18 August 2023
CUNNAMULLA SET TO CELEBRATE ICONIC LEXUS MELBOURNE CUP VISIT
Cunnamulla is set to celebrate in style when the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour visits the Outback town for the first time on Tuesday, 19 September.
The town will host a number of events to share the magic of the People’s CupTM and showcase the long and proud history of racing in the Paroo Shire.
The festivities will include a street parade and live entertainment, fashion and garden displays, gallery exhibition, shop window displays, hobby horse competition, a walk through the Cunnamulla Hospital and a Sportsman’s Dinner.
Outback Queensland Tourism Association CEO Denise Brown said the visit would give locals and visitors a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close to the coveted trophy and experience the magic of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
“The Melbourne Cup holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Australians and we’re thrilled the tour is visiting Cunnamulla,” Ms Brown said.
“Locals and visitors alike will have the opportunity to view the iconic three-handled, 18 carat gold trophy in person while celebrating the spirit of racing at a range of fun, community events.
“There will be some fantastic photographic opportunities as the Cup takes a tour of some of Cunnamulla’s best-known attractions, including the All Aboard 3D Sound and Light Spectacular, the famous Cunnamulla Fella statue and alongside the banks of the picturesque Warrego River and Cunnamulla Hot Springs.
“A month-long exhibition will also be on display at the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Information Centre Regional Gallery throughout September, showcasing the proud history of racing in the Cunnamulla district and the Melbourne Cup through the ages.
“Country racing is an integral part of the Outback tourism experience and the visit will also raise funds for the Cunnamulla & District Diggers Race Club and the Noorama Picnic Race Club.”
Since its inception in 2003, the three-handled Lexus Melbourne Cup has travelled more than 900,000km across Australia and the world.
For more information about the tour’s visit to Cunnamulla, contact Beatrice Todd at Paroo Shire Council on 07 4655 8400 or via email at beatrice.todd@paroo.qld.gov.au.
