Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular 2026
Dates: 11–14 June 2026
Thursday 11 June: The Clydesdale Cup GOLF DAY
Friday 12 June: The Clydesdale Cup Race Day
Saturday 13 June: Clydesdale Spectacular
Sunday 14 June: Clydesdale Spectacular
Location: Beaudesert Showgrounds, Albert Street, Beaudesert
More information, accommodation and tickets: www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au
The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular returns
One of Queensland’s most beloved events, the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular, the richest Clydesdale show in the Southern Hemisphere, returns to Beaudesert over the middle weekend of June, now expanded into a four-day celebration with plans to grow even further.
IMAGES AND VISION HERE
Following the recent success of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which performed a record-breaking four sold out shows at Suncorp Stadium, event organisers are hoping the love of kilts, cabers and clans extends to the Clydesdales!
Starring tiny Shetland ponies to towering Shire horses – and this year for the first time, gorgeous Miniature Highland Cows from Northview Highlands and donkeys and jennies (baby donkeys) from Wyllie Donkey Stud - the event honours heavy horses of all sizes, with the mighty Clydesdale taking centre stage. Across two feature days of competition, the grand champions of this iconic breed — known as the Gentle Giants of the horse world, are judged, their heritage shared, and their enduring role in Australia’s history celebrated.
Long regarded as the pinnacle of Clydesdale competition in Australia, the Spectacular cemented its status in 2023 with the introduction of The Thistle, the official Australian Clydesdale Championship title. A tribute to the breed’s proud Scottish heritage, The Thistle represents the highest honour in the Southern Hemisphere, firmly positioning the event as the “Top Gun” of heavy horse competition. Only one Clydesdale claims the title each year — and they must outshine the very best to do it.
New for 2026 are MINIATURE HIGHLAND COOS from Northview Highlands in the region and donkeys from Wyllie Donkey Stud for petting and photos, as well as the Q State Properties Clydesdale Spectacular Cup Race Day on Friday 12 June, with a tribute Eat Local Month menu created by Ambassador Chef, Josh Lopez (the event takes place during the famous Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, offering even more reason to visit, stay and experience the region).
An expanded program of immersive experiences and entertainment includes: Australian Light Horse displays, blacksmithing, caber tossing, Calling of the Clans, carriage rides, Clydesdale and Clan classes, food trucks, Friesian performance troupe, heavy horse harness demonstrations, timber sports and lumberjacking, market stalls, “Off The Track” classes, opening ceremony, Percherons, pie cart, Queensland Whip Cracking Championships and whip making classes, rare trades, Scottish pipes and drums, Scottish food and stalls, Shetland ponies, six-horse show team, tinsmithing, whip plaiting workshops, wheelwrighting, World Billy Boiling Championships and working dog displays. A full schedule of Clydesdale competition will run across the weekend in the main arena.
In tribute to the Scottish settlers who brought their beloved Clydesdales to the region, the event features a stirring massing of pipes and drums, Calling of the Clans, the Clydesdale and Clan class, and traditional caber tossing. Expect haggis burgers, a whisky bar, and plenty of tartan, with guests encouraged to attend in their clan kilts.
“Our region owes much to the majestic Clydesdales, which played a key role in establishing the Scenic Rim’s rich agricultural base, clearing land, ploughing paddocks and bringing in the harvest. While machinery led to a decline in the breed from the 1960s, the passion of fans, breeders and this event committee has ensured these gentle giants, and their 130-year history here, continues to be celebrated. Today, the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular stands as one of Queensland’s most significant events,” said event director, Greta Stanfield.
The giant horses continue to deliver giant benefits for the region – last year, the event attracted almost 14,000 attendees over two days, generating $2.8 million in visitor expenditure (Tourism & Events Queensland).
“I gotta tell you something, that has been one of the best experiences of my life – to sit here and be pulled and pushed along by two stunning Clydesdales, is just something that I will never forget!” Dr Harry Cooper
Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular 2026
Dates: 11–14 June 2026
Thursday 11 June: The Clydesdale Cup GOLF DAY
Friday 12 June: The Clydesdale Cup Race Day
Saturday 13 June: Clydesdale Spectacular
Sunday 14 June: Clydesdale Spectacular
Location: Beaudesert Showgrounds, Albert Street, Beaudesert
More information, accommodation and tickets: www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au
The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
The Clydesdale Cup GOLF DAY
Thursday 11th June at Boonah Golf Club
Starting at 8am, this day features 18 holes of teams Stableford golf with golfers playing for Clydesdale Cup, with lunch included. BOOK HERE
More information, accommodation and tickets: www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au
The Q State Properties Clydesdale Spectacular Cup RACE DAY at the Beaudesert Race Club
Friday June 12
Gates open at 10.30am, with free entry to the Race Day, and eat Local Month Luncheon for $200 per/per person (3 courses and 5 hour drinks package) or book a picnic table for 6 people $285 includes lunch style platter and complimentary drink. All food ELM and menu designed by Josue Lopez. Fashions, Draught Horse Derby, Official Opening Parade and Feature Race - The Clydesdale Cup.
More information, accommodation and tickets: www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au
Contact details:
Kath Rose & Associates on 0416 291 493 or [email protected]