vanlife diaries

Vanlife Gathering 2026
October 2–5, 2026 | Natural Bridge, Yugambeh/Bundjalung Country
Vanlife Diaries is excited to announce the return of our annual Vanlife Gathering for 2026!
Join us for three nights and four days of connection, adventure, music, workshops, storytelling and community in one of Australia’s most beautiful natural settings.
Nestled in the lush hinterland between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, Natural Bridge offers the perfect off-grid escape. Surrounded by untouched bushland, native wildlife, walking trails and the magic of the Australian outdoors, this unique location becomes our home for the weekend.
Swim in the natural waterholes, explore nearby Natural Bridge National Park, relax around the campfire, meet like-minded travellers and enjoy the simple things that make life on the road so special.
This is more than an event — it’s a gathering of people who love adventure, creativity, alternative ways of living and building genuine connections.

What to Expect
We’re bringing together an incredible line-up of workshops, music, activities and community experiences, including:
Live music and entertainment
 Campfire conversations and storytelling
 Cultural connection and learning
 Solar and off-grid power workshops with @victron_energy
 Conservation education and documentary screenings with @surfridernorthernrivers
 Cultural conversations with Uncle Warren from @yarnaustralia
 Yoga and wellbeing sessions
 Coffee and food trucks
 Epic community raffle
 Art, creativity and workshops
 Shared meals and community connection
And plenty more announcements are coming soon!

Community, Connection & Giving Back
Vanlife Gatherings have always been about creating a welcoming, inclusive and safe space where everyone belongs.
A percentage of proceeds from the event and our community raffle will go towards supporting causes that align with our values, including conservation initiatives and our ongoing commitment to cultural connection and education.
We believe in leaving places better than we find them, supporting local communities and creating experiences that bring people together.

Tickets & Camping Information
Your event ticket includes:
Three nights of camping.
 Access to all event activities and workshops.
 Live music and entertainment.
 Community experiences.
 Catered lunch experience
Tickets are available online only before the event.
Early Bird tickets will be available until September 1, 2026 (the first day of Spring).
Our previous Gatherings have sold out, so we recommend securing your spot early.
This is a family-friendly event and everyone is welcome.
Bring your:
Van
 Bus
 Truck
 Car
 Tent
 Swag
 Motorbike
 RV anything you are comfortable in.
The only requirements are an open mind, a love for adventure and a willingness to meet some amazing people.
Children under 16 are welcome free of charge.

Camping Facilities
Camping is on unpowered sites.
Facilities include:
● Toilets onsite
● Access to beautiful natural surroundings
● Walking trails and swimming areas nearby
Please note:
● There is no drinking water available onsite — please bring your own supply.
● Dogs are welcome but must remain on a lead at all times.

This is a leave no trace events so anything packed in with you, needs to leave with you as well.

Want to Be Part of the Gathering?
We’re always looking to collaborate with passionate people, creators and businesses who share our values.
If you are a:
Van builder
 Outdoor brand
 Product maker
 Artist or creator
 Food vendor
 Sustainable business
 Workshop host
and would like to partner, sponsor or have a stall at the 2026 Vanlife Gathering, we’d love to hear from you.
We only partner with brands and businesses that genuinely connect with and support our community.
Volunteers are also needed to help bring the event to life. If you’d like to lend a hand and be part of the team, please email us — we’d love to hear from you.
VanlifeDiariesAustralia@gmail.com
Financial Hardship Tickets
We want this gathering to remain accessible to our community.
If you’re experiencing financial difficulty and would love to attend, please reach out to our team.
Limited assistance tickets are available.
VanlifeDiariesAustralia@gmail.com

Come Join Us
Make new friends. Reconnect with old ones. Share stories around the fire. Learn something new. Explore the region. Swim, hike, relax and enjoy the beauty of Australia’s outdoors.
Vanlife Gathering is a place where strangers become friends, stories are shared and memories are made.
Start planning your Gold Coast / Byron Bay road trip — we can’t wait to welcome you to Natural Bridge in 2026.
Vanlife Diaries — connecting and building community with our international road-tripping family.