4 events worth trekking to the border for
Looking for a new event to put on your travel plans this year?
If you don’t mind a long road trip (read: up to 12 hours on the bitumen if you’re coming from Brisbane), then drop your pin in Outback Queensland’s south-west pocket and join a regional event in the towns of Thargomindah, Hungerford, Noccundra and Cameron Corner.
Whether you’re the type of traveller to participate or you prefer to watch from the sidelines, you’ll find motocross and gymkhana racing, campdrafts, rodeos and even foot races on the events schedule, with categories to suit the whole family.
With the events held during the Queensland School Holidays, long weekends and even New Year’s Eve, you won’t have to worry about booking extra annual leave to hit the road to one of these four events.
1. Thargomindah Motorbike Gymkhana and Enduro
Calling all adrenaline junkies.
If the rush of motocross dirt bikes racing through muddy river channels in Outback Queensland excites you, head to the Thargomindah Rodeo Grounds this September for the annual Thargomindah Motorbike Sports and Enduro.
While you’ll need to set off early to allow for the 1,000km road trip from Brisbane to Thargomindah, with the event held during the first weekend of the Queensland School Holidays, you’ll have plenty of time up your sleeve after the event to explore more of Outback Queensland.
Thargomindah Motorbike Sports and Enduro caters for the whole family, with Saturday offering a range of events suitable for children through the experienced races, while Sunday sees adventure riders tackle the three-hour enduro through Bulloo River channels.
With free entry and camping (including hot showers), you can save your pennies for sharing your stories with other racers over a beer and evening meal at the on-site canteen.
2. Noccundra Campdraft, Rodeo and Motorbike Gymkhana
Have your cowboy boots and hat been collecting dust lately?
Put the Noccundra Campdraft, Rodeo and Motorbike Gymkhana on your to-travel plans and prepare to saddle up for a weekend of buckjumping and barrel racing on the red dirt.
You’ll need 12 hours of driving time up-your-sleeve from Brisbane to arrive in Noccundra, so make sure you map out your itinerary before hitting the bitumen and plan a stop in St George or Cunnamulla along the way to break up the journey.
This action-packed three-day event has over 15 categories for you and the family to participate in – from novice to open draft races, mini to master barrel races and bull, bullock and buck jump events.
It’s not all bucks, bulls and bikes at the event either, with live music on Friday and Saturday night, there’s plenty of entertainment for those who prefer to sit back and relax, rather than participate.
Choose to camp or book early to secure a room at the Noccundra Hotel, which offers camp-style rooms (donga-rooms). Catering is available all weekend and the hotel serves counter lunches and evening meals.
3. Cameron Corner New Year's Eve Party
What if we told you, there’s a town in Queensland where you can celebrate New Year’s Eve not once, not twice but three times in one night? Let us introduce you to Cameron Corner.
Thanks to the town’s position straddling three state borders – South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland – the town welcomes revellers each New Year’s Eve to count down the final minutes of the year three times in one night, 30 minutes apart.
The annual New Year’s Eve at the Corner event sees the town of two residents swell to more than 50, with travellers setting up camp to take part in this triple celebration.
You’ll find it 14 hours’ drive west of Brisbane, so BYO your accommodation on wheels or pitch a tent at the Cameron Corner Store, which provides shared bathroom facilities and doubles as the shop and pub.
Make sure you bring water, snacks and drinks and a few extra packets of sparklers for your night of celebrations and join the recovery breakfast the following day with your new besties.
Mark this date in your diary: 31 December 2023
4. Shearers Shindig
This epic outback event is run over two days full of fun for the entire family. Friday kicks off with an info session featuring two of our local characters and a late breakfast. Followed by a theatre production and Colour Run where your ability is judged by how colourful you are at the end.
Market stalls, pig races, walk-ups, tour opportunities along with live entertainment both nights and the main event the Quick Shear Competition from lunchtime Saturday.
If you've always wanted to join an event in the outback this is the one not to miss.
For more information on events or help to plan your trip visit www.explorebulloo.com.au