be in the right place at the right time..
Schedule your visit to the Sandstone Wonders region to catch one of these special events and you’re guaranteed to add buckets of fun, dust and possibly fish, to your next RV or camping adventure. Experience it all from the nostalgia of classic cars to the thrill of horse racing, these events bring together locals and visitors, and showcase some of the region’s most simple pleasures amid ancient places.
While there is a long list of events occurring throughout the year in the region, here are just a few that might be welcome in your travel calendar:
Get your motor running
Travel back in time at Biloela’s Queensland Heritage Rally (Usually held late July), a magnet for collectors, restorers and vintage enthusiasts. Satisfy your nostalgic side with an incredible display of machinery and vehicles, hands-on workshops teaching the “lost trade” of blacksmithing and other demonstrations. The smell of the camp oven will delight, a silent movie may amuse, and the swap meet and market stalls are sure to entice with the lure of hidden treasure. A camping ground is conveniently located adjacent to the site.
For those who prefer their engines thrashed and their tyres spinning, check out the Theodore Trail Ride (Usually held early August). More than 600 competitors and 1,200 spectators gather each year in Gyranda for this roaring competition that sees riders as young as four years old hit the track. Expect thrills and spills throughout, followed by a hilarious obstacle course and finally a family movie as you enjoy a barista made coffee.
Roll up, roll up, its showtime!
There’s no shortage of country exhibitions that celebrate the region’s history, agricultural industries, country lifestyle, and communities. From fireworks to lumberjacks, fashions on the field to prize heffers – discover an abundance of classic and quirky showtime fun.
Perhaps you’ll dig the Moura Coal & Country Festival (Usually held mid to late August), offering an entire week of activity around all things coal, or maybe you’ll brave the reptiles at the Theodore Show (12th – 14th May 2019).
You might visit the historic Callide Valley Show (usually held mid-May) or Wowan Annual Show (mid August), which have both delighted families for over 80 years. Even more impressive is Taroom’s 114th Show this year (early May) still drawing crowds with its classic fare and parade.
Giddy up at the Cup
Join the crowds who dress to impress at the Thangool Cup (Usually held in September)) or hold onto your hat as the dust flies at Taroom (September). If you love a punt, a glass of bubbles, or simply the sound of those hooves drumming down the track – these are the events for you.
Drop by and hook in
Fishing is celebrated along the Dawson River and the region’s other scenic waters. The first event on your fishing calendar might be the Moura Muddy Water Classic (held over Easter weekend) a competition the whole family can enjoy over Easter. If you don’t reel a winner in the river, there’s always the photography competition, lucky draw, or something tasty at the BBQ and bar. Keep an eye out for legendary sports commentator Dave ‘Hodgey’ Hodge this year too, often a regular at the Muddy Water Classic.
Later in the year you can catch Lake Callide’s Family Fishing Classic (usually late October) in Biloela and see how your ‘barra’ measure up against the 103 cm competition record. Stay the entire weekend with free camping on site.
Check out the Sandstone Wonders region’s full list of fishing competitions here.
Road to rodeo
For a true blue country experience you can’t beat a rodeo – a show of speed and skill where balance, timing and strength can mean the difference between a face full of dust or a fist full of triumph. There’s plenty to choose from in the Sandstone Wonders region and many of these popular events offer sideline live entertainment, food and beverage stalls, and even activities for the kids to add to the excitement.
Have you experienced the energy and atmosphere of a campdraft before? Why not kick off with the Dawes Hall RCI Campdraft (Late March), and the Baralaba Show & Campdraft (early May). Camping is conveniently located at the Neville Hewitt Weir Picnic Area for this particular event.
Next on the calendar is the Camboon Campdraft (normally held in May) followed by Callide Dawson ASH Campdraft (Mid July) – both consistently attract locals and visitors who enjoy watching the dust fly.
Followed by the popular Taroom Rodeo, which is normally held on the last weekend in July, bringing the best bronco riders to town along with swarms of onlookers keen for a front row view of the grit and glory.
The season ends strong in September with the Theodore’s Bulls n Barrels Bonanza Rodeo, (Usually held mid to late October).
So, what are you waiting for? Why not ‘get cracking’ and experience a rodeo, or any of the region’s other fantastic events first hand?
Planning to camp?
To make the most of your visit to the Sandstone Wonders region, why not camp? It’s the best way to experience the key events across the region. Camping spots are readily available in the region, but facilities are often limited. If you are planning to camp in a designated campground or National Park ensure you book and obtain the necessary permit – especially during busy periods like Easter.
Book online at www.qld.gov.au/camping or phone 13QGOV (13 74 68). Charges may apply.
For more on camping in the Sandstone Wonders read here.
For more…
For more details download the Sandstone Wonders regional brochure or pop into one of the local Sandstone Wonders Visitor Information Centres to get up-to-date visitor tips, brochures and maps.
Or check out some of the suggested self-drive trails.
