Five Events. Five Towns. Four Weekends of Epic Outback Adventure. And Every Day is Hump Day!
This could just be the best adventure ever, where every day is Hump Day! After floods swept across Outback Queensland earlier this year, something extraordinary is happening. The desert is blooming. Wildflowers are bursting through red dirt. Grasses are glowing green. Birdlife is calling. And this July, right through the middle of it all charges the brand-new Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail — five epic camel racing events across five legendary towns over four unforgettable weekends.
Running from July 5 to 26, this not-to-be-missed festival trail is a celebration of country, camels, community, and colour. It’s not about walking — it’s about road-tripping through the heart of Outback Queensland and experiencing the kind of bucket list adventure you’ll talk about for years to come. IMAGERY HERE
Spanning five iconic towns over four thrilling weekends – Jundah, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia and Winton – this is a self-guided, choose-your-own-adventure through a rare and spectacular Outback canvas, brought to life with epic camel races, live music, local stories, markets, and country hospitality.
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 set to become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism in Outback Queensland, drawing visitors to multiple iconic towns, as the region recovers into a once-in-a-lifetime kaleidoscope of colour following the floods of April. Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail – The Diamantina
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 that is bursting with colour.”
The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail:
🐪 Jundah Camel Races – July 5, 2025:
Kicking off the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail, the Jundah Camel Races bring high-energy racing, vibrant community markets, and family-friendly entertainment to the heart of Outback Queensland.
Set against the stunning backdrop of this picturesque township, the event offers visitors an authentic taste of Outback spirit, complete with local food, country hospitality, and a festival atmosphere. Jundah Information Centre.
🐪 NEW Birdsville Camel Carnival – July 8–10, 2025:
Experience Birdsville like never before at the inaugural Birdsville Camel Carnival, a spectacular new event celebrating the town’s deep-rooted cameleer heritage and Outback spirit – combining camel-inspired attractions, captivating storytelling, vibrant local markets, and incredible live music—all set against the legendary backdrop of Birdsville…
• 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 local makers, including the Birdsville Bakery’s Camel Pies.
🐪 Bedourie Camel Races – July 12, 2025:
Known as the "Town of Sand and Sun," Bedourie hosts a famous day of existing camel racing paired with family-friendly activities and local food stalls, showcasing the hospitality of the Diamantina Shire, in the iconic red dirt of the Queensland Outback. Mark your calendar for a day of racing, fun, and Outback adventure!
🐪 Boulia Camel Races – July 18–20, 2025:
The “Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing,” this three-day event draws thousands for high-stakes racing, entertainment, and a true festival atmosphere. 'Australia's Richest Camel Races', Boulia Camel Races, is the ultimate showdown on the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail. As the camels come hurtling down the track through the plume of red dust, you’ll have one of those ‘this is epic’ moments. The big final - The Better Beer Cup is Australia's most prestigious camel race win, being the longest and the richest in Australia!
#BouliaCamelRaces #OutbackRaces #ThisIsQueensland #OutbackQueensland
🐪 Winton Camel Races – July 26, 2025:
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 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
IMAGERY HERE
Whether cheering on the camels, dancing under the stunning desert sky, kicking up red dust, or soaking up the rich cameleer history, there's something for every traveller. Plus, what a fabulous new bucket list travel adventure! Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail – The Diamantina 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.
ENDS
For interviews, imagery and vision, and famil/visitation discussion contact Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or [email protected]
Key Facts:
The Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail:
🐪 Jundah Camel Races – July 5, 2025:
🐪 NEW Birdsville Camel Carnival – July 8–10, 2025:
🐪 Bedourie Camel Races – July 12, 2025:
🐪 Boulia Camel Races – July 18–20, 2025:
🐪 Winton Camel Races – July 26, 2025:
Contact details:
Kath Rose on 0416 291 493 or [email protected]
