 3:15PM @ The Fortitude Music Hall

Wednesday 2 September

My Name is X and I'm Really Glad to Meet You: 9AM - 9:45AM @ The Precinct (Stair Stadium)
The Sound of the Olympics Part 1: Australia’s Story on the World Stage: 9AM - 9:45AM @ The Fortitude Music Hall
StoryBeats: 9:15AM - 10AM @ The Precinct (Launch Event Space)
Artistic Intelligence: Creatives Discuss AI: 9:45AM - 10:30AM @ The Outpost
The Sound of the Olympics Part 2: Building the Legacy: 10:15AM - 11AM @ The Fortitude Music Hall
If You Only Get One Shot, One Opportunity: 10:30AM - 11:15AM @ The Precinct (Stair Stadium)
Bringing It Back To The Fire: 11AM - 11:45AM @ The Outpost
Brand Masterclass: Where Commerce Meets Consumer: 11:45AM - 12:30PM @ The Fortitude Music Hall
Building Capacity without Burning Out: 11:45PM - 12:30PM @ The Precinct (Stair Stadium)
Early Doors: Small Venues in the Bigger Ecosystem: 1:30PM - 2:15PM @ The Precinct (Stair Stadium)
Artist in Conversation - Julia Jacklin: 1:45PM - 2:30PM @ The Fortitude Music Hall
Create Your Own Momentum: 2:30PM - 3:15PM @ The Outpost
Artist in Conversation - King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard: 3:15PM - 4PM @ The Fortitude Music Hall

Thursday 3 September

Festival Forecast: Turning Data into Decisions: 9AM - 9:45AM @ The Fortitude Music Hall
Making the Master: 9AM - 9:45AM @ The Precinct (Stair Stadium)
Yarning Strong - First Nations Music Industry Review: Presented by Support Act 9:15AM - 10AM @ The Precinct (Launch Event Space)

Make Something Worth Buying: 9:45AM - 10:30AM @ The Outpost
Regional Reach: 10AM - 10:45AM @ The Precinct (Stair Stadium)
The Next Billion Fans: 10:15AM - 11AM @ The Precinct (Launch Event Space)
The Push Presents: Young Australian Music Audiences 2026: 10:30AM - 11:15AM @ The Fortitude Music Hall
Case Study: From Australia to India - Artist - Matthew Ifield: 11AM - 11:45AM @ The Outpost
Diversifying Your Income - with Bianca Hunt: 11:30AM - 12:15PM @ The Precinct (Launch Event Space)
FEEDBACK: Real Time Sync Discussion: 11:45AM - 12:30PM @ The Fortitude Music Hall
Artist in Conversation - Tasman Keith + Kobie Dee: 1:30PM - 2:15PM @ The Fortitude Music Hall
Last Drinks: From Bar Staff to Industry Leaders: 2PM - 2:45PM @ The Outpost
...For the Greater Good: 2:45PM - 3:30PM @ The Fortitude Music Hall

Some of our Conference sessions will have Concert Care crew members present to offer support during and after the session.

Please check back closer to the date for the full list of supported sessions.

#BIGSOUND SHOWCASE

All showcase venues will have seating options available.

Every effort is made to work with all BIGSOUND venues to support and promote accessibility across the event. Full accessibility information is published on each venue page (click "View Venue" from each event in the schedule to see the details).

The following showcase venues are wheelchair accessible:

Chattahoochee Joes*
Blute's Bar
BIGSOUND Mall Stage - presented by Amazon Music
Rics Bar and Backyard
The Brightside (Indoors)
The Brightside (Outdoors)
The Prince Consort - Garden Stage
The Prince Consort - La La Land
The Wickham
Wonderland (Downstairs)

*Chattahoochee Joes does not have an accessible bathroom; the closest is located at The Fortitude Music Hall.

While every effort is made for BIGSOUND venues to be fully accessible, we recognise that some venues, particularly those in heritage buildings, aren’t accessible to people with mobility requirements such as ramp or lift access. With this in mind, we offer Mobility Access Discount Tickets.

#PURCHASING TICKETS

Tickets for the festival and conference are available via the TICKETS page of the BIGSOUND website. Alternatively, you can call Oztix on 1300 762 545 during operating hours (Monday to Friday 8:30am-5:00pm AEST).

