Aberdeen Australia – Highland Games 2027

Aberdeen Australia – Highland Games

The Aberdeen Highland Games began in 2000 as a way to rally the small Upper Hunter town after the closure of its meatworks had hit the local economy hard. Locals seized on the town’s Scottish-sounding name and street names — McLeod, McAdam — to build a Highland Games modelled on nearby Bundanoon’s community-first approach, prizing participation and enjoyment over pure competition.

Held annually on the first Saturday of July at Jefferson Park, the Games have grown into a week-long community celebration, with the main Games day now bookended by a street parade and a traditional Kirkin’ of the Tartan ceremony the following morning.

Games Highlights:

• Massed Pipe Bands: Pipe and drum bands from across the region perform throughout the day, filling Jefferson Park with the sound of the pipes.
• Highland Dancing & Heavy Events: Traditional Highland dancing competitions run alongside classic heavy events like the caber toss, contested by “Kilted Warriors” strongmen and strongwomen.
• Clan Societies & Street Parade: Clan societies gather to celebrate Scottish heritage, with a street parade through town adding to the festive atmosphere.
• Ceilidh: The day winds down with a ceilidh — traditional Scottish social dancing and music — open to all comers, not just the experienced dancers.

Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:

• Tickets: General admission and separate ceilidh tickets are sold online ahead of the day — book early as the event draws visitors from well beyond the Upper Hunter.
• Novelty Events: Alongside the heavy events, look out for lighter novelty competitions like the three-legged race and the Kilted Dash — good fun for the whole family to join in.
• Getting There: Aberdeen sits just off the New England Highway, roughly two hours from Newcastle and about three-and-a-half hours from Sydney via the F3/M1 — driving is the most practical option.
• What to Wear: It’s a winter event in the NSW Hunter region, so dress warmly with layers for a day spent outdoors at Jefferson Park, with tartan very much encouraged if you have it.
• Accommodation: Aberdeen itself has only a handful of hotels, motels, and B&Bs, so many visitors base themselves in nearby Scone or Muswellbrook — either way, booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
• Explore the Region: Extend your trip into the wider Upper Hunter and beyond — browse top New South Wales tours and activities here.

The full program of events and the day’s running order are published closer to the event. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.