Planning for the next Hilltops Off the Beaten Track Arts Trail is already in motion, with a series of local meetings having been held in Young, Boorowa, and Harden to prepare for what organisers hope will be another successful year.
The popular arts trail, which ran in March this year, featured around 68 events spread across the region. From local art exhibitions and open studios to live performances and workshops, the trail showcased the incredible talent and creativity found throughout the Hilltops.
Organiser Sharon Smithers, who runs Bees to Honey Marketing, said the event’s success came down to the power of collaboration. “It was a big success this year,” Ms Smithers said. “The collaboration between artists and the local business community really stood out. That’s what made the trail so effective everyone worked together, and it created this positive spirit that people really responded to.”
Unlike more rigid festivals, Off the Beaten Track allows for flexibility and creativity, with each stop along the trail offering something unique. According to Sharon, this individuality is a key strength of the event.
“Everything on the trail had its own merits. There wasn’t one standout and that’s the beauty of it. Every artist, venue, or activity was able to shine in its own way, and no one was forced into a mould. It’s all very organic and inclusive.”
Rather than one central planning meeting, the team hosted smaller, town-based gatherings to allow more targeted discussion and participation. These meetings were aimed at businesses, artists, and community members interested in being part of the 2025 trail.
For Sharon, being involved in the trail is more than just event organising it aligns closely with her passion for helping small businesses and creatives connect with wider audiences.
“As someone who works in marketing for small businesses, I absolutely love being involved in this,” she said.
“The trail had over 600,000 views on Facebook alone last time. That kind of reach is huge for rural artists and businesses. It’s about exposure, but also about building morale and connection in the arts community.”
She added that one of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing artists across the region come together, form new partnerships, and continue to support each other long after the event is over. “This isn’t just a weekend of events it’s become a platform for growth, connection, and community pride.”
With planning now underway and momentum building, the 2025 Off the Beaten Track Arts Trail is shaping up to be another exciting chapter in Hilltops’ celebration of creativity, community, and collaboration.
-Liam Stuart
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