Mount Isa Mines Rodeo hits the road
Outback Queensland in the spotlight as major new event series launched.
Road to Rodeo will bring a taste of the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo experience to regions across Queensland including thrilling rodeo action and live Rodeo Rock.
The first regional rodeo event will take place in Longreach from 30 April-1 May, with four new annual events to be held across Queensland by 2024.
Isa Rodeo Limited CEO Natalie Flecker said the event would showcase the best of outback Queensland.
“Labelled as one of the most electrifying events in the country, the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is on the bucket list of many, has won numerous awards and generated millions of dollars in economic benefit to Mount Isa, outback Queensland and Queensland, and now it’s time to take this experience state-wide and develop, champion and share it across Queensland,” Ms Flecker said.
“Longreach, in the heart of outback Queensland, is the perfect first location. It is a proud rodeo-loving region, is home to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and has a long rodeo and campdrafting history.
“As we re-open borders and re-connect with Australia’s own backyard, Road to Rodeo Longreach is set to be one of the must-attend events of 2022, and a new annual event on the calendar.”
Road to Rodeo Longreach features a full rodeo competition, the Rodeo Rock concert on Saturday featuring Australia’s leading country performers, food and wine, low ’n’ slow barbecue from The Shank Brothers, wine tasting in the Brown Brother’s Prosecco Paddock, markets, sideshow alley, local talent stage, competitor meet and greets, cooking demonstrations, bush poetry and more.
Ms Flecker said the events would inject more than $44 million into the Queensland economy.
“Road to Rodeo is an exciting, long-term vision for outback Queensland that leverages off the incredible success of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, drives economic and social benefits to regional Queensland and ensures that the opportunity for amateur and professional rodeo continues to be a part of the Australian outback experience,” she said.
“Over the next few years, similar smaller regional events will join Longreach in the Road to Rodeo series, serving to not only promote outback Queensland, but also the individual event destinations, driving visitation while creating a professional rodeo circuit to keep Australian competitors at the top of their game.”
A full rodeo schedule includes the bull ride (open, over 40s, second and junior division), saddle bronc (open and second division), bareback (open and second division), rope and tie (open), steer wrestling, team roping, ladies barrel race, ladies breakaway roping and mini bull rides.
Tickets, accommodation and travel itineraries are available on the Isa Rodeo website.
