Photographs from Bulls, Boots and BBQ at Calliope 2021
We had a ripper of a time at the Calliope Rodeo in 2021—an event as bonza as they come! What do you do when you’re craving something completely different for the weekend? You head to Calliope, of course. Our last rodeo escapade was way back in Kununurra in 2006, so it’d been yonks between rides. Thankfully, 2021 brought us back for another crack, and we couldn’t be happier!
Normally held in September, Covid gave the event a cheeky twist by letting us enjoy it in the warmer clime of January. The day kicked off with heaps of fun in the afternoon as the junior events took centre stage. We had a blast at the camp draft, along with some wild bull and steer riding. It was a joy to see young talent and bushies of all ages giving it their all, proving that the spirit of the rodeo is as youthful as ever.
Before we knew it, the evening roped us in with the main events. The adrenaline-charged bull riding had everyone on the edge of their seats, and the atmosphere was further fired up by the electrifying tunes of Luke Geiger and his band on the main stage. With a crowd possibly totalling around 3,000, families poured in to soak up the action and share in the community’s infectious excitement.
We were especially chuffed to see the amazing skill on display from the local youngsters. The camp draft events featured everyone from knee-high enthusiasts to full-on adults, while the bull and steer riding welcomed tenacious participants of both sexes—with a fair dinkum number of under-15s taking part. And then there were the veterans—by rodeo standards, that means anyone past the big 4-0! Their presence was a timeless reminder that age is just a number when you’re living for the thrill of the ride.
A massive shout-out is due to the unsung heroes of the day—the Rodeo Protection Athletes. These legends were there to keep the riders safe, sometimes having to yank a strapped-in rider away when a bull’s bucking went a bit too bonkers. Whether it was riders taking a hard knock or the protection crew absorbing a fair share of the bull’s might, each moment was a true testament to their grit and commitment.
And let’s not forget the quintessential Aussie BBQ! The aroma of sizzling snags and smoky flavours mingled perfectly with the raw excitement of the rodeo, creating a festive atmosphere that had everyone grinning from ear to ear. This lively mix of bulls, boots, and BBQ was the perfect recipe for an unforgettable day out under the vast, open skies of the outback.
Here’s our vibrant collection of snaps from the Calliope Rodeo 2021—a day filled with heart-pounding action, cheeky banter, and that uniquely country charm. We had a top-notch time capturing every thrilling moment on film, and we hope these lively images bring a smile to your dial and a spark of adventure to your day. Cheers to more wild rides and legendary yarns from the rodeo!
