Roma's Easter in the Country Program

Fantastic n’ 50 Family Fun Sunday

Time: 7.00am to 1.00pm

Venue: Bassett Park – Showgrounds Northern Road Roma

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. A delightful breakfast of bacon, eggs and coffee will be available while you listen to the entertainment.

Special Guests include:
Dean Perrett – Traditional Country Singer and Songwriter and winner of 6 Golden Guitars  – Tamworth 2023
Jeff Brown – Bush Balladeer and Golden Guitar Winner.
Neil McCarther and Marco Gliori, Bush Poets

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: General Admission – $12
Children 5yrs and under – Free.

Purchase tickets and see map and event information HERE or scan the below QR code

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.

LAWNMOWER RACES: 10:00

Nominate Under “More” on www.easterinthecountryroma.com.au or by emailing info@easterinthecountryroma.com.au or at the Easter in the Country tent on the ground.  Here is quick link to the online nomination form HERE.

Once you have nominated you will be provided with the Mower Race Rules. The rules will be strictly applied for safety and insurance purposes.

THE GRANNY PANTS CHALLENGE: 11:00

Granny Pants” races are a popular, hilarious outdoor party game involving teams racing to toss soft balls into oversized, high-waisted, elasticated pants worn by a teammate.

Gameplay: Players put on the giant pants, and, race to a designated point while teammates try to throw balls into the pants.

Check out how it works HERE.

There will be children’s races, adult races and family team races – nominate at the EITC tent on the day. There will be some prizes for the winners.

FANTASTIC ‘N 50 WIFE CARRYING OUTBACK CHAMPIONSHIP – 11:45am

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 weigh 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.

Monster Waterslides

These waterslides will cool off the coolest of kids!

Time: 7.00am to 2:00pm

Cost: $5 per child

Family Fun Easter Sunday Markets

Venue: Bassett Park, Northern Road, Roma

Cost: Free entry

Showcasing a fantastic array of arts, crafts, wares, food and drinks at the Sunday Markets.  Enjoy breakfast, and/or lunch or both alongside a fabulous morning of fund for the whole family.  There is something for everyone on this Sunday morning.

Hot Cross Forge – 2 Hour Blacksmithing Workshops – with The Farmer’s Forge

Workshop Times:
8:00am to 10:00am – Cheese Knife
11am to 1pm – BBQ Steak Turner
2pm to 4pm – Marshmallow Roasting Fork

Venue:  42 Tiffin Street Roma

Cost: $165pp

Bookings Essential:  Limited spaces available.  Click to book for these workshops or others HERE

Details:

Join us for a unique hands-on experience for your 2026 Easter weekend!

In these 2-hour hands-on workshops, you’ll fire up the forge, hammer hot steel, and craft your very own Cheese Knife, BBQ Steak Tuner and Marshallow Roasting Fork ready for everyday use!

Guided by an experienced blacksmith, you’ll learn the fundamentals of traditional metalworking techniques while creating a beautiful, handcrafted tool, perfect for your next backyard firepit or camping trip! 

No prior experience is necessary – this workshop is perfect for beginners and a great way to add some fun and creativity to your Easter weekend!

For more information contact: 

Email: gday@thefarmersforge.com.au

Phone: 0409 492 399

Ironbark Raceway Drag Racing

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

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

Cost: Pay at the gate your purchase your tickets online HERE.
Adults day pass (14 years and over) $20
Adult 2 day pass (14 years and over) $35
13 years and under FREE entry

Canteen & Bar operating.  Eftpos available

Get your thrills on the Hill at Ironbark Raceway.

Community Bus operating.

John Richardson Camel Rides

Time: 8:00am to 2:00pm 

Venue: Bassett Bark, Roma

Cost: $10 per ride

Roma Butter Factory – Self-guided tours

Time: 9am to 2:00pm

Venue: 18-20 Station Street, Roma

Cost: Adults – $5, Children under 14 free

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.

