Event
By Danielle Reckless
When: TBC August 2025
Outback Queensland is cherished for its star-studded night skies and cascading landscapes, but it's also an inimitable place of true grit and hard yakka where sweat, heat and dust are standard in everyday life.
This may ring true for 361 days in the mining township of Mount Isa. But for nine glorious days in August, the excitement ramps up when man meets beast and the locals let loose for the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere.
The much-loved Outback event has been given a major upgrade, boasting a bigger program of activities over more days and an impressive line-up of some of Australia’s most iconic singers and bands.
If the words bull riding, whip cracking and tent boxing perk your ears, muster your mates and trek your way into Queensland’s wild west. Use this guide to help you get there and spend your time right.
Now in its 66th year, the Mount Isa Rodeo returns in August 2025 with an attractive prize pool up for grabs.
The small town more than doubles in size and crowds flood the red-dirt arena to watch bulls and horses bust in with their mad riders firmly attached - until they’re thrown off.
Rodeo fans: get ready to witness the thrills and spills of competition, with bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, ladies barrel race, team roping, rope and tie, steer wrestling and breakaway roping.
The third year of the Mount Isa Indigenous Rodeo Championships will see more records set, and indigenous riders celebrated. A Welcome to Country will be performed by the Sundowners Kalkutungu Dancers and the spectacular Komet Torres Strait Islander Arts and Culture Dance Group.
Carry your collapsible rod and make space in your saddle bag for a few lures because you wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to cast a line in Lake Moondarra, home to one of Queensland’s best inland fishing classics. Consider yourself more of a tactical angler? Bring your fly rod and flick along the edge for Barra.
Outback at Isa, Outback Queensland. Photo by @outbackatisa
Get the rare opportunity to experience Mount Isa’s rich mining heritage on the Hard Times Underground Mine Tour; a site replica and museum.
Entry to the mine is via a lift that will descend 20 feet into a network of tunnels. It’s dark and eerie, just like a real mine and after exploring the shafts, machinery and listening to your guide and ex-miner explain the process, you’ll appreciate the complexity of a working mine.
Here's some other things to do while you're in Mount Isa, as well as local favourites for food and accommodation.
Pack smart: you’re going into rugged terrain. Swap your thongs (flip flops) for a pair of R.M. Williams boots and ditch your favourite baseball cap for a wide brim Akubra to protect you from the sun.
Cool long sleeved shirts (checkers optional) and pants or jeans are essential out here. And be sure to bring a pair of polarised sunnies.
If you’re driving, bring the essentials including water, a first-aid-kit and appropriate tools and spare parts.
Matilda Way, Outback Queensland
Qantas, Virgin Australia and REX airlines service the Outback and you can fly directly into Mount Isa Airport. If you prefer to drive, follow Matilda Way from Brisbane through the heart of the outback, jounrey along Capricorn Way from Rockhampton, or take Overlander’s Way from Townsville.
Or kick back and enjoy the scenery on board The Inlander train which departs from Townsville every Wednesday and Saturday.
Shorter on time or want to cut straight to the action? This year, Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is offering charter flight, accommodation and ticket packages.
Pack a swag and your camping gear, because the best place to stay for the rodeo is to camp right by the action. There's glamping packages for those who prefer a little more luxury too. Camping and glamping tickets can be purchased with your rodeo pass.
If you’d rather stay at a hotel or motel, check out these accommodation options in Mount Isa.