RV Friendlies & Events

The Cardwell Pioneer Tours are currently operating every Monday and Thursday morning from 10am at the Visitor Information and Heritage Centre located in Cardwell. The tour incorporates all the buildings in the historic precinct and takes visitors on a fascinating journey of the area’s colourful history as they move through each building. The tour begins at the old Bush Telegraph building which was the Telegraph and Post Office and explains how Cardwell was founded in 1864 as the first port in North Queensland. Over in the Courthouse visitors can gain an understanding of the old judicial system. Several interesting items are on display including the original straight-jackets used in Tully to restrain the more energetic offenders. The old lock-up building was still in use during the1980s at the Cardwell Police Station. The final building is the old Shire Hall which the community used for a multitude of purposes included balls and other formal social events. The tour concludes on the balcony of the Visitor Information Centre where visitors can enjoy a complementary Devonshire Tea while taking in one of the best views in North Queensland overlooking Hinchinbrook Island, Gould Island and the Family Islands

Event date: 20 March - 29 March 2026

From humble beginnings in 1991, Orange FOOD Week has grown into Australia's longest-running regional food festival. Over 10 days in autumn each year, we celebrate the Orange region's produce, producers and chefs with a program of unique events.

FOOD Week features six signature events and a fabulous array of satellite events at local venues. All events incorporate local produce, celebrating the story of our region’s food and wine.

This commitment to provenance makes FOOD Week Australia's longest-running regional food festival, acclaimed as one of the top ten in the country.

Event date: 11 April - 19 April 2026 

See the magic and spectacle as one of the Southern Hemispheres biggest Hot air balloon events takes to the sky over the beautiful Canowindra countryside in Central West NSW.

The action is at either end of the day with balloons flying at sunrise and in the last hour before sunset over a 9 day period at the beginning of April.

The signature event is the Cabonne Community Glow and night markets where you will enjoy local produce, wine, crafts and entertainment culminating in a night display as the balloons light up synchronised to music.

Watching the balloons each day is free but there is an entry charge for the Balloon Glow.

As the action happens at either end of the day this leaves plenty of time for exploring the incredible sights in the area and visting the villages and town of the area. Stop in at wineries and local food producers to get a real sense of how wonderful this area is.

Whilst in Canowindra visit the Age of Fishes Museum (home of the State Fossil), wander down the historic main street or enjoy art galleries, wonderful coffee, cellar doors and quirky shopping.