Camel racing championship wide open as Australia's biggest weekend of hump power looms
The race for Outback Queensland's ultimate camel racing crown has taken another dramatic twist, with Big Gav charging to victory in the Bedourie Camel Cup as the Desert Champions Way Outback Camel Trail now heads towards its biggest showdown yet. In perhaps the greatest twist yet, the camels raced WITHOUT jockeys because of the wet track!!!!!
Representing Woodhouse Camels, Big Gav thundered home on the red dirt to claim the Bedourie Camel Cup, finishing ahead of defending champion Geoffrey from Oakfield Ranch, with stablemate Barry taking third.
But while Big Gav claimed the Cup, champion racer Polished Copper reminded everyone why he's one of Australia's greatest racing camels, storming to victory in the Camel Plate to continue his outstanding Desert Champions Way campaign.
After opening the Trail with victory in Jundah before adding another win in Bedourie's Camel Plate, Polished Copper arrives in Boulia full of confidence. Geoffrey remains firmly in contention after another podium finish, while Big Gav has thrown his name into championship calculations with a stunning Bedourie Cup victory.
The Desert Champions Way Outback Camel Trail has already taken racing through Jundah, Birdsville and Bedourie, drawing visitors from across Australia to experience camel racing, Outback hospitality, legendary pubs, music, storytelling and unforgettable red-dirt adventures.
Now all roads lead to this weekend's legendary Boulia Camel Races, Australia's iconic "Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing", where the country's fastest camels will once again battle for Outback glory. With thousands of spectators expected to descend on the tiny Outback town, the championship race is well and truly alive.
2026 Bedourie Camel Races winners
Camel Cup Winner - Big Gav – Woodhouse Camels
Geoffrey – Oak Field Ranch
Barry – Oak Field Ranch
Morton – Woodhouse Camels
Camel Plate Winner - Polished Copper – Hump N Budgies
Mung Bean – Camelot Camels
Uncle Buck – Camelot Camels
Molly – Camelot Camels
The dust is flying, the camels are charging and the message is clear: The Outback is open — and it's racing.
The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail:
Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail – The Diamantina
Boulia Camel Races – July 17–19, 2026:
The legendary Boulia Camel Races, aka the Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing. This is where horsepower steps aside and hump-power takes over. Experience on Saturday and Sunday races and the epic 1200m Camel Cup, lawn mower races, boots & jock races, truck pull, camel tagging, yabby sprints, kids races, amusement rides and plenty of laughs, with live music under the stars Friday and Saturday nights. For tickets and more info visit www.bouliacamelraces.com.au
Winton Camel Races – July 25, 2026:
The finale of the trail takes place the legendary town of Winton, where visitors can enjoy camel racing alongside the town's vibrant arts and music scene, including nods to its strong ties to Outback storytelling and history. The famed Crack Up Sisters will take the entertainment rein. The birthplace of Banjo Paterson's "Waltzing Matilda", Winton hosts more than just a race—it's a celebration of Outback history, culture, and community spirit.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
A Celebration of Outback Queensland The Desert Champions Way, produced by Diamantina Shire Council and supported by the Tourism and Events Queensland , Outback Queensland Tourism Association, is designed to enhance cultural tourism across the region. It aligns with the Diamantina Shire's tourism strategy to expand arts and cultural events that highlight the region's distinct identity while fostering sustainable economic growth.