Enjoy the self-guided tour and learn about the history of the factory and the dairying industry.

BBQ and smoko available for purchase.

Mount Abundance Historical Homestead – Guided Tours

Time: 9am to 4:00pm

Venue: Mount Abundance – Drive 7km west on the Warrego Highway, Roma and follow the signs.

Cost (cash only): Pricing ranges from:
Adults $15
School age child $2

Explore the historical Mt Abundance Homestead and discover its significance in the establishment of the Town of Roma and take in the panoramic views that caused an early explorer to say: “I ascended an elevated north-eastern extremity of Mt Abundance and from it beheld the finest country I have even seen in a primeval state- a champagne region, spotted with wood, stretching as far as human vision or even telescope could reach.”

For more information : Helen 0428 223 183 for any enquiries.

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

Time: 9am to 4:00pm daily

Venue: The Big Rig, 2 Riggers Rd, Roma

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.

Discover the challenges and hardships faced by our pioneers in their pursuit of wealth through Roma oil and understand how their experiences paved the way for today’s thriving multi-billion-dollar industry.

Engage with their narratives, ascend the impressive 40-meter tower, wander along the tree walk amid ancient river red gums, stand beneath the rigs, and grasp the essence of hope, ingenuity, and camaraderie that moulded the Australian oil, gas, and energy sector.

Open Gardens at ‘Mooga’ and ‘Wataview’

The country gardens will open for visitor this Easter and both are situated just 15 minutes north of Roma and only 2 klms apart. “Mooga” is the home of Annette and Mark Huntley and “Wataview” is the home of jenny and Shane Ferry. (Annette and Jenny are sisters). Each garden is well established and both have been built around family living in mind. 

Mooga – the home of Mark and Annette Huntley

“Mooga” has multiple garden areas set amongst a large expanse of lawn that connects them all together while still allowing a view of the surrounding countryside.  Each garden has a little “something” of interest for both young and old.  A canteen will operate all day serving tea and coffee and delicious home cooked treats.  Lawn games and a children’s play area is available for use so come along for a look, to relax or play.

Venue: 34 Roma Taroom Road, Roma (see map below for directions)

Time: detailed as below across the Easter weekend
Friday 3 April 2026 – 9:30am to 4pm
Saturday 4 April 2026 – 11:00 am to 4pm
Sunday 5 April 2026 – 9:30am to 4pm
Monday 6 April 2026 – 9:30am to 1pm

Cost: $5 per adult.  Children are free.

Morning and afternoon tea available for purchase.

Wataview – the home of Shane and Jenny Ferry

“Wataview” is situated on the edge of a high ridge overlooking the Bungil Creek.  The garden has its own running Creek that gently runs into a fenced pond, making use of it’s sloping terrain.  There are “free flight” bird aviaries, garden that suroudn a large lawn, orchards and play areas for children.  Come an enjoy the panoramic views as you wander around the garden.  A canteen will operate selling sausages in bread, hot dogs, cold drinks and super doopers.

Venue: 1847 Carnarvon Highway, Roma (see map below for directions).

Time: detailed as below across the Easter weekend
Friday 3 April 2026 – 9:30am to 3pm
Saturday 4 April 2026 – 11am to 3pm
Sunday 5 April 2026 – 9:30am to 3pm
Monday 6 April 2026 – 9:30am to 1pm

Cost: $5 per adult.  Children are free.

Lunch of hot dogs and sausage sizzle available for purchase.

Proceeds from both gardens will be donated to the Cookery and Handicraft sections at the Roma Show.

Cash or EFTpos is available.

There will be a small plant stall (cash only).

Miniature Train Rides

Venue: Big Rig Parklands, Riggers Road, Roma

Time:  10:00am to 1:00pm

Cost: $5 per person (3 years and under free and must be accompanied with an adult)

Ride the “The Roma Express” – a miniature train that travels a picturesque 1.4 km circuit. For all ages.