For any questions regarding accessibility support and ticket purchasing, or to book Mobility Access Discount Tickets or complimentary Companion Tickets, contact the BIGSOUND team directly.

Companion Cards

If you have purchased a ticket to attend BIGSOUND and hold a valid Companion Card, you are eligible for a complimentary companion ticket to BIGSOUND. To arrange your complimentary companion ticket, please email the following to access@qmusic.com.au, or call us on (07) 3257 0013 to discuss.

A copy of your Companion Card
Your valid BIGSOUND 2026 ticket confirmation

The full name and email of your companion/s

Mobility Access Discount Tickets

BIGSOUND offers three types of Mobility Access Ticket prices:

$30 for a 1 Day Festival Pass

$69 for a 3 Day Festival Pass
$565 for a Delegate Pass

#CONCERT CARE SAFETY & SUPPORT SERVICES

The 2026 BIGSOUND Concert Care program includes a dedicated Concert Care Hub, roaming Concert Care crew members, and support services provided through our Access and Inclusion Partners (to be announced).

The Concert Care team will be identifiable by their bright blue Concert Care vests. Say hello if you see them roaming between venues! During the event, the best way to reach the Concert Care team is to call the Event Hotline (0493 502 638), or pop into the Concert Care Hub.

Additionally, the Concert Care team will also be on location during the official BIGSOUND closing party.

Concert Care Hub: 400 Rabbits

The Concert Care Hub is your go-to space if you’re feeling overwhelmed or in need of a break.

Open from Tuesday 1st September to Thursday 3rd September, 9:00 am – 12:00 am daily, the Concert Care Hub is a dedicated, safe space staffed by support workers and mental health first aiders, offering a physical area to rest, seek assistance, or report inappropriate behaviour.

At the Concert Care Hub, you can:

Speak to a Mental Health First Aider.
Ask questions about venue accessibility.
Chill out on the beanbags.
Use the noise-cancelling headphones.
Gather supplies like sunscreen, sensory toys, and earplugs.
Report a concern or inappropriate behaviour.
Take a moment to relax and reset before your next gig.
Ask for help or speak to a friendly face.
If you don't want to chat, that's okay too! Take your time; the hub is a safe place to self-soothe.

The space will be kitted out with sensory-friendly features, including comfy seating, dim lighting, low volume, soft furnishings, and weighted blankets. Sensory kits will also be available on request.

QMusic works with every BIGSOUND venue so you can plan with confidence.

Below you'll find a step-by-step planning guide, answers to common questions, a venue access key, and direct contact information for our Access & Inclusion team.

Have a question we haven't covered? Email access@qmusic.com.au or call (07) 3257 0013.

#HOW TO PLAN MY BIGSOUND

Choose the right ticket

I can purchase my festival wristband (for BIGSOUND showcases) or my delegate pass lanyard (for Conference entry and all BIGSOUND events) online.

If I have a Companion Card, I can get a complimentary Companion Ticket. If I have limited mobility, I can get discounted Mobility Access Tickets.

ACCESSIBILITY @ BIGSOUND

For information to help me plan, I can visit the Accessibility page on the BIGSOUND website.

I can also email the team via access@qmusic.com.au or call on (07) 3257 0013.

Collecting my pass

I can collect my delegate pass lanyard during the day or my festival wristband from 5pm at the BIGSOUND Box Office at the Fortitude Music Hall. There might be a queue.

If I find it difficult to stand for long periods, I can request assistance from a BIGSOUND volunteer or a member of the Concert Care team.

Access at venues and stages

I can visit the BIGSOUND website for full accessibility details of each venue, or contact the team with any questions.

There will be Auslan interpreters on the Brunswick Street Mall stage for BIGSOUND Showcase performances. All of the Showcase venues are strobe-free, and all of the Conference venues are wheelchair accessible.

Atmosphere

I will need my delegate lanyard or showcase wristband to enter each showcasing venue.

I will see lots of people, hear loud music and see bright lights. I can bring my own headphones to wear if it becomes too noisy.

Transport

I can view the schedule and plan my BIGSOUND via the app or website.

I can get to BIGSOUND via train, bus or car. If travelling via public transport, I can use the Transit App or Translink’s Journey Planner to plan my trip.

