5 Aussie outback events you can’t miss | Part two

Words Julija Zivanovic Pics Supplied

Join us as we continue to explore five unmissable outback events coming up in the next few months.

Last week we covered the first two events in our series: the famous sister festivals, the Big Red Bash and Mundi Mundi Bash. If you missed that piece, just hit this link to read it. This week we’ll look at the final three events … and remember later in the year we’ll do a summer edition of five Aussie outback events you can’t miss.

Birdsville Races — 6–7 September 2024

The Birdsville Races on the map

Held on the first Saturday of September each year, the Birdsville Races is an iconic Australian outback event that brings in thousands to the famous area where three states meet: Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia. The Birdsville Races started way back in 1882 — that’s right, 142 years ago — when a group of 150 owners, managers and stockmen came together for the first (unofficial) Birdsville Races event.

Over these epic 142 years, a lot has happened, and the races have evolved with the times and grown with each passing year, now offering a $300,000 prize for the winner — a far cry from the 200 pounds in 1882. Referred to as the ‘Melbourne Cup of the Outback,’ the event is known to draw as many as 6000 people to the otherwise quiet location, watching the jockeys battling it out for the coveted prize. The race continues to be a major event for the local community and raises funds for much-needed facilities and proudly supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland section.

This year’s races are highly anticipated, and while you’re in the Birdsville area, there are a number of iconic places to visit including The Birdsville Hotel, Diamantina River, Birdsville Billabong, Big Red sand dune, Burke and Wills tree, Birdsville Bakery and much more. The small town swells in size during the races and the atmosphere is palpable — we definitely recommend this unique experience.

If you would like to attend the 2024 Birdsville Races you can still pick up tickets by going here.

Big Skies Festival — 3–7 October 2024

The Big Skies Festival on the map

The epic Big Skies Festival — held at the beautiful Jimbour House in the Western Downs region of Queensland — is an event that celebrates the Western Downs region, live entertainment, Aussie music, the outdoor lifestyle, delicious food and just the joy of being in the great, open outback.

There will be a number of musical guests at the festival, including Brad Cox, The Screaming Jets, Kaylee Bell, Killing Heidi, Deborah Conway and Mark Lindsay. There will be a Pop-Up Visitor Centre, Happy Hour in the Hangar, the Canapes Under the Stars dinner, markets and much more to keep the whole family happy.

Getting to the festival on Jimbour Station Road in Western Downs is relatively easy. The festival is a three-hour drive west of Brisbane, a 1.5-hour drive northwest of Toowoomba and just a 25-minute drive north from Dalby.

Alternatively, you can jump on a shuttle bus which takes you to the festival from Dalby. With plenty of fun and natural beauty all around the Western Downs region, the festivities don’t have to stop at the Big Skies Festival. We recommend the following nearby activities if coming to the area: Bell Biblical Gardens, Big Melon & Botanic Parklands, Dalby History & Heritage Tour and the Sculpture Trail Tour.

Tickets to the 2024 Big Skies Festival are still available, just hit this link to purchase yours.

Deni Ute Muster — 4–5 October 2024 

The Deni Ute Muster on the map

An iconic event on the Aussie outback event calendar, the annual Deni Ute Muster will be returning to the Riverina New South Wales town this October. Celebrating 26 years of a hugely successful event, this year’s Muster promises to be bigger than ever.

Each year, thousands of petrol heads from all over the country descend on Deniliquin for one of Australia’s most popular events. There will be a range of Australia’s best country and rock musicians performing at the Muster — including Amy Shark, John Williamson, Amber Lawrence, Brad Cox, Brook McClymont and Adam Eckersley and more — plus, a whole range of activities and free camping on the flattest plains on earth all for the one ticket price.

Of course, it wouldn’t be the Deni Ute Muster without utes. Ute culture is a core part of the festival, and if you think you have what it takes to get the crowd going and wow the judges, then the driving competitions are for you. There are several different events to join — including the Circle Work, Barrel Race and Go to Wo competitions. These competitions are the perfect way to showcase your ute and prove why it is the best of its kind. Every person who competes in the Ute Show n Shine will have the chance to win $250 per category entered, not to mention the grand prize of $2000 and the prestigious title of ‘Ute of the Year.’ Deniliquin (Deni) is located just north of the Victoria border in NSW. It’s an easy 3.5-hour drive from Melbourne, a 5.5-hour drive from Canberra and a 7.5-hour drive from Sydney.

Tickets for the Deni Ute Muster are available for purchase here.

Related articles: 5 Aussie outback events you can’t miss | Part one