LOCALS CALLED TO THE RED DUST ARENA:
MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO ADDS TWO NEW HOMEGROWN EVENTS TO 2025 PROGRAM
Australia’s biggest and most legendary outback rodeo just got even more local. Two new crowd-pleasing events will return in the 2025 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo arena – and they're tailor-made for the gutsy jackaroos, jillaroos, station workers, and young guns who call the Outback home.
The Eli Donovan Memorial Local Station Buck Jump and the Open Steer Ride – will spotlight local riders and honour the spirit and skill of the bush.
The Eli Donovan Memorial Local Station Buck Jump, named in tribute to a much-loved local rider, will see regional jackaroos and jillaroos take centre stage in a raw, rugged, and unfiltered bucking showdown. It’s all heart, all grit – and 100% Outback.
The Steer Ride is for the next generation – a new platform for up-and-coming young riders from the region to cut their teeth in the arena and ride under the same spotlight that’s shone on champions for nearly seven decades.
“These events honour the heritage of the Isa and the hardworking people who keep the Outback ticking,” said Mark ‘Tommo’ Thompson, Chair of the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo. “It’s about community pride, showcasing the incredible talent we have right here at home, and creating new pathways for local riders to rise.”
The 2025 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo runs 8–10 August, and is shaping up to be the biggest yet – with record prize money, an electric entertainment line-up, and now, more opportunity than ever for locals to saddle up and shine.
Nominations open at 9am 23/7/25 and close Thurs 5pm 24/7/25 [email protected]
From dust to glory, the call has gone out: the Red Dirt Arena is ready – are you?
Here’s what’s new in 2025:
- 🥇 Prize money increased across every single event—more incentive, more prestige, more legends made.
- 🎟️ Daily entry prices slashed; new affordable family passes introduced.
- 🐎 The Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships returns for its fourth year, now on Sunday morning before the Open Finals.
- 🎤 Rodeo legend Luke Geiger is back to rock Friday and Saturday night.
- 🍔 Lower food and drink prices, because good times shouldn’t break the bank.
- ⛺ Affordable camping options for the full rodeo experience under Outback stars.
The 2025 Mount Isa Mines Rodeo takes over Buchanan Park, Mount Isa, from August 8–10, and promises three unforgettable days of grit, glory, and red dirt pride. Tickets are on sale now. The Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships is proudly supported by the Queensland Government. The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo August 8 to 10
Tickets on sale NOW HERE
Contact details:
- For interviews, imagery and vision, contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or [email protected]
- For Media Accreditation to the event, as above.