The town of Cunnamulla in outback Queensland is set to come to life on June 30, as Cunnamulla Fella Roundup Festival brings four days of rodeo school, country music, barrel racing and all-round outback spirit.
The resilient town of Cunnamulla is about 780km west of Brisbane and 140km north of the New South Wales border and its 1,200 residents have continually kept their town thriving through wool growing, beef production and other trades. They also know how to celebrate.
There will be a three-day rodeo school from June 30 to July 2 and the Roundup, Rodeo, Barrels Circuit and Drought Angels Concert on July 3. Performing musicians include the acclaimed Tanya Kernaghan and 2017 Golden Guitar finalist Dani Young.
Cunnamulla Mayor Suzette Beresford commented: “We are inviting everyone to join us for the festival you never knew you needed!”
“In today’s fast-paced world of digital personalities, hectic schedules, traffic jams and concrete, the Cunnamulla Fella Roundup Festival stands as a beacon of authenticity, and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors. Just bring a hat, boots and enthusiasm and we will do the rest!”
Saturday July 3 will be where most of the action goes down, with a full day of festivities at the Cunnamulla showgrounds. The morning will be filled by the outback barrels circuit, the afternoon will be the rodeo and then the evening will feature the Drought Angels Country Cares Concert.
Cunnamulla is known for its natural beauty, extravagant festivities and classic country hospitality where “the handshake is stronger and the smile lasts longer.”
The town was created by Cobb & Co. in 1879 when the first coach drove through from Bourke. It’s now the only remaining south-west town along the original route.
The town is perched on the bank of the Warrego River, making it the perfect base for some kayaking, fishing and swimming. There’s also great bushland, flocks of native birds and Cunnamulla’s famous sand hills.
Take me there
Fly: REX (Regional Express Airlines) flies between Brisbane and Cunnamulla. Check flights here.
Drive: From Brisbane take the Adventure Way Discover Drive, the drive is around 9 hours. All roads are sealed.
Stay: Check out the Billabong Hotel Motel, Warrego Hotel Motel Cunnamulla and Club Boutique Hotel Cunnamulla.