The Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival is back! Returning after a two-year hiatus with adrenaline pumping action, hilarious outback fun and wild adventures, from Australia’s Best Butt competition to an Outback Adventure Run, Dirt n Dust Rodeo, Artesian Express Horse Races, and live concerts under the stars. 

The local community of this tiny North West Queensland outback town are inviting visitors to join them in the celebrations for the Anzac Day long-weekend on the 22nd to the 24th of April and experience incredible outback hospitality. 

“Last year it was looking like the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival was done and dusted for good,” explained Festival President, Robbie Hick, of Saint Elmo Station in Julia Creek. “The 2020 and 2021 festivals were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but through sheer determination our local community and volunteers are pulling out all stops to make the 2022 Festival an event not to be missed. It’s when our tiny town explodes from 400 people to over 2,000 in one weekend!” 

The Festival kick starts with the adrenaline pumping action of the Dirt n Dust Rodeo featuring up-and-coming rodeo competitors with mini-bulls and a cash prize pool of over $25,000 attracting competitors from all over Australia to compete in the Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding with Xtreme Bulls Australia.  

By day, festival goers can partake in quintessential and quirky outback adventures, including an Adventure Run. Coined by run organiser, Sam Stedman of Outer Limits Adventure Fitness, “It’s the wildest outback race you’ll ever run. The DnD Outback Adventure Run will have you laughing to the finish line. There’s a fun run for beginners, with advanced and intermediate races.” 

Punters and festival enthusiasts alike don their best dress for fashions on the field and place bets on the Artesian Express Outback Horse Races staged at the Julia Club Turf Club. Those looking to a VIP experience can join the exclusive marquee called Trackside Tastes – Birdcage in the Bush, with a cocktail-style luncheon and entertainment. Organisers warn, this VIP experience is nearly sold out! 

And for something like nowhere else, visitors can try their luck at winning the hilarious Australia’s Best Butt competition, with heats on the Friday night and finals on the Saturday night. 

After a hard day of running and horse races, visitors can then dance the night away under the stars with live outdoor concerts on the Friday and Saturday nights.  

The 2022 line-up of chart topping performers includes powerhouse country rock legend, Mick Lindsay, crafting a unique fusion of country, rock, and soul, Australia’s most streamed female country artists, second only to Kasey Chambers, Rachael Fahim with her blend of country-pop and keeping it real on the dance floor with trailblazer Dee Jaye Bux. 

“I had such a great time attending the festival in 2019,” said festival enthusiast Sally Bird of the Sunshine Coast.  “I joined friends from Townsville, and we hit the road west, pitched a tent, got dressed for the races, and continued into the night with the live entertainment. The competition for Australia’s Best Butt is definitely not to be missed! Just hilarious!” exclaimed Sally. “The Dirt n Dust Festival is really like a modern-day B&S Ball, but with much more to experience, and family friendly too.” 

The festival takes place over the ANZAC long-weekend, 22-24 April 2022. New to this year’s festival are FREE children’s rides, included in the festival pass. Accommodation is limited so festival organisers have developed an additional festival camping site within walking distance of all the action. 
 

Get the full lowdown  www.dirtndust.com   
 

Local’s hint – be sure to book your tickets and camping ahead with their early bird specials online. 
 

The Dirt n Dust Festival is staged in the rural town of Julia Creek, 646 kilometres (401.4 mi) west of Townsville along the Overlanders Way, and an adventurous seventeen and a half hour road trip  (1,628km) north west of Brisbane.   
 

More information coming soon on Convoy to the Creek from Townsville and Mount Isa. 

INTERVIEWS + MEDIA SUPPORT 

Interviews are available with organisers, performers, and local characters. 

Please contact Krista Hauritz E krista@kristahauritz.com.au