Roma's Easter in the Country Program

Country Markets

Venue: Bassett Park, Northern Road, Roma

Time: 7.00am to 2:00pm

Cost: Free entry

Showcasing a fantastic array of arts, crafts, wares, food and drinks at the Country Markets in Arthur and Wyndham Streets. Customers are sure to find something to take home. Heaps of market stalls to wander through and of course there will be bargains to be found. 

Family Fun Sunday

Venue: Bassett Park – Showgrounds Northern Road Roma

Time: 7.00am to 1.00pm

Cost: Free entry

BUSH POETS BREAKFAST – 7:00am to 9:30am
Join the Lions Club for a Bush Poets Breakfast near the bar area in Machinery Alley in the Showground area. Free entry.

Special Guests include:

Jeff Brown – Bush Balladeer and Golden Guitar Winner

Dean Perrett – Tradition Country Singer and Songwriter and Golden Guitar Winner – Tamworth 2023

Alisha Smith – Multiple Award winner and Australia’s only lady playing Tradition Country Ballads

Caitlyn Jamieson – Winner of the Macca’s Golden Gig – Tamworth 2023

Scotty Mack – Contemporary country songwriter and singer and finalist in Telstra Road to Tamworth Competition and local talent.

Gary Fogarty: Bush Poet

Brian Weir: Bush Poet

SENEX COLOURXPLOSION – 8:15am
The Senex ColourXplosion coordinated by PCYC Maranoa is a 5km family fun event held Easter Sunday as part of Roma’s Easter in the Country celebrations. The 5km course can be a run, jog or walk and we encourage all family members to participate. Every person that registers will receive a FREE packet of paint to use along the course. The most important thing to remember – HAVE FUN 🙂

ColourXplosion is based on an Indian tradition where vibrant colours are thrown at people who are walking past colour stations dotted along the 5km course. After the event, the local fire brigade hose everyone off before we announce the winners of various competitions that are run throughout the morning.

Cost: Adults (15yrs+) – $15, Children 6 yrs – 15 yrs – $5.  Children 5yrs and under – Free.

View event map HERE

Purchase tickets HERE

BILLY CART RACES – 9:15am

Everyone can nominate to have a race in the Billy Carts. Mum, Dad and the kids! Nominate on the day at the Easter in the Country tent.

GOAT RACES – 10:30am

We are expecting a big turnout of goats with the two Rocky Boys, John Richardson and Maurie McQuillan going head to head. 

But don’t be surprised if a big buck from the Maranoa takes out the prize.  Easter in the Country have sourced a mystery goat racer right here on our own doorstep and these fellows will be putting it to the competition from the north.  Do not miss this competition!

Prize money is $1500 – winner takes all.  All entries welcome.

Interested riders of the goats in the Goat Races must also nominate at the EITC tent.  The riders are required to be over 10 years of age and will be required to sign Goat Race Liability Form (signed by a guardian).

Nominate by emailing this form to info@easterinthecountryroma.com.au :
**Nomination Form – Goat Races (PDF)

WIFE CARRYING RACES – 11:30am

WINNER WINS THE WEIGHT OF THE WIFE IN BEER/XXXX PRODUCT.

Who would have thought that XXXX would sponsor Wife Carrying!!!!

The biggest competition in QLD and the best prize!

Return to Roma’s Easter in the Country, full of fun and laughter. 

Very popular in Northern England and Northern Europe, wife carrying is also a growing sport in Australia and is now here in the Maranoa.

Wife carrying is what it says: the man carries a woman- preferably his wife – over an obstacle course.  The sport demands equal measures of humour and fortitude and (although not essential), the Wife Carrying World Championships organising body recommends carrying your own wife.

The concept has now grown and at many events, husband and wife teams are in the minority.  According to international competition rules, the “wife” must weight at least 49 kg.  If she weighs less, the wife will be burdened with a heavy rucksack to bring the weight up to the competition minimum.

World Championship organisers recommend a training routine that involves carrying your wife as part of “daily” routines: in the bath, in the supermarket, in the playground, at SNAP or PCYC. So, if you see this happening in the Maranoa you will know they are training for this event.  While strength might seem to be the clincher for winning this event, the style used to carry the “wife” is also very important.

Nominate prior to the event by emailing info@easterinthecountryroma.com.au or on the day at the Easter in the Country tent.

Ironbark Raceway Drag Racing

Venue: Ironbark Raceway – Kimblers Road (off Warrego Highway), Roma

Time: Gates Open: 2:00pm – Racing commences from 3pm

Cost: Adults $15 (15 years and over)
14 years and under FREE entry

Get your backsides, trackside for some great drag racing action.

The South West Drag Racing Association will be celebrating ’20 years of Ironbark Raceway’. The race track was officially opened at Easter 2003.

To celebrate we hope to get as many past and present members together for a three day event which includes:

Friday
2pm – Burnout Competition at 2pm
Heats to be run (with Finals of Burnouts on Saturday afternoon)  Canteen only operating.  Eftpos Available

6pm Official ’20 years of Ironbark’ Dinner at Ironbark – tickets available by contacting secretary@ironbarkraceway.com.au

Saturday
2pm – Gates open to Public for a 3pm start. 
Qualifying of Drag Racing and Burnout Comp Finals.
Canteen & Bar operating with Eftpos available.

Sunday
8am – Gates open to Public for a 9am start.
Canteen & Bar operating.  Eftpos available

Get your thrills on the Hill at Ironbark Raceway.

Roma District Motorcycle Club

Venue: Roma District Motorcycle Club, Kimblers Road (off Warrego Highway), Roma.  Roma & District MX club is out next to the Ironbark Raceway.  Head towards Surat and take the first left opposite Roma Downs Road and follow the bitumen to the gate.

Time: Gates Open: 8:00am – Riding commences from 9am

Cost: FREE entry

Calling all girls, boys, ladies & gentlemen!  Come along for our RPA – RIDE DAY – LEISURE FUN DAY – NOT A RACE DAY.

All riders of all levels welcome.
– Family friendly
– No minimum age requirement
– No licence needed
– Parents can assist on track

Spectators welcome!  Spectators are encouraged to visit our event and check out all the talented riders.  A full canteen and bar with eftpos & cash will be available.

Free camping for riders – unpowered sites only.

Follow Roma District Motorcycle Club on Facebook for more details.

John Richardson Camel Rides

Venue: Bassett Bark, Roma

Cost: $10 per ride

Time: 8:00am to 2:00pm 

Moorelands Bush Nursery

Venue: Moorelands Bush Nursery, Dargal Road, Roma.

How to get there:
Drive west along Miscamble St to Orallo Rd and then onto Dargal Road, following the signage.

Time: Nursery open 8:00am to 2:00pm.  Cafe open from 8:00am to 12noon.

Cost: Free.  Refreshments and nursery items available for purchase.

Enjoy a drive in the country this Easter and visit beautiful Moorelands Bush Nursery.  There is a wonderful garden to browse and lots of plants, pots and ornaments for sale. The Café serves delicious homemade treats and is a great place for breakfast.

Roma Butter Factory

Venue: 18-20 Station Street, Roma

Time: 9am to 2:00pm

Cost: Gold Coin Donation

For the history buffs take a visit to the Roma Butter Factory and learn about the history of the factory and how it contributed to the development of the town and Roma as a farming community in the early days.

The Big Rig Tower & Tree Walk & Self-guided Tour of the Oil Patch

Venue: The Big Rig, 2 Riggers Rd, Roma

Time: 9am to 4:30pm daily

Cost: Pricing ranges from:
Adults $20
Concession $18
Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) $55
Child $15
Children under 5 yrs free.

Bookings essential.  Book online HERE or phone (07) 4624 0204.

Learn about the trials and tribulations that our pioneers endured whilst trying to strike it rich with Roma oil, and how their lessons have led to a multi-billion industry today.

