Geelong Highland Gathering

The Geelong Highland Gatherings date back to 1857 when the first gathering was held on New Years Day and organised by the local "Commun Na Feinne" Society formed in 1856.  It was held on the "plains of South Geelong" east of Bellarine Street

There was a large population of migrant Scotsmen in Victoria during the early colonial days and the Geelong Highland Gathering included popular sports, piping and dancing. It was the premier event on the Victorian Scottish calendar and attracted the best pipers and dancers from around the State.I

In 1958 the then Newtown Chilwell City Council recommenced the event as a part of the municipalities centenary celebrations. The 'Gathering' was recommenced at its present day location in Queens Park alonside the Barwon River. Since 1995 the Geelong Highland Gathering has been organised by the Geelong Highland Gathering Association,  a voluntary, incorporated, not for profit, cultural organisation.

The Geelong Highland Gathering is one of the most popular, and comprehensive displays of Scottish culture, livestock, merchandise and musical folklore (and forms part of the late summer Victorian circuit of Highland Games) in Australia.