Sensory support

If I need a moment to relax, I can visit the Concert Care Hub at 400 Rabbits from 9am - 12am on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and use the noise-cancelling headphones.

I can also request a sensory kit at the Concert Care Hub or at the Box Office. All of the venues will have earplugs available for me.

Where to find help

If I need help, I can ask a team member wearing a BIGSOUND shirt or a blue Concert Care vest, or I can visit the Concert Care Hub at 400 Rabbits.

I can also phone 0493 502 638 for support during the event.

#Key

Level Entry

The approach and circulation through the venue is flat, with no steps.

Ramp Available

The venue has a ramp, or staff can provide one on request.

Accessible Toilet

An accessible toilet with step-free access is on site.

Seating Available

Seating is available on site (may need to be requested from staff).

Viewing Platform

A raised viewing platform is available on the mezzanine level.

Lowered Bar

The venue has a lowered bar counter for ordering.

Disability permit parking

Three disability permit parking spaces are on Alfred Street.

Nearest Taxi Rank

Ranks on Ann St (between Warner & Ballow St), Brunswick St South (between Ann & McLachlan St) and Brunswick St North (near Wickham St).

Nearest Bus Stop

Visit the Translink Website to find bus timetables or use the app to find the most suitable route for you

Distance from Fortitude Valley Station

Visit the Translink Website to find train timetables or use the app to find the most suitable route for you

#FAQ

Is there accessible accommodation near BIGSOUND?

Yes! You can find accessible accommodation at the following locations:
• The Constance Hotel
• Rydges hotel
• The Miro
• Spicers Balfour Hotel
• Kennigo Hotel

How do I get to BIGSOUND?

Parking
Please note that parking in Fortitude Valley is quite difficult and limited. To find a carpark located within Fortitude Valley, visit secureparking.com.au

Train
Fortitude Valley Train Station is located only 200 metres away from Brunswick Street Mall.

Bus
There are many bus stops located around Fortitude Valley. Plan your trip by visiting Translink or the Transit app.

Some bus stops within the valley are:
• Brunswick Street Stop 207 near McLachlan St
• Brunswick Street Stop 211
• Wickham Street Stop 228 near Brunswick

To book a taxi, you can call Yellow Cabs on 13 19 24 or Black and White Cabs on 13 32 22.

Taxi ranks are found:
• Left side of Wickham St approaching Brunswick St from Gipps St (outside
Prohibition Nightclub)
• Right side of Wickham St, just past Brunswick St intersection outside of
McWhirters
• Right side of Ann St approaching Duncan St opposite Cloudland
• Left side of Warner St approaching Wickham St (behind McWhirters)
• Left side of Brunswick St approaching Ann St outside Empire Hotel

Can I bring my Guide Dogs or Service Dogs?

Guide dogs and service dogs are welcome to BIGSOUND. Please refer to each venues access facilities to see if they supply water bowls. Due to noise levels and lighting in the live music sector of the event you might like to consider the use of an alternative aid.

Will there be sensory packs or ear plugs available?

Yes! There will be sensory packs again this year, available for collection at the Concert Care Hub (400 Rabbits) or the Box Office (Fortitude Music Hall). BIGSOUND venues will also provide ear plugs.

Will there be Auslan Interpreters at any BIGSOUND events?

AUSLAN Interpreters will be at all of the BIGSOUND Mall Stage showcase events, which are free and open to all.

Who do I contact if I need support during BIGSOUND?

Our Concert Care team is here to support you during BIGSOUND. Visit the BIGSOUND Concert Care Hub webpage for details.

We also have our Concert Care roving team, who will be moving around the festival throughout the week. They’re identifiable by their bright blue Concert Care vests.

During the event, the best way to request assistance is to call the Event Hotline (0493 502 638) or pop into the Concert Care Hub.

#CONTACTING THE BIGSOUND TEAM

We aim to be as accessible and responsive as possible, and we offer three ways to get in touch if you have any accessibility- or disability-related enquiries. Whether you are planning to buy a ticket and attend the festival, need more information, are one of our showcase artists or conference presenters and want to discuss your accessibility requirements, or just want to know more about accessibility at BIGSOUND in general, please reach out.

#Have Questions?

Our Team is Here to Help, Whether You're Looking for Support, Have a General Inquiry, or Just Want to Say Hello.

CONTACT US