Outback Queensland Travel Bucket List
Are you thinking about planning a trip to Outback Queensland but not quite sure where to start?
We’ve gathered our favourite events showcasing the best country experiences to help you get acquainted with life in the bush.
From sheep shearing competitions, to bilby festivals and four-day country music festivals, be our plus one in South West Queensland and experience these must-do events.
1. Quilpie Show and Rodeo
If you’re looking to experience the good, old fashioned family fun of the Ekka but with more room to roam, read on.
Plan your Outback Queensland trip for the second weekend of September and take the Warrego Way and Natural Sciences Loop towards the opal capital, for the Quilpie Show and Rodeo.
To kick things off, the toughest cowboys in the region battle it out to stay on the bucking bull and compete for prizes. The Quilpie Show and Rodeo showcases not only local talent but also bull riders from surrounding regions.
Saturday’s agenda is packed with family fun with traditional Ekka-style treats like the show pavilion, stalls, exhibitions, and canteens, complete with fireworks after dark.
There will be no shortage of entertainment over the two days culminating with live entertainment on Saturday night.
2. Roma Cup
Who said cocktail dresses don’t go with cowboy boots? Mix the style and excitement of the Melbourne Cup with the country charm of the outback and you’ll get the Roma Cup.
Roma is in the heart of western racing, and the Roma Cup is the ultimate racing event in South West Queensland.
Taking place annually at Bassett Park bring your mates along for a day of celebration and beverages trackside as you cheer on a winner.
3. Charleville Bilby Festival
Are you ready to experience the cutest festival in the outback?
Plan your trip to Charleville to land on the second Sunday in September and hop to the Charleville Bilby Festival.
The festival is held annually around National Bilby Day and raises funds for these endangered furry friends at the Charleville Bilby Experience.
If your calendar doesn’t line up, remember that year-round you can visit the Charleville Bilby Experience and learn about their bilby breed and release program, as well as take in a guided tour and browse educational displays.
Heading to Charleville for the festival? Make a pit stop just down the road at the Morven Cup Race Day on 9 September.
Visit www.experiencecharleville.com.au for more information.
4. Thargomindah Motorbike Sports and Enduro
If dirt, mud, and bikes get your eyes wide and heart racing with excitement, work your trip around the Thargomindah Motorbike Sports and Enduro event.
Watch the champion motocross riders and the upcoming young guns take to the tracks on 19 and 20 of September 2026.
You can even get in on the action yourself, with races kicking off on Saturday for all levels of riding experience to the more advanced, and Sunday offering rides for the adventurous, with trails twisting around the Bulloo River channels.
Pack your bike, the tent, and take advantage of the free camping with hot showers and other amenities onsite.
There's no need to worry about snacks and dinner either – a canteen will be open and running the whole weekend to keep your belly full and your mind on the action.
5. Music in the Mulga
Music In The Mulga is a Country Music Festival like no other and is an annual event. The festival is being held in The Country Music Capital of Queensland, Thargomindah, South West Queensland - 14-17 May 2026.
After the devastating 2025 floods, this unique festival will be back to its four days full of great country and country rock music that has the atmosphere of a large family gathering and in true outback style everyone is made to feel welcome. The main rule for the festival is to simply have fun.
The Outback gathering is an opportunity to meet up with friends, old and new, have a chat, a drink and enjoy yourself and the whole experience. Evening concerts, walk ups, main concert Saturday, Charity Auction, Yabby races with fashions of the field and much more.
Don’t miss out on this great few days as Thargomindah is waiting.
Find out more: www.musicinthemulga.com.au
Need some help planning your trip?