wdrc Guest

Our region hosts a number of Annual Shows, which are organised and staged by our local Show Societies. Show Day is an important day in the life of each of our local communities, with most residents attending and some exhibiting. Locals are encouraged to exhibit their handiwork in the many Pavilion exhibits such as Cut Flowers, Floral Art, Potted Plants, Craft, Cookery, Needlework, Photography and Fine Arts, to name just a few. Our Shows also feature sections for Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Poultry, plus many more. Due to strong community support and the innovative approach of our individual Show Societies, each of our Shows are truly unique in what they have to offer. Annual Shows within our region are as follows:

March: Bell Show Rodeo & Campdraft; Jandowae Show; Tara Show
April: Dalby & District Show; Wandoan Show
May: Chinchilla Annual Show; Miles & District Show
September: Meandarra Show

Bloomin' Creative Showcase is a professional one week art exhibition providing exposure for and appreciation of artists within Tara & District. The exhibition features artistic creations by the talented residents of the township and region. The event is ideal for artists to display and sell their creative abilities to visitors and members of the local communities. This biennial event is launched on a Friday evening at the Tara Memorial Hall, with guests enjoying a social wine and cheese evening, whilst appreciating the talents of the region's creative people. Several items are auctioned with proceeds going towards a local charity.  Visitors to the Showcase have the opportunity to meet some of our working Artisans and witness creations in progress during the week long exhibition. Come along and view the diverse range of art on offer, you'll enjoy the experience.  

Beef, Bells & Bottle Tree Festival is a month long biennial festival showcasing Miles & District. The festival aims to celebrate and promote a sense of community for residents and visitors to Miles & District. Beef, Bells & Bottle Tree Festival encompasses a variety of exciting activities: cultural, heritage, entertainment, education, sporting, agricultural and environmental appreciation. 

Opera at Jimbour is a biennial event hosted by the Queensland Music Festival in conjunction with Western Downs Regional Council. This ever-popular event is staged on the grounds of Jimbour Station; home to heritage-listed Jimbour House, one of the nation's most gracious historical homes. Jimbour Ampitheatre comes alive with the magnificent sounds of talented musicians, a performance that is enjoyed by thousands gathered on chairs and picnic blankets out on the lawn in front. Roving entertainers and a colourful array of market stalls displaying and selling local arts and produce make this event simply delightful. An assortment of food and drink vendors are on site to satisfy your hunger or you can bring along your own picnic basket (strictly no BYO alcohol or glass). Admission is free for all ages. This is a spectacular event not to be missed, so mark it in your calendar now. For more information please contact Doug Henning 4668 5885.

Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races is a biennial event which promotes multiculturalism and showcases the unique cultural diversity of Tara and the Western Downs. With 2 days of Camel Racing included in the program, the Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races is a truly unique event for the region.
Over the 3 days the festival will feature different cultures through a variety of cuisine, displays, workshops and non-stop entertainment - you will be amazed by what's on offer.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience culture and camel races in a charming country setting. Free camping available on-site for tents, caravans and motorhomes. For more information please call 0488 754 666.

Photo courtesy of
Queensland Country Life

Every year, over the first weekend of December, Dalby Showgrounds comes alive with the largest Stock Horse Sale in Australia, which attracts people from all around the nation. The 2 day Show and Sale, organised by the Darling Downs branch of the Australian Stock Horse Society (ASHS), has been running for over 25 years. In 2000 the top horse was mare Warrenbri Lara from Charleville which sold for $36,000, a record for an Australian Stock Horse auction. The Australian Stock Horse is a cross between the English thoroughbred and Spanish blood horses back in the days of the first fleet and the earliest European settlement. Later importations included more thoroughbreds, Arabs, and Timor arid Welsh Mountain ponies. The product of these crosses was called the 'Waler', which was used in the first World War. For more information on the Annual Stock Horse Sale please contact GDL on 07 4669 6955.