The Coolgardie Rodeo & Outback Festival
Out here in the Goldfields, where the red dirt stretches to the horizon and the smell of campfire smoke drifts on the breeze, the Coolgardie Rodeo & Outback Festival is making its much-anticipated return from August 15 to 17.
More than just a rodeo, it’s a celebration of community, mateship, and the rugged Aussie spirit that makes this patch of country so special.
Last year’s festival saw the arena packed with over 4500 people to the quite country town of Coolgardie. As one punter put it, “It was unreal to see families enjoying the red dust and outback, cheering on the riders, and having a yarn by the fire. The music was spot on and the energy was electric.”
This year’s event promises to be even bigger, with all your rodeo favourites: bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling — and plenty of local competitions for the Goldfields folk keen to have a crack.
“It’s the kind of weekend where you make new mates, catch up with old ones, and watch some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the country show us how it’s done,” says event coordinator Bodean Buckingham. “No matter what, the Coolgardie Rodeo always delivers.”
Beyond the arena, there’s something for everyone:
Coolgardie Truck & Ute Muster — A chance to show off the rig and check out some of the toughest trucks and utes in the region.
WA Camp Oven & Slow Cook Championships — Where bush cooks compete for the bragging rights of best damper and slow-cooked feeds.
Best Dressed Competitions — From your sharpest western gear to the most creative getups, it’s all about showing off your style and having a laugh.
Live Music & Entertainment — Keeping the good times rolling all weekend long.
Family-Friendly Fun — Helicopter rides, blacksmith demos, market stalls, and plenty more to keep the kids (and the big kids) entertained.
Tickets are available online only at outbackrodeos.com — no gate sales this year, so make sure to grab yours ahead of time. Free on-site camping is available from Thursday night through to Sunday morning, so pack the swag and settle in for a weekend under the stars.
Coolgardie is a cruisy 25-minute drive from Kalgoorlie-Boulder or around six hours from Perth, with a bitumen road all the way.
Proudly organised by Outback Rodeos Inc., the Coolgardie Rodeo & Outback Festival is about bringing the community together and celebrating the best of the bush. “It’s more than just an event — it’s a gathering of mates, families, and visitors all keen to soak up that outback hospitality,” Bodean says.
So pull on the boots, dust off the hat, and come join us for a weekend that’s as Aussie as they come.
