We invite you to explore Tunnel One, The Coal Loader. The venue is a 150 meter tunnel with 20 chambers branching off throughout. Each chamber will contain either:
Once you enter the tunnel you will have the choice to visit these chambers and discover the delights within. Each group of chambers will be accessible via the main tunnel and this will be your main path to move throughout.
You will receive a map to be able to plan your best journey. Our staff will also be positioned throughout the tunnel to assist you on your exploration.
Each session is for two hours, giving you plenty of time to visit multiple distillers and explore the displays. We anticipate that you will be able to visit 4-6 distillers whilst at the event. We advise arriving just before your session time to ensure you can take full advantage of your time in the tunnel.
Capacity is extremely limited to each session to ensure a safe and fun event for everyone. This also means that tickets are likely to sell out!
Each ticket includes:
Botanica is an 18+ event. Underaged persons cannot attend Botanica.
You are invited to explore a range of premium Australian Distillers and their expertly crafted products. Learn about their process, beverages, and brand face-to-face as your sample their product. There is the opportunity to purchase take-away bottles right there!
We encourage responsible service of alcohol with a no tolerance policy. The event runs for 2 hours offering you plenty of time to visit multiple distillers.
Service of alcohol will finish 10 minutes before the end of the event.
Tunnel One, The Coal Loader is a heritage site with unsealed ground and small chambers. To access tastings you will need to journey through the tunnel and go through doors/cutouts to access the distiller chambers, these are approx. 80cm wide.
The access to Tunnel One is either down several flights of stairs or via an elevator for those with accessibility requirements.
There are two accessible parking spaces on Balls Head Drive, these are available to all the public.
We advise all visitors to wear appropriate footwear and take caution throughout the event. The tunnel can be uneven with undulating ground surfaces. Whilst the tunnel is sheltered from rain, some puddles may be present.
There is lighting through most of the tunnel, but it is still darker than outside.
Each chamber will have a capacity limit at any one time to avoid crowding. This may mean that you will need to visit another chamber instead of the one you initially intended to.
If you have any accessibility concerns, we encourage you to contact us.
There is public parking along Balls Head Drive. As this event involves the consumption of alcohol we suggest finding other transport to get to The Coal Loader for this event.
The closest Bus Stop to The Coal Loader is Waverton Bus Stop on Bay Road, opposite Ross Street.
Waverton Train Station is a 12-minute walk to the Coal Loader.
A drop-off point at the Coal Loader will be available on the event days. This can be used for Uber / Taxi / Family drop offs.
Please follow all signage and traffic controller directions on the day.
Gates open 5 minutes before each session. We advise arriving on time or just before to ensure you are getting the most out of your experience.
Please note the service of alcohol (including tastings) will close 10 minutes before the end of the event.
As Botanica is an event that has many vendors selling alcohol all attendees must be 18 years or older and must have a ticket to attend this event. ID’s will be checked upon entry. Unfortunately this also means no infants / babies.
YES! Each vendor will be selling a range of full-sized gin/spirits bottles & products for you to purchase.
All takeaway sales must remain sealed until you leave the event. A no tolerance policy is in place for anyone that breaks the rules.
There will some local producers for you to taste small-good from. This includes chocolates, cheese & crackers (subject to change). There are no main meal food vendors within the Tunnel.
Please note vendors are subject to change.
Free water will be available throughout the Tunnel. Your tastings are included at each distiller and you can choose to have these neat or with a mixer. There will be no bar or drinks outlet other than the distillers.
Botanica is a Cashless event. Card is the preferred method All distillers will accept EFTPOS payments. Some vendors may accept cash but this is not guaranteed.
You can purchase your tickets online through the Botanica website. We do not have an onsite box office and all tickets must be purchased before you arrive. Tickets are limited so we suggest purchasing early to avoid disappointment.
No worries at all. Sometimes our confirmation emails get lost in your junk inbox or a typo was made upon checkout.
Email us at hello@botanicafestival.com.au and we will resend them. Otherwise there is also a door list on the day that we can search your ticket from.
Yes. Simply show your tickets displayed on your phone at the gate. Just make sure you have them ready before you reach the gate to avoid unnecessary queues.
Refunds (excluding booking fees) are available up until 4 weeks before the event if you are no longer able to attend or change your mind. Depending on availability you may be able to exchange to the alternate date on sale (fees apply).
Refunds are only issued if the event is cancelled. If you can no longer attend, you may give or sell your ticket to another person. Tickets are fully transferable for the same session on the scheduled day.
No. Botanica is a fully licensed event. You will have access to free tastings.
Take home purchases can be made from the distillers, but must remain sealed.
Due to the confined areas of the Tunnel and Chambers, strictly no smoking or vaping is allowed.
Due to the confined areas of the Tunnel and Chambers, no animals are allowed. Registered support animals are allowed but we ask that you contact us before so that we can make suitable arrangements.
Botanica Gin & Spirits Journey is within Tunnel One, The Coal Loader. It is mostly sheltered from the weather. The event will continue in most weather events.
If the weather does become extreme and a potential flooding incident may occur and we have to cancel the event, all ticket holders will be notified and refunds will be provided. No refunds will be given if you decide not to attend but the event still goes ahead.
If we cancel we will:
