Events and festivals
Birdsville Races
1. EKKA (Brisbane)
Since 1876, Queenslanders have flocked to the Royal Queensland Show (affectionately known as Ekka, short for Brisbane Exhibition), for ten days of fun at the RNA Showgrounds.
2. State of Origin
The annual State of Origin Rugby League series between Queensland and New South Wales is one of the most anticipated sporting events in Australia. Queensland rugby league fans still talk about Queensland belting NSW 20 points to 10 in the very first State of Origin game in front of packed Lang Park in 1980. Queensland dominated the series for much of the 1980s, NSW not winning a series until 1985.
3. Birdsville Races
Since 1882, visitors have come to this tiny outback town from all parts of Australia and the world to enjoy the shenanigans of the annual Birdsville Racing Carnival.
4. Riverfire
Thousands of people pack the banks of the Brisbane River, and many more on hills, decks and in backyards throughout the suburbs, to watch Queensland's biggest and most spectacular fireworks display and the dump and burn from the RAAF F1-11 strike jet.
5. Woodford Folk Festival
Unlike many festivals which are held in or near urban centres, the Woodford Folk Festival takes place on a large rural property in a forest setting. It is one of the biggest annual cultural events in Australia.
6. Carnival of Flowers
The annual Carnival of Flowers in Toowoomba has been a much loved and highly respected festival for many years, the longest running floral event in Australia.
7. Country Music Muster (Gympie)
For over a quarter of a century this phenomenal country music festival has made a significant difference, by raising more than $12 million for rural and regional charities.
8. Indy
Held every year on the streets of Surfers Paradise, Indy (recently relaunched as SuperGP) is one of Queensland's premier tourism and sporting events, featuring four days and four nights of sunshine and fast cars.
9. Apple and Grape Harvest Festival
Starting in 1954 as the biennial Apple and Blossom Festival, the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival was the highlight of Stanthorpe's 100th birthday year in 1972.
10. B&S Balls
Historically Bachelor and Spinster Balls were one way in which country people could meet a potential life partner. These days, a B&S Ball might run all weekend, often boosted by large numbers of folk from the city.
11. Beef Australia
The National Beef Exposition held every three years in Australia's Beef Capital, Rockhampton, is one of the world's great beef cattle events, attracting industry members and lovers of beef from Australia and around the world.
12. Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race
An annual event since 1949, the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race has weathered worse storms than the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
13. Mt Isa Rodeo
Since 1959, the Mt Isa Rodeo is where city meets country, east meets west, and man meets beast in the biggest and richest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
14. Paniyiri Greek Festival
Every year, multicultural West End in Brisbane hosts the spectacular Paniyiri Greek Festival, bringing with it all the flair and excitement of Greek culture.
15. Noosa Triathlon
The Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival is steeped in rich history and uniqueness not matched anywhere in the world. It is one of the biggest triathlon events in Australia and attracts over 8,500 competitors.
The inclusion of a person, event, invention or place on the Q150 icons list is not intended to offend or upset any individual member or groups of the public nor does it constitute an endorsement or affiliation by Q150, the State of Queensland, their officers, employees or agents with that person, event, invention, place, or any affiliated product or service.
Last reviewed 4 June 2009
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