Nanua Gymkhana
Dust Off Your Boots: Nanua Gymkhana and Picnic Races Return This October
NANUA, Kimberly Station NSW – The countdown is officially on for one of the outback’s most anticipated community events, with the Nanua Picnic Race Club Gymkhana locked in for Friday, 16th October and Saturday, 17th October 2026.
Held at the historic Kimberley Station—located 140 kilometres south of Broken Hill via the Silver City Highway—this action-packed weekend promises a thrilling showcase of horsemanship, family-friendly novelties, and top-tier country hospitality.
The excitement kicks off on Friday night, 16th October, with an open invitation for attendees to unleash their wild side for this year’s official theme: “Going On Safari.” The evening will feature a massive Karaoke Night hosted by well-known Mildura Karaoke Queen, Julie Falconer, alongside highly anticipated prizes for the Best Dressed safari outfits. Attendees are encouraged to get creative with their costumes and embrace a night of fun and untamed outback style.
Saturday, 17th October marks the main Gymkhana event. Competitors will converge on the arena for a massive lineup of horse events. With plenty of prize money on the line, the horse events are expected to deliver fierce competition.
The arena action is not just limited to the riders and horses. A variety of fun and competitive “people events” will run throughout the day to get the whole crowd involved. Highlights include the legendary “Throne Race”, where teams of three compete over a 100-metre course for the coveted title of Dunny Champions. One team member sits on a “dunny” being pulled by the other two, collecting a bucket of water, toilet paper, a newspaper roll, and a dunny brush along the way—the first across the line with all items wins. Other high-energy crowd-pleasers include the Tug of War, Whip Cracking, and the Men’s Foot Race. Kids can also get in on the action with the hotly contested Hobby Horse Cup, Sack Race, and age-grouped running races.
The family fun extends well beyond the track, with the Broken Hill Mobile Toy Library operating all day Saturday to keep the youngest racegoers entertained. Catering is available all weekend for meals at “The Nanua Canteen,”. A wide variety of catered options will be available and the Bar will be serving icy cold brews.
As the dust settles on the arena, the celebrations will shift gears into the evening with a live performance from the band Blue Tonic, who will bring big hits and dance floor anthems to celebrate Nanua in style.
Best of all, attending this fantastic weekend supports great causes. Proceeds from the 2026 event will be donated to The Royal Flying Doctor Service Broken Hill Women’s Auxiliary, Broken Hill Breast Cancer Support Group, Broken Hill Mobile Toy Library, Meals on Wheels Broken Hill, and The Flying Padre.
Event Details:
- Dates: Friday 16th & Saturday 17th October 2026
- Location: Kimberley Station, Nanua, NSW (140km south of Broken Hill, bordering SA)
- Gates & Hours: Secretary’s Office opens at 8:30 am CST Saturday; Bar opens 10:30 am CST to late. (Note: All official event times are Central Standard Time).
- Admission: Weekend admission is $20 per adult. Children under 12 enter free. Admission includes access to live music, a gate prize ticket, hot showers, power, and rainwater access. Children under 16 receive a free ticket into the kids’ gate prize draw.
- Event Rules: Strictly NO GLASS at all anywhere and no BYO allowed within the main event space.
Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a campout enthusiast, or just looking for a classic outback weekend with the family, the 2026 Nanua Gymkhana is the place to be. Pack your gear, gather your safari crew, and head out to Kimberley Station for a weekend to remember.
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