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 – 3pm

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.

After Easter, the museum will be open from Monday – Thursday from 9am to 4pm and Friday – Saturday 9am to 3pm.  Closed Sunday.

Easter Art Show – Hosted by the Maranoa Artists Inc

Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Venue: Roma on Bungil Gallery and Walk of Art, 38-44 Hawthorne Street, Roma Qld 4455

Cost: Gold Coin Donation

Please contact Carol Curran on 0447114881 or Loretta Thomas on 0427 920040 for further information.

Easter at Western Queensland Spirit

Time: 11:00am – 6:00pm

Location: Western Queensland Spirits – 50 Bungeworgorai Land, Dargal Road, Roma

Cost:  Free entry. Registrations preferred for general entry and bookings essential for classes: https://wqs.simpletix.com/

Celebrate Easter in the Country with us at Western Queensland Spirit. Bring the whole family with free entry & live music all weekend. Sip on our fan-favourite Hot Cross Rum cocktail, enjoy a lamb BBQ or graze on a much-loved Grazier’s Platter – all to the soundtrack of Maddy Thomas throughout the weekend. For those wanting to get hands-on, join one of our signature Gin Blending, Cocktail Making or Whisky Ageing classes.

XXXX Pro-Rodeo

Time: 12 noon to 8.00pm (DEPENDING ON NOMINATIONS)

Venue: Bassett Park, entry via McPhie Street, Roma

Cost:  
Adult: $40
Child: $35 (13-17 years)
Child (Under 12 years) FREE
Family Ticket – 2 Adults & 2 Children (13-17 years) $150.00

Buy your tickets HERE.
(You may also wish to buy a combine ticket including the rodeo ticket and concert ticket – see below)

Roma Rodeo is in the top 5 rodeo events in Qld. Attracting competitors from all the states of Australia.  Roma Pro Rodeo has a long standing relationship with Australia’s most decorated livestock suppliers, the famous Gill Bros Rodeo, who are now in their 9th generation.

Roma Pro Rodeo is a highly recognised and rated Rodeo attracting the attention of International groups such as Teton Ridge who are the organisers of The All American Rodeo which is known as the only Million Dollar payout of rodeo events in the world, the 2026 Roma Pro Rodeo has been selected as one of only ten Australian Rodeo events as an American Qualifying event.

Roma Pro Rodeo has always been a great rodeo competition with Australia’s best rodeo athletes matched with Australia’s most elite livestock supplied by the famous Gill Bros Rodeo which brings an adrenaline pumped event full of action to Roma each and every year . This is one event you surely don’t want to miss !!

A canteen will operate on the park, and a licenced bar will open at 12:00noon.  There is some seating but if you wish to sit down it is advisable to carry your own chair and of course a hat.  Eskies will NOT be allowed except for families with children who may carry snacks.  No food deliveries will be permitted into the rodeo grounds.  Security will be present on the part to ensure community safety.  

Can’t make it in person?  Register to view all the Rodeo action at our LIVESTREAM HERE 

Buy a combined ticket to the Rodeo & Concert:
Let’s go out this Easter with a Bang and a Big Day and Night out to celebrate being Fantastic and 50 in in ‘26.  Take a combined XXXX Rodeo (APRA quality) and Concert experience a bumper day to cap off a great weekend in Roma. Featuring beloved platinum-selling Australian Country music artist Kasey Chambers – true blue country Australian artist.

Adult: $100.00
Child: $75.00 (13-17 years)
Child (Under 12 years) FREE
Family Ticket – 2 Adults & 2 Children (13-17 years) $350.00

Buy your tickets HERE.

Or purchase our Weekend Super Ticket to attend the Xtreme Bulls, XXXX Pro Rodeo and Outback Music Under the Stars HERE.

Roma History Lodge

Time:  2:00pm to 5:00pm

Venue: 17 McDowall Street, Roma

Cost: Gold coin donation

Enjoy the themed display ‘Schools in the Maranoa’.

