Introducing the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail
The heart of Outback Queensland is set to come alive with the launch of the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail, a unique cultural tourism experience celebrating the rich cameleer history and the vibrant arts of the region.
This month-long trail from July 5 to July 26 is set to become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism in Outback Queensland, drawing visitors to multiple iconic towns.
The trail includes the newly created Birdsville Camel Carnival supported by the Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland. From July 8–10, 2025, this inaugural event in Birdsville is a central part of a larger Outback Camel Trail, uniting communities across the region in a celebration of heritage, sport, and culture. The Birdsville Camel Carnival, offers visitors an immersive cultural experience, including:
• 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 the creativity of local makers, including the Birdsville Bakery’s Camel Pies.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the new Birdsville Camel Carnival will be a truly unique arts experience that will leave locals and visitors thirsty for more. “Birdsville’s newest cultural event is presented alongside the John Williamson Big Red Sunset Concert, offering outback audiences a wealth of arts activity across several days,” Minister Langbroek said. “The Crisafulli Government is proud to support Diamantina Shire Council to present the authentic Carnival experience, set to drive cultural tourism, employment opportunities for artists and arts workers, and economic outcomes for the Birdsville community.”
The Desert Champions Way Highlights The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail will form the centrepiece of an exciting sequence of events featuring world-class camel racing and vibrant cultural festivities:
• Jundah Camel Races – July 5, 2025: Launching the trail in the picturesque township of Jundah, the event offers thrilling races alongside community markets, family entertainment, and a taste of the quintessential Outback spirit.
• Betoota Outback Muster – July 4-7, 2025: A new multi day event celebrating music at the Betoota hotel, fantastic way to kick off the events in the Diamantina Shire.
• NEW Birdsville Camel Carnival – July 8–10, 2025: This new event combines camel inspired attractions, storytelling, local markets, and live music to honour Birdsville’s rich history and cameleer heritage.
• Bedourie Camel Races – July 12, 2025: Known as the "Town of Sand and Sun," Bedourie hosts a day of exhilarating camel racing paired with family-friendly activities and local food stalls, showcasing the hospitality of the Diamantina Shire.
• Boulia Camel Races – July 18–20, 2025: As the “Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing,” the Boulia Camel Races are the pinnacle of the trail. This three-day event draws thousands for high-stakes racing, entertainment, and a true festival atmosphere.
• Winton Camel Races – July 26, 2025: Concluding the trail in the legendary town of Winton, 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.
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.
“This trail embodies the spirit of Outback Queensland, combining adrenaline-filled racing with rich cultural programming,” said Diamantina Shire Mayor Cr Francis Murray. “It’s a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with our history, meet our communities, and experience the magic of the Outback.”
Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA) CEO, Denise Brown advised that the trail offered an authentic Outback experience like no other.
She advised, “The trail has been designed to celebrate one of the Outback’s most iconic attractions and allow visitors to have more opportunities to be involved with camel racing.
“Visitors are encouraged to explore a number of our townships providing a unique opportunity to meet more locals and really embrace an authentic Outback experience.
“Connecting our townships through a sequence of racing events will also provide ongoing benefits to our local operators and regional economies.”
Event Details:
• Desert Champions Way – Outback Camel Trail: July 5–26, 2025
• Estimated Attendance in Birdsville: 3,000 visitors Join us for a month of unforgettable events, where the magic of camel racing and the culture of Outback Queensland come together.
For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Patrice Brandenburg [email protected] (07) 4564 2033 END
Contact details:
Kath Rose
0416 291 493
