Mort & Co King of the
Mountain Horse Race
MAR 2–28, Toowoomba, Qld
Witness the ultimate in equine athleticism at Clifford Park. With $750,000 in prize money for talented horses, trainers and jockeys, expect an unforgettable day of race-day hospitality and carnival events.
(07) 4634 6066
kingofthemountainhorserace.com.au
Hell of the West Weekend
MAR 22–23, Goondiwindi, Qld
This long-course triathlon started in 1989 and is posed as the state’s toughest triathlon. It is held during a multisport weekend, with charity runs and races for various age groups and ability levels.
0427 585 348
hellofthewest.com
Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival
APR 11–13, Julia Creek, Qld
A lively festival in north-western Queensland, with an adventure run, horse races, rodeo and music.
0488 901 392
dirtndust.com
Outback River Lights Festival
APR 11–13, Paroo Shire, Qld
Each year, Cunnamulla and the banks of the Warrego River come alive in a free, family-friendly festival that blends the outback’s rugged beauty with the magic of lights.
(07) 4655 8470
paroo.qld.gov.au
QLD Music Trails – The Outback
APR 20–MAY 3, Qld
Trail-goers will enjoy performances and a chockers itinerary, with events including Easter in the Country (Roma), Saddle Up (St George), The Gully Sessions (Thallon), Lunch with The Locals (Bollon), Ballads & Bush Yarns (Charlotte Plains), Reels & Railway (Cunnamulla), BBQ in the Bush (Thargomindah), A Night at Eromanga and Outback Sounds (in Charleville).
(07) 3010 6600
qldmusictrails.com
World Angus Forum &
Related Events
APR 29–MAY 16, NSW and Qld
Tickets are now on sale for the Neogen World Angus Forum in Brisbane (May 7–8). Pre- and post-forum events include the Sydney Harbour welcome cruise (April 29), the Zoetis AngusEXPO at Tamworth’s AELEC (May 3–4), and a post tour through central and western Queensland (May 9–16).
0459 959 770
worldangusforum2025.com
Festival of Outback Skies
MAY 2–4, Hughenden, Qld
Featuring numerous performers, art showcases, workshops and bull rides.
(07) 4741 2970
festivalofoutbackskies.com.au
Kalbar Sunflower Festival
May 2–4, Kalbar, Qld
A festival that grew out of a family’s battle through drought has now grown into an event visited by thousands – with local markets, gourmet delights, fashion, flowering fields, and funds raised for various charities.
0417 644 331
kalbarsunflowers.com.au
Festival of Outback Opera
MAY 13–19, Winton and Longreach, Qld
A series of concerts, headlined by Sumi Jo, in iconic outback locales including the festival opening, long lunch and Dark Sky Serenade in Winton; Sing Sing Sing, an opera ball and Singing in the Night in Longreach; and the hit show Are You Lonesome Tonight, touring nationally in 2025.
(07) 3735 3030
oq.com.au
Music in the Mulga
MAY 15–18, Thargomindah, Qld
With plenty of camping, this outback and family-friendly music festival will be held at Thargomindah Rodeo Grounds. Artists include the Ultimate Creedence, the Wet Whistles, Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley
musicinthemulga.com.au
Great Australian Charity Cattle Drive
MAY 18–AUG 6, Landsborough Highway, Longreach, Qld
An authentic, iconic, outback Queensland cattle drive, moving 2,000 head of cattle from Longreach to Roma, covering 775km over 87 days to raise funds to provide meals to the homeless and the disadvantaged, and to create awareness of food insecurity in Australia.
charitycattledrive.au