Bundanoon Highland Gathering
Ceud Mile Failte- One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

In the beautiful but rugged area of the Southern Highlands in New South Wales, slightly reminiscent of the Highlands of Scotland, lies the village of Bundanoon.

This village over the past 28 years has gained the envious reputation throughout Australia as the Premier location for hosting the traditional Scottish Highland Games.

Every year in April over 15,000 Australians many, not necessarily of Scottish descent make an annual pilgrimage to this outstanding event to enjoy and participate in the gathering known, as "Bundanoon is Brigadoon". The 2006 gathering is on Saturday April 8.

Bundanoon is a comfortable 2 hours drive from Sydney, 1.5 hours from Canberra and the South Coast, which makes it the ideal location for travellers who just want to pop in for the day or for others who wish to stay and enjoy "Brigadoon" and the hospitality and culture of the Southern Highlands.

Consequently from their humble beginning which began with a handful of pipe bands and spectators this gathering has grown to into one of the finest Highland Gatherings in Australia.

With such an influx of people coming into the Southern Highlands, local businesses and the hospitality trade in particular have thrived, there is hardly a room available anywhere and in most cases all accommodation is booked a year in advance.

"Brigadoon" begins with the sound of Bagpipes drifting across the village from first light in preparation for a day of celebration. All roads lead to Bundanoon or so it would seem as the village waits in anticipation, cars, coaches, bikes and the ever-faithful New South Wales Rail Transport Museum "Southern Aurora" arrives bringing the thriving throng of spectators preparing for a day of festivities.

The Street Parade starts at 9.30am and features some 25 Pipe Bands from all over the State accompanied by a large variety of decorated floats and marching Clan Societies. The parade makes their way some one kilometre to the Bundanoon Oval accompanied by the crowds of spectators.

The Opening Ceremony begins at 10.45am on the Oval and the Gathering is officially opened by the Chieftain of the Day. Spectators are then treated to a spectacular Massed Pipes and Drums display of highland music, with over 600 Bandsmen participating one has really got to be there to appreciate the sheer magic of the occasion. With the swirling of a myriad of coloured tartans and music that stirs the heart and makes you proud to wear the Kilt of your ancestors.

At the Oval there are over 150 specialist stalls, selling everything imaginable, from Scottish pies to shortbread, from Clan memorabilia to souvenirs, with copious amounts of burgers, steaks and a variety of food promoting every nationality, even the Scots favourite "Haggis, Tatties and Neeps".

Everyone is made most welcome at the gathering and encouraged to participate in the "Traditional" and not so "traditional" games. The committee recognises this as a "The Ideal Family Day Outing" and encourages mass participation by spectators and especially the children. Spectators can try their luck at Tossing the Caber, Shot Putt, Haggis Hurling, Kilted Races, Egg Throwing and Water Toss. There is also a Bonny Bairns highland dress competition for all the proud parents.

Throughout the day you can enjoy Highland and Scottish Country dance demonstrations, and for those who like to try something new you are cordially invited to join in. There are 30 Scottish Clans and Societies tents and they have their own area where many people make their way to enquire about their Scottish heritage and ancestry.

During the day at irregular intervals the Pipe Bands entertain the crowds with there own special individual styles of music and display marching. This being a non-competitive gathering the bands can relax and really enjoy themselves without the added pressure of being under the spotlight of judges.

One of the main events of the day is the display of strength by David Huxley, Australia's world heavy events champion and his Tartan Warriors. These giants of men compete in a competition to lift the "Bundanoon Stones of Manhood"(Proudly Sponsored by Dewar's Whisky) there are 5 stones of incredible weight ranging from 100 to 165 kilograms. This really is a wonderful contest of speed, agility and strength.

As the day of festivities comes to and end and the closing ceremony approaches the crowd are once again treated to the spectacle of the Massed Pipes and Drums display which is followed by the lone piper and a closing address by the Chieftain.

Those diehard fanatics who wish to continue on in the Scottish mood can join in the "Official Brigadoon Ceilidh" held at the Bundanoon Soldiers Memorial Hall, bookings are essential and can be made on (02) 2443 6033. The weekend is finally brought to a close on Sunday morning with an Ecumenical Church service for the "Kirkin of the Tartan"

More Details 2006 Admission Adults $15, Child $5, Family $35 (2 adults & 2 Children)