Immerse yourself in the pioneering stories, climb the magnificent 40m tower, meander along the tree walk through the ancient river red gums, stand beneath the rigs and gain an understanding of hope, ingenuity and mateship that shaped the Australian oil, gas and energy industry.

XXXX Pro-Rodeo

Venue: Bassett Park, entry via McPhie Street, Roma

Time: 9:00am to 8.30pm

Cost: Adults: $30 each
Children: $25 (12-17 years)
Children (Under 12 years) FREE
Family Ticket – 2 Adults and 2 Children (12-17 years) $110

Buy your tickets HERE

***This event is being livestreamed.  Subscribe to watch all the action HERE  

OR buy a combined pass for entry to the Rodeo and the ALPNG/Origin Country Music Concert Extravaganza with The Viper Creek Band and Adam Brand live in concert HERE

The 2024 XXXX Roma Pro Rodeo is one of the several Australian Professional Rodeo Association affiliated events to be held over the Easter long weekend. With it being the highest prize money rodeo during the easter weekend we are set to attract high competitor numbers with them travelling from far & wide to compete against our newly crowned APRA Australian champions & some of the best rodeo livestock

Rodeo starts at 9am and main performance starts at 2pm.

Gin tasting with Western Queensland Spirits

Venue: Western Queensland Spirit Distillery, Roma

Sessions: Please note sessions are limited to 150 adults.
Saturday :
10am- 1pm
1pm – 4pm (Live Music)
4pm – 7pm (Live Music)

Sunday :
10am- 1pm
1pm – 4pm (Live Music)
4pm – 7pm (Live Music)

Monday :
10am- 1pm
1pm – 4pm

Cost: $20 per adult, Children under 18 yrs free.  Tickets will include tasting of three products on a tasting paddle.  Bookings Essential.  Purchase your tickets HERE.

How do western botanicals including bush lemon, desert lime, salt bush and lemon myrtle sound for your gin and tonic? The Outback gin has a drier style, a hint of spice and a citrus finish. It’s our unique take on a classic London dry. Garnish with a slice of lime and pair with a gentle tonic and you’re ready to sit back and relax in the splendour of the bush location.

Miniature Train Rides

Venue: Big Rig Parklands, Riggers Road, Roma

Time: Operating between 10:00am to 2:00pm

Cost: $2 

Helicopter Rides

Venue: Cricket Grounds (directly across from the Big Rig) – see the sign for Omni

Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm – Friday and Sunday

Cost: $95 per person

Seeking adventure this Easter? This flight will give you a bird’s eye view of the whole town and its surroundings.  Open to all ages and will certainly bring a thrill! 

There will be a minimum of 2 passengers per flight, maximum of 4.

In Stitches Quilt & Craft Show

Venue: Hibernian Hall, Hawthorne Street, Roma Qld 4455

Cost: $5 per adult

Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Up the Creek Garage Museum

Venue: 14 George Street, Roma (just behind Shady’s Lagoon / 15 minute walk along the Adungadoo Pathway from The Big Rig / 10 minutes from the Post Office.)

Cost: $20 Single Adult, 17 and Under FREE.

Time: 10am – 4pm

From Cars in the Garden (commemorating the Aussie Car Industry) to incorporating over 800 pictures of road trips of Australia, USA and New Zealand.  A fabulous collage of photos that tell a million stories and a visit not to be missed when you are in town for Roma’s Easter In The Country.  This is a museum full of memories.

Incorporating a Aussie Holden Museum (with a difference).  Art and murals, get your kicks on Route 66 in a 1969 Mustang or travel the Warrego Hi-Way (old Hi-Way 54) in the Maranoa Travel 1966 XP Falcon ute.

Join in activities such as cornhole tossing and horseshoe pitching. Exciting Activities and fun for all ages.

You can even get your photo taken with the longhorns – Jack or Tex.

