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Friday night ONLY – January 9 , 2026 – You will have to book a ticket for the saturday night camping SEPERATELY.
Check in from 4pm to 7pm Friday January 9, 2026. Enter Gordon Street from Station Street and follow the signage. PLEASE BRING YOUR PRINTED TICKET TO DISPLAY AT YOUR CAMPSITE. NO pets. NO fires. You MUST take your rubbish with you. All children 16 years and under MUST be accompanied by a legal guardian. Children under 12 years are FREE.
Setting the Scene: Alexandra Race Club & Rodeo Weekend
Alexandra, a charming town in Victoria’s high country, comes alive each January with the Alexandra Pro Rodeo — a Saturday-night rodeo event filled with thrilling competition, music, good food, and local hospitality. The rodeo itself is held on Saturday, 10 January 2026 at the arena near the Dame Pattie Menzies Centre and features classic rodeo action like bull rides, bronc events, barrel racing, roping and more.But for many attendees, the experience starts the night before — under the stars at the Friday night camping event at the Alexandra Race Club.
Friday Night Camping: What to Expect
Location & Logistics:
The camping takes place at the Alexandra Race Club, located at 1 Gordon Street, Alexandra, VIC 3714.
- Date: Friday, 9 January 2026
- Check-in: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Checkout: By 4:00 pm on Saturday, 10 January 2026
- Cost: $20 per person (children under 12 free; ages 13–16 must be accompanied by a guardian). Eventbrite
There’s no automatic Saturday camping included — if you want to stay both nights, you’ll need to book each night separately.
Camping Setup:
This isn’t a commercial caravan park — it’s grassroots, community camping. Think simple: tents and swag setups across the race course grounds, cosy campfires in permitted areas
While sites aren’t powered, you’re free to bring:
- Camping chairs & tables
- Portable BBQs (non-open fireplaces)
- Coolers & picnic sets
- Lights, lanterns & speakers (within community norms)
The Friday Night Experience:
Most campers roll in mid to late afternoon. After check-in, the early evening brings relaxed vibes as campers set up sites, stake their tents, and catch up with friends and family who’ve made the trip. There’s a genuine festival-weekend feel — everyone gearing up for the next day’s rodeo but also keen to soak in the slower, social rhythm of the night.
Community Buzz & Campfire Stories
Though traditional wood fires are banned, groups gather around lanterns and portable fire alternatives for:
- Storytelling & catching up
- Country music playlists
- Sharing food, drinks, laughs
This laid-back setting gives you a chance to mix with locals and visitors alike. Many regulars return year after year, and newcomers quickly find themselves pulled into conversations about rodeo legends, upcoming competitions, and tips for the big Saturday night. Eventbrite
Dinner Under the Stars:
There’s no formal food court on site, but that’s part of the charm. You can bring your own provisions or coordinate with your group for:
- BBQs & grilled classics
- Share platters with fresh produce
- Cold drinks and chilled wines
- Desserts roasted over portable camp burners
Local Alexandra eateries and grocery stores stock up for the rodeo weekend, so a quick stop into town before arriving will reward you with great supplies to make your dinner special.
Entertainment & Social Vibes:
While there’s no official concert scheduled at the campsite, the atmosphere is far from quiet. Expect:
- Acoustic music from fellow campers
- Laughter and conversation drifting through the grounds
- Groups playing cards, board games, or simply relaxing
Friday night camping is as much about community as it is about preparing for the rodeo. People trade stories about past rodeos and share excitement for the next day’s events.
Nighttime Ambience:
As the light fades, the Race Club transforms. The sky above Alexandra is famously clear on warm January nights, providing:
- Beautiful views of the Milky Way
- Crickets and nighttime wildlife in the bush
- Cooler breezes after the heat of day
Many campers retreat to their tents early, resting up for the rodeo, while others linger around portable lights — chatting long into the night.
Saturday Morning: Before the Rodeo:
Wake early to:
- A sunrise over the race track
- Fresh coffee among new friends
- Packing up and prepping for rodeo day
Campers leaving early Saturday head into town to secure good seating at the rodeo arena. Others stay a bit later before transitioning to the Saturday night camp or heading to the main event. Eventbrite
Rodeo Day: What’s Ahead:
On Saturday, the Alexandra Pro Rodeo 2026 kicks off in the late afternoon with gates usually opening by mid-afternoon and the rodeo starting around 5 pm. It’s a full program of:
- Bull rides and bronc competitions
- Rope and tie events
- Barrel racing and more
- Food stalls, local vendors, and live music
- A fantastic crowd and family-friendly atmosphere Alexandra Rodeo+1
Staying Friday night puts you in prime position — relaxed, close to town, and ready to enjoy every moment of rodeo day.
Before You Go:
- Bring printed or digital proof of your camping ticket. You’ll need it at check-in. Eventbrite
- Don’t forget sleeping gear, lighting, and shade equipment.
- Pack plenty of water — summer in Victoria can be warm.
- Plan meals ahead to avoid last-minute runs into town.
Safety & Comfort
- Dress for changing temperatures — days can be hot, nights cooler.
- Secure your tent against wind; rainy January days aren’t unheard of.
- Respect your neighbors and observe quiet hours.
Kids & Families
Children under 12 camp free, making this a fantastic family-friendly adventure. But always supervise young campers, especially after dark. Eventbrite
Friday night camping at the Alexandra Race Club sets the tone for an unforgettable rodeo weekend. It’s an opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow country lovers, and fully immerse yourself in the spirit of the Alexandra Pro Rodeo community. Whether you’re there for the stories shared around lantern light or simply to enjoy the peaceful night under the stars, it’s the perfect way to kick off a summer tradition in Victoria.