Coolgardie Outback Festival draws record-breaking crowd for biggest rodeo in WA

Cowboys and cowgirls from across the country tested their mettle against bucking bulls and broncs this weekend at an outback rodeo in the Goldfields.

The Coolgardie Outback Festival drew a record-breaking crowd of more than 10,000 and became the most attended rodeo in WA history.

More than 260 competitors fought for a share in $48,000 prize money across events including bull riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing.

The annual festival broke their own attendance record last year with a turnout of 7600, but was yet to outdo the Boddington Lions Rodeo’s biggest crowd of 9200.

Organiser Bodean Buckingham said 10,342 rodeo-goers had this year travelled to Coolgardie, 500km east of Perth, from every State and territory in the country except Tasmania.

“It just brings out the best in people,” he said.

“It gives people a sense of connection and brings them together, and everyone has a laugh.”