Hold On To Your Humps! Introducing the Outback-tastic New Adventure of The Year

Prepare for the ​​​​​​most Outback-tastic new adventure of the year!  From thrilling camel races to live music, vibrant arts and Outback storytelling, the new Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail is a month-long festival packed with action across iconic Outback Queensland towns, set to send dust flying from July 5 to 26.

 

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

 

This month-long trail is set to become a cornerstone of sustainable tourism in Outback Queensland, drawing visitors to multiple iconic towns, and features two NEW outback events in the Betoota Desert Outback Muster and the Birdsville Camel Carnival.

 

The newly created Birdsville Camel Carnival is supported by the Queensland Government, through Arts Queensland. From July 8–10, 2025, this inaugural event in Birdsville becomes a central part of the larger Outback Camel Trail. 

 

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.

 

🐪 Betoota Desert Outback Muster – July 5 -7, 2025:

A new multi day event celebrating music, mateship and the Outback spirit set against the iconic Betoota Hotel. Gather the crew, giddyup and hit the road, and experience Betoota's legendary hospitality!

 

🐪 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.

 

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."

 

🐪 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:

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.

'Australia's Richest Camel Races', Boulia Camel Races, is the ultimate showdown on the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail. With fast-paced action, family-friendly fun, and unbeatable Outback hospitality, this is one of Australia's most iconic racing events"a must-see for adventurers and racing fans alike!

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!  

 

🐪 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.

 

 

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.

 

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.