GWYDIR COUNTRY EVENTS
Stars on stage and in the Sky for OPERA IN THE PADDOCK The picnic atmosphere in the wheat paddock on the property ‘Mimosa’, approximately 40km east of Warialda and 50km north east of Bingara, attracts around 2000 patrons from the north west New England region each March. Many visitors do not regularly attend opera but they keep coming back to Mimosa for more!
The Opera in the Paddock programme consists of two halves. The first half consists of pieces from a number of traditional operas, while the second half features songs from modern musicals. Organisers are one day hoping to stage a full opera, in the paddock at Mimosa.
GRAVESEND RODEO The small population of Gravesend, home to the notorious boothill bucking horses and “Hat Trick”, Gravesend’s own champion bucking bull, swells when the rodeo is in town. Held in February each year Gravesend Rodeo provides a day of enjoyment and thrills for the whole family.
BLUES ON THE RIVERBANK The lush green carpet of the Gwydir riverbank provides an idyllic venue for the four hours of non stop rhythm and blues classics during Bingara’s Blues on the Riverbank. The venue on the eastern upstream side of Bingara’s Campbell Bridge at the intersection of the Copeton Dam Road and Warialda Road, gives the almost 500 people attending, room to spread out, relax and enjoy the picnic atmosphere and non-stop live music throughout the afternoon.With the Gwydir River gently meandering by and a soft breeze stirring in the trees it is no place for sad songs, unless the sad songs are the Blues.
WARIALDA AGRICULTURAL AND TRADERS EXHIBITION Warialda Agricultural and Traders Exhibition (W.A.I.T.E) is held in September at the Warialda Showground. It is an ideal opportunity for businesses and community groups from Warialda and district to showcasing some of the wonderful and unique goods and services they provide to customers in the New England/North West and beyond.
NORTH STAR RRR BALL Held annually in June at North Star Sporting Club, the North Star RRR Ball draws its crowd from all over NSW and Australia bringing an influx of people and activity into this small rural village. Plenty of space is available to enjoy the live band, DJ and Ute competition.
UPPER HORTON NEW YEARS EVE RODEO The New Year’s Eve rodeo at the Upper Horton Sports’ Ground is one of the best rodeos in the circuit. The tiny village is famous for the world renowned cowboys it has produced. Bring your Wranglers, Akubra, and swag and settle in for two days of adrenalin-packed rodeo action.
WARIALDA 200 OFF-ROAD EVENT The annual Warialda 200 Off-Road Event, held over two days, is at the extreme edge of motor sport. The event includes wild jumps, creek crossings, hairpins and wide open straights; the “Monomeeth” track can seriously test both the car and driver to the limit… and sometimes beyond. The racing is fast and furious with cars and buggies built to match. Classes include buggies, sedans, four wheel drives and trucks/VW Baja (heavily modified silhouette) vehicles.
BINGARA ORANGE FESTIVAL An avenue of orange trees was planted in Bingara, as a memorial to Bingara’s fallen in the two world wars. Since the 1960’s the school students of Bingara have harvested these oranges in July. A festival is held every year to emphasise the importance of Bingara’s orange trees whilst celebrating Bingara’s cultural heritage.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE CLICK