Cloncurry Rodeo, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: May 9th, 2005
Locally known as 'The Curry', Cloncurry is 124km east of Mount Isa in outback QLD.
For fifty years, The Cloncurry Rodeo and Merry Muster has been drawing crowds, and now it's one of the biggest rodeos in Australia, featuring many local Curry heroes.
The fifty first Merry Muster takes place on the 5th of August, preceding Mount Isa's Rodeo. This is a very serious sport and also very popular. Around 4000 rodeo stock are used in horse and bull riding events, in some 600 rodeos held around Australia annually. Rodeos in Australia have been an exhilarating test of courage for many years.
The Cloncurry rodeo is extremely popular, drawing large crowds every year. Festivities start on Friday, with a parade through the town, then the rodeo starts Saturday morning.
There's a break on Saturday afternoon for the Ute Show, then things heat back up on Saturday evening and Sunday. You can expect to see events such as the Open Bull Ride - here the bulls are upwards of 700 kgs and you've must remain on for 8 seconds! There's also Rope and Tie, Open Saddle Bronc Ride, and Steer Wrestling. With $60,000 worth of prize money available, the competition is very tough.
If you are interested in something a little more 'sedate' there is always the Ute show. There are eight categories including Best Ute, Best Chick's Ute, Ute of the Muster and many more.
Further information:
The Cloncurry Merry Muster is on between 5/8/05 and 7/8/05.
And prices start from $10 for adults, $5 for children & $25 for a family.
Australian Professional Rodeo Association: www.prorodeo.asn.au.
Macair flies to Cloncurry from Townsville from $209 one way and $470 return.
Prices include taxes.
Subject to change without notice. Conditions apply.
Reservations: Ph. 13 13 13.
Rooms at the Red Rock Motel start from $88 a double and $77 a single.
A home cooked breakfast is available!
Red Rock Motel: Ph. (07) 4742 2728.
Prices correct at 09/05/05.
