Australia's Little Swaggies will get a taste of life in the outback these September school holidays at the Outback Festival 2019.
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From September 24-28, Winton's Outback Festival will grow its population from 875 residents to welcome 8,500 visitors.
The crowning competition for the festival's young attendees is the Outback Iron Junior event, a test of strength and strong will for the boys and girls alike.
Split into two age group categories, 10 to 12 years and 13 to 15 years, young competitors take part in a range of fun-filled activities over three days including the Swag Toss, Opal Miners Dash, Mini Marathon, Whip Cracking & Tug a Mini.
For the 7 to 9 years group, the Little Swaggies Event gives a taste of the Outback Iron Junior with fun events linked to the story of Waltzing Matilda.
The Little Swaggies event will have the young ones tossing the Swaggie's Hat, running the Tucker Bag Relay, sprinting the Billy Can dash and dodging the Jolly Jumbucks. A host of other outback challenges will be taking place throughout the week for all ages to test their muster.
Wobble Board painting competitions and the Teddy Bear Picnic will keep the under 8's entertained and bringing out their creative sides through a range of music, art activities and games.
Festival coordinator Robyn Stephens OAM said the children's activities were a fantastic way for the whole family to get involved in the Outback Festival.
"Children of all ages love getting stuck in to the challenges and testing their abilities with a true Aussie Outback twist," she said.
Those looking for a bit of adventure can plan ahead for the ultimate 2019 Road Trip with a self-drive itinerary. Outback Festival has released three family-friendly self-drive adventure loops from both Brisbane and Townsville.
Visitors from Brisbane have two self-drive options. Experience two events in the one road trip on The Big Sky Events Trail, a 15-day loop that kicks off with the award-winning Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The South West Outback loop from Brisbane serves up a virtual smorgasbord of experiences, travelling out to Winton via Eromanga, Australia's furthest town from the sea and home to Cooper, Australia's largest dinosaur.
Those coming from the north can look to the Discovery Drive by Drive North West Queensland, setting off from Townsville to Winton for Outback Festival. This is a journey packed to the brim with outback legends, ancient discoveries and bucket list adventures, linking the Overlander's Way and Australia's Dinosaur Trail with the fascinating Channel Country.
Perfectly located in the heart of Outback Queensland, Winton is a popular stopover for drive visitors travelling from north, south, east and west.
Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
