Daly Waters... Tourist mecca of the Top End.

Located 270km south of Katherine, near the junction of the Stuart and Carpentaria Highways, this township with its tiny population and the world renowned Daly Waters Pub which would have to be one of the Territory’s finest places to grab a drink, underwent its annual growth spurt on the May Day long weekend as hundreds of rodeo fans gathered for the 2010 Daly Waters Rodeo, Campdraft and gymkhana.

Travelling down the Thursday night, Mitch and I finally arrived at the iconic Hi Way Inn where we were accommodated for the weekend, and grabbed one of the truckie counter meals from the Kitchen, definitely worth the drive just for the meal (Highly recommended for those travelling through that neck of the woods). Eventually retiring, as Friday was going to be a big day.

With the action kicking off at 0700hrs Friday, it was an early start. The campdraft action took up much of the day, and I must say there was fierce competition from start to finish. With the majority of competitors cutting their beasts from the mob in the yard, the deciding points came down to the skill of the horse and rider to negotiate the beast around the course of left and right hand turns before finally guiding it through a gate, all in a few short minutes (A brief 101 in Campdraft for those unfamiliar). Late afternoon came around, and as the campdraft was drawing to a close for the day. The bulls and broncs were in the yard over at the rodeo arena ready for Friday night’s action.

Geoff also joined us Friday evening in time for the rodeo, with more than 60 competitors braving to take on the Kalala Station stock for the mandatory 8 second ride, with buckles, trophies and over $7000 worth of prize money up for grabs.

But unfortunately most failed at their attempts, but all with nil injuries to attend to.

Saturday started off the same, events started again at 0700hrs. Time for the campdraft finals, and it was a hard fought battle.

And on its conclusion the barrel races and family fun events commenced. Events ranged from the young children on their horses being led by mum or dad undertaking the barrel race or navigating their way through a set of cones in the quickest time, to the equestrian equivalent to musical chairs. And to see the fun that these children were having is what really makes this annual Daly Waters event a true family friendly event.

Due to work commitments I unfortunately had to leave Geoff and Mitch on the Saturday afternoon, but on discussing with them on their return the remainder of the event that night and the following Sunday morning wen     t fairly smoothly with some minor lacerations to report from the evening’s rodeo events and calf scruffing.

Which is excellent to hear as the previous 2-3 years involved a medi-vac chopper or plane having to be sent down to collect patients. On the Saturday afternoon Geoff also was a part of the “Cheeky Dog” event; needless to say that the name says it all, but this particular event involved behaving like a “Cheeky Dog”, digging holes, lapping water and other numerous behaviours. But a big congratulations must go out to Geoff in progressing through from his round 1 heat to go through to the finals, where he was unfortunately unsuccessful in beating the other “Cheeky Dogs”.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank a few people, firstly Raymond & Amanda Murphy and all the Kalala Station crew for their continued support of St John Ambulance NT and their hospitality over the weekend, and secondly to the management & staff at the Hi-way Inn.

Hope to see you all in Daly Waters for the 2011 Rodeo & Campdraft. (Or until then, possibly pop into the Katherine centre to say Hi)