Crowds Saddle Up for a Big Day at Rodeo by the Sea in Streaky Bay

The beachside town of Streaky Bay was abuzz over the weekend as thousands turned out for the annual Rodeo by the Sea, held on Saturday, October 18. With warm weather and a packed program, the event once again proved a hit with locals and visitors alike.

Running since 2019, the event has become a staple on the Eyre Peninsula calendar, drawing competitors from across the country and boosting local tourism in the process.

“We've had over 9,000 people come through since we started in 2019,” said event manager Lyn Finch. “They refuel themselves, refuel their vehicles, and turn it into a really enjoyable long weekend.”

This year’s rodeo stuck to its winning formula of “bulls, broncs and barrels,” with a full line-up of open and junior events including bull rides, saddle bronc, barrel racing and even a potty calf ride for the kids.

“Registrations opened on Thursday, and we had a great response,” Ms Finch said. “There were some top competitors here and fantastic support from our local entrants too.”

Unique to Streaky Bay, winners received trophies made from abalone shell - provided by Streaky Bay Marine Products - making it one of the few rodeos in Australia to offer such a prize.

Cash prizes were also awarded, with some given out spontaneously by Rodeo President Clint McAvoy.

“Clint’s got a few hundred bucks in his pocket for those standout moments—not just the winners, but maybe someone who’s come a long way or had a memorable ride,” Ms Finch said.

However, like many regional community events, the rodeo was more than just competition, providing a fun weekend out for families and friends with plenty on offer for all ages. Children joined in the Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl competition, local food trucks served everything from Thai to paella, and live music from Bonkers and the Cuckoos closed out the night. Free camping and glamping options were available for overnight visitors and shuttle buses ran between the event and caravan parks across town to make traveling easier for guests.

Community support was front and center throughout the weekend, with dozens of sponsors backing the event and volunteers helping things run smoothly. The rodeo also raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, with raffle tickets sold by the event’s rodeo queens.

“It’s a really worthy cause,” said Ms Finch. “And the prizes were amazing—swimming with dolphins, top-of-the-line eskies, fuel vouchers.”

While visitors were there for the rodeo, many also took time to explore the wider Streaky Bay region.

“We always encourage people to enjoy more than just the event,” Ms Finch said. “Whether it’s cycling the coastal path, paddling with the Dragon Boat team, or visiting our local museums—there’s a lot to see and do while you’re here.”

With strong crowds, generous community involvement and plenty of smiles all round, Rodeo by the Sea looks set to remain a highlight on the regional calendar—and a proud showcase of what Streaky Bay has to offer.