If your idea of romance is more red dirt than red roses, or your dream holiday soundtrack is an Australian music legend under a canopy of stars, two major regional events have just dropped their 2026 details and tickets are already on sale.
From the roar of the crowd at the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo in Queensland to the Kimberley Moon Experience closing out the Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster in Western Australia, these festivals deliver big atmosphere in places that feel a world away from the everyday.
Mount Isa Mines Rodeo 2026: swap chocolates for buckles
Mount Isa is gearing up for three days of arena action when the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, presented by Akubra, returns from 7 to 9 August 2026 at Buchanan Park Events Complex on the corner of George Street and Sutton Street.
The organisers are leaning into a fun Valentine and Galentine twist this year, pitching rodeo tickets as the ultimate gift for couples, best mates and anyone who would rather collect stories than flowers. Expect classic rodeo energy, a stadium full of characters and that unmistakable Outback Queensland vibe where the red dust is part of the experience.
On the program is the full throttle rodeo mix, including bull riding, bronc busting, barrel racing and roping, with competitors travelling from across Australia and overseas to chase titles and some of the most coveted buckles in the sport. The event has been running since 1959 and it is still one of the biggest drawcards on the outback events calendar.
Beyond the arena, 2026 ticket holders can build their weekend around add on experiences, from VIP options and behind the chutes tours to the Cowgirl Cocktail Brunch, a cheeky social highlight designed for those who like their rodeo with a side of style. Whether you go all in for three days or pick a single day pass, this is the kind of trip that comes with built in photo moments, boots on the ground energy and plenty of chat for the group thread when you get home.
Ticketing is straightforward, with daily entry passes and a three day option.
Daily entry passes for 7, 8 and 9 August 2026
- Adult (18 plus) $50
- Pensioner $35
- Child (8 to 17 years) $20
- Child (0 to 7) free
- Family day pass (2 adults plus 3 children) $120 (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Three day rodeo passes
- Adult (18 plus) $120
- Pensioner $90
- Family $300 (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Camping is also available at the same prices as 2025, with unpowered and powered sites offered across three day and five day options, with site pricing covering up to four people and an additional per person charge after that.
Tickets and details: www.mountisarodeo.com.au
Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster 2026: 25 years, 10 days, one huge finale
Over in the East Kimberley, the Boab Metals Ord Valley Muster returns to Kununurra from 15 to 24 May 2026, marking its 25th anniversary with a full 10 day program spanning music, arts, culture, food, wellness and community events.
The festival’s signature finale, the Kimberley Moon Experience, will take place on Saturday 23 May 2026 on the banks of the Ord River, with Tina Arena AM, Boy and Bear and Budjerah headlining the night.
It is a strong trio for a milestone year. Tina Arena’s catalogue is packed with singalong staples and her live reputation is built on big voice power and genuine stage presence. Boy and Bear bring the kind of warm, melodic storytelling that suits an open air setting and they are known as a band that delivers live. Budjerah rounds out the bill with modern Australian pop and soul, blending emotion and hooks, with a profile that has grown fast through major collaborations and standout performances.
The Kimberley Moon Experience is designed for different ways to do festival night. There is a family friendly General Admission option where you can bring a blanket and picnic, an adults only Bishop’s Transport Muster Bar with a licensed setting and styled spaces and the premium Kimberley Fine Diamonds Dinner, an all inclusive black tie dining experience under the stars.
The broader Muster program is a big part of why people travel for it, especially if you want a festival that feels woven into its location rather than dropped into it. It is also a great excuse to spend extra days exploring the region, from waterfalls and walks to slow afternoons by the water and nights that remind you how bright the sky can be when you are far from city lights.
Kununurra is well set up for visitors, with accommodation options ranging from riverside resorts and boutique hotels to self contained apartments and caravan parks. Flights operate daily with Airnorth and Virgin Australia, and organisers are encouraging travellers to book early for the anniversary year.
Tickets and details: www.ordvalleymuster.com.au
Which one should you pick, or should you do both
If you want pure spectacle and a weekend that feels like a classic Australian rite of passage, Mount Isa delivers the full rodeo rush and a social calendar built around it.
If you are chasing a longer trip with a mix of cultural events, food and music, the Ord Valley Muster is the kind of festival that turns a destination into a story. The Kimberley Moon Experience is the headline, but the real magic is how the whole region becomes part of the celebration.
Either way, 2026 is shaping up as a very good year to head north, lean into regional Australia and trade predictable plans for something with a bit more dust, distance and wow factor.
