100 days to go until the legendary Mount Isa Mines RODEO!!
Australia’s Barrel Racing Queen Leanne Caban says she’ll be back!
Dust off those boots, grab your Akubra and tighten your buckles because there is officially 100 days until the legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo takes over the famous red dirt of Buchanan Park, and the best cowgirls and cowboys in the country complete for rodeo’s most famous buckles.
After last year’s record rodeo recovery where more than 16,000 fans flocked to see the best bucking broncs and bulls in the country, along with almost 800 of Australia’s top cowboys and cowgirls, plans are well underway for the 2026 event, with accommodation almost at capacity in the town, while camping options remain open.
In huge news the Rodeo Board announced that Open Event prizemoney will increase by $5,000 this year, another reminder that this Outback Rodeo remains the richest in the country, and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Rodeo Community Board Chair Mark ‘Tommo’ Thompson said the Opens increase was to make Isa Rodeo worthwhile for competitors across the globe, and to continue drawing the best of the best nationally.
“In addition, 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 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!”
Leanne Caban, Australia’s barrel racing queen and mentorship matriarch, who been dominating the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo for decades, said she is excited to return again this year.
Hailing from Emerald, via Julia Creek, Caban said the event’s long history, and the fact it had so many stories to tell is what made it her favourite across the country.
“My personal history at Isa includes records, family and so many fun times. I grew up in Julia Creek so Mt Isa Rodeo time always feels like I am going home’” she said. “One of my top memories would have to be 1993 at the old Kalkadoon Park Arena and breaking the Australian Record in the Barrel Race on 'Trash'. We held that record for six years.”
Today Caban rides an extraordinary horse called Akka Dakka. She and Akka Dakka are inseparable, with more barrel racing records and buckles than almost anyone in the circuit.
“The main man (Akka Dakka) has had a good spell and is fit and ready to get back to business. His first Rodeo this year was Tooloombilla. We took home a nice 2nd place cheque at Warwick Rodeo in October last year, but we didn't get to go South over Christmas and into the New Year, so we have some catching up to do.”
Leanne’s influence stretches far beyond trophies. She’s a professional horse trainer and breeder, and spends countless hours mentoring hundreds of young girls nationwide, helping them chase rodeo dreams, many of whom follow her to Mount Isa.
Dust Off Your Boots – Line Dancing is coming to Rodeo 2026!
This year, rodeo is turning up the music and bringing the rhythm to the red dirt with the introduction of our very first Line Dancing Competition. There’ll be boots, belts, big energy and a whole lot of heel-toe action under the Outback sky.
Taking up the SLACK
Due to an increase in competitor nominations, Rodeo Slack (early heats) will run on Thursday morning.
Cowgirls with Wings
The iconic red dirt arena is about to be taken to new heights this year with a show-stopping addition to its 2026 program: Dayna Bradshaw, otherwise known as Cowgirls With Wings. Hailing from NSW country, Dayna Bradshaw is one of Australia’s best female trick rider performing the full American-style spectacle, backbends, handstands, gymnastics stunts, all at full gallop.
Townsville’s own, The Barnyard Band
To headline entertainment across Friday and Saturday nights, August 7 and 8. Front and centre is Laurence Sorbello, award-winning crowd participation country entertainer and master showman, paired with the explosive fiddle brilliance of Katisha Adelaide and their all-star five piece band, delivering a two night country concert spectacular that pays homage to the greatest country artists of all time as well as showcasing their debut songs being released in 2026..
Sam Thiaday returns
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!
ROADS TO RODEO - WHERE TO STAY & PLAY
With tickets now on sale, it’s time to plan your trip! If you are keen on driving, and seeing some of the most spectacular landscape in the world, here’s three highways that will get you to ‘Isa - Matilda Way, Capricorn Way and Overlanders Way. So you can take your time in getting here and linger a little longer in the Outback. Book accommodation NOW because this famous Outback town fills faster than a record breaking barrel ride! Everything you need to know is at Outback at Isa and for regional tips visit Outback Queensland Outback Queensland - Outback Queensland
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 and TICKETS ON SALE NOW: www.mountisarodeo.com.au
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.
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 and 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 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.
Contact details:
Kath Rose on [email protected] or 0416 291 493