For a region that prizes its horses for work and recreation, rodeos are just a normal part of country life.

The Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) stages more than 100 competitions across the nation, looking for the grittiest and best. Taroom Rodeo is part of the action and each year the best bronco riders come to town, keen to win their way to the top.

HOLD ONTO YOUR HORSES

Around for more than 150 years, the origins of the rodeo date back to the drovers’ runs – on stations where wild horses and cattle would be found in the scrub or on the trail, as the teams moved herds over hundreds of miles. Horses had to be broken and cattle reigned in. The all-important skills of the drover were his strength, agility and staying power and accuracy with a rope.

The same set of skills are as relevant today as back then. A rider’s reputation is on the line when he takes to the ring. Fighting the thrashings of the steer or horse, precious seconds on the clock tick down; with the longest of the stayers receiving the adoration of the crowd.

WHERE’S TAROOM RODEO HELD?

The event is held at the Taroom Showground in Cranmer St, Taroom.

Contact the Taroom Rodeo Club

TAROOM RODEO DETAILS

• 3rd weekend in July
• Rodeo Arena
• Taroom Showground
• 4 Cranmer St, Taroom

CAN I CAMP NEAR THE TAROOM RODEO?

Excellent onsite camping facilities are available at the Taroom Showground, 4 Cranmer St, Taroom, during the event. Limited camping is available at Chain Lagoons.  A commercial caravan park also operates in Taroom.

CLOSE-BY ATTRACTIONS

• Leichhardt Monument
• Leichhardt Tree
• Leichhardt Park
• Gilbert’s Lookout
• Isla Gorge National Park
• Chain Lagoons
• Lake Murphy
• Dawson River
• Glebe Weir
• Expedition National Park