What is the event?
Tropfest is the world’s largest short film festival and one of Australia’s most beloved artistic institutions. The exciting return of this FREE, family-friendly festival marks Tropfest’s first time back in Centennial Park in ten years.
Known for launching the careers of many Australian filmmakers, actors and creatives, Tropfest is a major cultural event. Free, iconic and uniquely Australian – come celebrate fresh stories, bold voices and unforgettable films under the stars.
The event will be held on Sunday 22 February 2026, with a large crowd of patrons expected. The event runs from 12:00pm to 10:30pm, with a variety of activities throughout the day, including film screenings, live music, entertainment, food and drinks, red carpet arrivals and an awards ceremony.
We strongly encourage patrons to use public transport to and from the event. Entry is free but capacity is limited. Arrive early, and check Tropfest’s official social media channels on the day for capacity updates before travelling.
Where can I find more information about the event and how to attend?
For event information, please visit the Tropfest website.
Which areas of Centennial Parklands are impacted by this event and when?
Tropfest takes place in the Brazilian Fields in Centennial Park.
An event of this size requires a number of days to install and dismantle infrastructure. The event site will be closed to the public for safety reasons from Monday 16 to Wednesday 25 February 2026.
I am not attending the event — will I still be able to access Centennial Parklands on the event day?
Yes, you will still be able to access Centennial Park on the event day; however, some areas may have traffic and access restrictions.
What will the traffic and access impacts be?
Tropfest draws large crowds and, due to the scale of the event, traffic congestion and delays are anticipated in and around the Parklands on the day.
To facilitate easier patron access and traffic flow in the Parklands vicinity, the following traffic changes will occur:
Centennial Park vehicle gates
- Paddington Gates and Jervois Gates will be closed to vehicle access all day.
- All other gates will close earlier at 6:00pm.
Internal road closures and parking restrictions
Please refer to the internal road closure and parking restrictions map below.
Mobility Pass Holder parking: designated mobility parking will be located on Dickens Drive east of Parkes Drive in Centennial Park. A Centennial Park Ranger will manage this access point at Café Corner.
External road closures
A Traffic Management Plan specific to the event has been developed in conjunction with NSW Police, Roads and Maritime Services and the State Transit Authority. This Traffic Management Plan aims to address safety concerns and minimise impacts on neighbouring residents and traffic in and around Centennial Park.
On the event day, there will be some traffic changes and police-managed road closures in and around Centennial Park to manage both pedestrian and vehicle traffic around the precinct.
To facilitate patron egress from approximately 8:00pm to 11:00pm for safety reasons, the following temporary road closures will be in place (see map below).
Residents of Robertson Road and Martin Road: Police will be on point to assist patron egress from approximately 8:00pm to 11:00pm and will manage traffic at these locations for safety reasons.
For special event clearways, visit Live Traffic NSW and select Moore Park events.
Horse track access
- Friday 20 to Tuesday 24 February 2026: Closed from Café Corner to Loch Avenue.
- Event day – Sunday 22 February: Centennial Parklands will be closed to all equestrian use from 12:00pm midday. Horses are not permitted to enter Parklands after 11:00am, and all riders must be off site by 12:00pm.
Cyclist and e-scooter access
Grand Drive will remain open as normal; however, expect congestion and some temporary diversions. Please follow the instructions of traffic controllers.
Jogging
Open – expect congestion on the track from Robertson Road Gates to Café Corner as large crowds cross towards the event entry point.
Cyclists, rollerbladers and e-scooter users
- May enter the Park until 4:00pm but must exit by 5:00pm.
- Please follow Ranger directions if requested.
Will park venues and services be operating as usual?
- Centennial Homestead: Yes, open as usual.
- Spruce Goose Diner: Yes, open as usual.
- Greenhouse Café: Yes, open as usual.
- Centennial Park Cycle Hire: Yes, open as usual.
Will there be any sound impacts related to this event?
Tropfest will have amplified sound and live entertainment during the event. An event hotline will operate during the times listed below.
Event hotline: (02) 9339 6616
Sound checks and rehearsals
- Friday 20 February – 3:00pm to 5:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm
- Sunday 22 February – 10:00am to 11:00am
Event times
- Sunday 22 February – 12:00pm to 10:30pm
The Trust is committed to complying with all legislation and guidelines covering amplified sound levels at outdoor events. Read our Noise Management Plan.
How can I find out more information about scheduled events in Centennial Parklands?
While we inform all immediate neighbours of events that may require traffic changes via letterbox drop, we also provide information through our website, eNewsletters, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and our What’s On poster.
To receive up-to-date information about events and operational changes, you can sign up for our eNewsletters or join our online community via Facebook and X.
What other events are scheduled to take place in Centennial Parklands?
Visit our What’s On webpage to see what other events are happening in Centennial Parklands.
How do I find out about holding an event in Centennial Parklands?
Centennial Parklands has a range of venues for hire to suit a variety of events. Please visit our venue hire page to learn more.