Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival turns 30 with massive all-Queensland lineup
The iconic Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival is officially 30 years strong and in true outback style, the community is turning a tough year into a milestone celebration.
After widespread flooding impacted Julia Creek and much of North West Queensland earlier in 2026, the town is gearing up to welcome visitors back with a huge, home-grown entertainment program for this year’s Dirt n Dust Festival from 17-19 April.
"Dirt n Dust has always been about backing each other, community spirit and enjoying a good time," said President of the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival Kalan Lococo.
"After natural disasters, our community has shown incredible toughness and determination.
“In 2026, we aren't just hosting a festival; we are celebrating 30 years of resilience and the mateship that keeps this region standing strong.
“We invite everyone to stand with our region, support local communities, and get dirty with us. Julia creek is definitely open for business."
Home-grown lineup for milestone anniversary
To mark its 30th birthday, Dirt n Dust is going big with a 100% Queensland lineup of country stars.
Full weekend lineup:
- Bella Mackenzie (Saturday, 18 April): Moranbah-born rising star Bella Mackenzie leads the celebrations.
- Trent Bell (Friday, 17 April): Former The Voice Australia semi-finalist and X-Factor performer, known for supporting Jimmy Barnes and Jessica Mauboy.
- Josie (Friday, 17 and Sunday, 19 April): A powerhouse North Queensland artist whose untamed energy reflects life on the red dirt roads.
- Billie Rose (Saturday, 18 and Sunday, 19 April): A fresh ‘cinematic sound’ combining 90s country, soulful vocals and roots-inspired melodies.
- Zac Cross Band (Friday, 17 and Saturday, 18 April): Rockhampton’s country-rock heavy-hitters, renowned for bold drums, big riffs and bush-born authenticity.
110 years of country racing
The 2026 festival also marks 110 years of horse racing in Julia Creek.
"Sharing our anniversary with the 30th year of Dirt n Dust proves that the spirit of Julia Creek is unbreakable,” said President of the Julia Creek Turf Club Timothy Mark.
“We are ready to showcase country racing at its finest and welcome everyone back to our track for a weekend they’ll never forget."
Event highlights for 2026
Visitors can expect three days of non-stop outback action, including:
- South32 DnD Adventure Run: Australia’s wildest outback obstacle course (mud included).
- Dirt n Dust Rodeo: High-adrenaline bull and bronc riding under the lights.
- Multicom Resources Artesian Express Horse Races: Country racing at its finest.
- Australia’s Best Butt Competition: The legendary, cheeky event only found at Dirt n Dust.
- Festival camping: Onsite camping available to keep festivalgoers close to the action.
Tickets are on sale now.
More articles
Related topics
Things to note
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance Products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQI) and arranged by its agent, RACQ Distribution Services Pty Ltd (RDS) ABN 35 116 361 650, AFSL 567130 and RDS' authorised representatives (including RACQ Operations Pty Ltd ABN 80 009 663 414, AR No. 234978 (RACQO). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. RDS and RACQO are in the RACQ group of companies. One of the companies in the RACQ group of companies has a minority shareholding in RACQI.
RDS and RACQO have not taken your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account when preparing advice regarding insurance products and you will need to consider whether the advice is appropriate for you. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website. RDS receives a commission from RACQI for the policies it arranges. RACQO receives fees paid for services it provides to RDS. Further details about remuneration are available on request prior to purchasing.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Bank subscribes to the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice which establishes higher standards than the law requires. The Code reflects modern consumer expectations and developments in approaches to issues such as consumer vulnerability, guarantors, and supporting customers through financial hardship. Please read our Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice page for more information.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.