Queensland's outback comes alive with events

There's a host of activities planned for Queensland's outback this year. Tourism Queensland has listed the following 'must see' events:

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Get dirty and dusty at the Julia Creek Dirt ‘n’ Dust Festival (4 –6 April, 2008), located in north-west Queensland. Join in the fun of the Cow Poo Throwing Competition or compete in the outback Bog Snorkelling Race. This annual festival is famous for the Outback Triathlon, Australia’s Best Butt Competition and PBR Touring Pro Bull Riding Rodeo.

The camels are off and racing at the famous Boulia Camel Races (18 - 20 July, 2008). Meet and mingle with Outback characters trackside, as you cheer on the camels racing on the red dirt track. The town of Boulia swells from a population of 300 to 3000 people for this weekend of racing which also includes a firework spectacular and entertainment well into the night.

Celebrate Australia’s national gem at the Yowah Opal Festival (18 – 20 July, 2008). The opal town of Yowah, (155km west of Cunnamulla in South West Queensland) is home to the Yowah Nut Opal which was first discovered here at the end of the 19th century. Try your luck and fossick for opals – this could be your lucky day. Enjoy the entertainment, markets and priceless opal collections that will be on display.

Don’t miss the adrenalin-pumping action of Mount Isa Rodeo (8 -10 August 2008). You’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat from the minute the first cowboy bursts through the shute, hanging on for dear life on the back of a massive bull. Celebrating the 50th year of the rodeo in Mount Isa, this event is the biggest on the Australian rodeo calendar and attracts the best of local and overseas competitors. The Mount Isa Rodeo is now housed in the multi-million dollar, purpose built Buchanan Park rodeo arena that can accommodate over 5,500 spectators.

Traffic warning: on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 the main street of Windorah will be temporarily closed for the Windorah International Yabby Races. Cheer on as the yabby’s race down the main street of Windorah in search of glory in the four race program. Perfect timing for those travelling through town en route to the Birdsville Races, punters have the opportunity to buy one of forty racing yabbies, caught in local waterholes. Entertainment continues well into the night at the local Western Star Hotel.

Join thousands of visitors who flock to the tiny Outback town of Birdsville for the annual XXXX Gold Birdsville Cup (5 – 7 September, 2008). Birdsville’s remote location lures colourful characters who love the atmosphere of the country races, cheering on the winners and sleeping in a ‘swag’ under the stars. Witness one of Australia’s busiest airports for a day as over 200 aircrafts land at Birdsville Airport for the event.

For information on the Queensland Outback visit www.outbackholidays.info