What’s happening?
The Ariat Warwick Rodeo and Pryde’s EasiFeed Gold Cup Campdraft will run from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 October 2025. Known as the “Melbourne Cup” of campdrafting, it combines Australia’s most prestigious campdraft with a world-class rodeo. Tickets are on sale now through the Warwick Show and Rodeo Society.
Why it matters
The event celebrates a uniquely Australian sport born from stock work and showcases it alongside rodeo action. With a proud tradition stretching back to 1906, Warwick is considered the heritage home of rodeo in Australia.
Local impact
More than 30,000 spectators are expected to attend, with competitors and horses travelling from every mainland state. The influx will boost Warwick’s shops, pubs, and accommodation as all things country take over for the week.
By the numbers
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$370,000 prize pool – including bespoke saddles, trophies, and silverware, confirming its place as Australia’s richest campdraft.
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7 days of campdrafting, 4 days of rodeo – action from broncs and bulls to Australia’s best stockmen and women.
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Record prizemoney context – in 2022, Warwick campdrafts offered $246,000, with the Gold Cup alone awarding $78,385, including $25,000 to the winner.
Zoom In
Last Monday, a special meet and greet was held at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs in Brisbane at Lower River Terrace. The event brought together some of the sport’s biggest names as the countdown to the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft continued.
Among those featured were:
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Daryl Kong – Hall of Fame bronc rider known as the “King of the Australian Saddle Bronc Riders.” He was the first Australian to compete in the PRCA National Finals in 1972 and achieved wins at Cheyenne Frontier Days, Calgary Stampede, and Madison Square Garden.
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Rae-Louise Wright – the 2024 Warwick Rodeo Queen, who represented Australia at Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming, taking part in arena fly-bys while carrying the national flag.
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Kimberley Sammon – the 2024 Gold Cup champion, only the third woman ever to win the title. She also claimed the Ladies Silver Cup last year and has recently welcomed a baby boy.
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Lucas Taylor – an 18-year-old bull riding talent and 2024 junior bull buckle winner, holding titles including NRA Open Bull Riding Champion and Rookie Bull Riding Champion.
Zoom Out
Country culture is in the spotlight globally, and Warwick is part of that rise. From sold-out rodeos to cowboy-core fashion, the lifestyle is mainstream. Alongside Mount Isa, Warwick anchors Queensland’s rodeo calendar, pairing international-standard rodeo with the uniquely Australian sport of campdrafting.
A history etched in dirt and grit
Rodeo in Warwick dates back to 1906, when the first Bushman’s Carnival was held. It has paused only for floods, drought, and war. By the 1930s, bigger prizes and more contestants earned Warwick recognition as the Australian Championships. The event’s history includes famous broncs, legendary riders, and even a 1945 Buddy Williams song titled Heading for the Warwick Rodeo. By 1955, Warwick Rodeo was proudly titled “Australia’s Most Famous.”
The Australian sport of campdrafting
Campdrafting grew from working cattle on large stations. It combines horsemanship, courage, and instinct with stock skills. Unlike rodeo, with American roots, campdrafting is entirely Australian. The Warwick Gold Cup is regarded as the championship event of this sport.
Event week highlights
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7 days of Campdrafting – the best of the best compete for the Gold Cup.
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4 days of Rodeo – Thursday to Sunday, broncs and bulls dominate the arena.
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100+ stalls and food options – from Western wear to local makers and food trucks.
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2 nights of live music – to wrap up the action each evening.
What to look for next?
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Tickets are available now, with accommodation expected to fill quickly.
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The main program will run 20–26 October 2025, with buckle winners and daily highlights to follow.
Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft
Dates: Monday 20 – Sunday 26 October 2025
Tickets: Available via Warwick Show & Rodeo Society