Gin tasting with Western Queensland Spirits

Venue: Western Queensland Spirit Distillery, Roma

Sessions: Please note sessions are limited to 150 adults.
Saturday :
10am- 1pm
1pm – 4pm (Live Music)
4pm – 7pm (Live Music)

Sunday :
10am- 1pm
1pm – 4pm (Live Music)
4pm – 7pm (Live Music)

Monday :
10am- 1pm
1pm – 4pm

Cost: $20 per adult, Children under 18 yrs free.  Tickets will include tasting of three products on a tasting paddle.  Bookings Essential. Purchase your tickets HERE.

How do western botanicals including bush lemon, desert lime, salt bush and lemon myrtle sound for your gin and tonic? The Outback gin has a drier style, a hint of spice and a citrus finish. It’s our unique take on a classic London dry. Garnish with a slice of lime and pair with a gentle tonic and you’re ready to sit back and relax in the splendour of the bush location.

Easter Art Show

Venue: Walk of Art, Hawthorne Street, Roma Qld 4455

Cost: Gold Coin Donation

Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Roma History Lodge

Venue: 17 McDowall Street, Roma

Cost: Gold coin donation

Time: Friday, Saturday & Sunday.  Open from 2:00pm to 5:00pm each day

Roma History Lodge – the written history of Roma and surrounds. 

Enjoy the themed display ‘100 Years of QCWA Western Division’ and the lodge is also open for anyone wanting to check out their family history in the area.  Many books on local history also for sale.

For more information: Phone 07 4622 7322

Gin tasting with Western Queensland Spirits

Venue: Western Queensland Spirit Distillery, Roma

Sessions: Please note sessions are limited to 150 adults.
Saturday :
10am- 1pm
1pm – 4pm (Live Music)
4pm – 7pm (Live Music)

Sunday :
10am- 1pm
1pm – 4pm (Live Music)
4pm – 7pm (Live Music)

Monday :
10am- 1pm
1pm – 4pm

Cost: $20 per adult, Children under 18 yrs free.  Tickets will include tasting of three products on a tasting paddle.  Bookings Essential. Purchase your tickets HERE.

How do western botanicals including bush lemon, desert lime, salt bush and lemon myrtle sound for your gin and tonic? The Outback gin has a drier style, a hint of spice and a citrus finish. It’s our unique take on a classic London dry. Garnish with a slice of lime and pair with a gentle tonic and you’re ready to sit back and relax in the splendour of the bush location.

St Paul’s Church Organ Recital

Venue: St Paul’s Anglican Church, Cnr Bungil & Arthur Streets, Roma.

Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Cost: $20 pp including Wine & Cheese/Nibbles

Cast the door or book tickets HERE

The Big Rig Night Show Sunset Experience

Venue: The Big Rig, 2 Riggers Rd, Roma

Time: 5:30pm daily

Cost: Pricing ranges from:
Adults $20
Concession $18
Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) $55
Child $15
Children under 5 yrs free.

Bookings essential.  Book online HERE or phone (07) 4624 0204.

Ignite your interest in sabotage, drama and intrigue through the eyes of a “Roma Rigger” guide, with a glass of Outback port and an original short history film under the stars in our outdoor theatre. 

The events that occurred in Roma threatened to destroy the Australian oil and gas industry before it even began, join us as we share the gritty details and salute Australia’s riggers, past and present.

APLNG/Origin Country Music Concert Extravaganza

Origin Energy as Upstream Operator for Australia Pacific LNG are continuing their long relationship with Roma’s Easter in the Country Committee and are a major sponsor of this year’s live music.

2024 will see The Viper Creek Band and Adam Brand concert at Roma’s Easter in the Country.  Don’t miss these country music legends.

Venue: Bassett Park, Northern Road, Roma

Time: 8.30pm till late

Cost: See below options

Concert:
Adult: $60
Child: $40.00 (12-17 years)
Children (Under 12 years) FREE
Family Ticket – 2 Adults & 2 Children (12-17 years) $200

Buy your tickets HERE

Rodeo & Concert:

Adult: $95.00
Child: $70.00 (13-17 years)
Child (Under 12 years) FREE
Family Ticket – 2 Adults & 2 Children (13-17 years) $330

Buy your tickets HERE