Flinders Shire Council, Media Release, 29 April 2025

Flinders Shire Council is excited to announce that the countdown is almost over, with just three days to go until the 2025 Festival of Outback Skies in Hughenden, running from 2-4 May 2025.

Now in its third year, this vibrant, community-led event continues to grow – and 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest and best Festival yet.

Festival favourites are all returning, including the thrilling Bull Ride on Friday night, creative hands-on workshops throughout the weekend, and the family-friendly Saturday Night Variety Show.

The much-anticipated Raft Race and Inflatable Race are back, along with the Fishing Competition and Art Sculpture Competition, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The Dinner Under the Stars has officially sold out, with 600 lucky festival-goers snapping up their tickets for the Night in Vegas-themed evening.

A major highlight of the 2025 Festival will be a first-ever performance of Yirendali culture on Sunday night, sharing the story of the Moonda Nurra Rainbow Serpent against the stunning backdrop of Hughenden Recreational Lake – a performance not to be missed.

Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle said the Festival was a true reflection of the community’s pride and spirit.

“The Festival of Outback Skies is a wonderful celebration of everything that makes Hughenden and the Flinders Shire so special,” said Mayor Peddle.

“It’s a credit to our passionate community, volunteers, and sponsors who bring this event to life.

“We’re proud to invite visitors to experience our culture, creativity, and hospitality – and I encourage everyone to come along and be part of it.”

Council would like to thank its incredible sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors Iberdrola, MITEZ, Festivals Australia, Tourism and Events Queensland, and Kpat Hotels, for their support in making this Festival possible.

Festival logistics update:

• The lake will be closed to motorised watercraft from 1pm on Sunday 4 May.
• Bones Memorial Drive will be closed from 1pm on Sunday 4 May.
• A free Festival Shuttle will operate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, with pick-up points at the Hughenden Bowls Club, Hughenden Pool, Hughenden Freight and Industrial, and the Royal Hotel.

Get involved: There’s still time to register your team for the Raft Race or Inflatable Race. Entry is free, and you could share in a prize pool of up to $3,000. Whether you build a raft or bring along an inflatable, there’s a race — and plenty of fun — for everyone.

Find out more and purchase tickets at: https://festivalofoutbackskies.com.au

This year’s festival has also been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program, and is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

Whether a first-time visitor or a returning fan, the 2025 Hughenden Festival of Outback Skies is an unmissable celebration of Outback life, culture, and community.

Stay updated by following the festival on:

• Website – www.festivalofoutbackskies.com.au
• Facebook – www.facebook.com/hughendenfestival
• Instagram – www.instagram.com/festivalofoutbackskies