Now you can test it before you take it.

There’s a new fixed pill testing (AKA drug checking) site in Fitzroy, Melbourne offering free, legal and confidential drug checking and health advice. No ID. No judgement.

It analyses your drugs to tell you exactly what’s in them. And while you’re there, you can have a cuppa and a chat with a peer harm reduction worker if you like.

At Beyond the Valley festival this year, 70% of people who used pill testing said it was their first-ever conversation with a healthcare provider about drugs. That’s huge news.

For our communities — where safe and affirming health spaces can be hard to find — pill testing offers something different: respect, care, and no shame.

Leave with the facts you need to make informed choices for you and your mates.

What actually happens at pill testing?

Here’s how it works: you bring a tiny sample of your drugs — about the size of a match head is all that’s needed. Chemists then test what’s inside using lab equipment. While you’re waiting for the results, you can chat with health workers about harm reduction, have a cuppa, or just hang out and watch the chemists at work. When the testing’s done, you’ll get your results in a private consultation room, where a peer harm reduction worker will explain what was found and, if needed, offer health and safety advice.

A great feature if the opportunity to chat with a peer worker. If you want to, you can ask about things like mixing with prescription meds, safe dosages, or anything you’ve been too nervous to ask elsewhere.

This service is here to help everyone, no matter who you are or what your experience is. It’s free and confidential—no names, no IDs needed.

If it’s called pill testing, can I get powders tested?

Yes!!!

Even though it’s called pill testing, you can get heaps of things checked, not just pills.

What you can test:

• Pills and capsules
• Powders and crystals
• Liquids and blotters

What you can’t test:

• Plants
• Edibles
• Very diluted substances

If you’re not sure whether your stuff can be tested, give them a quick call on 1800 762 844 — they’re super friendly and can talk you through it.

What about the police?

Good question. Under the Victorian trial, if you’re inside a pill testing service, you’re legally protected from being prosecuted for personal possession. No identifying information is collected at any stage, and you can’t be arrested or charged for using the service. The protections only apply while you’re inside the service area though, so it’s best to bring just a tiny amount with you — only what’s needed for testing. If you are unsure what that is, head to Harm Reduction Victoria

Where can you find it?

• At festivals: Mobile services are popping up at events across Victoria (they’ve already been at Beyond the Valley).
• In Fitzroy: fixed-site service at 95 Brunswick Street.

Opening hours:

Thursday 12pm – 4pm

Fridays 3pm – 7pm

Saturdays 1pm – 7pm

Free, walk-in, and running until June 2026. Look for the purple door!