Winter rodeo road trips in WA

Although they’re more often associated with country USA, the rodeo has a long history in Australia as well. During the 1800s, horse breakers from sprawling pastoral stations would pit their skills against one another in unofficial competitions.

Outback rodeos were an opportunity for Australia’s regional towns to connect their sprawling communities. And while the spirit of the rodeo remains the same, the modern rodeo has expanded its offerings, with live music, stalls, demonstrations - some even offer rodeo fashions. Importantly, animal welfare standards and guidelines are now also very much part of the scene.

If you’ve never experienced an authentic outback rodeo, winter is a great time to make the trip, with five rodeos happening in WA’s regions during August alone. Here are five to consider:

1. The Onslow Rodeo

The Onslow Rodeo brings all the thrills and spills of the rodeo to a beautiful part of the WA coast. This year will be extra special as the rodeo celebrates its 25th anniversary. It’s on 2 August, with camping available for attendees.

2. The Coolgardie Rodeo and Outback Festival

This three-day event features live bands, a truck, ute, and bulldozer muster, a junior rodeo, and the WA Camp Oven and Slow Cook Championship, along with the main event - the Coolgardie Rodeo. It’s on from 15-17 August at the Coolgardie Rodeo Grounds.

3. The Derby Outback Rodeo and Campdraft

As with Onslow, the Derby Outback Rodeo and Campdraft brings the outback and the coast together. Held over four days, it’s a big event on the local rodeo calendar. The Derby Rodeo is on from 7-10 August.

4. Roebourne Rodeo

Making its debut in 2025, the Roebourne Rodeo is WA’s newest rodeo. The inaugural event will be held at the Norwest Jockey Club on 9 August and will feature an exciting line-up of rodeo talent.

5. Wyalkatchem rodeo

Just a 2.5hr drive north-east of Perth, the Wheatbelt town of Wyalkatchem will hold its annual rodeo on 23 August. Junior events kick off at 9am, with a grand parade at 2pm followed by the main rodeo. Not far away, one of WA’s most popular agricultural events, the Dowerin Machinery Field Days, will be held just three days later on 27 and 28 August and is well worth a visit. More than 20,000 people attend this renowned annual agricultural show.