The 162nd Maryborough Highland Gathering is set to kick off this New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2025, bringing with it a sense of history and excitement that has echoed through the generations. 

Born during the gold rush and shaped by the hands of Scottish prospectors and businessmen who longed to recreate the New Year traditions of their homeland, the Gathering has grown into Australia’s oldest continuous sporting event. 

With over 160 years of heritage behind it, the Maryborough Highland Gathering is not just a local event; it draws crowds from all corners of the country eager to celebrate in true Scottish fashion.

This year’s event promises to be as lively as ever, starting with the grand street march at 11am, where both Highland Pipe Bands and Brass Bands will fill the air with stirring music. The iconic Max Martin Memorial 120-metre Maryborough Gift, now one of Australia’s most prestigious footraces, is set to draw both local and interstate competitors, alongside the adrenaline-pumping athletics events. From the 70-metre dash to the 1500-metre middle-distance race, men and women of all ages will battle it out for glory, with bookmakers on hand to keep things interesting.

Traditional Highland sports will be in full swing, with caber tossing and the sheaf toss testing both strength and precision. In the true spirit of the gathering, the sight of the massed Highland dancers will once again enchant the crowd, with two stages dedicated to performances throughout the day. 

The much-loved “Girl on the Drum” will take centre stage once more, a spectacle that has captivated audiences for over 35 years. Her graceful movements atop a bass drum, hoisted by three sturdy Scotsmen, set to the powerful sound of a full pipe band, create an unforgettable scene.

And it’s not just about the competition. The picturesque setting of Princes Park will be transformed into a festival ground with sideshows, novelty stalls, and rides to entertain the younger crowd. Princes Park Grandstand is the jewel in the crown of this precinct. It is an iconic landmark in Maryborough.

For those with a taste for Scottish flair, there’s a chance to be crowned the most appropriately dressed patron, and with massed Highland bands providing stirring music, the atmosphere is set to be electric.

The day winds down with a free evening concert and fireworks display, a fitting finale to welcome the new year in style. 

Reflecting on its rich history, the Maryborough Highland Gathering has endured through the ages, only pausing during the war years of 1942-45. Founded in 1857 by Scottish squatters, prospectors, and businessmen who had journeyed from Scotland to Victoria’s gold fields, the Gathering was a way to keep their heritage alive in their adopted home. Blending Scottish traditions with Australian sports and activities, the event has grown and evolved, maintaining its popularity well into the 21st century.

From humble beginnings on the gold fields to becoming a mainstay of New Year’s celebrations in Victoria, the Maryborough Highland Gathering continues to honour its origins while embracing the modern Australian spirit. 

As the 162nd event approaches, it is clear that this unique blend of sport, culture, and tradition remains as beloved as ever.

The 162nd Maryborough Highland Gathering will take place in Princes Park, Maryborough on Wednesday, 1st January 2025 from 9am to 10pm. For more information, visit Maryborough Highland Society’s website at http://www.highlandsociety.com.au.


Pictures: One spectacular event at Maryborough Highland Gathering is a dancer on top of a drum. Credit: facebook.com/Visit.Maryborough