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TODAY is World Camel Day - AND THE WORLD'S WEIRDEST ATHLETES ARE HEADED TO OUTBACK QUEENSLAND

DESERT CHAMPIONS WAY

Key Facts:

It's WORLD CAMEL DAY!!!

TODAY is World Camel Day

 

AND THE WORLD'S WEIRDEST ATHLETES ARE HEADED TO OUTBACK QUEENSLAND

 

Australians are invited to celebrate the remarkable animals that helped shape the Outback and start

planning their own red-dirt adventure along the

Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail

 

TODAY June 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.

IMAGES AND GREAT FILMED VISION AND INTERVIEWS HERE

 

Camels were once the backbone of Outback Australia, bringing supplies, stories and resilience to some of the country’s most remote places. Today, they’re the stars of the new Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail — five epic camel centric events across five legendary towns over four huge weekends, taking place from July 3 to 25. 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, have three eyelids and two rows of eyelashes, 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 a road-tripping, town-hopping celebration of Outback spirit and camels, with unforgettable experiences at every stop. Expect cameleer history, legendary Outback pubs, amazing red dirt races, 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 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.

 

WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR?

Newcastle-based camels Polished Copper and Geoffrey shared the ultimate Camel of the Trail honours. The two are back under the saddle and heading deep into Outback Queensland to defend their titles, and they’re bringing three debutants with them - Stormin Gorman, Beatie and Turbo Timmy!  The Newcastle camel squad will be joined by camel racers from throughout Outback Queensland, so anything could happen, on the racetrack, and off!

 

FUN FACTS ABOUT CAMELS

• Camels have THREE eyelids and two rows of eyelashes to protect their eyes from desert sand. Perfect for Outback Queensland dust storms too.
• They're surprisingly quick and can reach speeds of up to 65km/h in short bursts and comfortably cruise at 40km/h.
• They can drink an entire bathtub of water, up to 100 litres of water in around 10 minutes after long periods without a drink.
• They don't store water in their humps; it’s one of the biggest myths! Their humps actually store fat, which can be converted into energy when food is scarce.
• They're built for endurance and can carry heavy loads and travel vast distances through harsh environments, which is exactly why they were brought to Australia in the 1800s.
• They don't really spit, they're actually regurgitating stomach contents when annoyed!
• Australia has the world's largest population of wild camels anywhere on Earth, with estimates ranging into the hundreds of thousands.

AND

• Outback Queensland is one of the world’s great camel-racing destinations. The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail links five iconic towns — Jundah, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia and Winton — across a month-long celebration of racing, music, storytelling and community.
• Boulia hosts the "Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing" – it attracts thousands of visitors every year and features Australia's longest camel race at 1500 metres.
• The Trail spans some of Australia's most iconic landscapes - the Channel Country, Simpson Desert country, historic pubs and legendary outback communities.

 

The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail:

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 open-air film screenings under the stars. 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]