Whether you like a rodeo, rock concert, the races or a regatta, there is something for everyone, set against some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in Australia.
Tropical Tablelands Tourism chair Ghis Gallo said the full season of events officially kicks off in Kuranda with Easter in the Park, a free event for children of all ages.
On Easter Saturday (March 31) it will rain eggs in the rainforest, with 15,000 chocolate treats dropped from the skies. The eggs are dropped on the hour from 11am to 2pm in Centenary Park with a Golden Egg in each batch.
“The lucky finders win an amazing Kuranda prize package, and the under 5s won’t be lost in the egg scramble, with a special place for the littlies to meet the Easter Bunny and collect their own bag of eggs,” Ms Gallo said.
Kuranda’s Easter in the Park starts at 10am and includes a magic show, Pamagirri Aboriginal dance performance, candy making demonstrations, a Dream State Circus show, egg and spoon and sack races, face painting, three bouncy castles and horse and carriage rides plus stalls and much more.
Fancy a rock concert amongst the stunning contours and colours of the Outback? Over April 20-22, Undara Outback Rock & Blues is an amazing weekend of music and mates in the extraordinary lava tube country.
And they’re racing – at Mount Garnet from May 4-6. It’s also the annual rodeo and a chance to let your hair down and party. After the thoroughbred racing and one day rodeo, the nightly socialising round a campfire make the event a real Atherton Tablelands treat.
Recent rain has filled Lake Tinaroo, a good omen for the 50thTinaroo May Day Regatta on May 5.
Each year in early May sailors from all over North Queensland converge on Lake Tinaroo in the central Atherton Tablelands for what is regarded as one of the most enjoyable regattas in Queensland.
Step back in time at the Historic Village Herberton for Pioneer Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, May 5-6. Families of all ages are invited to join in at the replica mining town and have a go at tin panning, try their skills at sack races and the egg and spoon challenge, or strut their stuff in period costume for Fashions on the Field.
Since it started in 2004 the 140km Great Wheelbarrow Race has raised more than $1.5 million for charity and this year’s push from Chillagoe to Mareeba will be as popular – and punishing –as ever.
Described by one participant as “hands down the best thing I’ve ever done” the team relay race follows the Wheelbarrow Way, originally the route miners would take pushing all their belongings in a wheelbarrow. Running from May 18-20 on the Atherton Tablelands, the race is a unique experience for participants, supporters and spectators alike.
The Chillagoe Rodeo (May 11-12) also known as the Bushman’s Carnival, has an Ultimate Cowboy Challenge on the Friday night and a Saturday bursting with barrel racing, steer wrestling, bronc busting and bull rides.
Other events on the calendar include the Dimbulah Lions Festival (May 26), The Malanda Show (July 6-8), The Atherton Show (July 9 &10), the Mareeba Rodeo & Festival (June 30-July 15) and Christmas in July at the end of July.
“The chock-a-block calendar celebrates our bustling, beautiful localities that want to share their community spirit and exceptional scenery,” Ms Gallo said. For more details go to www.athertontablelands.com.au
