One of the most fun experiences in Australia is the Australian Outback Adventure. It is a dinner show, presented by Australian icon R.M. Williams, complete with outback music, drama and action. It is set in a giant arena with 1000 seats, and has a cast of characters that include both human and animal. When you arrive for dinner you are split into two groups and given either a maroon or oatmeal coloured hat. The colour of your hat depicts the station that you will be cheering for during the battles for top station.
The competition is between the Austral Downs and the Wondola Station. During battles their are those that ride hanging off the saddles of galloping horses to race their flags across the finish line, some competitions are seeing who can hang the most hats on the homestead and then there is the traditional storytelling and bush poetry around the campfire. Also, true to any Australian entertainment there is a rendition of Waltzing Matilda and The Man From Snowy River. The show is finished with a the display of the Australian flag, that’s as big and beautiful as the Outback.
During the performance you also will be able to enjoy a three course, authentic Aussie BBQ. Starting with a mixed Queensland salad with mango dressing, followed by barbecued beef tenderloin with gravy, Kakadu plum sauce, green vegetables and Australian Damper. For dessert you will be served a traditional baked Pavlova with Queensland berries, country cream and Bush Billy Tea. Children also has a choice of beef sausages, for dinner, and vegetarian meals are available upon request. Beer, wine and cola are also available throughout the show, as requested.
The cast and crew consist of stunt riders, stockmen and women. They grab the imagination of the audience with their animal skills from horses to piglets. The show has 59 horses, 11 Longhorn, 11 Santa Gertrudis cattle, 3 camels, 50 sheep, 3 dogs and 5 piglets. Each animal has been trained using positive reinforcement by experienced horse master Tony Jablonski and assistant horse master Brett Walsh. The pair have been involved with training animals for live shows, television and movies for many years.
The dogs in the show are Australians working dogs, the border collies. They are a highly intelligent dog and they thrill the audience as they display their skills herding the sheep. It is often hard to tell who is is enjoying it more, the dogs or the audience.
