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Australia's best cowboys headed to Cairns

PBR Australia

Australia’s best bull riders Cairns bound

Then to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and across the country

 

Far North Queensland is set for a massive adrenaline surge when the PBR Australia 2026 Monster Energy Cairns Invitational storms into the Cairns Convention Centre on July 4, bringing with it over $50,000 in prize money, world-class bull riders, and some of the fiercest bulls in the sport.

 

Images here and vision here 8:25 - 9:30 - specifically Cairns. 

 

Leading the charge are Far North Queensland’s two champions in the current Australian Gold Buckle holder Kurt Shephard from Mareeba, and the firecracker PBR Origin debutant, also from Mareeba, Leith Malone. 

 

Two weeks ago, Malone was instrumental in Queensland taking the PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series.  In the Championship Round in Brisbane he climbed aboard Turbo knowing Queensland needed one final statement and the young cowboy delivered. His pressure-packed 84.25-point ride sealed the victory, sending the crowd into celebration and ensuring the Origin shield would return north of the border.

 

Also confirmed for Cairns is Queensland's newest star, Ethan Coster. He too was pivotal in the Maroons' success, with the Miriam Vale rookie backing up his Newcastle heroics with another standout performance in Brisbane, finishing two-from-three. He’ll be bringing this blistering form to Cairns!

 

Thirty elite cowboys have entered the competition, all chasing valuable championship points in a bid to secure a spot at the $150,000 PBR Grand Finals in Townsville this November.

 

“With the PBR Australia season heating up, every ride, every second, and every point counts,” said Glen Young, PBR Australia Managing Director.

 

The competition won't just be tough, it'll be ferocious, thanks to PRB Australia’s premier bull contractors Dittmann Bucking Bulls, Finch Rodeo Bulls, Dunne Bucking Bulls, MJ/Kleier Bucking Bulls and CF7 Bucking Bulls bringing their best stock to the event.

 

“The Cairns Invitational is where legends are made,” said Glen Young. “This is more than a competition, it’s a battle of grit, heart, and bull power. The crowd can expect an unforgettable night filled with edge-of-your-seat drama and world-class athleticism.”

 

Saturday 4 July: PBR Monster Energy Tour: Cairns Invitational

• Venue: Cairns Convention Centre
• Event start: 7.00pm
• PBR Week 1-5 July: THE REEF STAMPEDE – Official Hoedown of the PBR at the Reef Casino.
• Bonus: Official PBR After Party at The Reef Hotel Casino following the event
• Booking: PBR Cairns Invitational Tickets

 

THE REMAINING SEASON

The 2026 PBR Australia Monster Energy Tour will visit 10 cities across Australia before crowning the nation’s next champion.

 

Saturday 4 July: PBR Monster Energy Tour: Cairns Invitational

• Venue: Cairns Convention Centre
• Event start: 7.30pm
• Bonus: Official PBR After Party at The Reef Hotel Casino following the event
• Booking: PBR Cairns Invitational Tickets

 

Saturday 1 August: PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin III

• Venue: TikTok Entertainment Centre, Sydney, New South Wales
• Booking: PBR Monster Energy Origin III tickets | TikTok Entertainment Centre | Ticketek Australia

 

Saturday 15 August: PBR Monster Energy Tour: Melbourne Invitational

• Venue: John Cain Arena, Melbourne, Victoria
• Booking: PBR Melbourne Invitational Tickets

 

Saturday 22 August: PBR Monster Energy Tour: Adelaide Invitational

• Venue: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, South Australia
• Booking: PBR Adelaide Invitational Tickets

 

Saturday 29 August: PBR Monster Energy Tour: Caboolture Invitational

• Venue: Queensland State Equestrian Centre (QSEC), Caboolture, Queensland
• Booking: PBR Caboolture Invitational Tickets

 

Friday 4 – Saturday 5 September: PBR Monster Energy Tour: Hawkesbury Invitational

• Venue: Hawkesbury Showground, Clarendon, New South Wales
• Booking: PBR Hawkesbury Invitational Tickets

 

Saturday 12 September: PBR Monster Energy Tour: Coffs Harbour Invitational

• Venue: Coffs Harbour Showground, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
• Booking: PBR Coffs Harbour Invitational Tickets

 

Saturday 19 September: PBR Monster Energy Tour: Orange Invitational

• Venue: Orange Showground, Orange, New South Wales
• Booking: PBR Orange Invitational Tickets

 

Friday 16 – Saturday 17 October: PBR Monster Energy Tour: Mackay Invitational

• Venue: Mackay Showgrounds, Mackay, Queensland
• Booking: PBR Mackay Invitational Tickets

 

Saturday 24 October: PBR Monster Energy Tour: Tamworth Invitational

• Venue: Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), Tamworth, New South Wales
• Booking: PBR Tamworth Invitational Tickets

 

Friday 13 – Saturday 14 November: PBR Australia Grand Finals

• Venue: Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre, Townsville, Queensland
• Booking: PBR Australia Grand Finals Tickets

 

 

For media information, contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email [email protected]

Contact details:

Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or email [email protected]