Unfortunately due to impacts of COVID-19, this event will be cancelled in 2020. Keep an eye on this space for news on an even bigger and better event in 2021!
Traditional of an outback festival, the Moura Coal & Country Festival has it all. Located in the heart of the Dawson Valley in South East Queensland this week-long festival is big on the annual bucket list for both locals and travellers. Started by Moura Apex Club as a bit of fun back in 1971, the Festival has now morphed into a major community event with some very unique entertainment features. This family-friendly entertaining and unique festival is recommended for your 2021 bucket list. Never heard of it before? Don’t you worry. Read on for all you need to know about the best Queensland festival of 2021!
how to get to MoURA
Located in Central Queensland, in the Banana Shire, Moura is located approximately 150 km south-west of Gladstone. A popular stop for caravanners on the ‘Big Lap’, Moura offers a central point for exploring the surrounds of the Sandstone Wonders. The local folk are a testament to hard-working Aussies. They are the coal miners, the farmers and the sense of community spirit is strong. Moura has an epic history in the coal mining industry, and the Moura Miners’ Memorial and mining museum should be right at the top of your “Must See” list.
On the banks of the Dawson River in the heart of the Dawson Valley, Moura attracts thousands of visitors each year wanting to experience the river fishing, water sports, parklands, festivals and events. Make sure you also stop to check out the beautiful murals which are popping up around the town.
Ensure you plan your trip by checking out other things to do and see while you are in the area, there are so many unique experiences to be had. You may just feel you want to stay that little bit longer!
what to Expect at the Moura Coal & Country Festival
What originally began in 1971 as simply the ‘Coal Festival’ quickly grew with the support of the local community, gaining popularity as THE event to look forward to each year. With now dozens of events on offer for the week-long festival calendar, it’s a no brainer why businesses and the community work so hard to deliver a unique festival experience.
Immerse yourself in the plethora of events held throughout the week-long festival. The Festival kicks off with a Gala Ball and the crowning of the ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ and the ‘Entrant of the Year’. This crowning recognises the months of fundraising and building community spirit by the ‘Coal Festival Entrants’, and their efforts in contributing to a bigger and better future festival. Throughout the next week there are various events around the town including an Under 5s Day an art show and community concert, all leading up to the main event on the Friday and Saturday.
Watch new and old miners from across the Bowen Basin battle it out for the Queensland Coal Shovelling titles. In what has become fierce competition, the bin bucket shovelling record now stands at a staggering 29 seconds. The winners of this competition then heading south to take on the cockroaches (New South Wales) and the Tassie Devils (Tasmania) for the national title. Another popular attraction are the Queensland Roof Bolting titles – watch teams of two match their skills, drilling huge bolts into slabs of concrete, replicating how the shaft was fortified before they closed down Moura’s underground mining.
Get a taste of the strong community spirit and the fun generated from other unique festival events. Expect a street parade, an adrenaline-pumping rodeo, dog high jump competition, cattle judging, wood chop displays, skatepark competitions, market stalls, plenty of kids activities, live music, rides and a fireworks display. There is something for everyone and it does not disappoint.
what is the entry cost to the moura coal & country Festival?
Festival events during the week range in cost depending on what’s on offer. Entry to the recreation grounds for the main festival days is $10 for adults and free for children under 17. Check out the Moura Coal & Country Festival website or Facebook Page for further information.
where to stay in MOURA
Moura offers plenty of accommodation choices right in the heart of town. For those who love a caravan or camping adventure, we highly recommend the Moura Apex Park for a low-cost camping option. Located about 7 km out of Moura, the park is right on the banks of the Dawson River. Rotary Park in the centre of town also offers low cost short stay camping.
For more accommodation options, just down the track is the town of Theodore, which offers low-cost camping at Junction Park. For powered sites, give Theodore Showgrounds a call in advance.
Where is the moura Coal & Country festival?
For an action-packed week-long festival of events, head to the Moura Recreational Grounds in August 2021. Most of the festival activities are held at the grounds and are suitable for all ages with activities for everyone. With a huge thanks to the continued support from the local community, organisations, sponsors, local service clubs and Coal Festival Entrants, this festival would not be possible. Keep an eye on the Moura Coal & Country Facebook Page for event details to ensure you don’t miss out.
Explore more of the sandstone wonders
Beat the crowds and step outside the norm for your next holiday – come and visit some of the unique favourite experiences of the Banana Shire. There are more than a dozen self-drive tour itineraries on the Sandstone Wonders website that helps you to plan your next adventure in the region.
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 tours.
Extra resources to find camping spots: Caravanning Queensland , Find a Campsite or the Camp Australia App
Book your camping spot
If you are planning to camp in a designated camp ground or National Park ensure you book and obtain the necessary permit.
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.
And please help to care for our precious places and leave them clean as you go. Remember: take only photographs, leave only footprints.
