What You Need to Know for the Mount Garnet Races & Rodeo Weekend

🐎 What You Need to Know for the Mount Garnet Races & Rodeo Weekend

A fair dinkum outback Queensland experience

If you’ve never been to Mount Garnet for the May Day Weekend, you’re in for a real treat. It’s one of those weekends where red dirt, rodeo dust, and race-day glam all come together in a celebration of country life, good yarns, and proper fun.

Whether you’re just popping in for the day or pitching a swag for the full three days—here’s the bush-style guide to getting the most out of your time in Garnet.

🚙 Day Tripper? Here’s the Go:

What to Pack in the Ute:

• A broad-brim hat (akubra-style is always a winner)

• Sunnies and sunscreen (you’ll need both)

• Stubby cooler—cold drinks taste better that way

• Cash for raffles, food vans, auctions and maybe a cheeky punt

• Fold-out chair or picnic rug for a comfy perch by the fence

What You’ll See:

• Galloping hooves and glamour at the races on Friday and Saturday

• Dust flying and bulls bucking at Sunday’s rodeo showdown

• Live local music and cabarets under the stars each night

A Bit of Bush Etiquette:

• No BYO into the bar zones—licensed areas are run by local clubs doing it tough and doing it well

• Keep your boots off private camps unless you’ve been invited in

• Don’t be that bloke or sheila causing a ruckus—respect the land, the animals, and each other

• If you brought it in, take it back out—no one wants to clean up after you

⛺ Camping the Weekend? Welcome to the Red Dirt Hotel:

What to Throw in the Trailer:

• Swag, esky, mozzie spray, and whatever helps you rough it in style

• Torch or headlamp (things get mighty dark out bush)

• Soap, towel, and thongs—there are hot showers and toilet blocks aplenty

• Earplugs if you’re a light sleeper (some camps don’t shut down till the band does)

Facilities Bush-Style:

• Hot showers and clean loos (luxury for the bush!)

• A proper feed from local food vans and club kitchens

• Campfire-friendly zones (blanket permit is sorted—just stick to the rules)

Campground Do’s and Don’ts:

• There’s a 12 am and 2 am noise zone—pick your style and respect the lines

• Don’t roll in expecting power or phone reception—embrace the unplug

• Keep roadways clear—emergency services need easy access

• Private camps are like little outback kingdoms—admire from afar unless invited

🐂 Final Word, Country Style:

This weekend isn’t just an event—it’s a tradition. Families have been coming here for generations, some camping in the same spot for 30 years. It’s horses, rodeo thrills, dusty boots, cold beers, and nights full of music and laughter under the southern stars.

So pack smart, play nice, and lean into it. You’re not just visiting a place, you’re joining a story.

See ya in Garnet!