Thousands of people have descended on Bothwell for the Highlands Bushfest, which continues today with a fresh line-up of attractions and demonstrations at the local recreation ground.
The festival kicked off yesterday with several new activations, including Molly and Russell muster dog demonstrations, retrieval gundogs, archery and axe throwing, cooking displays and paragliding demonstrations.
“Bushfest is in its 11th year and has changed how Tasmanians and visitors come to the Central Highlands,” Destination Southern Tasmania Acting-CEO Damian Mather said.
“Since the inaugural event in 2014, Bushfest has raised awareness, strengthened community spirit and encouraged sustainable tourism.”
The festival has grown significantly, with attendance rising by 25% between 2023 and 2024. 7,500 people are expected to attend this year.
Central Highlands mayor Loueen Triffitt said about 40% of visitors had travelled from interstate or other long-distance locations.
“That is extraordinary for a largely self-funded, gold-coin-entry community event in a remote part of Tasmania,” she said.
Triffitt said all activities within the festival grounds were free once visitors had paid the entry donation.
The festival also provides free sites for local residents and businesses to showcase their products and services.
“Bushfest is built on community inclusion, not commercial barriers,” she said.
She said Bushfest had become one of Tasmania’s most trusted regional festivals.
“We are proud that Bushfest has become a major driver of annual visitation to the Central Highlands, helping us strengthen tourism dispersal and tell our region’s story to the rest of Australia,” she said.
