More than a rodeo, Coolgardie's biggest weekend returns

By: Natalie Pugh

Grab your boots and find your hat, the Coolgardie Outback Festival returns from 14 to 16 August 2026 with three packed days celebrating the people, skills and machinery that keep regional Australia moving.

Held at the Coolgardie Rodeo Grounds, around 20 minutes from Kalgoorlie-Boulder, the volunteer-run festival has grown into one of the Goldfields’ biggest annual gatherings.

A record crowd of more than 7,600 attended in 2025, drawn by a program that moves effortlessly from rodeo action to camp oven cooking and vintage earthmoving equipment.

The arena remains at the heart of the weekend, with an ABCRA Full Points Rodeo and WA Junior Rodeo bringing accomplished riders and rising talent to Coolgardie.

Beyond the rails, however, the program takes a broad look at outback life. The Truck and Ute Muster welcomes everything from polished workhorses and lifted four-wheel drives to vintage classics and well-worn farm vehicles.

Nearby, the Dozer Muster gives visitors a close look at the machines that built the region’s mines, roads, towns and stations, with restored veterans and modern equipment competing across a suitably colourful set of categories.

Food earns its own competitive spotlight at the WA Camp Oven and Slow Cooked Championships. Rich stews, crusty dampers and old-school desserts are put before the judges, while traditional blacksmith demonstrations, market stalls, live music and children’s entertainment keep the grounds busy throughout the weekend.

Free camping is available beside the venue from Thursday evening, with limited facilities and registration required when purchasing tickets.

All entry tickets must also be booked in advance, as there will be no gate sales.

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