Victorian Pill Testing Service

Victoria's mobile pill testing service is rolling out at 10 festivals across the state.

What is pill testing?

Victoria's approach to harm reduction puts people's health and safety first.

Pill testing is a free, legal and confidential health service that analyses the contents of drugs and provides accurate information to help people make safer, more informed choices.

Victoria has seen a rise in drug-related emergency department admissions and overdose deaths involving novel synthetic drugs. With new and highly potent drugs circulating, the risk of serious harm and overdose is increasing.

Pill testing can detect life-threatening substances and reduce potential harms by giving people the information they need to make informed decisions. The service can test the make-up of most pills, capsules, powders, crystals and liquids. It can’t test drugs in food items, plants, or very diluted substances.

Evidence shows that pill testing doesn't encourage people to use drugs. It allows people to see what's really in their substances and make informed, safer choices.

Pill testing service in Fitzroy

The Victorian Pill Testing Service has established a fixed site service at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. It will operate as an implementation trial until June 2026.

The free, legal and confidential walk-in service is open to all. With non-judgmental health and harm reduction advice, people can better understand the risks and make safer, more informed choices.

The service operates three days a week, opening:

• Thursdays 12pm-4pm
• Fridays 3pm-7pm
• Saturdays 1pm-7pm

From 1 December 2025, the service will be open for extended hours over summer, opening:

• Thursdays 10am-4pm
• Fridays 1pm-7pm
• Saturdays 1pm-7pm

To support festival goers during the summer season and meet increased demand ahead of major events and public holidays, the service will also open on the following dates:

Pill testing at music festivals

Victoria's mobile pill testing service will operate at 10 festivals and events during the trial. The aim of the mobile trial is to reach diverse audiences, test in different settings and learn how pill testing can be delivered in Victoria in the most effective way.

During the 2025-26 music festival season the service will be at five major events providing free, confidential drug checking to help reduce harm and keep festival goers safe.

The first four events are:

• Spilt Milk – 6 December 2025
• Dangerous Goods 6XXL – 24 January 2026
• Victoria’s Pride Street Party – 8 February 2026
• Pitch Music and Arts – 6-10 March 2026.

A fifth event for this season will be announced soon.

Last summer the mobile service supported more than 1500 people and tested close to 1400 samples at five events. Events included Beyond the Valley Festival, Hardmission, Pitch Music and Arts Festival, Ultra and The Warehouse Project.

Data from the events shows the service's focus on harm reduction is working. For 65% of service users, it was the first time they had ever spoken to a health professional about drug and alcohol safety. About one in three people said they would take a smaller amount after having this conversation.

How does pill testing work?

The pill testing service is free, confidential and anonymous.

When you arrive at the service you will be asked to provide a small sample of your drugs. This is usually a tiny scraping of a pill or a bit of powder that a scientist will analyse.

A member of our harm reduction team will explain your results with harm reduction advice tailored to your sample and situation.

The talk may include information about:

• what the substance is made of, including expected substances and anything unexpected and potentially harmful
• how to reduce the harms the substance may cause
• how the substance may interact with prescription medications and existing health conditions
• how to access health services or other supports if you choose.

For many, this will be the first time they've had a chance to talk openly with a health professional about drug use in a confidential, legal, judgement-free space.

You will not get into trouble for using the pill testing service as it is legal to use.

How to reduce the risk of overdose

If you plan to use drugs, take steps to protect yourself:

• Take a small amount first and wait until you feel the effects before you decide whether to take more or not. Start low and go slow. Time of onset and effects can vary.
• Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather. Drink water and hydrolytes regularly.
• Don't use alone – be with someone and watch out for each other. If someone feels unwell, find help straight away. You won’t get into trouble if you ask for help.
• Overheating, confusion, or trouble breathing are red flags. Get help quickly.
• Set limits and know where to go for help before you need it.

All drug use comes with risks, so take the following precautions:

• Be aware that false or contaminated drug products may be in Victoria, even if no specific warning has been issued about them.
• Get free naloxone and carry it with you – no matter what drugs you think you’re getting.
• Remember, even 'pure' drugs can have serious side effects and cause death, and can interact dangerously with medication. Get the facts on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation website.

See Drug overdose to learn what a drug overdose looks like and what to do if someone around you needs help.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000). Paramedics are focused on saving lives, not reporting drug use
• DirectLine Tel. 1800 888 236 – for help with alcohol or drug use, information, and support to access treatment