Camel celebrations kick up red dust across Outback Queensland!
An all-new Outback Queensland experience has started about 1300km, 1500km from Sydney and a thousand miles from ordinary! The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail has thundered to life, with red dirt flying, camels charging, and crowds cheering in the tiny town of Jundah.
This was no ordinary race – it was the first hoofbeat of a month-long Outback odyssey that will roll through five legendary towns over four unforgettable weekends until July 26. With sunburnt skies above, the scent of campfire and camel sweat in the air, and the desert bursting with new life after the rains, Jundah just proved one thing: the Outback is open, alive, and ready to race.
Powerhouse camel racer Polished Copper charged down the red dirt track to take out the Cup ridden by his owner, second generation cameleer from near Newcastle, Emily Sansome. He's the one to watch!! Right on his tail? Stablemates Geoffrey and Foxy Lady, while Barry brought the grunt for third. As for fellow-stablemates Yabby Pump, Bronte, and Billy—they didn't place, but they ran with grit, gusto and that undeniable, unflappable camel heart.
THIS five-town, four-weekend, red-dirt-racing, bucket-list-blasting Outback adventure is in BIRDSVILLE this week, and then rolls on to Bedourie, Boulia and Winton until July 26. So saddle up, stock the esky, and hit the highway – the Desert Champions Way is officially under hoof.
Let the camel mayhem continue! Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail – The Diamantina
BIRDSVILLE
From July 8 to 10 Outback Queensland celebrates a brand new event, the Birdsville Camel Carnival.
Located at the end of the famous Birdsville Track, this remote Outback town is surrounded by stunning landscapes, the Simpson Desert, Sturt's Stony Desert, and lush Channel Country. The Carnival will celebrate its deep-rooted cameleer heritage over three days – with captivating storytelling, vibrant local markets, and incredible live music featuring Mick Lindsay, Missy Lancaster and Caitlin Drew at the legendary Birdsville Hotel. There'll be camel rides and cameleer history sessions, entertainment by the famous Crack-Up Sisters, pig races, street food and the Birdsville Bakery's famous Camel Pies. It's a bucket list experience for the ages!!!
BEDOURIE
Then, hold onto your hats and dust off your boots because the Bedourie Camel and Pig Races on July 12 isn't just about fast-paced, knobby-kneed camel action, they have pig races too!! Watch the little porkers sprint for glory in the legendary pig races to see who's the fastest on trotters, then laugh it up with the Crack Up Sisters, browse mark stalls and taste delicious tucker. Whether you're a local or visiting from afar, this is a chance to experience the real heart and humor of the Aussie outback.
BOULIA
Then, welcome to the Boulia Camel Races (July 18 to 2), famously known as the "Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing"! This three-day event draws thousands for high-stakes racing, entertainment, and a true Outback festival atmosphere.
The big final - The Cup - is Australia's most prestigious camel race, being the longest and the richest in Australia! Boulia Camel Races are the ultimate showdown on the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail. All information here Home - Boulia Camel Races
WINTON
The Winton Camel Races on July 26 will feature a vibrant arts and music celebration, more from the Crack Up Sisters, nods to its strong ties to Outback storytelling and fabulous novelty events. Gates open at 11am at the Winton Showgrounds with tickets $10 and children under 6 free. Experience Winton
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
A Celebration of Outback Queensland The Desert Champions Way, produced by Diamantina Shire Council and supported by the Remote Area Planning & Development Board (RAPAD), Outback Queensland Tourism Association and Arts Queensland, 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.
Key Facts:
Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail - until July 26
