Plan your trip

Get ready for jam packed weekend at REAL Festival 2026.

With plenty to see, do, create and explore, a little planning will help you make the most of your festival experience. Find everything you need to know about getting here, including public transport, shuttle buses, parking and road closures.
Thinking of staying a little longer? Turn your festival visit into a weekend getaway and discover local accommodation, dining and attractions across Penrith.

For the latest program announcements, travel updates and festival news, follow Real Festival on Facebook and Instagram.

Road closures

To minimise traffic and keep patrons safe, Tench Avenue will be closed to northbound traffic between Jamison Rd and Cross Rd from 2pm on Friday 11 September through to 7pm Sunday 13 September. Tench Avenue will remain open for southbound traffic entering from Jamison Rd. To view this road closure as well as access information and maps, visit Live Traffic NSW.

All festival traffic will be diverted to enter via Jamison Road. Factory Road and Spencer streets will be accessible only to local traffic and residents.

Parking

Limited Festival parking is available at:

Tench Reserve via Jamison Road, near the Eastbank Restaurant precinct.

A limited number of accessible car spots are available at this location. Keep your eye on Real Festival social channels for ‘car park at capacity’ notifications throughout the festival.

Please note that there will be a No Stopping Zone established along Factory Road to prevent parking and ensure safe egress from the festival site. Fines may apply. All festival traffic will be directed to access Tench Reserve via Jamison Road. Access to Factory Road/Spencer Street will be limited to local traffic and residents only.

If you do decide to drive, we recommend carpooling!

Pick up/Drop off

There is a designated passenger drop off and pick up area located at the northern end of Tench Avenue and accessed from Jamison Road. This drop off area is for cars, Taxis and Ubers.

Shuttle buses and Public Transport

Leave the car at home and catch a free shuttle bus! Busways shuttle buses will operate on a continuous loop across Friday and Saturday. The shuttle buses are accessible and can accommodate prams, strollers, wheelchairs and mobility aids. 

The drop off and pick up locations are:

• Emu Plains Train Station (Great Western Highway side)
• Penrith Train Station (Junction Stand D)
• Jamison Park
• At the Festival site, Tench Reserve.

Shuttle buses will run continuously throughout the Festival times, thanks to our proud sponsor, Busways.

Please note below the operating times for the shuttle service:

• Friday – First bus leaving from Emu Plains Station from 17:00 and final bus from the festival at 22:32
• Saturday – First bus leaving from Emu Plains Station from 15:30 and final bus from the festival at 22:30
• Sunday– First bus leaving from Emu Plains Station from 9:30 and final bus from the festival at 15:30

Walk or cycle

Live locally or prefer to get your steps up? Real Festival welcomes walkers and cyclists to the festival site. Please check distance and route options via your preferred map provider. We recommend allowing plenty of time and taking the scenic route crossing the Yandhai bridge from Emu Plains station, or the M4 bridge to take in the gorgeous views of the Nepean River.

Accommodation

We have plenty of accommodation providers close to the Real Festival action so, extend your stay and make the most of your weekend. Penrith is not your usual destination! We offer activities for everyone to enjoy, from adrenaline pumping attractions, to exploring the outdoors and stunning scenery, and a diverse range of cuisines and night-time entertainment.