THE GREATEST SHOW ON DIRT STARTS NOW
The legendary Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is GO!
There’s red dust on the horizon across Outback Queensland as all roads are now leading to Mount Isa and the legendary rodeo that takes place from this Thursday to Sunday.
Thousands of fans and hundreds of riders from across Australia and the globe are descending on The ‘Isa as it becomes the beating heart of Australian rodeo, where the nation’s elite competitors chase glory and a share of the largest prize purse in the event's 67-year history, and the chance to etch their name alongside the legends of the sport.
This morning riders and Rodeo Queens visited local schools before the big event begins. NOTE: daily vision, live crosses and imagery will be available.
Fresh from a record comeback event in 2025, organisers are ready for an even bigger event as the Southern Hemisphere's largest rodeo.
Highlights include:
- Champions returning to defend their buckles and challengers lining up for glory, plus more junior and female competitors than ever.
- The free Indigenous rodeo clinic on Thursday August 6 is fully booked and will be led by Kalkadoon cowboy and national rodeo champion Donovan Rutherford, alongside his lifelong mate and PBR Rookie Champion Jake Curr, and six-time Australian Champion Protection Athlete and Waanyi man Darryl ‘Chongy’ Chong.
- The inaugural Ladies Bronc Series, featuring Australia's elite female bronc riders - women's bronc riding has a rich history in Australia, and it's time these incredible athletes had their own stage at the country's best rodeo.
- Cowgirl with Wings flies in the arena - Dayna Bradshaw, otherwise known as the Cowgirl with Wings makes her Isa Rodeo debut. From NSW, she is one of Australia’s leading female trick riders, performing the full American-style spectacle, backbends, handstands, gymnastics stunts, all at full gallop. “Finally stepping into the famous red dirt arena at Mount Isa will be a career highlight, and I can’t wait to share the magic with everyone.”
- NRL legend, proud Indigenous man and community champion Sam Thaiday returns this year as ambassador for the Mount Isa Mines Indigenous Rodeo Championships.
- The world’s most famed didgeridoo artist, and proud Kalkadoon man William Barton will perfrom before and after the Indigenous Rodeo Championships on Sunday.
- Australian singer-songwriter Elvis Kernaghan making his debut in the red dirt. Born in a tin shed on Springbrook Mountain and raised travelling through some of Australia's remote communities, Elvis Kernaghan has country music running through his veins. Townsville’s own, The Barnyard Band will headline entertainment across Friday and Saturday nights, August 7 and 8.
- 2025 Warwick Rodeo Queen and Horsemanship winner Cheyenne Neylon has travelled 1,800km north for the event. This year marks her first visit to Mount Isa Mines Rodeo.
- Glamour returns with Cowgirls in the Capital Cocktail Brunch - after selling out in ONE HOUR - Saturday 8 August, at the brand-new Cattleman’s Bar, this fashion savvy brunch happens with a side of sparkle, sass and sisterhood.
- New for 2026 is the RODEO RUNWAY event on Saturday August 8, held in the Back Paddock. The event is open to kids through to adults, and the best cowboy and cowgirl and western fashion is expected – think huge hats and buckles, boots, skirts, belts and all the fashion – it’ll be Yellowstone meets the red dirt on a runway!!!
- Line Dancing returns for the second year!
- It’s the biggest village yet - Buchanan Park will become one of Outback Australia's biggest country markets, foodie festivals and western shopping experiences all rolled into one.
"The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo isn't just another stop on the circuit, it's the ride every cowboy and cowgirl wants to win," he said. "The buckles awarded here are the most recognised and respected in Australian rodeo, and they're sought after by riders right across the country and increasingly from overseas,” said Mount Isa Pro Rodeo Community Board Chair Mark 'Thommo' Thompson.
"When you combine the best stock in Australia with the country's best riders, you get something pretty special - faster times, bigger rides, and eight-second battles that people talk about for years. It’s a total coup for spectators, we can guarantee a bucket list experience!”
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: Mount Isa Rodeo
TICKETS ON SALE 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 (remember this includes THREE kids!)
All Children must be accompanied by an adult
WITH THANKS
The Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Contact details:
Kath ROse
0416 291 493
