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| Festival of the Fleeces |
The charming Upper Hunter town of Merriwa is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors once again for the much-loved Festival of the Fleeces 2026, taking place across the June Long Weekend. With the exciting new theme “Nothing Equals Wool”, this iconic regional event promises three unforgettable days of country hospitality, family entertainment, agricultural heritage and authentic Australian wool culture.
Running for more than thirty years, the Festival of the Fleeces has become one of regional New South Wales’ premier rural celebrations. Every winter, Merriwa’s main street transforms into a lively festival hub filled with colourful market stalls, sheep dog demonstrations, live entertainment, traditional competitions and the famous Running of the Sheep parade featuring sheep dressed in their legendary red socks.
For travellers seeking an authentic Australian country experience, Festival of the Fleeces 2026 delivers one of the most entertaining and unique winter festivals in Australia.
A June Long Weekend Packed with Family Entertainment
The Festival of the Fleeces 2026 schedule offers something for every age group, making it an ideal destination for families, road trippers, caravanners and lovers of rural events.
The festivities officially begin on Friday evening with Opening Night celebrations. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, raffles, auctions, special guest speakers and a lively social atmosphere, with bar and restaurant facilities available throughout the evening.
Saturday is the festival’s major family fun day and the highlight of the weekend. Merriwa’s streets come alive with over 100 market stalls, entertainment stages, children’s rides and fascinating agricultural displays. Families can spend the entire day exploring the attractions while experiencing the warm hospitality for which the Upper Hunter region is famous.
Sunday morning concludes the festival with a traditional Woolshed Tour and full country breakfast, providing visitors with a memorable insight into Australian wool production and life on the land.
The Famous Running of the Sheep Returns
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| Festival of the Fleeces |
This quirky and uniquely Australian spectacle has become synonymous with the Festival of the Fleeces and continues to attract visitors from across Australia and overseas.
The Grand Parade accompanying the Running of the Sheep showcases the region’s rich agricultural history, local community spirit and rural traditions that have shaped the Upper Hunter for generations.
Experience Authentic Australian Wool Heritage
As the 2026 theme proudly declares, “Nothing Equals Wool”, the festival places a strong spotlight on Australia’s wool industry and the communities that support it.
Visitors can enjoy fascinating shearing demonstrations, sheep dog trials, sheep yard dog competitions and educational exhibits that highlight the importance of wool production to regional Australia.
Vintage cars, traditional crafts and agricultural displays also add to the festival atmosphere, creating a genuine country fair experience rarely found in larger city events.
For travellers wanting to connect with Australia’s rural heartland, the Festival of the Fleeces offers a perfect opportunity to learn about farming life while enjoying world-class country entertainment.
Why Merriwa Should Be on Your Australian Road Trip List
Located within the scenic Upper Hunter region of New South Wales, Merriwa is an increasingly popular destination for regional tourism. The town is surrounded by rolling farmland, country pubs, heritage buildings and beautiful rural landscapes that showcase the charm of inland Australia.
The June Long Weekend provides an ideal time to explore the region while attending the festival. Visitors often combine the event with scenic drives through the Upper Hunter, local food experiences and nearby country towns.
Accommodation options fill quickly during festival weekend, making early bookings highly recommended for travellers planning to attend Festival of the Fleeces 2026.
Festival of the Fleeces 2026 Highlights
Opening Night celebrations with live entertainment
Festival of the Fleeces - Over 100 market stalls
- The famous Running of the Sheep
- Sheep dog demonstrations and competitions
- Shearing demonstrations
- Children’s rides and family attractions
- Grand Parade through Merriwa
- Vintage car displays
- Woolshed Tour and country breakfast
- Traditional Upper Hunter hospitality
Plan Your Visit to Festival of the Fleeces 2026
Festival of the Fleeces continues to grow in popularity each year, attracting more than 7,000 visitors to Merriwa across the June Long Weekend. Whether you are a family seeking a memorable country getaway, a traveller exploring regional New South Wales or simply someone wanting to experience authentic Australian rural culture, this iconic festival belongs on your travel calendar.
Web Contact Details:Festival of the Fleeces Official Website: https://festivalofthefleeces.com.au/
Upper Hunter Country Tourism: https://upperhuntercountry.com/
Destination New South Wales: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
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