13 Mar 2026
Tags: #CulturalTourism, #visitAustralia, #VisitNSW, #ScottishTown, #MacleanNSW, #thegreathighlandbagpipes, #CulturalFestival
For one weekend each year, Maclean, on Yaegl Country, Northern Rivers NSW, Australia, doesn’t just nod to its Scottish roots. It pulls on the tartan, tunes the pipes and welcomes clans from far and wide for the 121st Maclean Highland Gathering, 3-4 April 2026.
Held every Easter Friday and Saturday, this iconic event is one of Australia’s longest-running Scottish celebrations, proudly presented by the Lower Clarence Scottish Association. For more than 120 years, generations have gathered at the Maclean Showground overlooking the Clarence River for a weekend of heritage, music, competition and community.
Friday sets the tone with Solo Pipes and Drums by the river, followed by the prestigious McSwan Family Gold Medal and a lively Ceilidh in the Park at McLachlan Park - picnic rugs encouraged.
Saturday is the full spectacle. Pipe Bands on Parade thunder down River Street before the main arena springs to life with Highland dancing, heavy events (yes, the caber toss), clan stalls and fierce band competitions. The finale? The Massed Pipe Bands, more than 300 musicians playing as one, creates a spine-tingling moment that carries across the water. Then finish your day with 'An Evening with Willie MacCallum', a world-class concert of the Great Highland Bagpipe.
Beyond the Gathering, Maclean is known for its tartan poles with over 200 of them, each representing a Scottish clan. Track down your family connection, or just admire the riot of colours along the streets with the Tartan Pole Map. No clan? No worries. Feel free to “adopt a pole for the day” and claim it as your own!
But wait, there's more to Maclean. Maclean’s story goes well beyond kilts and cabers. Give yourself time to wander:
1. Follow the Lower Clarence Aboriginal Tourist Drive
Learn about Yaegl Country through places of cultural, historical and environmental significance. This self-guided drive offers a deeper understanding of the land beneath your feet. Starting in Maclean this drive will take to Woombah, Yamba and Angourie.
2. Step inside the Maclean District Museum and Stone Cottage
A small museum with big stories, from river trade and early industries to everyday life along the Clarence.
3. Take in the view from Maclean Lookout and the Pinnacles
Head up to the Maclean Lookout and The Pinnacles and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping river and valley views. It’s a place of cultural significance for Yaegl Peoples, with signage that helps visitors understand its importance.
4. Fish, picnic or pause at McLachlan Park
Right on the river and right in town is a perfect spot to cast a line, unpack lunch or recover from a ceilidh.
5. Wander River Street
Shop, browse, snack and stroll your way along Maclean’s River Street. It’s relaxed and proudly local.
6. Follow the Clarence Valley Public Art Trail
Right here on River Street you’ll find the mural of Yaegl Elder Uncle Ron, by artist NITSUA and nearby, the Yarning Circle by artist Frances Belle Parker, contemporary expressions of culture and connection.
7. Walk the Maclean Heritage Trail
Step back through layers of town history colonial buildings, river stories and everyday moments from history.
8. Coffee stops worth lingering for.
Taste the coffee culture in Maclean. Watch beans roast behind glass walls at Botero Coffee, or grab a coffee and lunch at one of Maclean’s welcoming cafés.
9. Drop into Ferry Park Gallery
A creative space showcasing local artists & crafts. Grab a coffee next door and enjoy the riverfront gallery.
10. Where the Day Winds Down
End the day the local way: a cold beer at Sanctus Brewing in Townsend, a meal inside the Argyle Hotel’s restored heritage walls, or an easy night out at the Maclean Hotel or Bowling Club.
