4 Stray Katz: Bedourie – Bucking bulls, cantering camels, pushy pigs and a steaming spa.

Bedourie, QLD

Friday 7^th – Saturday 8^th July

After the Big Red Bash we headed straight for Bedourie where we were meant to be camping at the racecourse so we could attend the local rodeo on the Friday night then the Camel Races on the Saturday. Unfortunately, the camping area was a muddy mess from the rain that’d come through a few days prior so the town had opened up all vacant areas to camping. It was a certainly a sight to see once the town was engulfed with campers. We managed to find a spot just a short distance from the Bedourie Pools – which consisted of a warm pool and an artisan fed 40 degree spa. We spent the afternoon soaking off some of the dust from the Big Red Bash before heading into the rodeo.

The rodeo, run by several very stereotypical looking cowboys, featured bucking broncos and bull riding, including the maiden ride by an Indian man who’d moved to the area and decided to raise money for Men’s Mental Health by attempting to ride a bull (crazy, but gutsy, idea).

I spent most of the night gasping as men were flung off frantic and distressed looking horses and bulls. The kids and Daniel enjoyed themselves, but I have decided I don’t really like rodeos, too much risk of either animals or people getting hurt (though to be honest I feel more for the animals who have not had a choice in the matter). The most entertaining part of the night for me was when one of the bulls decided it didn’t want to go back into the stalls and began chasing the men who were trying to round it up (so much so that they had to climb the outside barriers to keep safe). The animal then became very interested in a couple who were sitting on a rug just outside the barriers, eating hot chips. The bull went right up to the barrier, snorting and trying to get to the chips. It was hilarious to watch and it ended up taking at least 20 minutes for them to get the bull out of the main arena!

The next morning Daniel, Jackson and I went for an early soak in the hot pool before heading back to the Bedourie Racecourse for the Bedourie Camel Bash. We spent a few hours watching camels race (they look extremely awkward when they run and the riders look like they are going to slide off the back) and pigs race (we couldn’t believe how much people bet on specific pigs to win the race to a bowl of milk) as well as watching the kids compete in the Camp Oven Cook Off Competition. The kids made huge loaves of damper, which they were able to take home after the judges had tried them, so that although we don’t know if they won or not (we left before they made the announcement) they were super happy as they had fresh damper for supper and breakfast the next day.

After a quick refresh at the pools we said our goodbyes to Mum, Dad, Peter and Helen (who’d also come to Bedourie after the Big Red Bash) then left to find a secluded spot out of town for the night – we all needed a bit of quiet time after all the excitement and busyness of the last week.

Bedourie was a cute little town, well worth visiting. Our only regret was not getting an authentic Bedourie Camp Oven from the place where they originated from. By the time we decided we wanted to buy one, the shops were all closed ☹.

Watching the sun set while we waited for the rodeo to begin.

The 'cowboys' running the rodeo - they were such skilled riders they spent most of the time riding with only one hand whilst the other held either their hand-rolled cigarettes or a can of bourbon!

And the horse wins!

The bull that was very interested in a poor couple just trying to eat their hot chips!

Enjoying a morning swim in the heated pool...

..before a soak in the hot tub- Jackson had a short dip as it was too hot but Daniel and I stayed in for about 15 minutes. Even after that short time we both felt a bit dizzy getting out.