Australia’s Top Bull Riders Head to Cairns

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Cairns Event Offers Thrilling Bull Riding Action

Australia’s top bull riders will converge at the Cairns Convention Centre on 4th July for the PBR 2026 Monster Energy Cairns Invitational, contending for over $50,000 in prize money. The event promises a massive adrenaline surge for Far North Queensland.

Leading the charge, Kurt Shephard and Leith Malone, both from Mareeba, are set to impress. Malone recently secured victory for Queensland in the PBR Australia Monster Energy Origin Series with a critical 84.25-point ride in Brisbane, ensuring the Origin shield returned north.

Ethan Coster, a rising star from Miriam Vale, also performed impressively in the series. His standout performance in Brisbane, finishing two-from-three, will be something to watch in Cairns.

The competition will see 30 elite cowboys vying for championship points ahead of the $150,000 PBR Grand Finals in Townsville this November. This competitive atmosphere is heightened by the presence of world-class bull riders and some of the fiercest bulls in the sport.

Glen Young, PBR Australia Managing Director, stated, “With the PBR Australia season heating up, every ride, every second, and every point counts.”

Experience the Thrill of Bull Riding

Premier bull contractors such as Dittmann Bucking Bulls, Finch Rodeo Bulls, Dunne Bucking Bulls, MJ/Kleier Bucking Bulls, and CF7 Bucking Bulls will supply the bulls, ensuring fierce competition. “The Cairns Invitational is where legends are made,” said Young. “This is more than a competition, it’s a battle of grit, heart, and bull power.”

The event begins at 7.00pm, followed by an official after-party at The Reef Hotel Casino. Tickets are available on the PBR Australia website. Prior to the event, from 1-5 July, the Reef Stampede will host an official hoedown at the Reef Casino.

Following Cairns, the PBR Monster Energy Tour will visit 10 cities across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, crowning the nation’s next champion. The competition is fierce, and each event contributes significantly to the riders’ standings.

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Last updated: 19 June 2026, 12:15 pm

Daniel Rolph
Daniel Rolphhttp://melbourne-insider.au/
Daniel Rolph is the editor of Melbourne Insider, covering hospitality, venue openings and events across Melbourne. With over 15 years’ experience in marketing and media, he brings a commercial, newsroom-focused approach to accurate and timely local reporting.
Daniel Rolph
Daniel Rolphhttp://melbourne-insider.au/
Daniel Rolph is the editor of Melbourne Insider, covering hospitality, venue openings and events across Melbourne. With over 15 years’ experience in marketing and media, he brings a commercial, newsroom-focused approach to accurate and timely local reporting.