Aerial of Kalkani Crater at sunset

Blog Post

Kick up dust with these outback events

Avatar photo

TNQ Writer

Ride, rock & reel your way through Tropical North Queensland with these outback events.

Easter at Einasleigh

Photos supplied to Easter at Einasleigh by Katarina Keough, & Marie Marsterson

This fun-filled family weekend is more than just an Easter getaway, with the races, rodeo, cabaret, live music and more. 

The weekend kicks off with a fishing competition at 6am Friday, followed by a kids Easter party and barbecue dinner, so toss your line in early for the best chance to win. 

The main race events start at midday on Saturday. Get dressed in your finest racewear and head down to the track for Fashions on the Field. If you fancy a flutter on race day, there will be bookmakers positioned trackside for you to place a bet and have a punt. Round off the night with a cabaret show at the bar. 

If that’s not enough horsing around for you, bring your camper chairs down to the rodeo on Sunday and set yourself up for a full day of entertainment by local and professional rodeo competitors (plus a free jumping castle for the kids!) 

When: 2023 dates TBC
Where: Einasleigh Rodeo & Racecourse

The Undara Outback Rock and Blues

If live bands and camping in the outback sounds like a dream, then the Undara Rock and Blues Festival is your match made in heaven. With three days of rockin’ tunes in the middle of the tropical outback, this will be an event to remember. 

This festival is always a sell-out so make sure you get in quick to secure your tickets. While you’re there, spend some time exploring the beauty of the area with Undara Experience.

In 2022 Undara Experience brings you another epic event later in the year, stay tuned for details!

When: 30 September – 2 October 2022
Where: Undara Experience

Gregory Downs Saddles and Paddles

Photo by Gregory Downs Jockey Club

Once a year, the tiny town of Gregory comes alive as hundreds of keen racing enthusiasts travel from all over for two jam-packed days of sporting action. 

The Gregory Downs Saddles and Paddles weekend takes place on the first weekend in May each year. The weekend kicks off with the races on Saturday – a day of food, fashion and fun. 

The celebrations don’t stop there. Head down to the waterfront the following day for the Gregory River Canoe Race and enjoy lunch by the river.

When: 29 April 2023
Where: Gregory Downs Sports Facility

Mount Garnet Races & Rodeo

This is one event that’ll have you craving a breath of dusty air! 

Falling on the first weekend in May, the Mount Garnet Races and Rodeo brings another year of activities, camping, exhibitions, auctions and of course some nail-biting professional bull riding kicking off on Sunday morning.

Weekend passes include camping and entry to the races, rodeo and cabarets. Entry is free for children 16 years and under.

When: 2023 dates TBC
Where: L.D. Lucey Memorial Park

Australian Heritage Festival

Ever wanted to enjoy an outback heritage experience from the comfort of your own home? Well now you can. At this year’s Australian Heritage Festival, the tiny town of Croydon is going online with a series of interactive virtual tours. 

Kicking off with a Sunset Heritage tour on May 3, you can explore every side of this ancient outback township, from Gold Mines and Gold fields to heritage buildings and even a cemetery.

When: 2023 dates TBC
Where: Online events

Chillagoe Rodeo

Photo by Chillagoe Rodeo

Another day, another rodeo, this time in the charming town of Chillagoe. 

Get the family together and get involved with barrel races, horse sports, camping and the signature event – the open bull ride. 

Consider yourself something of a bachelorette? You don’t need to bring a date, with the competitors vying for the title of ‘Ultimate Cowboy’ are placed up for sale in their rodeo auction.

When: 2023 dates TBC
Where: Chillagoe rodeo and camping grounds

Find your outback oasis

Here’s how to spend your time in the Gulf Savannah & Outback

dirt road on the Savannah Way
Gulf Savannah & Outback
Savannah Way – An Outback Adventure through Gulf Country

From sculptural gorges, to bird-filled wetlands, experience 1,099kms of pure outback adventure as you drive Queensland’s Savannah Way.

Read more
undara lava tubes archway explorer tour
Gulf Savannah & Outback
Why the Undara Lava Tubes should be on your must-see list

Some adventures are off the beaten track and others, like the Undara Lava Tubes, are underneath it. You’ll need to dip below the earth’s surface, to explore these famous 190,000-year-old lava tunnels that point to an explosion when 23 cubic kilometres of lava flowed for 160 kilometres, carving a natural playground south-west of Cairns.

Read more
Crystalbrook Riley
Uncategorised
Luxury places to rest your head

Escape to luxe island hideaways, indulgent outback retreats or tranquil ancient rainforests. Kick off your shoes, take some much needed R&R and discover the unique landscape of Tropical North Queensland.

Read more
Fishing at Burketown - Article tile
Gulf Savannah & Outback
A guide to fishing the Gulf of Carpentaria

Embark on an epic must-do fishing adventure in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Catch a barra in the rivers at Burketown, drop a line in the shallow sea off Karumba or visit the remote fishing resort on Sweers Island.

Read more
Yagurli Tours
Gulf Savannah & Outback
Beneath the Milkyway with Aboriginal Traditional Custodians

Moungibi (Burketown), a small town in the Gulf of Carpentaria with a population of fewer than 300 people, may surprise you with its depth of experiences – Indigenous-owned & operated Yagurli Tours offers a collection of tours run by the Gangalidda-Garawa Traditional Custodians.

Read more