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.

St Paul’s Easter Organ Recital

Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

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

Cost: $30 Adults, $15 Students, Children U6 free.
Book via this link HERE. 

Or scan this QR Code to book:

Details: Wine & Cheese + Concert

Sunset Tower & Tree Walk

Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Venue: The Big Rig, 2 Riggers Rd, Roma

Cost: Pricing ranges from:
Adults $10
Concession $8
Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) $30
Child $7.50
Children under 5 yrs free.

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

Join us at The Big Rig for a new experience to take in the breathtaking beauty of the outback at The Big Rig in Roma, Queensland, with the Sunset Tower & Tree Walk. As the sun begins its descent, casting warm hues across the vast outback landscape, embark on an unforgettable journey that combines panoramic views from The Big Rig Tower with a tranquil stroll through the river red gums along the Tree Walk.

The Big Rig Express Night Show

Time: 6:00pm daily

Venue: The Big Rig, 2 Riggers Rd, Roma

Cost: Pricing ranges from:
Adults $10
Concession $8
Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) $30
Child $7.50
Children under 5 yrs free.

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

Immerse yourself in an exclusive 35-minute light and sound show beneath the stars at our open-air theatre. Explore the dramatic events that unfolded in Roma, presenting a formidable challenge to the emerging Australian oil and gas industry. Join us as we reveal the raw details and honour the resilience of Australia’s riggers, both from the past and the present.

Enjoy a complimentary Easter Egg while you watch the show.

Outback Music Under the Stars – Presented by Roma’s Easter in the Country Committee and proudly supported by Origin

Time: 8.30pm till late

Venue: Bassett Park, Northern Road, Roma

Featuring beloved platinum-selling Australian Country music artist Kasey Chambers – an iconic Australian Singer who loves the bush and performing. Kasey has a total of 27 golden guitars and most recently won three at the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Awards in January 2026.  These were:

• Alt Country Album
• Song of the Year, and
• Single of the Year

Roma’s Easter in the Country Committee is super proud to be brining this standard of entertainment to the festival.

Supporting Kasey is Luke Geiger. 

Luke’s passion is for Cowboy Country Music and his reputation for professional high energy performances has made him one of the most sought-after country performers in Queensland.  Inspired by icons like Garth Brooks, Luke mixes old school country with a modern edge creating a sound both nostalgic and fresh.  Luke is delighted to be supporting Kasey Chambers and being part of Fantastic ’50 in ’26 at Roma’s Easter in the Country festival.

Cost: See below options

Concert:
Adult: $60.00
Child: $40.00 (12-17 years)
Children (Under 12 years) FREE
Family Ticket – 2 Adults & 2 Children (12-17 years) $200.00

Buy your tickets HERE.

Buy a combined ticket to the Rodeo & Concert:
Let’s go out this Easter with a Bang and a Big Day and Night out to celebrate being Fantastic and 50 in in ‘26.  Take a combined XXXX Rodeo (APRA quality) and Concert experience a bumper day to cap off a great weekend in Roma. Featuring beloved platinum-selling Australian Country music artist Kasey Chambers – true blue country Australian artist.

Adult: $100.00
Child: $75.00 (13-17 years)
Child (Under 12 years) FREE
Family Ticket – 2 Adults & 2 Children (13-17 years) $350.00

Buy your tickets HERE.

Or purchase our Weekend Super Ticket to attend the Xtreme Bulls, XXXX Pro Rodeo and Outback Music Under the Stars HERE.

This is a country concert under the stars – if you want a chair you need to carry it and there is ample room for a picnic rug.  There will be some grandstands near the concert precinct but in Roma we do not have stadiums.  Bassett Park can be cool at night so it is advisable to bring a jacket. NO Dogs are allowed unless it is an assistant animal. Security will undertake bag searches  at the gate.  No alcohol or food can be brought into the venue unless they are small snacks for the children.