Community
18 February, 2025
Countdown begins for Dirt n Dust Festival
Excitement is building in Julia Creek for the community's biggest weekend.
While many across the nation are still getting over Valentine’s Day celebrations, Julia Creek is ramping up its search for Australia’s best butt.
As part of the annual Dirt n Dust Festival, organisers are putting out the call for all to come and participate in the Outback’s dirtiest weekend this April to find who will be crowned with Australia’s Best Butt and take part in the muddiest adventure run that will have competitors laughing to the finish line.
“It’s good old fashioned, clean fun – with your clothes on!” says festival president and Julia Creek local, Sheree Pratt.
“We take great joy in welcoming all to our town and sharing the spirit of the Dirt n Dust Festival.”
The town of 400 residents is set to welcome in more than 2000 visitors across the weekend of the festival, kicking off the jam-packed program of events on Friday, April 11 through to Sunday, April 13.
When the gates of Dirt n Dust Central officially open on the Friday afternoon, visitors can expect a thrilling fun-filled weekend – kicking off with the adrenaline fuelled Dirt n Dust Rodeo that will showcase the bravery and skills of competitors.
On the Saturday, festival goers can get in on the action themselves, taking part in the Outback Adventure Run – the wildest, dirtiest outback course you’ll ever run!
Completing a series of challenges through dust and mud will have you laughing to the finish line.
After washing the mud off it’s time to spruce up in time to be trackside for the Artesian Express Races, then head back to Dirt n Dust Central for another night of rodeo action, live music and the crowning of Australia’s Best Butt!
“This is the largest event we hold each year – we may be a small community, but what we lack in size we make up for in spirit,” Ms Pratt said.
“One of the biggest drawcards of the festival would have to be Australia’s Best Butt competition.
“Anyone can enter, with the first round of heats on the Friday night and finals taking place on Saturday night.”
After the crowning event, attendees can celebrate (or commiserate) by dancing the night away under the starts to live music from some of Queensland’s best popular and emerging musicians.
Sore heads will be treated to a recovery breakfast on the Sunday before the event officially closes.
Weekend and single day tickets are available to book online, along with race day, adventure run and camping passes.