Cowboys, bull riders and stockmen are riding into the famous Outback Queensland town of Cunnamulla for one action-packed weekend of rodeo, karaoke and rip-roaring good times.

Held during the winter each year on the weekend of September 21st in 2024, the Cunnamulla Fella Roundup attracts about 1,000 people to the south-west Queensland town for a weekend of non-stop country fun.

Dust off your boots, grab a wide-brim hat and steer the bonnet some 780km west of Brisbane for the iconic outback event.

What is the Cunnamulla Fella Roundup?

Whether you’re here for the rodeo, barrel circuit, roundups or live music, expect a whole lot of outback charm across this outback festival.

On Saturday, organisers expect about 1,000 people to descend on the Cunnamulla Showgrounds for the biggest day of the festival.

Freshly minted junior cowboys and cowgirls will compete at the rodeo along with pro riders, and families will experience edge-of-the-seat thrills witnessing the speed and skill of horse barrel racing.

Beyond bulls, broncs and rodeo, expect outback fun, food stalls, markets, comedy, a huge music concert and much more.

If you think you have what it takes, enter the karaoke contest with your version of the famous Cunnamulla Fella song, which helped put this Outback Queensland town on the map.

How to get to Cunnamulla

Get to know the town made famous by the legendary song by Stan Coster and Aussie icon Slim Dusty, Cunnamulla, driving 780km west of Brisbane and 140km north of the New South Wales border.

The quickest route from Brisbane to the rodeo is a REX flight, which takes just over three hours with pit stops in Toowoomba and St George.

If you prefer a good old-fashioned road trip, line up a belting playlist and hit the tarmac for an almost nine-hour drive. Of course, you’ll want to build in time to stop and stretch at Toowoomba, Dalby and St George along the way.

Where to stay in Cunnamulla

If you’re looking for a place to rest your head, there’s no shortage of options in Cunnamulla.

Treat yourself to a hotel room at The Warrego, Club Boutique Hotel or Hotel Cunnamulla, or book a few nights at the Country Way Motor Inn or Cunnamulla Cabins.

If you prefer to BYO tent or bed on wheels, roll on into the Cunnamulla Tourist Park (including cabins) or Warrego Riverside Tourist Park.

The final option is to go remote, staying at Charlotte Plains Outback Station and campground 50km out of town, where the outdoor artesian bore baths make the extra drive worth it.

Local tips for visiting Cunnamulla

If you’re looking for the best spot to fish, where to hire a kayak or find a great pub feed, don’t be afraid to say ‘g’day’ to the friendly locals and ask for their favourite swimming hole or picnic spot.

Things to see and do in Cunnamulla

Tip your hat to the oversized bronze Cunnamulla Fella in town as you take in the sights. Start with a walk along the local Heritage Trail and learn why Cunnamulla is the only surviving south-west town along the original Cobb & Co route.

Get in touch with nature along the Warrego River. There’s a tranquil walk along the banks, or you can venture out on the water with a kayak, cast a line or dive in for a swim.

One spot not to be missed is the brand-new Cunnamulla Hot Springs opened in early 2024, this brand new state of the art complex features seven stunning pools naturally fed by artesian spring water straight out of the artesian basin hundreds of meters below your feet! Choose from the warm pools in the 30’s, a hot cedar sauna and steam room or a cold plunge pool!

Once your relaxed, take a step back in time some 100 million years at the Artesian Time Tunnel and explore culture and creativity at the Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre home to the Heritage Museum and Art Gallery.

Don’t miss the Cunnamulla All Aboard 3D sound and light spectacular, where you can kick back with a cold drink as a holographic Station Master whisks you back in time to “the end of the line”.

If time allows, make the 45-minute drive to Eulo for a mud bath enriched with the outback’s artesian mineral water. You can grab an excellent pub meal and browse the local jeweller afterwards.

A little further on from Eulo lies Yowah, where a morning of fossicking might unearth a “Yowah nut” filled with precious opal.

If you’re missing a taste of the home, you can always check out an outback “beach” in Wyandra, just an hour drive north, followed by Devonshire morning tea or a great pub lunch.

More information & buy your tickets at: https://cunnamullatourism.com.au/roundup/

Bulls, broncs and barrels: The Ultimate Long Weekend in the Outback