Forget balloon darts and whack-a-mole; at this bush carnival, you’ll find swag throwing, dunny racing, and contestants blowing kangaroo poo out of a straw. This is the Outback Festival, hosted in the tiny western Queensland town of Winton. More than 40 events took place from Tuesday to Saturday, drawing thousands of attendees to what is described as Australia’s quirkiest festival.
“You’ve got to have a real sense of humour to live out here,” Winton Shire Mayor Cathy White said with a laugh. This year marks a milestone for Winton, celebrating 150 years since the town was established. Mayor White emphasized that this year’s festival was a celebration of the people and the unique character of country Queensland.
The Dunny Derby: A Festival Highlight
Much like a school reunion, the Outback Festival draws back cohorts of former western Queensland residents. Peter Kelleher, who lived in Winton as a child, has been making the 15-hour journey from Brisbane for the festival ever since.
“It’s a great event to come back and see family and friends and just enjoy the country lifestyle,” Mr. Kelleher said. He had his hopes set on the Dunny Derby, the festival’s highlight event in which teams race each other to carry their loo-strapped jockey through an obstacle course.
“It’s been aerodynamically built … there’s a lot more to it than you’d think, a lot of science to it,” Mr. Kelleher explained, highlighting the competitive spirit and engineering ingenuity behind the event.
Outback Iron: A Test of Strength and Endurance
The title of becoming the Outback Ironman and Ironwoman is the most coveted prize of the festival. Instead of a run, bike, and swim, athletes compete in a series of challenges: pushing fencing gear, hurdling hay bales, and trekking through a waterhole.
Anne Fitzgerald, 17, was one of the youngest competitors. “It was nerve-wracking, but I just gave it a go,” she shared. Meanwhile, Brodie Hohn and Bohdi Kersh traveled from Townsville just to compete in the egg-throwing competition after claiming bronze at the previous Outback Festival.
“It’s intense. It takes two years of practice to get to where we are now,” Mr. Hohn said.
Lifelong Volunteer and Economic Impact
Robyn Stephens has been organizing the Outback Festival since its inception more than 50 years ago. The 78-year-old remains an unstoppable force with the same mission she had at age 24 — to put Winton on the map.
“When we started the Outback Festival, it was born on the back of a 10-year drought,” she said. After parts of the outback suffered devastating flooding in March and April, Ms. Stephens noted that the festival’s purpose remained much the same.
Ms. Stephens said the festival generated about $2 million for the local economy. “People have got to drive through the highways and byways to get to us, so everywhere these people go, there’s always a dollar or two spent.”
Mayor White described the festival as a “sugar hit” for the region as it approaches the end of the tourism season. “It’ll sustain us hopefully through to the next season,” she added.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Winton’s Outback Festival
The success of this year’s festival not only highlights the resilience and spirit of Winton’s community but also sets the stage for future celebrations. As the town commemorates its 150th anniversary, the festival serves as a reminder of the unique culture and traditions that define this part of Australia.
With its blend of humor, competition, and community spirit, the Outback Festival continues to draw visitors from across the country, ensuring that Winton remains a vibrant hub of activity for years to come.
