Rodeo thrills, ute musters, live music and camp oven cook-offs — Coolgardie Outback Festival brings country fun to WA this August. Free camping for travellers.
If you love all things country, then get ready for the Outback Rodeos premier event: the Coolgardie Outback Festival in Western Australia this August.
Running from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 August 2025 at the Coolgardie Rodeo Showgrounds, this three-day celebration is packed with rodeo action, live music, great food and family-friendly entertainment.
There’ll be live music, a junior rodeo for the young cowboys and cowgirls, blacksmith workshop, helicopter rides, plus free camping — so bring your caravans, campers or just your swag to enjoy a few nights under the stars.
What’s happening at the Coolgardie Outback Festival
Festivities kick off on Friday afternoon with junior rodeo events, live tunes and time to settle into camp. But the main drawcard, the official Coolgardie Rodeo, takes centre stage from noon Saturday, boasting a $27,000 prize pool. Expect high-adrenaline events including bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and bareback bronc riding — all coordinated by the national Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association.
Get the adrenaline pumping at the Coolgardie Outback Festival, with the official Coolgardie Rodeo starting on Saturtday 16 August 2025
Also on Saturday, don’t miss the Truck and Ute Muster which will run from 8am to 10am, with plenty of categories both for trucks (such as Old School Mack, Rustic, Workhorse, Unique Bangers) and utes (Best Work Ute, Best Old School Ute, Best Chick’s 4x4, Best Hunting Rig/Farm Runner and more). Entry is $30, with a generous $12,600 prize pool up for grabs. Each category offers $1000 for first place, $500 for second and $300 for third.
Rounding out the weekend is the WA Camp Oven and Slow Cook Championship on Sunday, with events running from 9am to noon at the Rodeo Grounds Fire Pit. With a total prize value of $4975 and entry fees from just $5–10 per category, it’s a great chance for outback chefs to show off their skills. Categories include classics such as meat and three veg, stew or casserole, ribs, sweets/cake/puddings, traditional damper and more.
An ideal stop for travellers
If you’re travelling through regional WA this August, the Coolgardie Outback Festival makes for an easy detour. Located just off the Great Eastern Highway, it’s a convenient stop for those heading across the state or exploring the WA Goldfields on the way up to the Pilbara. With free camping and a weekend of classic country entertainment on offer, it’s a good spot to pause the journey, set up camp and experience a taste of outback WA along the way.
Head to the Outback Rodeos website to find out more and to get tickets.
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