Be a winner at the Cunnamulla Outback Masters Games

IF YOU’RE not in the first flush of youth but still reckon you’re pretty good at your chosen sport, take the challenge and enter the Cunnamulla Outback Masters Games this year.

Or just be there and enjoy the activities as a spectator most of the time and simply enter the 5km walk – a popular event that gives anyone (as long as you’re over 30!) the chance to be a master!

Staged across 10 days in April and May, the Masters Games gives a perfect opportunity to mix the thrill of competition with the chance to see a bit of outback Queensland ... and have lots of fun with other like-minded people.

This year, people will be lining up to compete in 13 sports, including golf, touch football, kayaking, tri­athlon, polocrosse, athletics (10km run and 5km walk), ball games, cycling, swimming, darts, adventure race and clay target shooting.

One of the highlights of the event is the Cooper Creek to Cunnamulla Bike Ride, which will be from April 27 to May 1. This is the only event in the Masters Games that is open to all ages. It’s a never-to-be-forgotten experience of being in authentic outback country and seeing some of the country’s most spectacular scenery at a pace that lets the beauty really soak in. The ride starts at Noccundra (you book to go on a bus from Cunnamulla) and crosses four rivers and a creek on its way to Cunnamulla. All meals are catered along the way and the ride entry fee includes camping fees, although you can organise your own accommodation if a motel or pub is more to your liking.

The Adventure Race is a new addition to this year’s Masters Games and will take in flat kayaking on the Warrego River, two run legs, a short swim and a mountain bike section. Each team’s time is calculated on the last team member across the line! The event is for mixed teams of three.

Entertainment is held every night over the long weekend (May 1, 2 and 3) and again at Nardoo on May 8 and 9. Enjoy the great atmosphere.

Held biennially, the Cunnamulla Outback Masters Games attracts about 500 participants. Be one of them this year!