More than Motorsport – Show off your mullets, tatts and pinup fashion
Published on 10 February 2025
Over the course of its four-year history, Rare Spares Rockynats has become known as much for its iconic off-the-track competitions as it has for its adrenaline-fueled on-track action. From the fashion and flair of the RockabilllyNats Pinup Competition to the humour and hair of Mulletfest, and ink-tastic body art on display at the Tattoo Competition, these fan-favourite events prove Rockynats really does have something for everyone.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said that its program additions like these that help make Rockynats the inclusive, community-minded event that it is.
"One of the greatest things about Rockynats is how it brings people together in such an inclusive and interactive way. Additions like the Mulletfest, Pin-Up and Tattoo competitions invite spectators to step out of the crowd and become part of the action, which makes it a unique and memorable experience for everyone involved,” said Mayor Williams.
“It’s this sense of community and camaraderie that makes Rockynats so much more than just a car festival.”
With all three set to return for in 2025, event organisers, including Mulletfest Founder and Director, Laura Johnson, are encouraging more Rockynats patrons to join in the fun.
“Not everyone who loves cars is in a position to own a car but everyone who has hair can grow a mullet,” Johnson said.
“Mulletfest gives people of all ages something to take pride in and something to show off whether they own a car or not, all while contributing to a great cause.”
The competition, which features categories for mullet-growers of all ages, genders, and years of mullet-growing experience, will be returning to Rockynats for its third consecutive year, all while raising money and awareness for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
“We’ve loved seeing the support around the Mulletfest at Rockynats grow more and more each year, with over 60 entrants last year,” adds Johnson.
“We have people that have watched the competition in the past and have grown mullets the next year just to compete, entire families that enter together in our family category and even have a rookie category that’s designed specifically for those people who might have only just started growing their mullet or have one that’s a little bit shorter.”
Registration for the Mulletfest is free, with entrants only needing to register via the Mulletfest website (https://www.mulletfest.com.au/register/) and purchase a Saturday Rockynats ticket to participate.
“Anyone and everyone can give it a go!” said Johnson.
For those who’d rather channel their passion for fashion over hair, the RockabillyNats Pinup Competition and CQ Pinups Beginner Fashion Parade allows individuals to showcase their style and creative flair in a fun, supportive environment.
“Over the past four years the competition has grown into a much-loved Rockynats event, drawing participants from all over who bring their unique style and stories to the stage,” said competition organiser and host, Cherry Bombshell.
“Seeing participants own the stage in their vintage-inspired looks, paired with modern twists like tattoos, bright hair, and unique flair, all while being authentic to who they are is truly inspiring,” said Cherry. “What makes it so great though is the community—it’s a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to shine in their own way.”
Vintage fashion lovers of all ages and level of pinup experience are encouraged to join in the fun with the event offering two categories: The Beginners Fashion Parade and, for more experienced participants, the Rockabillynats Pin-Up Competition.
“The Beginners Parade is open to all, and entry is easy. You simply need to arrive on-the-day for registration half an hour before the event, wear your favourite rockabilly style, and walk the catwalk like you own it,” explains Cherry.
Those wanting to enter the Rockabillynats Pin-Up Competition are encouraged to register their interest via the Rockynats website (http://www.rockynats.com/pinup) and successful applicants will be notified by email before the event.
Regardless of what category you choose to enter, Cherry emphasises that the competition is so much more than what you choose to wear.
“Forget perfection—rockabilly is all about fun, self-expression, and embracing your unique style. You don’t need to fit any mould—just bring your passion, strut your stuff, and soak up the electric energy of the crowd,” Cherry assures.
Similarly, those with inspiring ink and a passion for body art are encouraged to enter the Rockynats Tattoo Competition. Run by the Mulletfest crew, this laid-back competition features a range of categories including ‘Best B&W Tattoo’, ‘Best Colour Tattoo’, ‘Best Car Themed Tattoo’ and ‘Worst Tattoo’. Registration is free via the Mulletfest website (https://www.mulletfest.com.au/register/), with entrants simply needing to get up on stage at the FMX Kaos Showgrounds Precinct to showcase their tattoos to the judges and spectators on competition day.
To find out more about the various off-track competitions on offer at Rockynats 05 visit the Rockynats website:https://www.rockynats.com.au/Program/Off-Track-Entertainment
Enter the Mulletfest:https://www.mulletfest.com.au/register/and select ‘RockyNATS – Mulletfest’ as your competition location
Enter the Rockabillynats Pin-Up Competition:http://www.rockynats.com/pinup
Enter the Tattoo Competition:https://www.mulletfest.com.au/register/and select ‘RockyNATS – Tattoo Comp’ as your competition location