The glory days of Sydney’s Oxford Street may now be the stuff of legend, but Tropical Fruits, tucked away in Northern New South Wales, is still one corner of Australia where that old school magic can still be found. The group behind this enormously popular event are often seen as equal parts lovely, hippie, down to earth and above all, a wonderful party crew.

This is the part where I confess to be a Tropical Fruits virgin, but I’m popping my cherry this year and doing the whole thing – road trip up, camping at the showgrounds, film festival, recovery and pool parties. Friends and strangers all say the same thing – “You’ll love it!” But organisers weren’t so sure – about the weather at least.

“Well we’re definitely tempting fate,” says organiser Marie Reilly, “because being in a beautiful subtropical region, we do sometimes find ourselves at the fate of the elements.” Marie tells me about the Fruits two years ago when a major flood passed through the Rainbow Region. I get flashbacks of friends recounting tales of that too. Tents floating away, dancing in the rain and finding shelter in some lovely man’s ute – as Kylie would say, ‘I should be so lucky’.

“And then last year, during the recovery, when we announced that 2010 would be called The Elements, we had a major dust storm roll in!” says Marie. Despite the ominous name, however, DJs, decorators and performers are all getting into the theme. “The lighting team are beside themselves with what they will be creating in the two main dance floors,” says Marie excitedly.

So how does a community, not-for-profit organisation put on such a spectacular event? “We have 200 volunteers who help out over the week setting up,” says Marie, “and we have an amazing time doing it!” And for Marie, and many others, volunteering makes the party. “I would put out there that if people want to have bigger, richer Tropical Fruits experience, they should join the crew,” says Marie. “It’s a fantastic and more affordable way to experience tropical fruits at new years,” she says. With discounted entry to parties and free camping for volunteers, it seems like little effort for maximum reward. To register as a volunteer, click here.

One former camper and volunteer says working for your party reward is easy. “Once you’re done, or you feel like you’ve done your bit – no one’s really clock watching, it’s back to the tent to hang out with fellow campers,” says Benedict.

“Many times I’d hang around in the main control centre – the mercifully cool hall and patio which squats below a grandstand – chewing the fat with one of the organisers as they rolled you a cigarette or passed you a soy snag,” says Benedict. “I thought to myself that there can’t be many promoters who hang out with the festival goers with such ease. But such was the sense of community and trust that pervades every aspect of Tropical Fruits.”

Annemarie, also a camper from previous years agrees with Benedict. Above everything else, what pervades Tropical Fruits is friendliness and relaxation. “I really enjoyed camping – forget having to go to some pre-party party – you’re at it!” says Annemarie. “The real highlight was when I left the party and took a wander through the camp to the shower. It took me about half an hour because there were so many great people to talk to, just chilling out,” she says.

Despite the laid back nature of the whole affair, former attendees are quick to point out that it does not mean your New Year’s experience is any less spectacular.

“Somehow, all these many haystacks, sausage sandwiches and litres of perspiration come together and turn into a fantastically professional looking festival,” says Benedict. “A red carpet takes you past a paparazzi pit of flashing bulbs, the palm trees are lit all the colours of the rainbow, the atmosphere inside the dance areas – in what is essentially some barns – is uplifting, and the fireworks are so spectacular that the townspeople gather just outside the gate to stare into the sky.”

And we can expect more of the same this year. As well as the new addition of a queer film festival in the lead up to New Year’s Eve Party, Tropical Fruits will be showcasing performers, local and national. “We are very, very excited this year to be showcasing an hour long circus aerial spectacular,” says organiser Marie. “It’s a one hour show that will be happening between 11 and 12. The grand finale of the show will occur directly under the fireworks at midnight. I had a preview of the show and it exceeded all my expectations!”

And DJs? “We’re pretty across the board,” says Marie. “We don’t really run with a headline, as we think there is so much amazing talent out there. We are just really proud to offer a range of stylings and talent. Being a grass roots organisation we don’t have the big money to throw at the DJs but we offer them a ‘coming home’ style welcome and they love that,” says Marie. “Its part of the magical Fruits vibe!”

Check out photos from last year’s NYE, Pool Party and Recovery.

Tropical Fruits 2010 includes a short film festival December 29 and 30, New Year’s Eve Party, Pool Party and recovery Party. For more information, or to book tickets and camp sites, head to the Tropical Fruits website. DJs include: Sveta, Steve Sonius, Matt Vaughn, Stephen Allkins, Feisty, Mandy Rollins, Lady K, and Beefy Boy.

Photos: Morgan Carpenter.