The Aberdeen Highland Games is held annually in the Upper Hunter town of Aberdeen in New South Wales Australia.

Getting There

Held in Jefferson Park Aberdeen, access is very easy with signs directing you where to go for parking and entry to the park.  There is ample parking available on site which is managed by with local SES volunteers.  They will direct you  to a parking spot and ensure they car parking is orderly so that people can get in and out safely.

Buying Tickets to the Aberdeen Highland Games

Tickets can be purchased on the day, or on-line.   On-line purchases give you a discount of $5.00 (in 2018). Tickets purchased on-line also enable faster entry which is a great way to avoid queuing. 

All action is based in one of two ovals and a dancing stage and fully surrounded with market stalls selling Scottish heirlooms and souvenirs.

It’s very cold so rug up or dress in theme.

Events on the Day

Initially there is an opening chieftain’s address welcoming guests and sponsors and giving information about what’s happening during the day (you can also buy a guide book).

The day’s events then start with the massed pipe bands. Each clan and band enters dressed their clan’s tartan playing bagpipes and drums. Once all of the bands are on the field, they perform a massed march of the bands. They march up and down the field several times, so there is ample opportunities to see everything and take photos.

The Australian Defence Force sent the Australian Federation Guard Precision Drill Team. Selected from all three services, they provided an amazing display of precision marching and weapons firing.

The Scottish dancing competitions are held on the central stage. These are very popular, so to get a good view, get in early and get a good spot.

The strong men in the tartan warriors competition is a highlight of the day.  Events include the sheaf toss, caber toss and commenced with the stones, or Clach Cuid Fir.

The bands compete individually to choose the best band, so the sound of bagpipes is in the air the whole day. This gives a great atmosphere throughout the day.

To see what else there is to do in the Hunter Valley, please see some of our other stories.