Events

The Isa Rodeo is more than just a rodeo - it is nothing short of a week long program of fun and festivities for all the family.  For what's on and when, check out the Isa Rodeo Event Schedule.

The event has come a long way since its conception and now offers nothing short of a week long rodeo festival that attracts over 25,000 visitors to Mount Isa. Experience three days of non-stop rodeo action as the best of local and overseas competitors compete for prestige and prize money totalling $200,000

Rodeo Queen Quest

Support the entrants of this year's Isa Rodeo Queen Quest as they raise money for local charities.

Mailman Express Sprint Horse Race

Held every year as part of the Isa Rodeo festivities, the Mailman Express is a time-trial race for non-thoroughbred horses.

The race takes place over a 200 metre straight on the Buchanan Park race track and is named in honour of the late Wally Mailman - a champion rough rider, rodeo judge and racing steward in Mount Isa.

Wally was a keen horseman who worked on numerous stations throughout north-west Queensland and made a significant contribution to the racing and rodeo industries. He is also the father of Secret Life of Us personality and actress Deborah Mailman.  

Mardi Gras

It's the one night of the year when just about everyone in Mount Isa comes out to play - Mardis Gras. It's the highlight of the city's social calendar and once you've seen it, been a part of it, you'll have little doubt as to why.

At the heart of Mardi Gras night is the parade. Businesses, community organisations, schools and clubs put their all into floats, displays and performances, all of which contribute to what is a stunning visual spectacular.

At Buchanan Park, it is standing room only as thousands of people from throughout north west Queensland and way beyond pack the park to enjoy the entertainment, sample the wares of food vendors and check out the market stalls.

Mardi Gras is what helps give rodeo its festival feel and also includes a fantastic line up of top class entertainment such as the Bull Pit event which runs in the main arena to coincide with the other festivities.

Bell & Moir Toyota Rodeo Ball

A night of glitz and glamour before the dust kicking begins. The Mount Isa Rotary Rodeo Queen Entrants' fundraising efforts throughout the year are rewarded when the Rodeo Queen and Rodeo Charity Queen are announced and crowned.

The Best Dressed Premises

The rodeo spirit kicks off early with the whole community getting involved in the Best Dressed Premises Competition. At least 20 nominations are received each year to be in the running for the Best Dressed Business Premises, Best Window Display, Most Appropriately Dressed Staff, Best Dressed School and Best Dressed Non-Profit or Community Organisation.

Zonta Bush Poets Breakfast

Over a hot buffet breakfast at the Carpentaria Buffalo Club, everyone is entertained by 4-5 local poets, featuring award winning bush poet Milton Taylor. A good time and a few laughs are had by all each year.

Main Against Beast 

Experience additional rodeo action and dust kicking, with the action packed bull ride and bareback competition held in the Bull Pit arena.                                                                          Man Against Beast is generally one of the more popular events during rodeo week, held on Friday 6 August.

Country Music Festival

Tap your toes and swing those hips at the Country Music Festival included within your ticket price.  A huge line up of award winning new country talent.

Red Ochre Indigenous Art Exhibition

Experience a celebration of culture and diversity through art, featuring, some of the North West's finest Indigenous artists. Come along and experience something new at this fully catered event.  

Live Entertainment, Sideshow Alley and much more!

So come and be apart of history and make your way out to The Rodeo Capital of Australia for the quintessential Outback experience and the pinnacle rodeo event in Australia.

Print