Hold onto your hat at these true blue Aussie events in Quilpie
If you’re looking for an authentic Aussie experience you’ve come to the right place, Quilpie in Queensland’s outback. This town, 956km from Brisbane, has everything from bucking bull rides to dirt bike championships and good old fashioned country hospitality to quench your thirst for the Australian bush.
Hold onto your hats and be our plus one in South West Queensland, at one of these true blue Aussie events in Quilpie.
Quilpie Show and Rodeo, 6-7 September 2024
Do you love the Ekka but hate the crowds? Well step right up to the Quilpie Show and Rodeo this September.
Take the Warrego Way and Natural Sciences Loop to the town of Quilpie whose population of 550 swells when the Quilpie Show and Rodeo takes over town.
The rodeo sees bull-riders from around the Queensland map descend on the south western town to achieve eight seconds of fame on the back of a bucking bull.
Outside Friday’s rodeo, expect a traditional show program packed with live entertainment, stalls, pavilion, side show alley, live music, fireworks and more.
Quilpie Bike Gymkhana and Enduro, 21-22 September 2024
Looking for an event to get your engine revving? Get down and dirty at the Quilpie Bike Gymkhana and Enduro, which takes over the Quilpie Golf Club late September.
With an event program that covers everything from under sixes to opens, competitors will take the course by the handlebars for the chance to win some great prize money.
Attracting motorbike riders from hundreds of kilometres away, Quilpie’s gymkhana is one of the largest held in the southwest.
What are you waiting for? Grab a drink from the bar or a hot meal from the canteen and cheer on your pick for the winner from your camp chair pulled up by the sidelines.
While you’re there, what else is there to do in Quilpie?
Stop by the award-winning Quilpie Visitor Information Centre, Museum and Gallery to gather your bearings and learn about the history of the town. Don’t miss their newest experience the Quilpie Night Show ‘The Story of Quilpeta’. The Night Show interprets the Quilpie Story and is a great introduction to the area.
Quilpie is known as the Opal Capital, so don’t leave town without visiting the Quilpie Opal Fossicking experience to get your hands dirty and dig for your own precious souvenir.
Continue the opal tour and pull in for a pit stop at the Opal Altar at the St Finbarrs Catholic Church, the front of the altar is covered in boulder opal.
If you prefer your digging of the prehistoric kind, it’s just a hop, skip and a jump (in outback terms) to Eromanga, 106km away, where you’ll find the Eromanga Natural History Museum which is home to Australia’s largest dinosaur, Cooper.
If you haven’t quite quenched your thirst for history, visit one of Quilpie’s historical museums like the Powerhouse Museum or Shire Military History Museum.
Where can you stay in Quilpie?
Quilpie is a good 10-hour drive from Brisbane, so you’ll need to sort out somewhere to hang your hat if you’re attending one of these events.
The Quilpie Motor Inn, Imperial Hotel and The Brick Hotel are all central to town, dining options and walking distance to the local sights. Experience country hospitality and service that you can only find in Outback Queensland.
For those who enjoy water views and waking up to the sound of birds, the campsite known simply as The Lake is the perfect choice. Choose from powered or unpowered sites or stay in the comfortable air-conditioned Shearers Quarters to escape the elements.
Looking for a little more comfort? Settle in at Channel Country Tourist Park and Spas and ease your road trip tension, soaking in one of the three spa tubs filled with water supplied from the Artesian Basin.
Where to eat in Quilpie?
You won’t go hungry in Quilpie.
Touted as the best coffee in town, be sure to stop by Elle’s News, the Old Empire Cafe or Unstable Coffee for your morning jolt.
What’s a country town without a spot to buy a decent meat pie? Pull into the Off Shears Bakery for a pie and cold drink.
For something more substantial, Old Empire Café has your burger needs covered, while The Imperial Hotel and Outback Bistro both dish up classic pub fare.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to DIY, Quilpie has two friendly supermarkets and a butcher to fuel your adventure.
Need some help planning your trip?
>> Speak with a local at the award-winning Quilpie Visitor Information Centre.