One of Weipa’s highlight events of the year, the Weipa Rodeo symbolises community strength as everyone in the township comes together in celebration of an amazing weekend.
Unlike any other, history dates back to 2003 when the passionate Weipa residents looking to contribute to the community brought forth a bullride event. As a result of popularity thanks to the enormous amount of fun everyone experiences at the Weipa Rodeo, the bullride event has become one of Weipa’s biggest events of the year.
Nominations always hit their fullest with many professional bull riders making the trip to Cape York to attend the event. Held on 19 and 20 August at Andoom Oval, the Weipa Rodeo features an inaugural Cape of Origin whereby bull riders from all around form three teams under the guidance of Pro Bullriding Series cowboys.
It’s pretty much a Cape York twist of the NRL’s State of Origin, bringing in a fresh and unique sense of home. This year, attendees will be privileged to mingle with Aussie bull riding royalty – pro bull riding world champion Troy Dunn who will be flying in for the event.
A legendary bull rider, Troy has won the most prestigious bull riding event, the PBR World Finals in 1995 and 1997. He is one of only four athletes who have ever won the Word Finals in multiple seasons.
The bullride was rebranded to the Weipa Rodeo as a result of a focus on introducing more rodeo events as well as chute dogging, novelty events, and the bushman’s buck jump.
The grand opening light show will be held on both Friday and Saturday with promises of it being huge. This year certainly is one not to be missed.
Adults day passes are $20 and weekend passes are $30 while children day passes are $10 and weekend passes are $30. All children under the age of 5 can enter free and all under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There are family tickets allowing 2 adults and 2 children for a day pass price of $50 and weekend pass price of $80. All tickets must be purchased at the gate.
The first event on Friday kicks off at 4pm with gates opening at 3pm while the first event happens at 3pm on Saturday with gates opening at 2pm.
There’s a ton of rides and events happening at the rodeo including:
- Junior Poddy Ride (5-9 years)
- Junior Steer (10-14 years) $550
- Junior Bullock (15-17 uears) $1,000
- Women’s Bullock $1000, Open Bullock $1,500
- Ringers Ironman Challenge
- Whip Cracking Competition
- Women’s Steer Wrestling
- Men’s Steer Wrestling
- Bushman’s BuckJump $2,000
- Novice Bull $2,000
- Open Bull $5,000
- Kids Dance Competition
- Kids Colouring in Competition
- Lolly Throw
- Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl
The lead entertainment features Danny Phegan who will be playing country music with a live band. Supporting the Weipa Rodeo for many years, Danny is a big hit across the community and everyone is excited to see him back on stage.
Where to stay and dine during the Weipa Rodeo
Experience the best of Weipa by booking yourself into the Albatross Bay Resort. Offering comfortable accommodation at a waterfront property that’s renowned to locals for exceptional meals, your time in Weipa will be time well spent in addition to an amazing experience at the Weipa Rodeo. Dine in at the Deck Restaurant & Bar at the Alby, featuring fresh caught seafood alongside a wide range of other great meals including a Sunday Roast, Wednesdays Trivia Night and $15 T-Bones. There’s also fun to be had on Musical Bingo on Fridays, or grab yourself a delicious parmi on Parmageddon Thursdays.
Reserve your table at the Albatross Bay Resort by calling (07) 4090 6666 and book your accommodation here.
