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DESERT DUST SET TO FLY UNDER RACING CAMEL FEET - STARTS FRIDAY JULY 3

Desert Champions Way Outback Camel Trail

DESERT DUST SET TO FLY UNDER RACING CAMEL FEET

ONE WEEK TO GO UNTIL THE DESET CHAMPIONS WAY OUTBACK CAMEL TRAIL

July 3 to 25

 

There’s just one week to go until the red Outback Queensland dirt starts flying and the Desert Champions Way Outback Camel Trail begins – from Jundah to Birdsville, Bedourie to Boulia and Winton, the month-long celebration (July 3–25) transforms the region into a rolling festival of dust, camel power and desert theatre, where camel racing meets bucket-list tourism.

 

VISION (including POV of a camel jockey!) and IMAGES here

 

The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail is 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, betting on Polished Copper (!), dancing under the stars in Birdsville, watching the Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing in Boulia, or soaking up Outback storytelling in Winton, the message is clear – THE OUTBACK IS OPEN!

 

Polished Copper and Geoffrey – the two champions from last year - are back under the saddle and heading out to defend their titles in one of Australia’s most extraordinary sporting spectacles. With them is their cameleer and jockey Emily Parrott, a second-generation camel racer who has spent her life in the sport and is now leading her pack 4,000km from Newcastle into Queensland’s Outback heartland.

 

Whether it’s cheering on camels in Jundah, experiencing the “Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing” in Boulia, dancing under the stars in Birdsville, or soaking up storytelling in Winton, the message is simple:

The Outback is open — and it’s racing.

 

The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail:

Let the camel mayhem continue in 2026!

Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail – The Diamantina

 

Jundah Camel Races – July 3 & 4, 2026:

Kicking off the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail, the Jundah Camel Races has added a day because one just wasn’t enough!! Joining the camel races will be sheep racing, working dog jumping, sheep penning on the Friday night, live entertainment and FREE CAMPING! This little Outback town with a big heart is home to incredible hospitality, great fishing, bird watching, sightseeing, swimming, canoeing, and boasts spectacular sunrises and sunsets! Follow (20+) Facebook for more

 

Birdsville Carnival – July 8 & 9, 2026:

The Birdsville Carnival is a spectacular new event celebrating the town’s deep-rooted history and Outback spirit, with live music celebrations at the legendary Birdsville Pub, Outback flavours at the renowned Birdsville Bakery (Camel Pie is a must taste!), family-friendly entertainment and more. All information HERE

 

Bedourie Camel & Pig Races – July 11, 2026:

Known as the "Town of Sand and Sun” – welcome to Bedourie where - and only in Outback Queensland – fans will experiences the thrill of camel racing, the hilarity of pig racing, and a whole variety of novelty events that make for bucket list memories! There’s food stalls and all the country hospitality this little town is famous for.

All information HERE

 

Boulia Camel Races – July 17–19, 2026:

Australia’s legendary and iconic Outback event is back, the 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 camels thundering down the track in 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.

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.

 

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.

 

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Kath Rose | 0416 291 493 | [email protected]

Contact details:

Kath Rose | 0416 291 493 | [email protected]