RV Friendlies & Events

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.

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: 28 May 2027

The Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival celebrates the essence of the Burdekin region, renowned as the Sugarcane Capital of Australia, by showcasing its people, produce and culture.

Consisting of two headline events, the Sweet Days Hot Nights Festival starts with the Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring First Fire on Friday night, followed by the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships on Saturday at the Home Hill Showgrounds.

The Burdekin Cultural Fair featuring First Fire celebrates the diversity of the Burdekin region bringing together a diverse range of cultures through a variety of culinary delights, interactive activities and captivating entertainment. Don't miss the highlight of the night, the lighting of the first fire of the 2027 sugarcane crushing season. Hear the crackling of the crop burning, smell the sweet essence of the burning sugar and feel the heat of the fire as it tears through the paddock.

The Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships is the ultimate test of skill and endurance, with competitors swinging their cane knives in hopes to be crowned the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Champion! Spectators will have the opportunity to walk through a paddock of burnt sugarcane, immersing themselves in the dirty, back-breaking work of a by-gone era. This family-friendly event promises great food, live music, captivating entertainment and so much more!