Mount Isa Rodeo – Bucking Good Times

Explore Australia

Jun 19

What is it with kids??

When you’re rolling up to check out Australia’s richest Rodeo in the with Cowboy and Cowgirl’s and legendary ‘bucking’ superstars everywhere and all ‘they’ want to do is head straight to Side Show Alley for the carni rides and prizes!

Fortunately, with 3-days of nonstop Rodeo action at the Mount Isa Rodeo we could allow them to overdose at the ‘Alley’ for a bit…

Visiting the ‘Isa’ (as the locals like to call it) at rodeo time is a must! The ‘vibe’ is literally touchable - shop windows and streets signs are adorned with Rodeo displays, caravan parks are at full capacity and Cowboys and Cowgirls are everywhere to be seen (although the latter may be the norm for this Outback Queensland town).

Festivities start early and our first night was spent checking out the Rodeo’s Mardi Gras where some seriously BIG Road Trains were decked out with displays from local clubs and schools. The kids loved watching the Big Wheelers roll past before the opening parade kicked off inside the Rodeo grounds.

Local Kids & Road Trains on display

Road Trainarama

Impressive line up of events over the whole weekend

Despite our kids quest for dodgem car action, vomit inducing rides, candy floss and some circus games we managed to get them into the Grand Stand in time for the grand parade and got a taste of what was to come over the next few days – bull rides, bronco bucking, steer wrangling…..all this and more was on show that night.

Hold ON!!!

run cow run……..

Meeting the stars of the show – these guys get paid BIG bucks

Later, there was a huge music concert starring some BIG names in the Country rock scene – unfortunately we had to give this a miss due to our ‘parental duties’ but next time we’ll book it in for some ‘kid-free’ fun.

The sign of a classic Outback Aussie Show – Fred Brophy’s Boxing Tent

Breakaway roping

Some serious bull riding action

After 3-days of carni-fun, red-dust, showground action, bulls, steers, clowns and real outback horsemanship, plus a bit of Fred Brophy's Boxing thrown in for good measure, we easily felt officially inducted into the World of Rodeo, with all the highs and lows that come with it.

**The circus even came to town (Ashton Entertainment Circus Show)**

It’s family friendly and full on, so don’t miss sampling the Mount Isa Rodeo if you’re out this way during winter.

Good Things to Know:

Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeos are held annually on the “second week-end of August”.
A day pass to the Rodeo gives you access for an entire day full of rodeo action, including sideshow and live entertainment. The 3-Day Rodeo pass gives you general admission to the Rodeo for 3 days including all the rodeo action, sideshow and evening acts. Prices & packages available at www.isarodeo.com.au.
Onsite camping packages are available with a Camping and Pop up Tent City onsite at Buchanan Park. There's plenty of other accommodation available around town - camping, motels etc - BUT book early if you're going during Rodeo Week.
The Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo is part of the Australian Professional Rodeo Association (APRA) circuit.
The Mount Isa Rodeo features eight major events – Saddle Bronc, Bareback, Bull Riding, Steer Wrestling, Rope & Tie, Team Roping, Ladies Barrel Racing and Ladies Breakaway Roping, as well as Local Station Buckjump and Poddy Rides.

Have you seen the Mount Isa Rodeo? Any other things that you would recommend families do if visiting the ‘Isa’ during this time?

Please Note: We received our Rodeo pass complimentary BUT all views, opinions and photos in this article are 100% my own.Click HERE for more info on Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo.