Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular

From tiny Shetland ponies to towering Shire horses, all Clydesdales great and small will be celebrated at Boonah in the Scenic Rim at the hugely popular Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular over the weekend of June 17-18, 2023.

Now in its 11th year, the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular is the richest Clydesdale Show in the Southern Hemisphere, where the grand champions of the breed are judged, the heritage of the breed is shared, and the history of the breed in Australia is toasted. 

In a major coup, this year an epic 11-horse team of Marlie Draught Horses is confirmed to attend. One of the largest teams in the country, they will pull a Bennett’s Wagon and perform twice daily!

Known as the Gentle Giants of the horse world and recognised in Australia as 'the breed that built the nation', yet listed as ‘vulnerable’ internationally, Queensland has a long history with the Clydesdale, who have played a key role in establishing the Scenic Rim’s incredible agricultural base.

The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular, through the dedication of fans, breeders, and the event committee, has successfully preserved and celebrated the 130-year history of these gentle giants, making it one of Queensland's prominent events, generating more than $2.3 million for the region and 10,109 visitor nights over the weekend in 2022.

While the full schedule of Clydesdale competition takes place in the main arena, rare trades that focus around “the heavy horse” are showcased: harness making, blacksmithing, wheelwrights, horse-drawn demonstrations & driving displays, whip plaiting and more. Additional highlights include the Queensland Whip Cracking Championships, World Billy Boiling Championships, wood chopping, working dog displays, Friesian Horse Troupe performances & bush poetry.

In tribute to the Scottish descendants who moved to the region and brought with them their beloved Clydesdale, the event includes a stirring massing of Pipes and Drums, Calling of the Clans, the Clydesdale and Clan class and traditional Scottish caber tossing. There’ll be haggis burgers, a whisky bar and Scots are encouraged to attend in their clan kilts!

“The event will feature some of the top Clydesdales in the country and shouldn’t be missed by anyone who has an interest in this magnificent breed, or anyone who loves horses, or for that matter anyone who wants a brilliant experience in the country where there is literally something to watch and experience at every moment!” said event organiser Greta Stanfield.

Good to know - The Boonah region’s Clydesdale heritage began in the 1840s and testament to the region’s longstanding love affair with the heavy horse, famously standing bastion at the entry to Boonah is a towering 3 metre sculpture of a Clydesdale by internationally acclaimed artist Andy Scott. Known as “Clydebuilt” the sculpture is recognised by the Queensland National Trust, and is also the logo of the Clydesdale Spectacular.

Need to know - The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular will be staged in the middle of the region’s famous EAT LOCAL MONTH, creating just another reason to visit, stay and experience!

Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com