Gentle Giants: The Clydesdales Return to Beaudesert
BEAUDESERT – The rhythmic thunder of hooves and the skirl of bagpipes are set to return to the heart of the Scenic Rim this June as the region prepares to host the Southern Hemisphere’s richest Clydesdale show. Now expanded into a four day celebration, the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular is gearing up to be a monumental tribute to the “Gentle Giants” that built the backbone of Queensland’s agricultural history. Following the immense popularity of the recent Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Brisbane, organisers are anticipating a surge of interest in the event’s deep Scottish roots, encouraging guests to don their clan kilts and immerse themselves in a weekend of heritage and heavy horses.
While the towering Clydesdales remain the stars of the show, they will be joined this year by some smaller and equally photogenic friends. New for 2026 are the adorable miniature Highland “coos” from Northview Highlands as well as donkeys and jennies from the Wyllie Donkey Stud. These newcomers join a packed program that includes the inaugural Q State Properties Clydesdale Spectacular Cup Race Day on Friday 12 June. To mark the occasion, Ambassador Chef Josh Lopez has created a tribute menu that aligns with the famous Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, offering visitors a true taste of the region alongside the action on the track.
The event solidified its status as the pinnacle of competition in 2023 with the introduction of “The Thistle,” the official Australian Clydesdale Championship title. As the highest honour in the Southern Hemisphere, this competition is regarded as the “Top Gun” of heavy horse shows. Only one Clydesdale claims the title each year, and they must outshine the very best to do it. Event Director Greta Stanfield noted that the region owes its rich agricultural base to these horses, which were once vital for clearing land and ploughing paddocks. While machinery led to a decline in the breed from the 1960s, the passion of breeders and the local committee ensures their 130 year history in the region continues to be celebrated today.
Visitors can expect a sensory feast across the four day program, ranging from the World Billy Boiling Championships and the Queensland Whip Cracking Championships to the heavy athletics of traditional caber tossing. The grounds will be filled with rare trades such as blacksmithing, wheelwrighting, and tinsmithing, while a whisky bar and haggis burgers provide a culinary nod to the Scottish settlers who first brought the breed to Australian shores. Even television’s Dr Harry Cooper has been moved by the experience, describing the sensation of being pulled by these stunning horses as one of the best experiences of his life. With almost 14,000 attendees recorded last year, the giant horses continue to deliver giant benefits for the local community and the Queensland tourism industry.
EVENT DETAILS
- Dates: 11–14 June 2026
- Thursday 11 June: The Clydesdale Cup GOLF DAY
- Friday 12 June: The Clydesdale Cup Race Day
- Saturday 13 June: Clydesdale Spectacular
- Sunday 14 June: Clydesdale Spectacular
- Location: Beaudesert Showgrounds, Albert Street, Beaudesert
- More information, accommodation and tickets: www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au
- The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.