From the red dirt to the rodeo record books: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo 2026 tickets on sale early - December 18
The legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo presented by Akubra is forging ahead into a bold new era, today announcing that tickets and camping spaces for the 2026 event will go on sale tomorrow, Thursday December 18 at 9am.
IMAGERY and vision.
In more major news, prizemoney for all Open events in 2026 will increase by $5,000, making the take-home for the Open buckle winners $20,000.
This marks what is believed to be the earliest ticket release in the event’s 67-year history, giving fans more time than ever to plan their pilgrimage to the famous red dirt arena in Queensland’s Outback.
Adding to this trio of announcements is the confirmation that NRL icon Sam Thaiday will return in 2026 as the Indigenous Rodeo Championships Ambassador, after embracing the inaugural role this year. This time though, he’s wearing his own Mount Isa Mines Rodeo buckle!
This highly coveted buckle is only every presented to winning riders and extraordinary contributors to the sport. He received the honour recently, recognising his support, and commitment to the rodeo community.
The announcements follow a transformational 18 months for the internationally famed event. After entering voluntary receivership in 2024, the Rodeo was returned to the people who built it, the Mount Isa community. Under the stewardship of a new Community Board led by Mark ‘Tommo’ Thompson, a $750,000 profit was declared after this year’s event, testament to the immense effort poured into delivering three epic days of arena action. It marked the beginning of a new chapter grounded in local connection, world class stock and riders, and the celebration of Australian rodeo culture.
The 2025 event showcased record prize pools across all divisions, significantly reduced ticket prices (including the introduction of a Family Pass that included three children), and new stock contractors. Riders competed from every state except the ACT, as well as from New Zealand and the USA, and the stands around the iconic red dirt arena were full, a powerful sign of the rodeo’s renewed energy and community support.
It was a defining moment that Mark ‘Tommo’ Thompson is determined to build upon. “To keep rodeo accessible and affordable for families, all 2026 ticket types and prices will remain the same as this year, after we slashed them in 2025,” he said. “Daily entry passes for adults will stay at $50, the three-day pass remains $120, and the Family Pass with three children returns as well.”
“We made the decision to increase the Open event prize money to $20,000 in order to make Isa Rodeo worthwhile for competitors across the globe – and we have incredible interest from international riders after this year’s success – and to keep attracting the best of the best.”
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Kalkadoon Park in 2026 — and we’ve got plenty more news coming in the new year, so buckle in!”
ABOUT Mount Isa Mines Rodeo – it is the largest rodeo in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the biggest in the world. It’s where champions return to defend their titles, rising stars carve their names into history, and eight electrifying seconds can feel like an eternity. For three adrenaline-fueled days, Mount Isa in Outback Queensland comes alive with the raw power of bull riding, bronc busting, barrel racing, roping and more, as the world’s toughest cowboys and cowgirls battle for some of the most coveted buckles in rodeo. Since 1959, the red dust of Mount Isa has risen beneath hooves, boots, and the roar of the crowd. The rodeo is the heartbeat of Outback Queensland, and an event that welcomes riders and fans from all over the globe.
2026 MOUNT ISA MINES RODEO presented by Akubra
Fri 7th August – Sun 9th August 2026
Buchanan Park Events Complex, George St & Sutton St, Mount Isa QLD 4825
Website: www.mountisarodeo.com.au
TICKETS ON SALE THURSDAY DECEMBER 18 from 9am at Mount Isa Rodeo
Daily Entry Passes – Friday 7th August, Saturday 8th August and Sunday 9 August 2026
Adult (18+) $50
Pensioner $35
Child (8-17 years) $20
Child (0-7) free
Family Day Pass (2 adults + 3 children) $120 children must be accompanied by an adult
Three Day Rodeo Passes
Adult (18+) $120
Pensioner $90
Family $300 all Children must be accompanied by an adult
Camping – same prices as 2025
- Three day unpowered – ($200 per site) up to 4 people, then additional charge per person
- Five day powered – ($350 per site) up to 4 people, then additional charge per person
- Five day unpowered – ($300 per site) up to 4 people, then additional charge per person
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
For media interviews or imagery, please contact Kath Rose on [email protected] or 0416 291 493
