General News
27 August, 2025
Julia Creek braces for Dirt N Dust Festival
About 2000 people are expected to flock to the tiny Outback community this weekend.
Around 2000 people will descend on Julia Creek this weekend for the annual Dirt N Dust Festival.
Usually held in April, this year’s iconic Outback event was shifted to the end of August after late rain forced organisers to postpone.
The positive could be warmer weather, with a friendly forecast for this weekend.
Festival president Sheree Pratt, better known as “Groove”, said the Julia Creek community couldn’t wait to throw open the gates to an expected 2000 visitors.
“We are so excited to welcome so many visitors to town,” she said.
“For the local community, the festival is a chance to have fun, share our town, and show the spirit of Julia Creek ... I just hope you’re not afraid of lots of laughter with a little mud on the side!
“We’re raring to go.”
It’s all systems go from Friday, with plans for a high-octane weekend of rodeo, races, running and live music under the stars.
Adding to the anticipation, this year’s Dirt N Dust will introduce a new station buckjump event at the rodeo and, for the first time, cowgirls will be able to compete in rough stock events.
“Events like Dirt N Dust are the lifeblood of remote communities,” Ms Pratt said.
“We’re estimating an economic impact in excess of $1.5 million for our town across the weekend, and we’ll be working with Tourism & Events Queensland on a visitor impact study to capture the real benefits festivals like this deliver for regional and remote Queensland.”
Festival-goers are encouraged to book ahead for the designated festival camping at McIntyre Park, right next to the Julia Creek race track, with easy access to the weekend’s action.
While the Outback Adventure Run is no doubt one of the highlights for those both young and old, the competition for Australia’s Best Butt continues to ramp up each year.
One of Dirt N Dust’s most-loved (and cheekiest) traditions was born during a power outage mid-gig by Mental As Anything. With the lights out, someone grabbed a torch and started a dance-off.
The crowd went wild, the power came back, and Australia’s Best Butt was born!
Check out all of the events and activities at www.dirtndust.com
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Dirt N Dust Outback Adventure Run – A laugh-out-loud obstacle course across true Outback terrain where the only rule is “give it a go.”
Dirt N Dust Rodeo – Wall-to-wall rodeo action featuring bull and bronc rides, the all-new station buckjump and Australia’s gutsiest cowboys and cowgirls.
Artesian Express Race Day – Bush racing at its best with horses from across the North West. Dress to impress with this year’s trackside theme: ‘A touch of yellow’.
Australia’s Best Butt – The cheekiest title in the Outback. Booty wiggling, bottom jiggling and bragging rights for 2025 are on the line.
Live music and entertainment – Non-stop tunes from Homegrown Trio, Tommy Contor & The Western Wranglers, Tyson Lucas and Branded Men to keep the dust dancing well into the night.