06 / What's On
Events in the Balonne.
There is always something happening in the region. From outback races and campdrafts to wine festivals and live music — here is what is coming up around St George and the Balonne Shire.
Full event listings via Balonne Shire CouncilWelcome to Balonne — Barefoot Bowls
New to the shire or just keen to meet some locals? An evening of barefoot bowls, burgers and a bar. A great way to settle in.
South-West Rails: Thallon Grand Opening Tour
A heritage rail journey celebrating the Grand Opening of the Thallon Rail Heritage Centre — the first long-distance Commissioner Railmotor overnight tour to the far south-west of Queensland.
Hebel Reef & Beef
Seafood and meat lovers, this one's for you. Dine around the table with an open bar and plenty of fun. Follow the Hebel Rodeo Association Facebook page for updates.
Dirranbandi Easter Fishing Competition
Prizes, raffles, giveaways and a family dinner on Saturday night. Run by the Dirranbandi Fishing & Restocking Club at Jack Dwyer Park over Easter.
Riversands Easter in the Vines
A family weekend at the cellar door with live music, BBQ, jumping castle and an Easter egg hunt among the vines. Bookings essential.
Balonne Branch ASH Campdraft & Show
The Australian Stock Horse Society conserves and promotes the Australian Stock Horse breed through competitions and activities. A great weekend of horsemanship at the St George Showgrounds.
Water Colour Society Art Paint Out
Artists of all levels paint and draw along the Balonne River at their own pace. The centrepiece Paint Out Day is Sunday 26 April — a relaxed, shire-wide creative event.
Dirranbandi Show & Campdraft
Horse, cattle and sheep competitions, trade and machinery displays, fashion parade. Friday campdraft runs 9am–6pm; Saturday main day 8am–6:30pm.
St George Show
The St George Agricultural Show — livestock, exhibitions, performances and the full spirit of the Balonne Shire all in one place.
Hebel Hotel Speed Shears
Speed Shear Sport at the famous Hebel Hotel — Calcutta Open Finalist, raffles, prizes, live music and family-friendly entertainment all day.
Mungindi Border Battle
State of Origin kick-off celebration — Mayors of Balonne Shire and Moree Plains Shire face off in good-natured challenges. Face painting, family activities and a BBQ breakfast.
Ian Moss Live
Big skies and Cold Chisel's finest at one of Queensland's quirkiest border pubs. Cold drink, live music, Hebel at its very best.
Mungindi Races
Perfectly timed with school holidays — a President's Luncheon, food stalls, jumping castle, foot races and Fashions of the Field. Live entertainment into the night with a licenced bar.
Bollon Polocrosse Carnival
The multi-horse Polocrosse Carnival at Bollon Showgrounds — local entertainment, camping available with showers and toilets.
Mungindi Show
Header/Picker Demolition Derby, car demo derby, lawn mower races, wood chop, Bubble Muffin Cooking classes, aerial lolly drop, U-Beaut Ute comp, rides and more.
Balonne River Cutters — Horse Futurity
Cutting horses separating cattle from the herd with grace and finesse — a celebration of outback horsemanship heritage. On-site bar and café.
St George 399 Offroad Race
Advertised as Australia's most unique offroad race — high-speed racing across rugged outback terrain right on the doorstep.
Dirranbandi Campdraft
A full weekend of horsemanship with catering, bar and happy hour Friday and Saturday nights. All proceeds go to MS Research Australia.
Thallon Truck Pull
Market stalls, hot food, a bar and live music — then the trucks line up at 1pm. Gates open at noon. Good country fun.
Storyfest — South West
Authors, books and community in a festive atmosphere at the St George library. A genuinely lovely event for all ages.
Bollon Campdraft & Rodeo
Thrilling rodeo action and high-speed campdrafting at the Bollon Showground. Something for everyone — camping available onsite.
Nindigully Campdraft
A great family-friendly weekend of campdrafting with full bar, canteen and Saturday night entertainment with music, dancing and prizes.
St George Cup Races
One of the finest country racing events in Queensland. Full racing card, TAB bookies, Fashions of the Field and a bus service from town.
Nindigully Pig Races
The legendary annual Pig Races at Nindigully Pub — live music, food, auctions, camping and a crowd that has driven hours to be there. Supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
St George Fishing Competition
Nominations open Friday afternoon. BBQ and bar on Sunday. Run by the St George Fishing and Restocking Club — a proud non-profit keeping the rivers healthy.
Dates and details change — always check the official listings before you head out.
View full listings at Balonne Shire Council