Reminder-Housekeeping!

Just a little bit of info and reminder to help those not familiar with the Mount and to help you prepare for the Beltane weekend. Even though its not until October with most of us leading disgracefully busy lives some pre-gathering info for those unacquainted may help you to get ready!!

1.Camping grounds only-there is no accomodation unless you wish to book yourselves into accomodation within commuting distance to the Mount. These would include towns such as Daylesford, Guildford and Castlemaine or Ballarat/Bendigo if you don't mind about a 45-60 minute car trip. Mount Franklin is roughly 1.5 hrs from Melbourne and you would most likely need to hire a car or scout the public transport to get to one of the towns listed above. I'm sure numerous people would be only too happy to help you get from these towns to the Mount if you stick your hand up in time and people know here or on the Facebook site. Naturally all camping equipment you would need to supply unless you are coming from interstate and a large tent etc,  topples you over the carry on baggage allowance-if so please let us know early, lots of us with lots of stuff!! We can probably get you through the weekend.

2. It can get bone chillingly cold and wet or both! Prepare adequately for **all** weather conditions. Really!! That floating medieval outfit might look glorious in the day sun but believe me when the sun goes down we will all be marvelling at the innovative ice sculpture someone bought along....we might even crush it for an impromptu round of daiquiri's.....or hurry to extinguish the self immolating figure who got too close to the fire. Personally may I recommend a hot water bottle?? Amazing!

3. The MFAPG organisers typically set up a communal tent and party area so under all weather conditions we can celebrate our wonderful sabbat and shared weekend together-food is shared in a  community atmosphere. Food-it is important and you should bring some unless you fancy oxygen as your main nutrient or enjoy a jaunt to Daylesford for sustenance.

4. Children and dogs-of course!! We love them and they are more than welcome but please make sure that both are well behaved and you have leashes.....**and remember that they are your responsibility and you MUST clean up after them-no dog crap, nappies etc are to be left on the Mount...

5. Rubbish-is your responsibility!!! If you bring it-take it home with you or dispose of it in the nearest garbage receptacle available-DO NOT LEAVE IT ON THE MOUNT-this includes cigarette butts and booze bottles.

6. There is no potable water on the Mount please bring sufficient water with you. The water available has a fire retardant added to it and is therefore not suitable for consumption. You should also supply your own toilet paper.

7. Fire drums are made available and only fires in the places provided are permitted-absolutely no fires outside of these areas is allowed. And no, you are not permitted to nick in and cut down any of the arboretum to keep yourself cosy-please supply your own firewood.

8. Music, voices and acoustic instruments are all welcome-stereos and 'doof doof'/ rave music and their owners will promptly be expelled over the precipice never to be heard of again....


9. Parks Victoria expect all noise to be limited after 11pm from all campers in the crater, including things like generators etc

10. Bad behaviour, intoxicated persons, rude and discourteous people are not welcome. People only intent on attending to heckle, insult or behave like morons shall be marked accordingly as lacking generosity of spirit, bored and to be pitied. Any threats to intimidate, harass or harm ANY person or creature within the crater will result in immediate requests to leave and/or police being called. Intoxicated individuals suspected to be under the influence of any substance will not be permitted to participate in the ritual. Period.


11. The Organisers of The Annual Mount Franklin Pagan Gathering include a safety plan which all participants are expected to follow in the event of evacuation for any reason as determined and directed by any official of Parks Victoria, Victorian Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance or other emergency services. Our safety plan includes First Aid response including qualified Level 2 First Aiders and Registered Nursing.


12. The weekend is always held on the last weekend of October, regardless of whether that crosses into November. The MFAPG welcomes all pagan paths and persuasions. The Beltane ritual has historically been conducted by a variation of pagans from druids to asatru, Traditional, eclectic and anything else inbetween! We often share the crater with campers not connected to Paganism so please respect all people present. 


13.If we think of anything else we will let you know! Most of all enjoy the days and Sabbats as they fall,  bringing us closer to the 31st Mount Franklin Annual Pagan Gathering....