Best Upcoming Queensland Outback Shows (2022 - 2023)
2-3 September 2022
Birdsville Races, Birdsville
The iconic Birdsville Races will celebrate its 140th birthday this year when more than 6000 racegoers converge on the outback town to try their luck and enjoy two days of quality racing and entertainment. Dubbed as both the ultimate road trip to Australia’s heart, and the Melbourne Cup of the Outback, the race program features horses and riders from all over Australia competing for the coveted TAB Birdsville Cup. Check the weather and make sure your rig can cope with the legendary Birdsville Track before you go, so you don’t get stuck and miss out on this Australian racing tradition.
Check Birdsville Races official website
23-25 September 2022
Outback Festival, Winton
The tiny town of Winton will welcome visitors for its fabulous Outback Festival during the September school holidays to celebrate its 50-year milestone. This special one-off anniversary event weekend will include a golden anniversary gala dinner under the stars with live entertainment, as well as the Boulder Opal markets in Winton’s main street and Bush Poets Breakfast recovery show. The full, five-day festival will return from 19 to 23 September 2023, and will feature the festival’s signature events such as the hilarious Quilton Australian Dunny Derby, sporting events and plenty of great food!
Check Outback Festival official website
26 November 2022
Nindigully Pub Pig Races, Nindigully
Queensland’s oldest hotel, the Nindigully Pub was built in 1864 on the banks of the Moonie River, but that’s not its only claim to fame. Every year, the pub’s annual pig races draw crowds from all over the country to see which little piggie will make the mark. The fun day includes live music from local artists, raffles, auctions, market stalls, jumping castle and fireworks and it all raises money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Check Nindigully Pub Pig Races official website
21-23 April 2023
Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival, Julia Creek
It’s dusty and it’s dirty but it’s also one of the best events on the Aussie outback calendar — the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival. Three epic days of fun and entertainment are held in the tiny north west Queensland town of Julia Creek, and over the festival the population booms from 400 to more than 3000 in just one weekend. The festival kicks off with the adrenaline-pumping action of the rodeo and there’s plenty of other events to keep you entertained — and amused (Australia’s Best Butt competition anyone?!).
Check Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival official website
17-25 August 2024
Cobb & Co Festival, Yuleba South
Aussie history buff? Then you’re going to want to add The Cobb & Co Festival to your travel list. This unique family-friendly weekend celebrates the history of the last Cobb & Co coach run in Australia and the next event will be held in 2024. The festival includes live entertainment, markets, camp oven dinner, bush dance and a re-enactment of horse-drawn coach and trail riders travelling the 76-kilometre Cobb & Co Way from Surat to Yuleba in South West Queensland. The 2024 event celebrates 100 years since the last coach ran in Australia.
Check Cobb & Co Festival official website
