Where in the world is Quamby?

Sunday, August 01, 2021

Quamby, Queensland, Australia

Little did we realise what fun was in store for us after we decided to reside in Cloncurry (or CFC (Covid Free Cloncurry) according to Cousin Trev) for the next month.

The last Saturday in July is when the annual Quamby Rodeo is held. People from all over travel to a dot on a map that is 40km north of Cloncurry.

We were excited as this was not only our first Quamby Rodeo, but Abigail's first gymkhana. Cousin Trevor had kindly offered to enter Abigail, along with her cousins Audrey and Emily. All three girls would be riding Hector, led by Trevor. Friends had organised clothes and boots for us to wear so we could look the part. It was going to be a big day for everyone!

What is in Quamby you ask? The answer: an abandoned pub and rodeo grounds. Whilst it used to be a Cobb and Co station post in the 19th century, the rodeo grounds are used only for this one very special annual event.

The Quamby Rodeo started back in 1997, being the brainchild of two station families who wanted to create a fun and affordable family day out.

Quamby gymkhana - winner

All profits that are generated are reinvested back into the local community and in improving the rodeo facilities at Quamby.

Quamby is not fancy, nor is it about making lots of money. Just simple fun, with good simple food from the kitchen and cold drinks at the bar.

It was forecast to be the hottest July day on record: a warm 36'C. There was not a cloud in the sky as we drove to Quamby. We arrived bright and early to an already busy grounds. Many chose to spend the night, with over 3,500 people flocking to this ghost town.

At the gymkhana, we recognised many familiar faces from school. Hector and Trevor were stars as they led three excited girls around the four events. The competition heated up between the local dads and Trev ran fast around the course resulting in winning ribbons for both Abigail and Audrey. An unforgettable day for us all!

After the gymkhana fun, we went over to the main arena to check out some of the action. Shade was hard to come by, but Dad and some friends found a spot and us kids roamed with friends between the free jumping castle and the arena. Events included barrels, wild cow ride stampede, station buck jump, bronc ride, poddy ride, wild donkey ride, bull ride and live music to dance away the night. There were running races for us kids across the arena. Jackson did well and managed to win a Quamby Rodeo cap. Abigail declared that boots were no good for running! The best of all was the lolly man. A young man had hundreds of lollies pinned to his shirt, and pockets full of lollies. Us kids had to chase him around the arena and tackle him to get the lollies. There were lollies galore!

The lines were long for those cold drinks. Dad was impressed that the lines were segregated into rum, vodka, bourbon, scotch and beer, with another line for food. Interestingly, there was no wine line!

Due to limited to non-existent mobile coverage, Quamby is a cash only event. Back in Cloncurry the next morning, we chatted to someone who had worked behind the bar. He stated that the takings were enough to buy two Cloncurry houses!!

The locals from North Western Queensland know how to have a good time! We feel so privileged to have been able to experience this very special local event!