AUSTRALIA'S best have made it to town and today is the day that competition starts after a much-anticipated wait.

Polocrosse Association of Warwick treasurer Robyn Fraser said the Barastoc Polocrosse Nationals would start early but official proceedings would be conducted first.

"We will start with the official opening of the competition at 9.30am," she said.

"The whole 50 teams will take part on horseback and in their playing uniforms."

Mrs Fraser said official guest at the opening would include Sports Federation of Queensland chairman Peter Cummiskey, Mayor Ron Bellingham, Polocrosse Association of Warwick patron David Cory, Queensland Health Minister Lawrence Springborg and Polocrosse Association of Australia president Gil Mathie.

"In attendance Monday morning will also be 250 schoolchildren from Murray's Bridge, Glennie Heights and Warwick East State Schools," she said.

"Competition will then get straight under way with Queensland versus South Australia in the Men's Challenge Cup at 11am.

"There will be two games being played on the hour for the duration of the day."

Last night a civic reception was held at the clubhouse for the polocrosse and Warwick communities.

Anyone was welcome to attend and there was a free barbecue and entertainment.

Before the official competition commenced it was all about the practice.

Queensland Masters Mixed player Glenys McAlister said Saturday and Sunday were practice days where the teams could use the practice fields without the fear of their competitors watching.

"All teams were allocated set times to practice," she said.

Team-mate Grant Olsson said it was a matter of making sure they were ready.

"Our first game is Tuesday morning against Victoria so we have to blow the cobwebs out so to speak," he said.