Known as “the best little town on the Downs”, charming Allora, where Mary Poppins writer P.L. Travers lived for some time as a child, is well-worth a visit any time of the year. But if you’re thinking of going, this weekend, March 14 and March 15, might be the best one to make the 2-hour drive from Brisbane and join the Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival!
The sights, sounds and stories of generations past will gallop into Allora, as the region and visitors from all over celebrate the gentle giants that helped build our country. This event has been a fixture on the Southern Downs calendar for years, drawing families, vintage enthusiasts and people from all over the Sunshine State to celebrate Australia’s rural heritage.
And, although in recent weeks there has been understandable concern around rising fuel costs, the organisers have confirmed they’re going ahead with the event, as the festival represents far more than a single event on the calendar.
As Clint Kenny, one of the organisers said, “This festival honours the traditions our country was built on. It tells the story of how agriculture began, how communities were formed and how the big working horses helped build the nation we know today. The irony isn’t lost on us that while people are concerned about fuel prices, we’re celebrating the original horsepower that once powered our country.”
What to expect
Visitors to the festival will experience demonstrations of working teams, traditional agricultural practices and a nostalgic glimpse into rural life, including the return of a traditional pie cart, paying tribute to the way communities once gathered at country events.
If you want to try your hand at some of the activities there will be classes for all different levels, plus two incredible grand parades!
Both days will feature a market, offering local crafts and art alongside food trucks and breed displays!
Practical info
The Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival will take place on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15 from 8:30am.
There will be dinner on Saturday catered for by Allora Butchery, with a choice of roast meats, vegetables, plus dessert for $35 per person.
Tickets for the full weekend are $30 per adult and $25 per teen. Kids under 13 year old enter for free!
You can see the full program and keep up with updates on their website.
📍Allora Showgrounds, 1A Darling St, Allora
