Pack your bags, you’re heading bush for a boogie, beer and some top tunes! 2020 is jam packed with some fantastic new and returning outback festivals. We are ready to give you all the details on our top 10 unmissable Outback Festivals and events of 2020. Get those dancing shoes ready and the esky packed, you’ve got a busy year ahead!
One big tip for those looking to stay connected via mobiles!
Telstra has the largest coverage area and while you may not get reception between towns you will get Telstra in the Outback Towns. Some areas also have Optus coverage. If you have Vodaphone or other providers you will not get reception outside of capital cities.
Roma’s Easter in the Country Festival
Roma’s Easter in the country is a 5day celebration running from the 8th of April through to the 13th of April 2020. There is something for everyone with children’s activities such as mini train rides, the monster Easter egg hunt, ponies and animals to pat and billy kart racing.
Other activities and events over the 5 days include, various art shows and museum tours, saleyard tours, Outback tucker under the stars, “Big Rig night show” , various garden tours, craft shows, poetry readings, Xtreme bulls event, markets, street parades, drag racing , wife carrying races, rodeo, and of course the country music extravaganza with Lee Kernaghan & The Wolfe Brothers performing live. As you can see there is something for everyone and the event showcases all the outback has to offer! It is an must do event this year. You can find further information via the official website here.
Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival
The Julia Creek Dirt and Dust festival has been running for 26 years, it one of the Outback’s long-standing festivals and if that doesn’t tell you why it’s made our 10 unmissable Outback Festivals list than we don’t know what will. It runs from the 17th to the 19th of April this year and has an itinerary of events you won’t be able to believe! Across the weekend you can get in on the action by testing your endurance in the Senior Dirt and Dust triathlon. Join over 300 athletes race around on one of the toughest courses and tackle the harshest conditions.
If that’s not quite your style you might enjoy the dirt and dust festivals adventure trail run instead. with 3 different categories you can choose to compete seriously in the 16km or 11km events or if your looking for something a little more fun, you can enjoy the 5.5km event and come dressed in costume, the crazier the better!! All courses have 13 country themed obstacles located throughout the course which will include a Mud Bath, Rock Run, Hurdles, Dirt Jumps, Creek run, Cargo net, Bog hole, Sandbag Carry/water truck spray/aid station / Tyre gauntlet, Sink or Swim, Rope across the creek, Croc Slide /and a Hay Bale hurdle.
Novelty Events
The Dirt and dust festival also offers plenty of novelty events for some extra fun! These include, Pig Racing, Cow Pat Throwing, Fly Catching along with kids fun and games like old school games, sack races, Coits, 3 legged races and many more.
If you more of a watcher than a participator, there will be plenty of action for you too. There will be horse racing on the Dirt and Dust Race day, which will also include Fashions on the Field and Country Tastes Luncheon. Last but not least you can get your adrenaline pumping by enjoying the Dirt and Dust Festival PBR Bull riding! It showcases some of the outback’s toughest and most talented bull riders and is always a night of dangerous drama, not stop thrills and pure talent!!
You can find out more about Julia Creek’s Dirt and Dust Festival via the official website and purchase your tickets here
Music in the Mulga Eulo
Music in the Mulga is a outback country rock music festival, held over 4 days from the 14th to the 17th of May. It is run on a working sheep and cattle farm, ‘Wandilla Station’ near Eulo Queensland, making for a truly unique experience.
They have an exceptional line-up again this year, if you missed The Wolfe brothers at Roma’s Easter in the Country Festival you’ll luckily be able to catch them here too. They will be joined by The Pigs, Simply Bushed, Kerry Kennedy, Bec Hance, Jimmy Bay Music, Adam Kilpatrick, Pete ‘Smokie’ Dawson, Keith Dunn and Andy Abra.
Music in the Mulga is approximately 60 minute drive from Cunnamulla so if you are not a caravaner or camper and you’re looking for accommodation Cunnamulla the top rated Cunnamulla Accommodation of Booking.com and Trip Advisor is Club Boutique Hotel.
Get your tickets and more information from the official website here.
Vision Splendid outback film festival
Winton is quickly forming a reputation of “Hollywood in the Outback”. The quiet outback town with a population of less than 1000 people has produced some big-name films such as “Mystery Road” and “Goldstone” with filming taking place in the town, it is becoming a driving force for the creation of a Regional Film Industry. The Vision Splendid Outback film festival was started in an effort to showcases local and afar talent! This year’s festival runs from the 26th of June to the 4th of July and will show screenings of the short film competition along with selected feature films. The competition is open to independent filmmakers from Australia and around the world, If you would like to apply you can do so here. This year’s theme is “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”.
