Do you wanna meet a wombat?
The question should be – who wouldn’t want to meet a wombat?
But did you know we have wombats in Queensland – and our special wombats are critically endangered with little more than 400 left on the planet?
Wombat Festival 2025 is the fourth to be held in Clermont – a community nestled in the heart of the Isaac which is known for it’s history, it’s gold, mining and agricultural industries and for being resilient. They make em tough out in the bush – and Clermont has a tragic history, but also one of strength and survival. A perfect fit for the Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat which is also fighting for it’s survival.
Known in the local Wirdi language as the Warru, the last natural habitat of Northern Hairy Nosed Wombats can be found not far from Clermont. Many years ago, these wombats would have been abundant in the region, but sadly numbers dwindled over the years and they are still more endangered than the Sumartran Tiger.
Our festival is a significant event on the local calendar, and has grown from a figment of an idea to a blossoming art festival which captures the uniqueness of the bush and combines art and community with outside-of-the box twists.
Nowhere else will you find mini-wombat racing, a chance to create barbed wire wombats, or enjoy a wombat cuddle while enjoying cocktails, canapes and live entertainment under the stars.
And that’s just the start.
Join us in May for an adventure in Clermont. You may just be surprised at what you discover.
Wombats Under The Stars
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN
Join us for an evening of sunset vibes – a wombat cocktail in hand and an opportunity for VIP ticket holders to enjoy a wombat meet and greet.
Live entertainment will be provided by the exceptionally talented singer songwriter Lloyd Saunders and keep an eye out for our roving puppeteer.
Your dining options will be well catered for. Canapes will served for VIP ticket holders and savoury, hot and dessert grazing boxes are available for pre-order. A charcuterie cart and dessert bar will also be on hand as well as a selection of food trucks.
And the bar will feature a range of wombat cocktails as well as non-alcoholic and conventional beverages.
A highlight of the evening is the official opening of the Wombat Art Show – and this year there will be the unveiling of a special entry that has been designed and built locally. We also have some live artists showcasing their work and you can even contribute to some art on the night.
A courtesy bus will be available.
Wombat Mothers Day Markets
WOMBAT MOTHERS DAY MARKETS
A family day out where you can get close up with Australian wildlife, take part in mini-wombat racing and spend the whole day being entertained no matter what your age.
The fabulous Moranbah teen band Jam N Butter will be taking the stage and keep an eye out for the roving puppeteer.
Plenty of food options from community groups and food trucks – and of course we haven’t forgotten the coffee!
Visit the Wombat Art Show and vote for your favourite piece. Chat to the artists – browse the artisans and market stalls and don’t forget to pick up fresh flowers or a special gift for Mum.
We are taking stallholder bookings up until the start of May and would love to have you join us.
Community and not-for-profit group can book free stalls.
MINI WOMBAT RACES
2025 REGISTRATIONS OPENING SOON
Do you want to win cash and more importantly bragging rights?
Nowhere else can you compete in mini-wombat racing.
We aren’t actually allowed to race our endangered wombats – but we figure guinea pigs are the perfect substitute.
You don’t even need to own a racing animal – you can hire one of ours.
Registrations will open at the end of April – however – now is the time to start your training sessions!
Cash prizes up for grabs – kindly sponsored by Member for Burdekin Dale Last MP.
Wombat Art Show
Looking for a unique and captivating art exhibit? Come visit our Wombat Art Show!
Art submissions are being accepted up until May 3.
The show will be officially opened as part of Wombats under the Stars and will remain open during the Wombat Markets.
Don’t forget to place your vote for people’s choice. The winner takes home a $1000 cash prize.
Wombat Festival Workshop Weekend
Murals, fresh and metal flower bouquets, barbed wire wombats and pyrography are among the workshops on offer at the Wombat Festival Workshop Weekend being held the long Anzac weekend.
All the workshops are designed to support local artists and makers, to support and encourage locals to take part in creative work, and to help motivate people to enter work in the Wombat Art Show.
Crazy Dan will be holding a two-day sculpture class with participants creating a wombat sculpture of course!
Jude meanwhile will also be working with metal and wire creating tin flowers in a pot and Creative Community Connections will be holding a series of pyrography classes.
Younger residents won’t miss out either with a creative weekend to include helping to paint a wonky wombat mural as well as creating wombat art for entry into the Wombat Art Show.
All workshops are being held at BA Hall, opposite the swimming pool in Clermont.
Workshops have limited spaces available and can be booked via Eventbrite or the button above.
Our Sponsors
The Wombat Festival are grateful for the continuing support of our sponsors.
Without this support this event would not be possible. Sponsorship comes in many forms – from the financial support provided by the Isaac Regional Council and local mining companies – to the in-kind support provided by 4RFM Community Radio, Moranbah Arts, Clermont Mens Shed, Crazy Dan’s Sculptures and Clermont Work Camp.
Please know we appreciate all that you do. Thank you.
If you would like to sponsor the festival please send an email to thewombatfestival@gmail.com.
Did you know the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat is more endangered than the Sumatran Tiger?
The Epping Forest National Park near Clermont in Queensland is the last natural sanctuary of the Warru – the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat.
At one time, there were only 35 animals left on the planet. Today numbers have increased to slightly more than 400 however the wombat remains on the critically endangered list.
The Wombat Festival is a Clermont Artslink initiative which aims to use art to celebrate and raise awareness of protection of the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat.
It is stage one of our wider PROJECT WOMBAT to establish Clermont and surrounds as the home of the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat.
The festival includes various activities and events which culminates with the main events and coincides with Wear Your Whiskers aka Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat Day on May 11.
