Brigadoon – The Bundanoon Highland Gathering 2027

Brigadoon – The Bundanoon Highland Gathering

Established in 1978 as a small fundraiser run by a handful of local pipe bands, the Bundanoon Highland Gathering has grown into one of Australia’s finest Highland gatherings, transforming the Southern Highlands village of Bundanoon into “Brigadoon” for a single day each year. It remains a non-profit event, run to raise funds for local community organisations.

Held annually each autumn, the gathering fills the village and its showground with pipe bands, dancers, athletes and clan societies from across the country.

Gathering Highlights:

• Street Parade & Massed Pipe Bands: Dozens of pipe bands, clans and floats march through the village before joining together for a massed pipes-and-drums display.
• Highland & Scottish Country Dancing: Competitive and display dancing runs throughout the day alongside individual pipe band performances.
• Heavyweight Championship & Kilted Dash: Traditional strength events including the Bundanoon Stones and the Australian Highland Heavyweight Championship, plus the crowd-favourite Kilted Dash fun run.
• Clan Stalls & Kids’ Games: Over 30 clan information stalls, market stalls selling tartan and traditional food, and family activities including the Bonnie Bairns competition for young children.

Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:

• Tickets: Entry is ticketed, with proceeds going to local charities as a registered non-profit event — tickets are best secured ahead of the day rather than at the gate.
• Arrive Early: The village is small and fills up fast on gathering day, so arriving early makes for easier parking and a better spot along the parade route.
• Getting There: Bundanoon sits in the Southern Highlands, roughly two hours’ drive south-west of Sydney, with a direct NSW TrainLink service running to Bundanoon railway station in the village centre.
• What to Wear: Southern Highlands autumn days can be cool and changeable, so bring a jacket, comfortable walking shoes — and a bit of tartan if you have it.
• Accommodation: Rooms across Bundanoon and the wider Southern Highlands book out well ahead of the gathering, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
• Explore the Southern Highlands: Extend the trip with the region’s gardens, wineries and gourmet food scene around nearby Bowral — browse top Bowral tours and activities here.

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