You can purchase your ticket via the official website here
Cunnamulla Fella Festival
The Cunnamulla Fella Festival is another gem that we’ve included on our 10 unmissable Outback Festivals list for 2020. We wrote a blog guide to last year’s Cunnamulla Fella Festival which you can read here. It will give you some idea of what you could expect for this year!! The 2020 dates have been set and the festival will take place from Friday the 28th of August to Sunday that 30th August.
It’s a weekend full of country music, rodeo, bushmen contest, motorbikes, market stalls, fireworks, Cowboys, bull riders, shearers, you name it! Make sure you book your accommodation and caravan and camping sites early as there is a large bowls carnival the same weekend. The Club Boutique Hotel Cunnamulla is a great base to meet friends, family and other travellers during the festival and they also run a range of events during the weekend so click the link to keep up to date with What’s on. You can purchase tickets via the official website here.
The Big Red Bash
The Big Red Bash is one of QLD’s biggest Outback Festivals. Unfortunately, you may have to plan far in advance to attend this beauty as it sells out in days! The 2020 Big Red Bash is held from the 7th – 9th July however it sold out in record time late last year, with record numbers set to attend as well. The event is expecting over 9000 people to venture to this year’s event, and we can understand why!
Line Up
This year’s line-up includes, Paul Kelly, Ian Moss, Tim Finn, John Williamson, Kate Ceberano, Ian Moss, Shannon Noll, Dragon, The Radiators, Mi Sex, Wendy Matthews, Thirsty Merc, Marc Gable, Dragon, Glenn Shorrock, Caitlin Shadbolt and plenty more. If you have not travelled to Birdsville or the bash before there is a great facebook group to join. It’s called Travelling to the Big Red Bash which offers support tips and hints for the perfect trip. Remember a great trip is also about the journey not just the destination.
Cunnamulla is a town worthy of a a day or two and Club Boutique Hotel has some great functions and events pre and post the Big Red Bash. Many bashers call in to experience the last bit of luxury and comfort before they head further West. It is also the only place in the Outback where you can have craft beer on tap with their unique and exclusive Cunnamulla Characters Brewed. If you would like further information you can check out the official Big Red Bash website.
Birdsville Races
The Birdsville racetrack welcomes over 6000 guests for the Birdsville races each year. The 2020 race meet will happen on the 4th and 5th September. Attendees will enjoy two days of quality outback racing along with all-star entertainment each night at the famous Birdsville Hotel. If you’re in need of more fun than that, you’re in luck! You also have the opportunity to participate in the RFDS Fun run. A race dedicated to helping raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctors service.
In 2019 a Facebook group was started to assist first time travellers to Birdsville Races. The group is full of information and can assist anyone travelling alone to be art of a larger group. We highly recommend you join Travelling to Birdsville Races.
If you are travelling through Cunnamulla we suggest you keep in up to date with what’s on, what you can expect to experience and see on your journey through Outback Queensland and more via the following facebook page Club Boutique Hotel Cunnamulla. To purchase tickets to this year’s races head to the official website here!
The Outback Food Wine and Music Festival
I think the name of this event would just about convince anyone to go! Who doesn’t love food, wine and music? Especially all at once! This year Outback Food, Wine and Music Festival is on from the 11th – 13th of September. Held in Longreach at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre, it is an “unmissable outback event. A degustation of food, wine, craft beers, master chef classes and live music!! You can purchase your tickets and find out further information here.
Outback paddle Regatta Festival
A second festival located in Longreach only this time your swapping the wine and food for a paddle board, kayak, canoe or dragon boat! Set on the Thomson River this years Outback Paddle Regatta Festival is being held on Saturday the 19th September.
There is something for everyone, with serious and competitive challenges available to test your skills and battle out for the prizes. Or if you are more of a “just for fun” competitor, you can take out the various water craft for a more leisurely spin! The day also hosts various novelty races and games including, duck races, giant duck races, arm wrestling competitions, mini-obstacle courses for the kids, and of course music, food and entertainment throughout the day. You can keep up to date with the schedule and find out more information via the official website here
VDM Fest – Rock Edge Country Music Festival
Back for a 4th year and growing each time! This year VDM Vest is expanding to a 2-day Festival over the 3rd and 4th of October. It is a Rock Edge County Music Festival located in Biloela, at the Biloela Showgrounds. This year’s line-up is an epic one. With the likes of Missy Lancaster, Anna Farquhar, Natalie Pearson, Viper Creek Band and The Tony Q Band set to take the stage! You’ll want to get in quick for this one. You can buy your tickets here.
We know it might be a mission and a half to tick all of these events off in the one year, but you can only try right!? 😉 We certainly mean it when we say they are 10 unmissable Outback Festivals and events of 2020! So we will let you decided which ones your heading to this year and which ones will be on next years list!