Style at the races has always been part of Julia Creek
Long before it had a name, dressing for race day was a Julia Creek institution. Generation after generation, the women and men of North West Queensland arrived at the track in their finest: hats, heels, suits and smiles, making the fashion as much a part of the day as the horses themselves.
In 2026, the Fashions on the Field celebrates our 110th anniversary under the theme A Legacy Worn — honouring the heritage of outback elegance while welcoming the creativity and spirit of the modern era. Presented by Donnie Harris Law.
The Fashion Categories
Seven categories judged across the afternoon, in this order. The day opens with our youngest legacy-bearers and builds to the Best Dressed Lady final. Pre-register below or sign up at the Fashions desk on the day.
The next generation of race day fashion — judged first on the lawn
Three sub-categories judged together at the opening of the Fashions program. Tiny Tots, Senior Girls and Senior Boys take the lawn for the first time, honouring 110 years of family tradition at Julia Creek.
The heart of the show. Open to children aged 0 to 12, celebrating the joy of dressing up and carrying on the great Julia Creek race day tradition. Parents, this one's for you too.
Young women aged 13 to 17 showcasing their own take on outback elegance. The future of Fashions on the Field starts here.
Young men aged 13 to 17, stepping up to race day style. Sharp, considered and full of personality.
Best Millinery
Open to all. A standalone category celebrating the art of the hat — fascinators, blockers, wide brims and everything in between. The more extraordinary, the better.
Best Dressed Gentleman
Open to all men attending the races. Sharp tailoring, considered accessories and that classic country race day polish. Whether you're in a suit or a well-turned-out casual ensemble — own it.
Best Dressed Couple
A coordinated couple that tells a story together. Outfits don't have to match — they just need to belong together on the lawn.
Best Dressed Lady — Final
Open to all women attending the races. The headline category of the day. Judges will be looking for elegance, originality and a nod to the heritage of outback race day fashion. Think quality millinery, considered styling and that undeniable race day confidence.
Dress to honour the legacy
There's no dress code as such, but there is a spirit. A Legacy Worn invites you to embrace heritage elegance with your own modern country flair. Here's how to nail it.
At Julia Creek, the hat is everything. A wide brim, a fascinator, a sculpted blocker. Wear something on your head and wear it with confidence. The millinery category exists for a reason.
The 2026 theme draws from the outback itself: sun-bleached ochres, deep greens, warm creams and the rich burgundy of Mitchell grass country at dusk. You don't have to match the landscape but let it inspire you.
Lace, embroidery, vintage-inspired silhouettes, pearls. The kind of details that suggest a story. Think of how your grandmother might have dressed for the races and bring that feeling into 2026.
A well-fitted suit, a pocket square, a quality hat. Or a smart country ensemble put together with real intention. The Legacy Gentleman category rewards men who've thought about what they're wearing, not just grabbed the first shirt off the rack.
You don't need to be formal. Modern country elegance reads perfectly on the lawn: a beautiful floral dress, quality boots, a statement belt. Julia Creek celebrates authenticity over formality.
Entering as a couple? Think complementary, not matching. A shared colour palette, a coordinated era. The judges love a pair who look like they belong together without being identical.
Fashions on the Field through the decades
The hats change, the silhouettes evolve, but the spirit of dressing up for race day at Julia Creek has never wavered.
How it all works
Fashions on the Field is open to all ticket holders attending the 2026 Artesian Express Race Day. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. You can register on the day at the Fashions on the Field desk near the grandstand.
Judging runs between races through the afternoon, opening with Future Generations of the West at 1:20pm and closing with The Heritage Pair and Legacy Lady final at 3:35pm. Finalists will be called to the presentation area for final judging before the official presentation ceremony.
Our 2026 Sponsors
Fashions on the Field is made possible by the generosity of our sponsors. Their support means we can keep growing the Julia Creek tradition for another generation.
Interested in sponsoring a category in future years? Get in touch — we'd love to hear from you.
Pre-registration helps us plan the day and ensures you're checked in quickly when you arrive. It takes less than two minutes and is completely free.
Pre-registration is not required. You can also register on the day
We're happy to help. Get in touch or come find us on race day.