Back

The king of the camels is back - POLISHED COPPER STRIKES GOLD AGAIN ON THE RED DIRT

Desert Champions Way

Key Facts:

CAMEL RACING IS GO IN OUTBACK QUEENSLAND 

Photos HERE

Vision and interviews HERE

• JUNDAH 2026 1 VNR: Overlay, race calling, very funny race footage, crowd, Emily Parrott on winning JUNDAH on Polished Copper, punter grabs
• JUNDAH 2026 2 VNR: Gold Coast couple Stephanie Z and Dean Keppie at Jundah then Barcoo Shire Mayor Sally O’Neil then Rob Wharran - Rabs the Camel Race Caller, more great vision

 

 

POLISHED COPPER STRIKES GOLD AGAIN ON THE RED DIRT

Champion camel defends Jundah crown as Desert Champions Way Outback Camel Trail begins

 

The king of the camels is back.

Champion racing camel Polished Copper has stormed home on the red dirt of Jundah in Outback Queensland, claiming the first trophy of the 2026 Desert Champions Way Outback Camel Trail and proving exactly why he is one of Australia’s most exciting racing camels. After taking the Jundah title last year, the flying camel from Oakfield Ranch near Newcastle returned with cameleer and jockey Emily Parrott on board and did it again, leading from the front and setting the pace for a month-long battle across Outback Queensland.

 

Polished Copper and fellow champion Geoffrey were the two stars of last year’s Trail, sharing the ultimate Camel of the Trail title after a fierce competition. Now the rematch is officially underway.

 

For Emily, a second-generation camel racer who has spent her life around the sport, Jundah marked the first stop of an epic family adventure, travelling more than 4,000 kilometres with nine racing camels and her family to compete across the Desert Champions Way. “Polished Copper just loves to race,” Emily said. “He knows when it’s time. He loves the crowds, he loves the excitement and when he gets going, he is an incredible camel.”

 

From Jundah, the Desert Champions Way now continues to Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia and Winton, with the month-long celebration transforming the region into a rolling festival of racing, storytelling, music, legendary Outback hospitality and bucket-list tourism.

 

But for Jundah, the opening weekend meant even more. After devastating flooding last year left much of the region underwater and the outlook uncertain, the tiny Outback town has come roaring back to life, welcoming around 500 people across the weekend, five times its usual population. From floodwaters to flying camels, Jundah shows the strength, spirit and resilience of the Outback.

 

Among those making the journey were Gold Coast couple Stephanie Zielke and Dean Keppie, who packed their bags for the ultimate Outback road trip following the Desert Champions Way.

 

For Stephanie, the journey carried special meaning. The trip honours her late father, who had always encouraged her to experience Outback Queensland and the landscapes, characters and communities that make it unforgettable. For Dean, the attraction was simple: open roads, classic Outback pubs, great people and the chance to back a winner on the camel track.

 

The Desert Champions Way Outback Camel Trail now continues across Queensland’s west, with stops including the Birdsville Carnival, Bedourie Camel and Pig Races, the legendary Boulia Camel Races, known as the Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing, and the grand finale in Winton.

 

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

 

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:

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.

Experience Winton

 

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]