If you’re up for a little Australian outback adventure, gather your crew and head west for Big Skies 2018. The inaugural festival celebrates the sights, tastes and unique experiences that the Western Downs has to offer and invites you to enjoy some good old fashioned country hospitality. Running from Saturday April 28 to Sunday May 6, Big Skies 2018 offers a wide range of activities for all ages, from race days to hearty bush tucker complete with all of the trimmings. Frock up for the Dalby Picnic Races, rock out to Richard Clapton, cook alongside Hayden Quinn and take in the beautiful countryside in a hot air balloon all while camping in the backyard of spectacular historic Jimbour House. How will you be spending the May Day long weekend?
The Big Skies festival line-up includes:
Dalby Salesyards Tour:
A must for all Big Skies attendees! Don’t miss your chance to embark on an exclusive guided tour of the Dalby Saleyards and to experience all of the excitement of Sale Day! The Dalby saleyards are the largest same-day prime and store cattle sale and second largest selling centre in Australia. Meet farmers, auctioneers and other colourful saleyard characters.
Camp Oven Experience:
The camp kitchen will be cooking up the ultimate camp oven experience on Thursday May 3 and Friday May 4. Enjoy a traditional two course Aussie feast consisting of a succulent roast meal with all the trimmings as well as a true-blue Aussie dessert and a side of good old fashioned country hospitality for just $25.
Big Night Sky – Guided Tour of the Galaxy:
Take an extraordinary ride into to the galaxy, as we bring our region’s spectacular night skies to life with the Guided Tour of the Galaxy at Jimbour Station. Join our expert guide, James Barclay, and travel through the Milky Way, the Big Dipper and the Southern Cross all from the comfort of your picnic rug or camping chair. The Big Skies Guided Tour of the Galaxy is a free event and is suitable for all ages, so bring the family along for a beautiful night out under the Western Downs’ big night skies.
Day on the Plain:
Are you ready to rock? Join us on the Jimbour Ampitheatre to hear some of Australia’s best rock ‘n’ roll artists including Eurogliders, Wendy Matthews, Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, Glenn Shorrock, Richard Clapton, Frankie J Holden and Wilbur Wilde. This is an event not to be missed!
Hot Air Balloon Breakfast:
Join balloon pilots as they inflate their balloons on the Jimbour Airstrip from early morning before ascending into the sky and creating an exhilarating back drop to our natural landscape. The atmosphere of the balloons is complemented by a delicious hot breakfast available for purchase along with champagne and orange juice. The breakfast is $25 per person.
Hot Air Balloon Ride:
Take in the sights of the Western Downs like you have never seen it before as you ascend into the sky to enjoy a spectacular balloon ride over the majestic Jimbour Plain. Be prepared to experience breathtaking views by this truly unique experience. Please note that the ticket cost is cost per person and that balloon baskets vary in size, therefore you will be sharing a balloon experience with other balloon enthusiasts! Cost is $350.00 per person and be prepared for an early departure at approximately 6:00 am! The flight time is approximately 45 min.
Food and Fibre Festival:
The Western Downs region is ready to showcase everything locally grown and sewn. Talk with growers as they share their passion for turning humble soil and grass into quality food and fibre, shining a spotlight on the skilled, passionate and diverse growers around us. Watch models strut their stuff in the fashion parade, enter the signature dish competition, enjoy artisan workshops and sample the array of market stalls and exhibitors. Featuring entertainers from our local region and beyond, Food and Fibre will be a great day out for all ages with plenty to eat, see and do.
