More than 300 scouts and their families from across Queensland converged on Rowallan Park, Mackay for ScoutFest 2025, a bi-annual celebration of scouting that blended adventure, learning, and community spirit.
Chairperson and organiser Katrina Hoare said the event had grown remarkably over its 11-year history.
“ScoutFest started as Scout Care, which was kids with disabilities, and then we went back into ScoutFest the following year and opened it to the public one day,” she said.
“Since then, that’s been the format, a two-and-a-half-day camp starting Friday and finishing Sunday, with one day open to the public.”
This year’s public turnout saw roughly 150 people attending the open day, with the scouting presence the biggest yet. Families travelled from Moranbah through to Atherton, with rovers from Townsville and Charters Towers also taking part. Guides and senior leaders, including the Chief Commissioner and Assistant Chief Commissioner for Major Events, came from Brisbane to support the weekend.
The activities spanned everything from abseiling, kayaking, mountain biking, and archery to heritage displays and skill-building workshops. Scouts and visitors also tried their hands at rope making, wood burning, and more. The Rowallan Park Museum was opened for a “soft launch,” showcasing the region’s scouting history.
Katrina said the weekend delivered much more than just fun.
“The kids got to develop and work on already existing skills, such leadership, resilience and communication – all of those things that people say are missing in our society,” she explained.
“They made new friends, reconnected with old ones, and pushed themselves to try things they’d never done before.”
The event wasn’t just for kids either.
“We’ve had an eight-year-old abseil, and an 80-year-old go over the 10-metre tower two years ago, so it’s for the whole family!”
A much-loved tradition returned with the event shirts, revealed on the Friday night. Each edition features a secret colour and theme, with every scout, regardless of their home group, wearing the same shirt to symbolise unity.
Looking ahead, ScoutFest will return in August 2027, with the public day confirmed for Saturday, 21 August. Organisers are already aiming for 500 participants and expect even greater support.
With its mix of adventure, skill-building, and heritage, Katrina said ScoutFest offered something special for the whole region.
“There’s nowhere else like it outside of Brisbane,” she said.
“Rowallan Park is only seven kilometres from Bunnings North Mackay, but it’s 72 hectares of the most beautiful spot you could imagine.”
More than 300 scouts and their families gathered at Rowallan Park in Mackay for ScoutFest 2025, a weekend filled with adventure, skill-building, and community spirit. Photo credit: Geoff Kitchin
From kayaking and abseiling to heritage displays and leadership workshops, the bi-annual event united all ages and will return even bigger in August 2027. Photo credit: Claire Stribbles Photography
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