Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk declared 2019 The Year of Outback Tourism, so when Brisbane was transformed into an epic Outback extravaganza for the official opening, city-goers had a birds-eye view of what to expect when they visit their country cousins.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
More than 20 different event organisations, shires and local groups converged at Reddacliffe Place in the heart of the CBD.
Outback tourist operators from Longreach to Winton, Paroo, Birdsville, Roma, Cunnamulla, Charleville travelled to Brisbane for the event to showcase their region.
The publicity stunt incorporated a camel from Boulia, a whip cracking goanna, cowboys from the Mount Isa Rodeo, live entertainment and an original Cob & Co coach.
Boulia Shire Council Deputy Mayor Rebecka Britton said it was great to see so many different regions all coming together to benefit outback tourism.
"The outback community spirit shone through," Cr Britton said.
The atmosphere was jovial and to work together supporting each region, all showcasing what each other had to offer was exciting to see.
- Boulia Shire Council Deputy Mayor Beck Britton
Cr Britton and Shelley Norton from The Boulia Camel Races organised the transportation of several camels to highlight the Boulia Camel Races which will be held on the 19 - 21 July, 2019.
"The atmosphere was jovial and to work together supporting each region, all showcasing what each other had to offer was exciting to see.
Cr Britton said one of the highlights of the day, besides the Boulia camels, was the Cunnamulla Fella Festival and the Cob & Co coach.
Legendary 85-year-old driver Dan Ross drove the original coach and travelled from Cooktown to Melbourne in 1966.
The Cobb & Co Festival is held across the Maranoa region from August 15 to 25 this year.
World-famous Saddle Bronc cowboy and Indigenous horseman, Angus Mitchell and his two rodeo horses represented the Cunnamulla Fella Festival which will be held on August 30 to September 1, 2019.
Cr Britton said there was a mechanical bucking bull which kept children entertained for hours.
"My four boys came with Shelley and I to the Launch and they were captivated.
"The gentleman helped the kids get on the bull and after showing them what to do, encouraged them all to have a go," she said.
Another character the children met was Bille the Bash Bilby.
A traditional Outback Barbeque was hosted by chef Matt Golinski.
He served up Queensland Outback beef and much more for more than 250 people.
While you're here, subscribe to our email newsletter delivered weekly to your inbox Friday at 6am.
