What’s Happening?
A bold new festival is galloping through the heart of Outback Queensland this winter. From 5 to 26 July 2025, the Desert Champions Way: Outback Camel Trail brings five camel racing events to five iconic towns—Jundah, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia and Winton—over four unforgettable weekends.
This trail is more than a series of races. It’s a road-trip adventure through a desert blooming after floods, celebrating country, camels, community, and colour.
“This could just be the best adventure ever, where every day is Hump Day!” the campaign proclaims.
Why It Matters
Earlier this year, floodwaters swept across Outback Queensland. What followed is extraordinary: wildflowers blooming, grasses glowing, and birdlife calling. The Desert Champions Way celebrates this once-in-a-decade transformation through immersive events that showcase the vibrancy of the region.
According to Outback Queensland Tourism Association CEO Denise Brown, “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.”
She adds, “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.”
Local Impact
The festival is backed by Outback Queensland Tourism Association and regional councils. It also aligns with the Diamantina Shire’s tourism strategy to expand arts and cultural tourism. Visitors will connect directly with local stories, buy from regional markets, and support hospitality businesses at every stop.
By the Numbers
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5 towns will host Desert Champions Way events: Jundah, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia, and Winton.
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4 weekends, spanning 5–26 July 2025, invite Australians to experience the Outback in full bloom.
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The Boulia Camel Races host Australia’s longest and richest camel race, the Better Beer Cup.
Zoom In
Here’s what to expect in each town:
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Jundah Camel Races – 5 July
High-energy racing, family-friendly entertainment, and markets kick off the trail at the Jundah Information Centre. -
Birdsville Camel Carnival – 8–10 July
A brand-new event with:-
Evening concerts at the Birdsville Hotel
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Camel rides and cameleer storytelling
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Camel/Pig races, acoustic acts, and Crack-Up Sisters shows
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Artisan stalls and Birdsville Bakery’s famous camel pies
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Bedourie Camel Races – 12 July
This desert town turns up the heat with racing, food, and community fun, all set in Diamantina Shire’s iconic red dirt. -
Boulia Camel Races – 18–20 July
Known as the “Melbourne Cup of Camel Racing,” this three-day celebration includes:-
The Better Beer Cup
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Live entertainment and family fun
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Markets and a festival vibe that draws thousands
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Winton Camel Races – 26 July
Winton blends racing with Outback music, arts, and storytelling. As the birthplace of Banjo Paterson’s “Waltzing Matilda”, it offers a poetic end to the trail.
Zoom Out
The Desert Champions Way is designed to boost regional visitation and spread tourism spending across the Outback. It promotes self-guided travel, invites Aussies to take the road less travelled, and offers a sustainable tourism model that connects culture, history, and economic growth.
What To Look For Next?
With its rich cultural programming and desert scenery, Desert Champions Way is set to become a new tourism favourite. Watch for tour expansion in 2026, more Outback towns joining in, and the return of rare blooms brought to life by seasonal rainfall.
Ready your playlists, charge your camera, and start planning your July road trip.
➡ Visit the official trail page for more info: Outback Camel Racing Trail – Desert Champions Way
