One of Queensland’s most loved events in the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular, the richest Clydesdale Show in the Southern Hemisphere will this year be held in Beaudesert, taking over the showground on the weekend of June 14 and 15. The announcement was celebrated today by three magnificent harness horses – Billy, Bobbi and Bluey! (photos and vision available).
The move from Boonah, just 40 minutes away, is the first location change in the event’s 13 year history and a result of the growth of the Spectacular, now too big for the Boonah Showgrounds.
Event Director Greta Stanfield said each year the organising team are challenged to keep up with the ever expanding and growing event.
“The brilliant thing is, that here in the Scenic Rim, we have a whole region of amazing towns and grounds, and Beaudesert is a wonderful stage two era for the event, and is still midway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, plus, there’s increased accommodation and camping spaces, which is great news for both our competitors and our visitors. The facilities at the Beaudesert Showground mean we can grow the event even more, it’s an exciting time,” she said. “It has been very important for us to keep the event in the Scenic Rim region, and we are very excited to partner with the Beaudesert Show Society and the Scenic Rim Regional Council and Tourism and Events Queensland to bring you the best Clydesdale Spectacular event yet!”
From tiny Shetland ponies to the towering Shire horses, all Clydesdales great and small are celebrated at the event. Over two days, the grand champions of the breed, known as the Gentle Giants of the horse world, are judged, the heritage of the breed is shared, and the history of the breed in Australia is celebrated.
Giant horses mean giant wins for the region. In 2024 the event generated 11,284 visitor nights, with total overnight expenditure valued at $2,017,506 by Tourism & Events Queensland.
An exciting new event this year is the launch of the World Whip Plaiting Titles, which will attract the best plaiters in the country and from overseas.
A full schedule of Clydesdale competition will take place as well as rare trades showcased including harness making, blacksmithing, wheelwrights, horse-drawn demonstrations & driving displays, whip plaiting and more in the main arena.
Additional highlights include the Queensland Whip Cracking Championships, World Billy Boiling Championships, working dog displays, Friesian Horse Troupe performances, bush poetry and Lumberjacking.
In tribute to the Scottish descendants who moved to the region and brought with them their beloved Clydesdale, the event includes a stirring massing of Pipes and Drums, Calling of the Clans, the Clydesdale and Clan class and traditional Scottish caber tossing. There’ll be haggis burgers a whisky bar and Scots are encouraged to attend in their clan kilts!
The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular will be staged in the middle of the famous SCENIC RIM EAT LOCAL MONTH, creating just another reason to visit, stay and experience!
The region has a long history and connection with the Clydesdale. “Our region owes much to the majestic Clydesdales which played a key role in establishing the Scenic Rim’s incredible agricultural base by clearing vast tracts of land, ploughing the paddocks and bringing in the harvest. While the advent of machinery saw a decline in the breed in the 1960s, the efforts of fan, breeders and this event committee to preserve and celebrate the 130-year history of these gentle giants here has resulted in the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular becoming one of Queensland’s most significant events,” said Greta.
“I gotta tell you something, that has been one of the best experiences of my life –
to sit here and be pulled and pushed along by two stunning Clydesdales,
is just something that I will never forget!” Dr Harry Cooper
Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular 2025
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th June 2025
Beaudesert Showgrounds, Albert Street, Beaudesert
8am until late both days
More information, accommodation and ticketing detail: www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au
The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
