We ask groups to arrive early to allow enough time to locate your exact spot and items to carry, to allocate group members to lanterns and signs and to familiarise yourself with everything.

Please be aware the parade staging area will be very busy with over 90 groups arriving and preparing.

While there may also be some waiting time until the parade starts, it’s important that everyone is ready and well prepared, therefore we ask to arrive early at 5:00 PM. Thank you.

Why do I need to check in?

It’s important that you check in with your sector leader, so we know that you have arrived and have received all your lanterns and signage.

Your sector leader and a friendly team of volunteers will provide you with further information as needed. Please follow their instructions for the evening.

What materials are provided?

Each walking group will have an individualized sign to carry. We will also allocate one or two large lanterns to your group to carry. Allocations are made according to your walking group size.

Please wait for the staff/volunteers to assist with turning on your lights on the lantern, this will happen closer to the start of the parade as you turn into the parklands, as the batteries only have a short life.

What materials can I bring?

You are welcome to bring your own lanterns, banners, welcome signs, costumes and music.

We encourage groups to play music and bring instruments but please note is to be no music to be played in the parade staging area on Little Stanley Street.
You can start your music once you turn onto the parade path.

Please note that the event must remain apolitical as per South Bank Parklands policy. Multicultural Australia reserves the right to ask walking groups to remove or change any displays/signs etc if they are deemed to be at risk of breaching this venue policy.

What time does the parade start?

The parade will start at 6:00pm. If you are in the White, Blue or Orange sectors, it may take a little while for your area to start walking given the time it will take the front sections to move along, but please be ready from 6:00pm. Your sector leader and volunteers will be sharing any additional information on the night and are there to answer any of your questions.

How long is the parade route?

The parade route is approx. 800m long. The parade usually finishes between 6.45 and 6.50pm. This will allow all parade participants to watch the World Music Concert at the Riverside Green, starting at 7.00pm.

Please click here to check the parade map. Please direct friends and family who come down to watch you walk in the parade so they can find the best viewing spots.

When do I start walking?

Please follow instructions from event staff and volunteers. They will let you know when we start. Once walking please keep pace with the group in front of you and avoid forming any big gaps. Parade marshals will help you know if you need to speed up or slow down.

What happens at the end of the parade?

We will have a drop off point for all lanterns and signage at the end. It is important to please follow the event staff instructions to ensure we get those dropped off safely before you can join the concert.

Please note that it can get congested in the area near the Piazza, so look out for our friendly staff and volunteers, who will provide directions and assistance where needed.

Once you have dropped off lanterns and signage in the designated area, please join us at the Riverside Green for a great line up of music and dance from around the world. Please see attached our program.

Are there any lockers or storage rooms?

Unfortunately, we can’t offer any storage of your items. Please avoid bringing heavy and bulky belongings.

How should I dress? Can I bring my traditional wear?

Traditional wear is highly recommended to showcase your culture.

Please also dress according to the weather. Nights can be very cold at this time of the year, and we encourage everyone to bring some warm clothing.

I have accessibility needs, can I participate?

Yes, absolutely. We encourage everyone to take part in the parade (as long as you are registered with a group).

The parade route is free of any stairs so is accessible for wheelchair users or anyone with mobility aids.

Footbridge

There is a small foot bridge near the beginning of the parade, which has a short incline followed by a short steep decline.

For wheelchair users or anyone with mobility aids – we recommend staying to the left of the path as the transition is slightly smoother on that side.

A volunteer will be positioned at this location communicating with anyone in a wheelchair and any carers specifically to make sure everyone is prepared for this.

*Please refer to our map to see position of this in the parade route.

If single group members prefer to join your walking group after this bridge, this can be an option further down on the promenade – please contact us prior to the event to discuss, so we can make sure to give you an access point.