RV Friendlies & Events

Event date: 14 - 29 March 2026

The 2026 Hilltops Off The Beaten Track Art & Cultural Trail invites visitors to discover the artistic and cultural richness of the Hilltops region. Whether a lover of art, an admirer of live music, or simply seeking a memorable experience, this event offers something unique for everyone.

Running from 14 to 29 March 2026, the trail showcases the creativity and talent of the region, providing an extraordinary journey through its vibrant communities.

Guests are encouraged to save the date, gather friends and family, and plan a visit to experience this remarkable celebration of arts and culture. The Hilltops region looks forward to welcoming visitors to share in this special event.

Event date - 1 - 3 May 2026

The Festival of Outback Skies is a three day event that includes a range of activities including a bull ride, arts and craft workshops. Markets, cooking demonstrations, live music, a fine dining dinner under the stars, lantern parade to name a few.

Volunteer Opportunities 

Seeking volunteers to participate in a range of roles from administration, bar sales, traffic direction, showing people to their campsites, waitering, art workshops, minibus shuttle drivers and site set up. Volunteers receive a free powered camping site and entry to all ticketed events (except the dinner) To register your interest as a volunteer, please go to the festival website and fill out a volunteer application under the get involved tab. For all enquires contact Jennifer Tasker at tdo@flinders.qld.gov.au or phone 07 4741 2971.

Festival Location

The festival site is spread across three precincts all within 500m of each other. The site is also walking distance from the Hughenden CBD. The Hughenden Showgrounds will host the Dinner Under the Stars and the Bull Ride events, with live music, art workshops, cooking demos and more. The Art Sculpture Trail at the historic Coolabah Tree will showcase sculptural pieces entered into our Art Sculptural Competition. At the Hughenden Recreational Lake you can enjoy star gazing, water sports and food markets. The closing lantern parade is alongside the lake before they are released across the water.

Getting There

Hughenden and surrounds are serviced by rail, plane and bus routes and is a very accessible destination for those who prefer self-drive. There are five major roads entering Hughenden, from the north, south, east and west. Situated on the Overlander’s Way approximately half-way between Townsville and Mount Isa, the Hughenden region is a hub for many destinations.

Festival Camping

Flinders Shire Council have powered and unpowered sites available at the festival site. The sites do have access to toilets and showers. Powered sites are $90 for three nights (max 4 people per site), and unpowered sites are $45 for 2 nights (max 4 people). 

Festival Glamping 

For the ultimate accommodation experience at the festival treat yourself to a glamping tent located on the banks of the Flinders River. These glamping tents are next level luxury in camping. Six meter high European Bells tents with quality bedding, chairs, floor rugs, side tables, lights, phone charging station and a welcome pack. You also have a concierge 24/7 to look after your needs. The glamping tents are located a short walk across the river to the festival site. 3 nights twin share is $1,450. An additional queen bed can be rented for your tent to increase capacity to four people.

Event date: April - May 2026

Sculptures by the Bush is a tourist trail of outdoor creative artworks that will dot the scenic landscapes around Blayney over the April School Holidays every year.

Creative local residents, schools, businesses and community groups create sculptures in one of three categories: Hay Bale Art, Farm Art and Scarecrows.

It is a great opportunity to enjoy the country landscape, visit some of the small villages and see some creative displays.

Locals are called upon to get creative and build sculptures. A digital map and list of entries will be available on the Blayney Shire Council Website and Sculptures by the Bush Facebook Page closer to the event.