Event date: 9 May 2026
Mark your calendars as the Fifth Annual Childers Heritage Day, and part of the National Trust Australian Heritage Festival, gears up to be even more fun, more unique and more creative!
This year's event promises something for everyone as the town comes alive with activities and events, not only at the Childers Heritage Complex but at many other historical locations throughout the historical town.
Organised by the passionate volunteers of the Isis District Historical Society Inc., Childers Heritage Day celebrates the region's rich history while fostering community connection and well-being. President Scott Stedman remarked "We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved with Childers Heritage Day and are excited to introduce new events, sponsors, and participants this year that align with our purpose of preserving the past for the future. It's going to be a great day!"
This year's event will feature an expanded program which will include a location map to help visitors better plan the day. With more than 25 local businesses, organisations and not for profits participating, Childers Heritage Day is a true community event!
Join in for a fun filled day of history, activities and events.
Be sure to book your accommodation early!
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.
Friday 28 June 2026 - Sunday 7 July 2026 (Annual)
Festival of Voices celebrates the transformative power of singing that brings people together. Inspired by the age-old tradition of gathering around a fire, this Tasmanian winter event series has become Australia's leading singing celebration. Since the first Festival in 2005, our series of events has become a symbol of warmth and community, drawing 30,000 people during the Festival period. The Big Sing Bonfire, where it all began, remains a vital part of the Festival, symbolising the joy and vitality of singing together. The program includes various music styles, including choral, contemporary, and cabaret, attracting music lovers worldwide. Experience Festival of Voices with opportunities to attend concerts, participate in learning and development sessions, and engage in informal singalongs. It's an immersive blend of entertainment and development, ensuring a well-rounded celebration where all can enjoy a shared passion for singing.