Highlands Bushfest

29/10/2026

From field to finished hide, nothing goes to waste. At BushFest, Wild Roots Tasmania will show how traditional hide tanning turns an animal skin into something useful and lasting.

It's all part of respecting the harvest, using every part of the animal and keeping traditional bush skills alive. Come and see it for yourself at Highlands BushFest, 21–22 November in Bothwell.

21/10/2026

The Tasmanian Salami Prize is back, and this year we're adding the Tasmanian Jerky Prize! From venison and wallaby to beef and beyond, have you got a recipe worth sharing? Put it to the test! Entries are open now.

Tasmanian Salami Prize | Entries close 1 November
Tasmanian Jerky & Biltong Prize | Entries close 12 November

A big thanks to CLEAVER Salumi Cabinets, Hunting And The Outdoors, Brew Distill Ferment, Carnivore Collective and Tasmanian Prime Meat for getting behind the prizes. Join us at BushFest for demonstrations, winners and your chance to taste and vote in the Jerky & Biltong People's Choice! BushFest is Tasmania outdoors.

19/10/2026

New parking and traffic arrangements for BushFest 2026. We're making it easier and safer to get to BushFest this year! General parking has moved to the southern end of the Bothwell Recreation Ground, on the same side of the road as the Festival. That means no more crossing the road to get to BushFest!

Traffic management will be in place around the Festival, so please take your time, follow the signs and directions from our traffic and parking teams, and keep gates, driveways and emergency access clear. A little patience on the roads will help everyone arrive and leave safely. Same great BushFest, a safer way in!

18/10/2026

Getting off-road and exploring Tasmania is what BushFest is all about and who better to have along than Kyle and the team from Tassie 4x4? From getting your 4WD ready for an adventure to understanding recovery gear and tackling the tracks safely, these guys have plenty of knowledge to share.

We're so pleased to have Tassie 4x4 joining us as both exhibitors and sponsors, helping us get more people outdoors and exploring our own backyard. Hear why they're getting behind BushFest, then come and meet Kyle and the team in Bothwell!

Try it at BushFest. Do it in the Central Highlands.

17/10/2026

Summer is coming. Are you bushfire ready? See SES in action with a live vehicle rescue, check out firefighting equipment and learn a few skills that could make all the difference.

Tasmania Fire Service, Red Hot Tips and Tasmania SES are heading to BushFest with hands-on demonstrations and practical tips to help you stay safe at home and out in the bush. Come along, meet the crews and get ready for summer!

21–22 November | Bothwell Recreation Ground
Gold coin entry

BushFest is Tasmania Outdoors.

16/10/2026

Anyone with an interest in Tasmania’s wild deer are encouraged to have their say. The Tasmanian Government is reviewing how wild fallow deer are managed, and public consultation is now open.

However you are involved, this is your chance to help shape the next management plan. Read the discussion paper, complete the survey or make a submission.

14/10/2026

"Events like this are always successful when they're genuinely of their place, and Highlands BushFest is something that's truly reflective of the Central Highlands.”

A terrific message from Alex at Destination Southern Tasmania at our BushFest media launch.

Alex spoke about the importance of regional events in encouraging visitors to explore beyond Hobart, stay longer and support local businesses. That's exactly what we're working towards with BushFest.

The Central Highlands is at an important point in developing its visitor economy, with enormous potential to share more of our region with Tasmania and beyond. Having Destination Southern Tasmania alongside us, providing guidance, encouragement and advocacy, is incredibly important as we take those next steps.

We value that partnership, not just for BushFest, but for the future of tourism across the Central Highlands.

Regional events play an important role in bringing visitors into our communities, supporting local businesses and encouraging people to explore more of southern Tasmania.

Highlands Bushfest is a great example, with the event returning to Bothwell this November for two days of outdoor adventure, practical skills, demonstrations and hands-on experiences.

After attracting around 7,000 people in 2025, BushFest continues to provide a strong reason to visit the Central Highlands and discover more of the region while you’re there.

21–22 November 2026
Bothwell Recreation Ground
Gold coin donation

Read more on the DST website:
https://southerntasmania.com.au/media-release/highlands-bushfest-returns-to-bothwell/

Event Details:
https://hobartandbeyond.com.au/event/highlands-bushfest-2026/

Gourmet On The Road article by Winsor Dobbin:
https://www.gourmetontheroad.com/2026/10/on-target-meet-tasmanias-bush-festival.html

14/10/2026

Tasmanians are outdoors people. We love our camping and fishing and boating, hunting, four-wheel driving, but we haven't, outside of this festival, really got a way of celebrating it and putting it on show for everybody. A wonderful message from the Minister for Tourism, the Hon Roger Jaensch MP, at our BushFest media launch.

The Minister recognised how naturally BushFest aligns with Tasmania's outdoor identity and the opportunity to showcase experiences we do so well, but haven't always promoted as reasons to visit.

He also highlighted the importance of regional events in encouraging visitors to explore beyond our major attractions, particularly with the arrival of the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels opening up opportunities for more travellers to bring their caravans, campers and four-wheel drives.

It was terrific to have the Minister join us and recognise the important role BushFest plays in showcasing Tasmania's outdoor experiences, supporting regional tourism and encouraging visitors to explore the Central Highlands.

BushFest is Tasmania Outdoors.

21–22 November | Bothwell

There’s plenty to discover in Tassie’s great outdoors ⛺️🚙🎣

Highlands BushFest returns to Bothwell on 21-22 November, celebrating everything the Central Highlands has to offer, from its spectacular landscapes to its outstanding fishing, camping and outdoor adventures.

If you’re outdoorsy, get along and support this fantastic regional event 👍