Riverina Light Horse Challenge & Australian Horizons Foundation Bush Festival

The Riverina Light Horse Challenge & Bush Festival brings all the fun & action to GRONG GRONG for a weekend of Camaraderie & Camping with Horses & Horsepower!

Gate opens at 9am Saturday 11th May.

(Please show your booking receipt upon ARRIVAL to receive your wristband. Cash & Card accepted at the gate, BBQ & Bar) 

Start the day testing your skills in the Whip cracking competition before trying your hand at the swag rolling, tent pitching and knot tying. 

There's plenty of fun for all the family with mixed age teams and junior relay races, games and events with prizes for the kids. 

The feature event is the action-packed Riverina Light Horse Challenge. Horses & riders in unison will test their speed, agility, and accuracy in the Skill at Arms Competition. The Riverina Troop are hosting this inaugural event that maintains the traditions of the Australian Light Horse, shares the stories and keeps their memories alive. 

Throughout the day, check out the Aussie Utes & Steeds of Steel Show & Shine. Nominate your favourites in the People's Choice awards to be announced with the event presentations in the afternoon at the conclusion of the Skill at Arms Challenge.

No bush festival would be complete without a Mullet competition, so look after those locks & register by gold coin donation before 2pm on the day. Judging will take place at the conclusion of the Light Horse Challenge with winners announced at the presentations.

The camp oven cook off will test the best of the best scone makers and their secret recipes. Camp oven cooking is a special skill and the perfect scone can take years of practice to achieve. Please register by gold coin donation by 2pm. Judging will take place from 4.30-5pm and the winners will be announced at the presentations.

Everyone is invited for an evening of music and mateship till late as we enjoy a BBQ dinner with a few bevvies, and gather by the fire.  It's time to warm up the vocals for the Open Mic session, and enjoy an evening of recitals by Bush Bards, Bullshirters and Balladeers! The audience will vote for the best Bullshirter award, most entertaining recital and best creative presentation. 

Sunday morning all are welcome to join the Bush Poets BBQ breakfast. Brush up on your best Banjo verses, craft your own "pome" or simply enjoy a cuppa as you listen to some wonderful story telling through poetry

Volunteers make the world go round! Volunteers are welcome to register and apply to do a couple of hours each day. Friday is set up, Saturday - Gate/ Bar/ BBQ/ Marshalling games & activities/ assist with judging & prize presentations/ general support/ end of evening close and other odd jobs; Sunday pack & clean up.

Please note: Campers are welcome to arrive after 4pm Friday 10th May. Camping can be booked & pre- paid with your tickets online. Please show your receipt upon arrival to be issued your wristband & camping ticket.

General Info:

Proceeds: from camping fees will help support local kids' sporting clubs. Event proceeds will assist the Foundation to deliver social support & rural advocacy through its Let's Get Rural social connection project.

Donors and sponsors help offset all event costs and contribute to the cause of supporting rural Australians.

Mobile Service: Please be aware that mobile phone service quality may be variable. 

Facilities: There are limited facilities at the venue, and campers are encouraged to be self-contained where possible.

Support local: Please support local businesses where possible during your visit to Grong Grong for this great event.

Dogs: Quiet, well-behaved companion and support dogs are welcome. They must be safely and securely tethered at camp, with ready access to shelter and water. They can be exercised on a leash well away from the events and activities. All droppings must be collected & disposed of appropriately outside the camping, competition, food, drinks and festival areas. Any breach of these conditions will result in the dog and its human/s having to leave the sportsground

Conditions of entry:  

Proof of ID is required. No ID= no wristband =no entry. 

No under 18s will be served alcohol. 

No BYO

No smoking near food or bar areas.

All children must be supervised by a responsible adult.

Do bring a chair.

Please leave your camp clean. All rubbish must be removed & disposed of appropriately.

Campers are requested to be considerate of other campers and keep noise to a minimum after 11pm. 

Generators may be used but should be turned off at midnight and can resume at 6am. Super quiet generators may run overnight if essential.

All patrons enter & participate at their own risk.