Pioneer Weekend at the Historic Village Herberton proudly returns this year on May 30 – 31, marking its 17th anniversary with a jubilant celebration of local musical talent and Australia’s rich heritage.
Embark on a musical journey through the decades as Pioneer Weekend showcases an impressive line-up of local talent. From folk to rock to country, there’s something for every music enthusiast to enjoy.
In addition to the live music, Pioneer Weekend offers a myriad of activities and attractions to delight visitors of all ages.
Step back in time and engage in live demonstrations, try your hand at tin panning, join in on children’s games, or witness the artistry of blacksmithing.
Marvel at the marvels of turn-of-the-century steam-powered engines and machinery, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Australia’s past.
Experience the magic of Pioneer Weekend as we celebrate the vibrant tapestry of local talent and heritage. From toe-tapping melodies to immersive historical experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this iconic event.
The Historic Village Herberton is a 90-minute drive from Cairns, there is plenty of free parking on-site, including space for RVs and caravans. The village is mostly all abilities accessable with ramps and paths.
How did the Historic Herberton Village come to be?
Back in the 1950s, when many relics were being sold off for scrap metal and old buildings condemned for demolition, collector Harry Skennar had a vision – to preserve history for generations to come.
Harry and Ellen Skennar then set about creating The Village back in 1973, thankyou Harry and Ellen.
They brought the first building, Elderslie House, onto the site beside Wild River then many more buildings and relics followed. Most of the dwellings met for the first time when they arrived at the Village from around the region during the 1970s. With the exception of the Tin Pannikin Pub, everything in the village dates from Herberton’s foundation years and almost all the buildings are as they were originally constructed. Regular maintenance keeps them sturdy and secure and in some cases modern lighting, safety grills, screens and steps have been installed for visitors safety.
Beyond this, the buildings and thousands of original items displayed in and around them reflect everyday life in North Queensland as it was from the 1880s onward. When the Skennar’s had to pass their Village on, Connie and Craig Kimberley picked up the gauntlet and are beautifully ensuring that this precious vision and monumental effort is preserved for generations to come.
See:
historicvillageherberton.com.au
instagram.com/historicvillageherberton
