More than 12,000 people camped across 1,700 campsites as the Tara Festival of Culture, Camels and Camping celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a milestone for the event that first began in 2001.
More than 12,000 people camped across 1,700 campsites as the Tara Festival of Culture, Camels and Camping celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a milestone for the event that first began in 2001.
Camel racing teams travelled from as far as Newcastle, Gympie and Boulia, delivering thrilling racing action as they competed for a share of $30,000 in prize money in front of thousands of festival-goers.
Camel trainer Rod Samson from Oakfield Ranch Newcastle, was full of praise for the event.
“This is unbelievable Tara.”
Describing the sport of camel racing, Mr Samson said, “You’ve got to come and have a look. It’s just fun.”
“The crowds were really good… they were all on the finish line on the race track, it was a good feeling.”
Camel brothers Geoffrey and Barry owned by Rod Samson took out first and second in the 600m Cup Final on Sunday. Geoffrey’s Jockey Teagan Beck (crowned Best Jockey of the weekend) said, “Shout out to everyone that comes and supports these community events it’s awesome.”
“Geoffrey he’s unreal, he’s got a bit of spice about him, but the best ones do. He and his brother Barry they run hard and they give it their all.”
Race caller Neale Stewart said the unpredictable nature of camel racing is what makes it so entertaining.
“The important thing is it’s a whole lot of fun, the jockeys enjoy doing it… I’ve seen them sit halfway along the track, I’ve seen them break away from the barrier and come home before the barrier’s fallen, so it’s the unpredictable of camels.”
“It’s the atmosphere… salt of the earth people that enjoy having a bit of fun. They draw a crowd that brings a dollar that’s good for the tourist industry.”
Camels weren’t the only ones on the starting line over the weekend. After each camel race, Tara’s best and freshest yabbies crawled their way over 1,200mm fighting for gold.
“It’s only money!” the crowd of punters with deep pockets hollered from the grandstands as hot favourite ‘Fair Sair’, was sold for a whopping $2,100 to a Brisbane syndicate in the final calcutta auction of the weekend, before clawing her way to a win.
Beyond the racetrack, the festival celebrated cultures from around the world with an energetic program of entertainment, including Latin dancers, Japanese drummers and crowd favourites Murphy’s Pigs. As day turned to night, Tara’s country spirit came alive with performances from Robbie Mortimer, Australia’s Best Country Music DJ Dee Jaye Bux, and headline country music star James Johnston.
While official attendance figures are still being finalised, organisers say the festival has continued to grow, with large family groups and social clubs travelling from across Australia to camp together. More than 1,700 campsites have been booked, with visitors also filling accommodation in neighbouring towns throughout the region.
Tara Festival Secretary Toni Rolles said the response from visitors had been overwhelming.
“Tara Camels is about coming and having a great time… everyone started checking in on Wednesday and it’s been a party, party, party ever since.”
“The Tara Festival has been going for 25 years this year, we do it every second year, but it started when one of the locals thought we needed a little bit of culture.” Ms Rolles said.
Vendor Coordinator Beryl Bennett said the festival continues to have a significant impact on the local community.
“It’s all about coming together and it’s so good for Tara, … it puts Tara on the map for a positive reason, it’s a lot of work but we really love doing it.”
“The town really comes alive, you’re flat getting a park when the Festival’s on, it’s really good for the businesses in town.”
The Tara Festival of Culture and Camel Races is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
RESULTS
Saturday 400m Cup Final Winner: Also My Regie Boy OWNER Peter Hodge JOCKEY Cassidee Sharp
Sunday 600m Cup Final Winner: Geoffrey OWNER Rodney Sansom JOCKEY Teagan Beck
WHERE IS TARA?
Tara is located just three and a half hours west of Brisbane and two hours west of Toowoomba.
FESTIVAL DATES
31 JULY – 2 AUGUST 2026
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MEDIA SUPPORT & INTERVIEW REQUESTS
Festival Marketing & PR Coordinator
Philippa Hooker
E marketing@kristahauritz.com.au