Queensland is the home to world-class events, from sports games, to music festivals, to food markets – here, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 events you simply must see in Queensland – trust us, you do not want to miss out on these whoppers during your Big Lap of Australia.
1. Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
The Gympie Music Muster is a four-day festival that features artists and musicians from all around the world. The Muster only celebrates mates, music and making a difference. The festival is heavily revolved around community groups and volunteers – they are what make the festival possible, so make sure you thank them if you ever spot one of them working away.
Held in the last week of August, the Muster makes Amamoor Creek come alive with great music and good company. Some notable artists that have been featured include Keith Urban, John Williamson and Kasey Chambers – just to name a few.
Find out more at:
2. Eat Street Markets, Brisbane
Looking for delicious food at a reasonable price? Come over to Brisbane’s Eat Street Markets, one of the most popular foodie hotspots since its opening in 2013. Held every Friday and Saturday night plus Sunday afternoon, crowds flock here without hesitation.
With over 70 different food stalls, exploring a range of culinary delights, this place is more like food-heaven. From Japanese pizzas, doughnut cones, Korean sliders to vegan cheesecake, there’s something to satisfy anyone’s cravings.
A sea of coloured lights and carnival-inspired decorations make up the eat street, whilst live music provides an ideal backdrop to mouthwatering meals. If that’s not enough, you can also enjoy a spot of shopping at the MarketSquare and TradersSquare.
Find out more at:
https://www.eatstreetmarkets.com/
3. Outback Festival, Winton
There’s no better way to experience the Aussie Outback than the Outback Festival.
This quirky event is loaded with things to see and do, from the Outback Iron Man and Woman competition, to the Quilton Australian Dunny Derby, where competitors pull a ‘dunny’ through an obstacle course. This unique festival draws visitors from across Australia and even overseas, but you’ll have to keep your ears perked for its dates – it only takes places once every two years, across a 5-day period.
This unique festival is definitely one to add to the bucket list.
Find out more at:
https://www.queensland.com/en-id/event/outback-festival
4. Ekka Royal Queensland Show, Brisbane
With over 400,000 people rushing here each year, there is simply no question to it – you cannot miss the Royal Queensland Show. This show celebrates all elements of life in Queensland, with something for everyone – there’s show-bags, dog shows, wood-chopping competitions, amusement rides and iconic Strawberry cone stalls. No matter what you’re after, the ‘Ekka’ will not disappoint.
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5. Toowoomba Carnival Of Flowers, Toowoomba
Since its inception in 1949, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has blossomed into a beloved event (pun not intended). With over 70 years of experience, the festival is inevitably a great pleasure amongst visitors, with delightfully stunning gardens, locally-produced food and wine, live music and more!
Perfectly for a family day out, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers occurs each year in September, when flowers are at their finest.
Find out more at:
https://www.queensland.com/en-id/event/toowoomba-carnival-of-flowers-2020
6. Brisbane International, Brisbane
Tennis-lovers – you’ve probably already booked in to the Brisbane International, who are we kidding. But for those of you who haven’t heard of it yet, this annually-held tennis competition features tennis stars from all over the world. Brisbane International promises an exciting line-up.
Tennis is intense enough when watching from a TV screen. Imagine the tension of being there in person. You gotta love it!
Find out more at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisbane_International
7. CMC Rocks, Ipswich
Now, we’ve talked about events to appease anyone from tennis-lovers, to foodies – but what about Country fans? Well, here you go – known as the largest international country music festival in the southern hemisphere, CMC Rocks is a must for any Country fan.
CMC Rocks offers fans so sing along with their ideas, with a wide array of local and international superstars. As nominee for the Helpmann Award for Best Contemporary Festival, there is no denying that CMC Rocks has become one of the state’s most anticipated events.
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8. Noosa Festival Of Surfing, Noosa
Ah, the joy of surfing. The feel of the waves ebbing beneath you. The rush of adrenaline as you slide down the surf. Few people know the true majesty of surfing until they’ve actually experienced it, and you can wallow in such majesty at the Noosa Festival of Surfing. Boasting 9 days of fun in the sun, this festival celebrates the joy of surfing.
For those of you not too fond of the surf, there are also a bunch of other fun activities available, like the Drop Music Festival, which features some great Aussie talent and beach yoga sessions.
Find out more at:
http://noosadays.com/event/noosa-festival-of-surfing/
9. Julia Creek Dirt N’ Dust Festival, Julia Creek
The Julia Creek Dirt n’ Dust Festival captures the spirit of the Outback like no other. Jam-packed with lots of fun and entertainment, it is no wonder people from all different walks of life flock to Julia Creek every year.
You can either take part or watch as people participate in the outback triathlon (considered one of the toughest triathlons in Australia), the PBR Bull Riding competition and the Artesian Express Horse Races.
We can say with 100% confidence that you will be making some life-long memories at the Julia Creek Dirt n’ Dust Festival.
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10. The Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo, Mount Isa
Buckle up! If you’re looking for a program packed with non-stop action, amazing competitions, and heart pumping sights, then the Mount Isa Mines Rotary would suit you perfectly. The program offers some spectacular sights, such as bull-riding, saddle bronc and bareback, steer wrestling, and roping.
This isn’t for the faint-hearted. Are you up for a day of exhilarating excitement?
Find out more at:
https://www.queensland.com/event/the-mount-isa-mines-rodeo