Rivers Ranch and Bundalong Tavern owner Brett Butler busy preparing for the upcoming rodeo events and new year’s party at Bundalong.
The Bundalong Rodeos are back this summer, bigger and better than ever.
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Following the success of last year, which drew thousands of visitors, the popular rodeos will return over the Christmas–New Year period on Sunday, December 28, and again on the Australia Day long weekend, Sunday, January 25.
Event organiser and Rivers Ranch owner Brett Butler said the rodeo’s popularity continued to grow and he was thrilled to host the events once again at his purpose-built Bundalong arena.
“I took over the rodeo several years ago after it had been held at the showgrounds for many years, with the support of Yarrawonga Mulwala Tourism and Business,” Mr Butler said.
The Bundalong Rodeos are expected to attract thousands of spectators this summer.
“The rodeo events are estimated to contribute around $5 million to the local economy each summer. I’d also like to make a special mention of Moira Shire Council, who, with the help of Bryan Sword, Director of Sustainable Development, have been fantastic to work with.”
Mr Butler said he was proud to have continued the event and has since invested almost $1.2 million into developing the arena.
“My aim is to make this site the best rodeo arena in Australia,” he said.
Significant upgrades, including new seating and grassed areas built into an amphitheatre-style elevation, ensure all spectators have an uninterrupted view of the action.
Rodeo fans can look forward to a full day of non-stop entertainment, featuring the country’s best bronc and bull riders, along with thrilling timed events.
Special attractions will run throughout the afternoon, including the popular Travla Beer Bungee Run in the Travla Arena.
“From adrenaline-pumping rides to edge-of-your-seat action, this is country sport at its finest, with the best rodeo athletes in Australia competing,” Mr Butler said.
Local talent will also be well represented, including Bundalong’s Ella Burns, 2024 Australian Rookie Breakaway Roping Champion; Benalla’s Molly Harper, a champion junior barrel racer; and Tup Forge from Oxley, the current World Women’s Ranch Bronc Riding Champion, who claimed the title at the prestigious Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming, USA.
In addition to the action in the arena, there will be giveaways and crowd competitions running throughout the day, along with plenty of food, drinks, and a classic rodeo atmosphere.
Shannon Noll is the headline act at the Rodeo after party this Saturday, December 27.
When the arena lights go down, the celebrations continue with an afterparty featuring Shannan Noll, followed by DJ Willie Pake spinning country tunes late into the night.
“We want to create a real Aussie rock and country music vibe at the venue, similar to the popular ‘Honky Tonk’ New Year’s event, which brings artists such as Hayley Jensen, Zak Armstrong, Jordi Woods, and Tamara Roldan to the Bundalong Tavern,” Mr Butler said.
Tickets for both rodeos, along with the Bundalong Tavern’s New Year’s Eve party, are now on sale at:
Location: 2 Rivers Ranch, Bundalong (next door to The Bundalong Tavern)
Events Timeline: 1pm: Gates open
3.30pm: Rodeo pre-event starts
5.45pm Main Rodeo action
8pm: Live entertainment with Blake Noll
8.30pm: Live entertainment with Shannan Noll
10pm: DJ Willie Pake
Bus Services: Buses run regularly throughout the day from Yarrawonga Town Hall to the event. For bus pickups in Bundalong, please contact The Bundalong Tavern directly. Book your bus ticket online via Humanitix.
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