The Burdekin Show Is Back And Better!

One of the Burdekin’s most beloved community events is back—and organisers say this year’s Burdekin Show is shaping up to be bigger, brighter and more jam-packed than ever.

“It's a proper family fun day out,” says Brendan Kolb, Vice President of the Burdekin Show Association. “All the entertainment’s free—Timmy the Train, the duck races, the Melville’s Animal Farm, everything in the ring. It’s all included. The only thing people need to pay for is the food and the rides.”

Held over a single day, the Burdekin Show is a highlight of the local calendar. With fireworks, exhibitions, equestrian events and the wide-ranging Side Show Alley, it’s set to be a high-energy day for the whole family with that distinct, customary Burdekin flavour.

A Family-Fun Spectacle With Community At Its Core

Kolb explains that while the festivities may only last one day, the hard work and preparation stretches over many months.

“As soon as one show ends, we’re already planning for the next. It’s non-stop,” he says. “It’s a volunteer-run event, so there’s a lot of late nights and hard work from the committee that people don’t see. But it’s all worth it when the gates open and people start coming through.”

Last year’s attendance was impacted by heavy rainfall, but with clearer skies forecast for this year, organisers are hopeful of returning to the typical crowd of around 5,000 locals and visitors.

“We’re definitely hoping for clear blue skies this time around,” Kolb laughs. “Night-time’s always spectacular—when the lights flick on in Side Show Alley and the whole place just comes alive.”

This year’s program includes plenty of favourites alongside some new show-stoppers. The Flare Action Sports team will bring their Roly Poly quad bikes to the main ring, and the evening will culminate with the always-popular Firework Spectacular. Other highlights include camel rides, motorbike freestyle trials, mower races, dachshund races, the Precision Reptiles display, and a visit from Muster Dogs special guest Steve Elliot.

And then of course, there’s the food: “Good steak burger, fairy floss, toffee apple... can’t go wrong,” Kolb says.

But beyond the attractions and eats, it’s the community spirit that gives the Burdekin Show its enduring charm.

“If it wasn’t for the Burdekin community, we simply wouldn’t have a show,” he says. “Every year we get flooded with phone calls in the lead-up—people asking how they can help, if there’s space for a stall. It’s actually pretty overwhelming in the best way.”

That community support flows through every part of the day, from the local schools and clubs that get involved, to the exhibition halls filled with handmade and homegrown entries from children and adults alike.

“The amount of effort that goes into the exhibits—the art, the photography, the cooking, the flowers—it’s amazing. It’s a real showcase of local talent,” Kolb says. “The school displays are a big highlight too. It’s great seeing the kids’ work on show, and they get so much out of being involved.”

In 2025, organisers are also offering a Gate Ticket Special from 9:30am to 11:00am:
Adults $5
Students $2
Children 5 & under FREE

From 11:00am, standard prices apply:
Adults $15
Pensioners $10
Secondary Students (with ID) $10
Children (6–12 years) $5
Children 5 & under remain FREE

Sideshow Alley also features a Cheap Time from 2:00pm–4:00pm, with $2 off children’s rides and $5 off adult rides.

And with final preparations nearly wrapped, Kolb’s excitement is clear:

“The show’s got it all—rides, food, displays, action, animals, fireworks… even the six-bar equestrian event, which is always a standout. I can’t wait.”

Neither can the Burdekin.

More info at: www.burdekinshow.org
Phone: 0459 831 790
Email: burdekinshow@gmail.com

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