Festival FAQs

Camping at the Festival

Bookings for the 2025 Festival will open on December 1st 2024.

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

You can buy tickets at the gate for any event and showgrounds camping, however this will be based on availability.

Do I need to print out my ticket?

You can present either a printed copy or digital copy on your phone or tablet.

Shuttle Bus Around Hughenden

The festival will be operating a free shuttle bus on Friday , Saturday and Sunday nights. Pick up locations will be the Allen Terry Caravan Park, Royal Hotel, Hughenden Industrial and Freight and the Bowls Club. Shuttles will run every 30 mins from 5pm – 7pm and 10pm – midnight.

Is the festival suitable for families?

We have some great activities to keep the kids entertained at the festival. We have free lantern making workshops, dance, art and singing workshopsthat are specifically for kids. A fishing competition will be held across the weekend that the whole family can participate in.We have family entertainment on Saturday Night by the lake and a couple of appearances from Dr Hubbles Bubbles across the weekend.There will giant board games at the showgrounds and there is plenty of room at the grounds to kick a footy.The only restriction is the Dinner under the Stars which is strictly for over 18’s only.

Are there Eftpos facilities available?

Most vendors will accept cash or card. There is also several ATM’s located around town. There is a National Bank in Brodie Street, ATMS at both pubs and the Aston and BP Service Stations.

Is there phone reception in Hughenden?

You can get reception on Telstra or Optus but please be aware that Telstra Aldi or Telstra Woolworths sim cards do not work in this region.

Is there free wifi available at the festival?

There is no free wifi at the showgrounds or the lake, however there is free wifi in Brodie Street (the main street), the Library and the Flinders Discovery Centre.

Where can I charge my phone?

Public access to USB charging stations is available on the main street (Brodie Street) – located in the centre strip next to the green bench seats and the Flinders Discovery Centre

Is there drinking water available at the showground campsites?

Yes, there are several taps located along the fence line at the powered and unpowered sites. The water in Hughenden is safe to drink.

What will the weather be like in May?

Day temperatures range between 26 – 30 degrees which is still warm enough to swim in the lake so bring your swim wear. Night time tempretures can drop down to as low as 18 degrees so make sure you take a jacket if attending night time events.

Can you swim in Hughenden Recreational Lake?

Yes, the lake was purpose built in 2019 for recreational use. The lake is filled by artesian and rainwater. The lake has also been stocked with fish and red claw. For more information on the lake head to our website www.visithughenden.com.au

Star Gazing at the Festival

Star gazing is great any clear night in the outback. You just need to find a spot free from light, a comfy chair or mat to lie on and look up! This time of year is especially great as the Eta Aquariid meteor shower occurs around the same time as the Festival of Outback Skies. This is the best shower of the year in the southern night skies and can be best seen between 3am -5am on the morning of May 6.The best places to view this are at Mt Walker or anywhere away from street or town lights. Call into the Visitor Centre for directions to the best locations.

Is the festival pet friendly?

Pets are allowed in camping areas within the Showgrounds, however will need to be supervised and restrained at all times. Pets are allowed to most events provided they are on a leash at all times. The exception is the Bull Ride on Friday from 6pm-9pm and the Dinner under The Stars from 6pm-11pm on Sunday night. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet. Flinders Shire Council does reserve the right to ask a dog to be removed from the festival event site if the dog barks excessively or becomes a nuisance for other patrons or livestock.

What is there to do around Hughenden

If you’re looking for something to add onto your trip to the region, the friendly staff at the Visitor Information Centre can assist you. Some of the top attractions in the area are:

  • Porcupine Gorge
  • Mt Walker
  • Hughenden Art Trail
  • There are three tourist drives, the Basalt, Flinders and Eromanga Byways
  • Flinders Discovery Centre
  • Koorooinya Nature Reserve

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