Celebrate Camel Legends on the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail next month
This Sunday 22 is World Camel Day — and there's never been a better time to celebrate these incredible desert legends and the Outback communities that keep them racing towards history.
Camels have been the backbone of Outback Australia for more than 150 years, bringing supplies, stories and resilience to some of the country's most remote places. Today, they're the stars of the brand-new Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail — five epic camel racing events across five legendary towns over four huge weekends, taking place from July 5 to 26. Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail – The Diamantina
From Jundah to Birdsville, Bedourie to Boulia, and Winton, the Outback is about to come alive with colour, music, markets, local storytelling and, of course, the thrilling spectacle of camel racing. It's the kind of adventure that puts the "hell yeah" in your bucket list.
Camels are incredible survivors. They can drink up to 200 litres of water in a single go, can run up to 65 km/h, and they've helped shape the history of the Outback. World Camel Day is the perfect time to shine a light on these desert heroes and the communities that celebrate them.
The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail is more than a race — it's a road-tripping, town-hopping celebration of Outback spirit, with unforgettable experiences at every stop. Expect cameleer history, legendary Outback pubs, camel pies, stargazing nights, and a once-in-a-decade canvas of blooming desert flowers, thanks to the region's recent rains. Whether you're cheering on racing camels in Jundah, dancing under the stars in Birdsville, watching the Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing in Boulia, or soaking up Outback storytelling in Winton, the Desert Champions Way invites Aussies to explore a rare side of the desert — when it comes spectacularly to life.
The trail of FIVE EPIC EVENTS is set to become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism in Outback Queensland, drawing visitors to multiple iconic towns. So, this World Camel Day, raise a toast - or a camelcino - to these remarkable creatures — and get ready to experience the Outback in all its glory from July 5 to 26.
The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail:
🐪 Jundah Camel Races – July 5, 2025:
Kicking off the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail, the Jundah Camel Races bring high-energy racing, vibrant community markets, and family-friendly entertainment to the heart of Outback Queensland.
Set against the stunning backdrop of this picturesque township, the event offers visitors an authentic taste of Outback spirit, complete with local food, country hospitality, and a festival atmosphere. Jundah Information Centre.
🐪 NEW Birdsville Camel Carnival – July 8–10, 2025:
Experience Birdsville like never before at the inaugural Birdsville Camel Carnival, a spectacular new event celebrating the town's deep-rooted cameleer heritage and Outback spirit – combining camel-inspired attractions, captivating storytelling, vibrant local markets, and incredible live music—all set against the legendary backdrop of Birdsville…
• Evening concerts featuring headline acts at the Birdsville Hotel. • Camel rides and cameleer history celebrating the region's unique heritage. • Entertainment by the Crack-Up Sisters, pig races, and acoustic performances. • Queensland artisan markets, showcasing local makers, including the Birdsville Bakery's Camel Pies.
🐪 Bedourie Camel Races – July 12, 2025:
Known as the "Town of Sand and Sun," Bedourie hosts a famous day of existing camel racing paired with family-friendly activities and local food stalls, showcasing the hospitality of the Diamantina Shire, in the iconic red dirt of the Queensland Outback. Mark your calendar for a day of racing, fun, and Outback adventure!
🐪 Boulia Camel Races – July 18–20, 2025:
The "Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing," this three-day event draws thousands for high-stakes racing, entertainment, and a true festival atmosphere. 'Australia's Richest Camel Races', Boulia Camel Races, is the ultimate showdown on the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail. As the camels come hurtling down the track through the plume of red dust, you'll have one of those 'this is epic' moments. The big final - The Better Beer Cup is Australia's most prestigious camel race win, being the longest and the richest in Australia!
#BouliaCamelRaces #OutbackRaces #ThisIsQueensland #OutbackQueensland
🐪 Winton Camel Races – July 26, 2025:
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 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. Experience Winton
A Celebration of Outback Queensland The Outback Camel Racing Trail, supported by the Outback Queensland Tourism Association and local councils, 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.
