Our Team is Here to Help, Whether You're Looking for Support, Have a General Inquiry, or Just Want to Say Hello.
Accessibility at BIGSOUND
QMusic works with every BIGSOUND venue so you can plan ahead with confidence. Below you'll find a step-by-step planning guide, answers to common questions, a venue access key, and direct ways to reach 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
Get the information you need early
This page covers everything from transport to sensory support. You can also email the Access & Inclusion team at access@qmusic.com.au or call (07) 3257 0013 with any specific questions.
Choose the right ticket
Festival wristbands (for showcases) and delegate lanyards (for the conference and all events) are available online. Companion Card holders can request a free Companion Ticket, and discounted Mobility Access Tickets are available if you have limited mobility.
Plan how you'll get there
Check the schedule on the app or website, then plan your trip by train, bus, or car. If you're taking public transport, Translink's Journey Planner can map the route for you.
Collect your pass
Delegate lanyards can be collected during the day; festival wristbands are available from 5pm. Both are issued from the BIGSOUND Box Office at Fortitude Music Hall - there may be a queue, so if standing for long periods is difficult, ask a BIGSOUND volunteer for assistance.
Know what to expect on arrival
You'll need your lanyard or wristband plus photo ID to enter each venue. Expect crowds, loud music, and bright lighting - you're welcome to bring your own headphones if it gets too noisy.
Check access at each venue
Full accessibility details for every venue are listed on the BIGSOUND website (see the key below), and Auslan interpreters will be on the Brunswick Street Mall stage for showcase performances.
Know where to find help
Look for a team member in a BIGSOUND shirt or a blue Concert Care vest, visit the Concert Care Hub at 400 Rabbits, or call the event support line on 0493 502 638 during the festival.
Take a sensory break if you need one
The Concert Care Hub at 400 Rabbits is open 9am–12am Tuesday to Thursday, with noise-cancelling headphones on hand. Sensory kits and earplugs can be requested there or at the Box Office.
#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, 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
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 showcase venues should also provide ear plugs.
Will there be Auslan Interpreters at any BIGSOUND events?
Interpreters will be available at the following events, that are free and open to all to attend:
BIGSOUND Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony:
Brunswick Street Mall
Tuesday 3 September
12:15PM
Showcases on the JBL Live at BIGSOUND Stage (Free & Open to all):
Brunswick Street Mall
3 - 5 September
6:30PM – 10:00PM
Showcases on the Outpost Stage:
The Outpost
3 – 5 September
7:15PM - Midnight
Who do I contact if I need support during BIGSOUND?
Our Concert Care team is here to support you during BIGSOUND, including staff from Let's Go Support Service - a Brisbane based disability support service, working with BIGSOUND to help coordinate on-ground accessibility support. Visit the BIGSOUND Safety webpage for details.
If you need support during the event, call the Event Hotline (0493 502 638) to request assistance. The Concert Care team will be available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
#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
CONTACTING THE BIGSOUND TEAM
Whether you're planning a visit, performing or presenting and need to talk through your requirements, or just have a question about accessibility at BIGSOUND, the Access & Inclusion team wants to hear from you.
Reach out to the accessibility team by email.
Phone
Reach out to the accessibility team by phone.
Contact form
Tell us about your access requirements ahead of time.
Feedback
Tell us how your BIGSOUND experience went, before, during, or after the event.
