22 Jun 2021

Ancient Greece gifted the world with progressive philosophy and democracy. Egyptians gave us ancient architecture and ink and paper. Aztecs contributed to our knowledge of geometry and astronomy. Italy gave us the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, Austria gave us Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and England gave us the works of William Shakespeare.

Australia, too, substantially contributed to human civilisation with an array of gifts, a truly noteworthy one being the humble bush doof.

What the heck is a bush doof?

Really listen to the heavy bass beats you hear in eardrum-splitting electronic music. What do you hear? Doof doof doof doof doof doof...

The word 'doof' derives from this - chuck 'bush' in front and I think you can put two and two together. In the 1990s, dance parties held in the warehouses of Sydney’s industrial, bohemian inner-west began to attract too much attention from police and local councils. But the vibe wasn't dead! Party go-ers headed to the bush. The first ticketed bush doof; Earthcore, was held in Victoria in 1993. The rest is history.

Long story short, a bush doof is basically a rave thrown in a remote rural setting. But they possess a certain je ne sais quoi vibe that sets them apart from other festivals, parties and events. Being one with nature, feeling serene and surreal, potentially experiencing light shows, art installations, workshops and camping... bush doofs are a fat vibe. You're welcome world for this magnificent innovation.

What bush doofs are there?

Bush doofs can range from a few mates huddled around a speaker all the way up to a multi-day festival. Some legit bush doofs that you may have heard of include; Rabbit Eats Lettuce, Elements Festival, Strawberry Fields, Wild Horses and Happy Daze. 

My two best friends recently organised a ticketed, one-night bush doof for their birthday at a mutual friends' property in the Blue Mountains. The theme was 'Working Overtime' and everyone rocked up in suits, ties, and blazers and boogied among the gum trees. With DJ decks, funky lights, smoke machines, and office decor, this was a night to remember. 

So, no matter the doof, here is what you need to know.

What do I pack?

  • Earplugs -- Doofs can be louuuuud. Especially if you're trying to catch some z's to be able to function the next day (and potentially bender on). You may also fear getting tinnitus, so bring earplugs.
  • Toilet paper and hand sanitiser -- Staying hygienic will make you feel oh so much better. 
  • Baby Wipes - Speaking of hygiene, these things are great for cleaning emergencies or if you can't have a shower.
  • Nutritious food that'll keep you going and of course, tonnes of snacks for when you're feeling a lil' munchie
  • Band-aids -- For taking care of those scrapes, scratches and blisters, even if you don’t remember where or how you got them.
  • Water -- H20: Just Add Water isn't just a hit TV show, it's a motto to live by. Bring tonnes of water so you don't result in drinking from the suss lake nearby and contracting a disease.
  • Doof stick -- They're fun, wild, and will help your mates find you in the mosh sea. Also, glow sticks are fun too.

What do I wear?

This is your PRIME time to let loose with fashion. Let your freak flag fly!!! Whether there's a theme or not, try to wear something psychedelic, vibrant and eye-catching. But, prioritise comfort waaay over aesthetic!! If it's cold, chuck thermals on underneath and bring a puffer. Wear padded shoes.

Remember that you're gonna be running around and dancing for hours on end. Stay comfortable!! I mean, for the most part, it'll be dark - no one can really see what you're wearing (nor will they really care). When all else fails, chuck some glitter on and call it a day!

Plan beforehand

Here are some q's to ask yourself before the big day.

What's the weather like? - What temperature-appropriate clothes will you need? Will you need a warm sleeping bag/blanket/thermals...

Who are you bunking with? - Plan your sleeping arrangement so you don't rock up there without a tent. 

How are you getting there and back? - Make a group chat with your mates going and potentially ride together. Vibes will be high in the car and less petrol. Yeehaw.

How long are you going for? - This'll determine how much clothing, food and water that you'll need. Oh and alcohol of course!

How to survive it

I hate to sound like your mum but learn from my number one bush doof mistake -- slow and steady wins the race. You do not wanna go too hard too fast and end up passed out by ten in the evening to then wake up leaning against a tree at five in the morning and having a sad D&M with the few stragglers left around the dying bonfire... Been there and it aint fun. Past FOMO to the max. 

I know it's an exciting vibe but don't get distracted and forget your bodily needs - Eat! Drink (no, not just grog, water too you nutter). Have a seat every now and then to let your bod rest and recover! Look after yourself to maximise ze fun.

Make sure you keep checking on your mates and their whereabouts. Have a meeting place in case you all get separated. 

And with that, make our Australian legacy proud by doofing in the bush!