Every year in late January, the coast near Glendale comes alive with bass, sand, and sunburnt smiles. Jova Beach Party isn’t just another summer event-it’s the only beach party in Australia where the music doesn’t stop until the tide pulls back. If you’ve heard whispers about it but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. Thousands show up each year, but only those who plan ahead actually have fun.
What Exactly Is Jova Beach Party?
Jova Beach Party is an annual outdoor music festival held on the sand between Glendale and Point Lookout. It started in 2019 as a small gathering of local DJs and friends, but now pulls over 15,000 people from across Queensland and New South Wales. The name? It’s not a person. It’s short for Jova-a fusion of “jungle” and “vibe,” coined by the original organizers to describe the raw, unfiltered energy they wanted to create.
Unlike big-name festivals with corporate sponsors and ticket tiers, Jova stays independent. No VIP sections. No overpriced water bottles. Just a 2km stretch of beach, three stages, and a lineup that leans heavy on Australian bass, house, and indie electronic artists. Think of it as Burning Man’s beach cousin-less pyrotechnics, more saltwater and spontaneity.
When and Where Does It Happen?
The party runs for three days, always starting on the last Friday of January. In 2025, that’s January 31st. Gates open at noon, music starts at 3 p.m., and the last set ends at 1 a.m. sharp-no exceptions. The location? The northern end of Glendale Beach, near the old fishing pier. You’ll see the sign: a giant wooden fish painted with glowing eyes. That’s the entrance.
There’s no parking on the beach. If you drive, park at the Glendale Community Centre (5 minutes away) and take the free shuttle bus. The shuttle runs every 10 minutes from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. You can also bike or walk if you’re staying nearby. Taxis and rideshares drop you at the main gate, but expect lines after midnight.
What to Bring (And What to Leave at Home)
Here’s the real secret: Jova isn’t about fashion. It’s about function. You’ll be barefoot in sand for 12 hours straight. So pack smart.
- Bring: Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), a wide-brimmed hat, a small towel, a refillable water bottle, a portable phone charger, flip-flops for walking back to the shuttle, and a light rain jacket (January weather changes fast).
- Leave at home: Glass bottles, illegal drugs, large coolers, and expensive electronics. Security checks are strict. No one’s stopping you from bringing snacks, but food trucks sell cheap, fresh tacos, grilled corn, and smoothies for under $10.
Pro tip: Bring a small ziplock bag with a dry towel inside. You’ll thank yourself after your first dip in the ocean.
The Music Lineup You Can’t Miss
Jova doesn’t book global superstars. It books the artists who make people dance without knowing their names. In 2025, the headliners include:
- Waves & Whispers (Sydney-based bass duo known for tribal beats and live percussion)
- Coastline (Gold Coast producer who blends lo-fi house with ocean samples)
- Midnight Tides (a rotating collective of 12 local DJs who play back-to-back sets from dusk to dawn)
The smaller stages feature underground acts-some you’ll only hear here. Last year, a 19-year-old from Byron Bay dropped a track called “Saltwater Heart” that went viral on TikTok three weeks after the party. You won’t find it on Spotify yet. But you’ll hear it on the beach.
How to Survive the Heat (and the Crowd)
January in Glendale hits 34°C with 80% humidity. You will sweat. You will get tired. You will want to leave.
Here’s how to keep going:
- Hydrate every 45 minutes. Free water stations are placed every 300 meters. Refill your bottle before you get thirsty.
- Find shade under the palm trees near the main stage. The crowd thins out there between 5-7 p.m.
- Take a dip. The ocean is calm and waist-deep right where the beach meets the sand dunes. Jump in for five minutes, then dry off. It’s the best reset button you’ll find.
- Don’t chase the headliners. The best sets often happen at 10 p.m. on the third stage-smaller, louder, and less crowded.
People who leave early miss the sunrise set. Around 5 a.m., the music slows. The crowd thins. The sky turns pink. Someone starts playing acoustic guitar. That’s when Jova becomes something else-not a party, but a moment.
Where to Stay (Without Breaking the Bank)
Hotels in Glendale sell out six months in advance. If you’re not camping, here’s what works:
- Camping: The official Jova campsite opens Thursday at noon. $30 per person for three nights. Bring your own tent. Showers and toilets are clean. No generators allowed.
- Glendale Backpackers: Dorm beds start at $45/night. Book early. They have a free shuttle to the beach.
- Airbnb: Look for rentals in Point Lookout, not Glendale. They’re cheaper and closer. Avoid anything advertised as “party house”-those get shut down by police.
Pro tip: If you’re flying in, book your flight for Saturday morning. The shuttle runs until 2 a.m., but traffic is brutal Sunday morning. Sleep in, then leave.
What Makes Jova Different?
Most beach parties are about being seen. Jova is about being felt.
You won’t find influencers posing with cocktails. You won’t see branded merch stalls selling $50 T-shirts. Instead, you’ll see a group of strangers dancing barefoot in the surf, sharing a single watermelon, or helping someone carry their speaker back to the shuttle after the party ends.
The organizers don’t profit. They’re volunteers. The ticket price? $45 for all three days. That’s less than a single drink at a city club. All money goes back into the event-sound systems, cleanup crews, medical tents, and free water.
It’s not perfect. There are times the sand gets in your ears. The toilets run out of paper. Someone always forgets their phone charger. But that’s the point. Jova isn’t a luxury experience. It’s a real one.
Is It Safe?
Yes. Jova has one of the lowest incident rates of any Australian music event. There are 80+ trained volunteers, 12 paramedics on-site, and a dedicated quiet zone for people who need space. No police officers patrol the crowd. No ID checks. No drug sweeps. The vibe is built on trust.
That said, don’t be reckless. Don’t drink and swim. Don’t leave your stuff unattended. Don’t follow strangers into the dunes after dark. Most problems come from people who ignore the basics.
If you feel unsafe, find a volunteer in a yellow vest. They’ll help you. No questions asked.
What Comes After Jova?
When the last song ends and the lights go out, the beach is cleaned by sunrise. No trash. No tents. No signs. Just sand, shells, and the sound of waves.
People leave changed. Not because of the music, but because they remembered what it feels like to be part of something that doesn’t charge for connection.
If you go, don’t just watch. Join. Dance. Help someone carry their bag. Laugh with strangers. Let the sun burn your shoulders. Leave your phone in your bag for an hour.
Jova Beach Party doesn’t promise a good time. It just gives you the space to have one.
Do I need a ticket for Jova Beach Party?
Yes. Tickets are $45 for all three days and sell out fast. They go on sale November 1st each year at 9 a.m. AEST through the official Jova website. No tickets are sold at the gate. No exceptions.
Can I bring my dog to Jova Beach Party?
No. Pets are not allowed on the beach during the event. The noise, crowds, and heat make it unsafe for animals. Service animals with proper documentation are permitted but must stay with their handler at all times.
Is Jova Beach Party family-friendly?
It’s not designed for kids under 12. The music is loud, the crowd is dense, and there’s no dedicated kids’ area. Families with older teens are welcome, but plan ahead-bring shade, extra water, and a quiet spot to rest. The quiet zone is open to everyone.
What happens if it rains?
The show goes on. Jova has run in light rain every year since 2020. The stages are covered, the music keeps playing, and the crowd just dances harder. Heavy storms may pause the music for 30 minutes, but cancellations are rare. Bring a rain jacket and waterproof phone case.
Can I sell my ticket if I can’t go?
No. Tickets are non-transferable and tied to your name and ID. Reselling tickets is against the rules and can get you banned from future events. If you can’t attend, donate your ticket to a local youth group through the Jova charity program.
