163rd Maryborough Highland Gathering

THURSDAY
1st January 2026

A new year celebration like no other THERE aren’t too many events in Australia that can claim to have thrived and survived for over 160 years and after a two-year hiatus, the Maryborough Highland Gathering is back for its 162nd instalment this New Years Day.

Maryborough’s Highland Gathering was originally formed by Scottish squatters and businessmen in an attempt to recreate the New Year celebrations of their native home. Today, the Highland Gathering attracts people from all across the country – athletes, dancers, musicians, and those who just want to soak up the incredible atmosphere of piped bands and traditional Scottish culture.

The program has something for everyone. A piped band street parade, all-day athletics, highland dancing on two stages all day, Highland games and traditional strongmen event. Track events on the day range from 70-metre sprints to middle-distance races over 1500 metres. There are events for both men and women, including veterans. The athletics program culminates with the running of the $15,000 Max Martin Memorial Maryborough Gift, contested over 120 metres; now one of the country’s most prestigious footraces.

Anyone who’s attended the event over the past 35 years will have a lasting memory of the Girl on the Drum spectacular that has become a highlight of the New Year celebrations. It features a highland dancer atop a base drum, lifted to the shoulders of three burly Scots. Flanked by a full piped band and other traditional dancers, it really is a sight and sound spectacular not to be missed. There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained too, with games, sideshows and rides happening throughout the day. The day concludes with a free evening concert and fireworks display – a great way to celebrate the new year.

Entry to Princes Park is $16 for adults, $8 for seniors, with children under 16 free. For more information call 5461 1480

A new year celebration like no other. THERE aren’t too many events in Australia that can claim to have thrived and survived for over 160 years.

Maryborough Highland Society proudly announces the 163rd Maryborough Highland Gathering, to be held on New Year’s Day, Thursday 1 January 2026, at Princes Park, Maryborough. This year’s event carries special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the beloved “Girl on the Drum” spectacular—a tradition that has become the beating heart of the Gathering’s celebrations

A Celebration Like No Other

The Maryborough Highland Gathering is Australia’s oldest continuous running cultural event, first held in 1857 by Scottish settlers seeking to recreate the festive spirit of their homeland. Today, it remains a vibrant showcase of Scottish heritage, athletics, music, and dance, drawing thousands of visitors from across the country.

This year’s program includes:

  • 🎶 The Harrold Hubble Pipe Band Street Parade filling the streets with stirring Scottish music

  • 🏃 All-day athletics, from sprints to the prestigious $15,000 Max Martin Memorial Maryborough Gift and Glenn Hooper Ladies Gift

  • 💃 Highland dancing on two stages, featuring competitors of all ages

  • 💪 Traditional Highland Games and strongman events, celebrating strength and endurance

  • 🎡 Family entertainment, including rides, sideshows, and children’s activities

  • 🎆 Free evening concert and fireworks, closing the day with a spectacular finale

Spotlight: 50 Years of the “Girl on the Drum”

For half a century, the Girl on the Drum has captivated audiences with its breathtaking display. A highland dancer, poised atop a massive bass drum, is lifted high on the shoulders of three burly Scots, surrounded by a full pipe band and dancers. This unforgettable performance has become the signature moment of the Gathering, embodying the spirit, spectacle, and tradition of Maryborough’s New Year celebrations.

The tradition began after long-time Highland Society member Morrie Hutchinson witnessed the performance in Aberdeen in 1960 and suggested it to then-President Bill Sinclair. On 1 January 1976, the first Maryborough performance featured local dancer Christine Maas, supported by drum bearers Darky Duncan, Barry Lugg, and Don Norton.

From 1976 to 2020, the Girl and Drum were lifted onto the shoulders of three bearers. In recent years, health and safety considerations led to the introduction of a support stand from 2024 onwards, ensuring the tradition continues safely for future generations. Despite interruptions during the COVID years and in 2023, dedicated mentors such as Andrew Rae and Chris Plover have kept the tradition alive by teaching new dancers, including Cobi Kaye, to carry it forward.

In 2026, the Gathering will pay tribute to this milestone with special acknowledgments and a commemorative performance, ensuring the 50th year of the Girl on the Drum is remembered as a defining chapter in the event’s proud history

Event Details

  • 📍 Location: Princes Park, Maryborough, Victoria

  • 📅 Date: Thursday 1 January 2026

  • 🎟️ Entry: $18 adults, $10 seniors, children under 16 free

  • 📞 Contact: Maryborough Highland Society – (03) 5461 1480

The Maryborough Highland Gathering is Australia's oldest continuous running cultural event.

Now into its 163rd Year

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2025 Events Timetable
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History of the Highland Gathering

The Maryborough Highland Gathering has been conducted each New Year since its formation in 1857 with the enforced exception of the years of 1942-45 when the Australian Commonwealth was at war and the Highland Gathering went into recess for the duration of this national crisis.

The Highland Gathering was originally formed by gold prospectors, Scottish squatters and businessmen who had arrived in the goldfields and central Victoria from Scotland. They organised an event to re create their traditional New Year Highland celebrations in their adopted land.
Combined and melded with Australian sports, recreation and athletics this tradition has survived and thrived for over 160 years and is as popular now as in its inception in 1857.

The Maryborough Highland Gathering has a proven long and proud History and is now into its 163rd year.

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Photos Courtesy of the Maryborough Advertiser
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