Pioneer Weekend – Historic Village Herberton
Step back in time as pioneers climb out of the history books and on to the streets. Pioneer Weekend at the Historic Village Herberton makes the past come alive with lots of costumes, demonstrations of days gone by with blacksmithing and tin panning, as well as train rides and plenty of fun for the kids. The Village is brilliant enough with its replica 1880s village life but this weekend gives everyone a chance to play dress ups and enjoy being an early settler. Oh, and there’s prizes for best “pioneer” dressed children and adults.
WHEN: May 5-6
WHERE: Historic Village Herberton, 6 Broadway, just north of Herberton.
Mt Garnet Races and Rodeo
When the race caller’s name is Bluey, you know the races are going to be a cracker. They do things differently in Mt Garnet and this combined rodeo and race meet is a great family fun weekend in the outback with market stalls, historic displays, car shows and group games and activities. Well organised and value for money the excitement and competition of the daytime is more than matched by crackling campsite fires, tall stories and live music at night.
WHEN: May 4-6
WHERE: Mt Garnet (west of Ravenshoe on the Kennedy Highway)
May Day Regatta
Looking for a lakeside picnic spot and a majestic sporting sight? The Tinaroo Sailing Club’s 50thAnniversary May Day Regatta provides both. The club welcomes anyone who wants to have a go, or just sit back and enjoy the serenity of sail boats on water. Lake Tinaroo is a popular place for swimmers, skiers, walkers and anglers and has plenty of camping spots dotted around its considerable circumference. The May Day Regatta is held at the clubhouse off Black Gully Road.
WHEN: May 5
WHERE: Lake Tinaroo
The Great Wheelbarrow Race
Chinese miners on the Atherton Tablelands used to stick all their worldly goods in a wheelbarrow and push their home from job to job. In honour of their hard yakka and novel way of moving the route between Chillagoe and Mareeba, the road is nicknamed The Wheelbarrow Highway. Once a year teams of up to 10 members – or superbly fit and slightly masochistic individuals – can recreate such trips. The Great Wheelbarrow race is for charity and takes three stages to cover the 140km. The world’s only wheelbarrow ultra-distance race is fun to do (possibly) and definitely fun to watch.
WHEN: May 19-20
WHERE: Start Chillagoe, end Mareeba
Originally published 18th April 2018
